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exemplary embodiments of the invention can optimize the performance of n - channel and p - channel transistors by engineering the nature and magnitude of the strain in the channel regions of the transistors . as mentioned above , it is desirable to induce a longitudinal ( i . e ., in the source - to - drain direction ) tensile strain in the channel of an n - channel transistor . it is also desirable to induce a longitudinal compressive strain in the channel of a p - channel transistor . according to some embodiments of the invention , poly - silicide on the gate electrode induces longitudinal compressive stress in the channel of a p - channel transistor , and a tensile capping layer induces longitudinal tensile stress in the channel of an n - channel transistor . an example of this is shown in fig1 . in the structure of fig1 , an n - channel transistor 12 and a p - channel transistor 14 respectively include an p - type well 13 and a n - type well 15 . the wells 13 and 15 are formed in a semiconductor substrate 11 , and are isolated from one another by isolation structures sti ( shallow trench isolation ). the gate structure 18 of transistor 14 includes a silicide disposed on the gate electrode ( p - gate ) of transistor 14 . the gate structure 16 of transistor 12 has a construction similar to that of the gate structure 18 , but the gate electrode ( n - gate ) of gate structure 16 extends to a greater height above the substrate 11 than does the gate electrode ( p - gate ). in particular , the gate electrode ( n - gate ) has a height of “ a ”, and the gate electrode p - gate has a height of “ b ”, where b & lt ; a . in some embodiments , the height “ a ” of the n - gate electrode is at least approximately 200 angstroms greater than the height “ b ” of the p - gate electrode . this difference in height can be achieved by over - etching the p - gate electrode . as described , for example , in aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 6 , 890 , 808 , a silicide formed on an over - etched gate electrode ( such as the electrode p - gate in fig1 ) acts as a stressor , and produces a longitudinal compressive stress in the channel ( such as p - type channel 15 in fig1 ) of that transistor . also in fig1 , a capping layer 19 ( a dielectric film in some embodiments ) is disposed in generally overlying , surrounding and contacting relationship with respect to the gate structures 16 and 18 . it is known in the art that a capping layer such as layer 19 can be used to induce a desired stress ( tensile or compressive ) in an underlying transistor channel . in some embodiments , the capping layer 19 of fig1 induces a longitudinal tensile stress in the p - type well 13 . accordingly , by virtue of the combination of the capping layer 19 and the stressor 17 ( e . g ., the illustrated silicide ) on the over - etched gate electrode p - gate , exemplary embodiments of the invention can produce longitudinal compressive stress in the n - type well 15 and longitudinal tensile stress in the p - type well 13 . fig2 - 10 diagrammatically illustrate various operations that can be performed in the process of producing the structure of fig1 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention . initially , n - type doped and p - type doped wells are formed ( not explicitly shown ) in semiconductor substrate 11 as active regions for the n - channel and p - channel transistors 12 and 14 , respectively . this is followed by gate dielectric formation , as illustrated generally in fig2 . in various embodiments , the gate dielectric may be formed by thermal oxidation , thermal oxidation followed by nitridation , chemical vapor deposition , sputtering , or other techniques known and used in the art for forming transistor gate dielectrics . in various embodiments , the gate dielectric includes a conventional material such as silicon dioxide or silicon oxynitride , with thicknesses ranging from approximately 8 angstroms ( a ) to approximately 100 angstroms . in some such embodiments , the gate oxide thickness is in a range from approximately 8 angstroms to approximately 10 angstroms . in various embodiments , the gate dielectric includes a high permittivity ( high - k ) material , with equivalent oxide thicknesses ranging from approximately 8 angstroms to approximately 100 angstroms . in various embodiments , the high - k material includes aluminum oxide al 2 o 3 , hafnium oxide hfo 2 , zirconium oxide zro 2 , hafnium oxynitride hfon , hafnium silicate hfsio 4 , zirconium silicate zrsio 4 , and lanthanum oxide la 2 o 3 . after the gate dielectric has been formed , the gate electrode material 21 is deposited as shown in fig2 . the gate electrode material 21 is electrically isolated from the semiconductor substrate 11 by the gate dielectric . in various embodiments , the gate electrode material includes polycrystalline - silicon ( poly - si ), poly - crystalline silicon - germanium ( poly - sige ), a refractory metal such as molybdenum and tungsten , compounds such as titanium nitride , and other conducting materials . in some embodiments , the gate electrode material is poly - si and the gate dielectric is silicon oxynitride . in some embodiments , implants known as workfunction implants are introduced in the gate electrode material to alter the workfunction of the electrode . as shown in fig3 , a gate mask 31 is deposited over the portion 21 a of the electrode material 21 associated with the p - channel transistor 14 . thereafter , n - type gate electrode implantation is performed as shown generally at 33 in fig3 . thereafter , as can be seen from fig4 , the gate mask 31 is removed , and a gate mask 41 is deposited over the portion 21 b of the gate electrode material 21 associated with the n - channel transistor 12 . then , p - type gate electrode implantation ( using e . g ., b , ga or in ) is performed as shown generally at 43 . after the p - type gate implant operation , the portion 21 a of gate electrode material 21 is etched back by using reactive ion etching ( rie ), as shown in fig5 . the range of thickness of the p - type electrode is between 200 a and 1200 a and the range of the ratio between the thickness of the pmos electrode and the nmos electrode is from 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 . the preferred thickness of p - type electrode is 50 nm , and the ratio between the thickness of the pmos gate electrode and nmos electrode is 1 / 2 . after etching of the portion 21 a of the gate electrode material , a mask 51 is deposited on the etched portion 21 a , as shown in fig6 . patterning and etching are then applied in generally conventional fashion to produce the gate electrodes p - gate and n - gate . the resulting structure is shown in fig7 . the patterning operation ( e . g ., photoresist patterning ) defines the gate electrodes , and the etching operation forms the gate electrodes . in some embodiments , a plasma etch using chlorine and bromine chemistry is used to etch the gate electrode material with a high etch selectivity with respect to the gate dielectric . after the formation of the gate electrodes , the source and drain extension regions and the pocket regions are formed ( not explicitly shown ). in various embodiments , this is achieved by ion implantation , plasma immersion ion implantation ( piii ), and other techniques known and used in the art . next , dielectric liners and spacer bodies are formed on the sidewalls of the gate electrode by deposition and selective etching of the spacer material to give a cross - section as shown in fig8 . in some embodiments , the spacer material includes a dielectric material such as silicon nitride or silicon dioxide . the spacer formation operation is followed by implantation of deep source and drain regions ( not explicitly shown ). after source and drain implantation , the spacer body is removed , as shown in fig9 . thereafter , in some embodiments , a silicide process is used to form silicide at various locations as shown in fig9 . in some embodiments , the conductive material for the silicide process is formed using a self - aligned silicide process , also known as a salicide process . in some embodiments , another metal deposition process is used to form the conductive material for the silicide . the silicide material forms on the source and drain regions 101 , and on the gate electrodes n - gate and p - gate , as shown in fig1 . the silicide formation on the gate electrodes n - gate and p - gate completes the respective gate structures 16 and 18 of the transistors 12 and 14 ( see also fig1 ). next , the capping layer 19 of fig1 is formed over the transistors 12 and 14 . in some embodiments , the capping layer 19 is a high - stress film , for example , silicon nitride or any other suitable high - stress material . in various embodiments , the stress imparted by the capping layer 19 is either compressive or tensile in nature , and has a magnitude ranging from approximately 0 . 1 to approximately 4 giga - pascals ( gpa ). in some embodiments , the high - stress film is formed by a chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ) process , for example , a low - pressure cvd ( lpcvd ) process or a plasma - enhanced cvd ( pecvd ) process , as commonly known and used in the art . after formation of the capping layer 19 , contact etch , metallization and passivation ( not explicitly shown ) are performed to complete the device , as is conventional . although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described above in detail , this does not limit the scope of the invention , which can be practiced in a variety of embodiments . | 7 |
the plan view in fig1 shows a portion of a rotor 1 having a hub 2 and a rotor blade 4 out of a total of three rotor blades on the rotor 1 . the rotor blade 4 is fixed to the hub by means of a blade adaptor 6 . the blade adaptor 6 is fixed rotatably to the hub in order to turn the rotor blade 4 into the wind , out of the wind or into an intermediate position . a wind measuring means 20 for generally measuring the prevailing wind is shown in the region of the hub 2 . reference 8 denotes an arrow specifying the direction of the wind which in usual operation acts on the rotor blade . in this case the wind direction corresponds to the direction of the view of a wind power installation as shown in fig2 . fig2 diagrammatically shows an overall view of the wind power installation 10 and in that case illustrates the aerodynamic rotor 1 with three rotor blades 4 . the wind power installation pylon 12 is also shown . fig1 thus shows a plan view of the wind power installation 10 of fig2 . fig1 also shows on the blade adaptor 6 a strain gauge 14 which functions as a load measuring means . a double - headed arrow illustrates load directions 16 which can be detected by means of the strain gauge 14 . if a compression effect is measured with the strain gauge 14 in the load direction 16 , stretching is detected with the strain gauge 14 ′ for the load direction 16 ′, if the same wind is assumed to occur . strain gauges 14 and 14 ′ can be arranged at each rotor blade 4 or blade adaptor 6 . in other words the strain gauge can detect both stretching effects and also compression effects and thus loads on the rotor blade in positive and negative directions . usually a value zero is associated with an unloaded condition of the rotor blade 4 . in the case of a wind acting on the rotor blade 4 the rotor blade is loaded in the direction of the wind 8 and also yields somewhat in that direction of the load . that results in a compression effect in the region away from the wind and thus also stretching of the strain gauge 14 in the present view . that stretching can be evaluated by means of an evaluation unit 18 which is only diagrammatically shown here and further consideration of the results can follow . depending on the respective configuration involved , it may be sufficient to provide only one strain gauge or other measuring sensor for each rotor blade . fig3 a - c diagrammatically show a plan view of a wind power installation as shown in fig2 , but with an altered rotor blade position . in that respect fig3 a - c show a pod 22 which is not shown in fig1 for the sake of enhanced clarity . in addition the pylon 12 is indicated in fig3 a - c for better understanding ; it will be appreciated that , because of the selected plan view , the pylon 12 is concealed by the pod 22 and has been shown in broken line here only to make it easier to understand . at any event in regard to the illustrated casing which is also referred to as the spinner , a rotor blade 4 is shown in three so - called pitch positions , one position per figure , on the hub 2 which can be considered as part of the pod 22 . in this case the rotor 1 is in a position in which the illustrated rotor blade 4 projects perpendicularly upwardly . this therefore illustrates a so - called 12 o &# 39 ; clock position . the further rotor blades are not needed here for explanatory purposes and are therefore not shown . in this case fig3 a shows the one rotor blade 4 in an orientation relative to the wind with a pitch angle of 0 ° degrees . the first position at the pitch angle of 0 ° can also be referred to as the unpitched condition , depending on the respective way it is viewed . in this case the rotor blade 4 is turned into the wind 8 in such a way that maximum energy can be taken from the wind . with a correspondingly prevailing wind the hub 2 and therewith the rotor 4 overall rotates in the direction of rotation 24 . the loading occurring on the rotor blade 4 due to the wind 8 can be detected by means of the strain gauge 14 . with that pitch position of 0 ° the strain gauge 14 is in a position referred to as the p 0 position . it is highly suited in that respect to detect the loading occurring on the rotor blade 4 due to the wind 8 . fig3 b shows the one rotor blade 4 in an orientation relative to the wind with a pitch angle of 70 °. in that pitch position the rotor blade 4 offers scarcely any resistance to the wind 8 and the wind 8 can thus apply no or at most a slight loading to the rotor blade 4 . it will be noted however that an idle spinning mode of operation of the wind power installation could occur . due to the rotor blade 4 being turned into the 70 ° position , the strain gauge 14 is also turned into a position identified as p 70 . the strain gauge 14 can scarcely detect any loading on the rotor blade 4 due to the wind 8 in that p 70 position , especially as in this case the wind can exert scarcely any load on the rotor blade 4 . a pitch position of 90 ° is shown in fig3 c to complete the scenario . nonetheless in the illustrated p 70 position of the strain gauge 14 , it is possible to detect a moment due to the own weight of the rotor blade . in that respect that moment is not falsified , or not substantially falsified , by any wind load . it will be noted however that in the illustrated perpendicular position of the rotor blade , the weight force or moment due to weight at the sensor or strain gauge 14 is zero . if the rotor 1 rotates further in the direction of rotation 24 the weight force continuously increases until the rotor has further rotated through 90 °. in that respect this means the rotor rotary movement 24 which is also shown in the front view in fig2 , and is not to be confused with the pitch adjustment which is shown in fig3 a - c . when the rotor blade 4 in question projects horizontally , thus transversely with respect to the pylon 12 , which is also referred to as the 3 o &# 39 ; clock position , the load is at a maximum . after a further 90 ° when the rotor blade 4 in question is hanging down virtually perpendicularly , as is shown for a rotor blade 4 in fig2 , the weight loading which can be detected by the strain gauge 14 is zero . upon a further rotation in the direction of rotation 24 through 90 ° into the 9 o &# 39 ; clock position the load detected by the strain gauge 14 due to the force caused by the weight of the blade is at a maximum , but with a reversed sign , with respect to the 3 o &# 39 ; clock position . in a complete revolution of the rotor 1 the strain gauge 14 thus records a sinusoidal load curve which is shown in fig4 . at 0 and 360 ° which correspond to the 12 o &# 39 ; clock position and at 180 ° which corresponds to the 6 o &# 39 ; clock position the load is zero if the measuring means , namely the strain gauge 14 , is correctly adjusted together with its evaluation unit . in the illustrated embodiment however the position of the rotor is also detected by means of an incremental sensor 20 , which can be effected for example by dividing a revolution into 200 increments . a possible way of implementing adjustment is for a measuring series of measurement values of the load measuring means to be recorded over at least one complete revolution . thus for example 200 measurements rn can be recorded for example a revolution with the load measuring means with n = 0 − 199 at regular intervals . with a known weight or with a known weight loading a on the rotor blade in question the 200 measurement values rn then give the following relationship : the value a is recorded as amplitude in the graph in fig4 . the coefficient k 1 can thus be determined from the known value a and the measurements rn . any displacements relative to the zero line are averaged out by the absolute value formation in respect of the measurement values rn of a revolution or a plurality of complete revolutions . in a second run or a second evaluation step the displacement v can be determined , which gives the displacement of the measurement curve relative to the zero line : the coefficient k 2 can be ascertained by comparative measurements or can be determined from known relationships like the circuit amplification of the regulating system . the number of recorded measurement values is also involved in the coefficients k 1 and k 2 . this calculation therefore again involves sum formation but without previous absolute value formation , so that the displacement v can be determined . that displacement v is indicated in fig4 by a corresponding double - headed arrow . thus sensitivity and the zero point of load measurement can be determined by slow idle spinning of the installation prior to the actual start . for that purpose the measurement values are recorded per revolution . they correspond to the blade weight . as the blade weight is known the sensitivity of the sensor , that is to say the load measuring means , in particular the strain gauge , can be calibrated . the zero point can also be determined on the basis of the values ascertained . thus , in an optimum fashion , manual adjustment is no longer required and drift of the measurement over a long period of time is automatically compensated . automatic adjustment of load measurement at each start - up of the installation is thus possible . in particular the problem of a drift of offset and sensitivity of measurement in previously known methods is resolved , or at least addressed and reduced . a rotor blade which is turned out of the wind , that is to say upon a great change in the pitch angle , provides that in that way at the same time the strain gauge 14 can be adapted to measurement of a load due to the force caused by the weight of the rotor blade 4 . in other words the weight force acts in a different direction from the wind force , and that can be taken into consideration by changing the position of the load measuring means when turning the rotor blade 4 out of the wind . the position of the load measuring means is thus adapted to the respectively acting direction of force . insofar as that directional adaptation is not effected completely because for example when changing the pitch of the rotor blade the rotor blade is altered only through 70 ° but not through 90 °, that can be taken into account by computation on the basis of the geometrical relationships , especially as the respectively set pitch angle is usually available to the evaluation unit of the load measuring means or can be made available . the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments . all of the u . s . patents , u . s . patent application publications , u . s . patent applications , foreign patents , foreign patent applications and non - patent publications referred to in this specification and / or listed in the application data sheet are incorporated herein by reference , in their entirety . aspects of the embodiments can be modified , if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents , applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments . these and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above - detailed description . in general , in the following claims , the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims , but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled . accordingly , the claims are not limited by the disclosure . | 5 |
the present invention provides a process in which the above - mentioned drawbacks of the known process do not occur or if they occur only to a considerably lesser extent . according to the present invention , this improvement is achieved by supplying both the ammonia and phosphoric acid under carefully controlled rates . more specifically , the axial outflow rate of the phosphoric acid from the two - phase spraying device is from 1 to 10 m / sec in combination with the axial outflow rate of the ammonia of from 200 to 1000 m / sec ( n . t . p .). the two flows are contacted with each other and are thoroughly mixed together in a cylindrical reaction zone forming the extension of the two - phase spraying device and having a diameter d of 2 - 4 times the outer diameter of the ammonia flow leaving the two - phase spraying device and a length of 10 - 25 times said diameter d . the unit m / sec ( n . t . p .) used for the outflow rate of the ammonia indicates that the actual rate has been recalculated to the rate the ammonia would have at normal temperature and pressure . the use of high rates within the limits specified above for the two reactants and in a confined reaction zone in which lateral spreading of the flows from the two - phase spraying device is restricted , causes the reactants to be mixed thoroughly so that a high degree of conversion is reached and a virtually homogeneous product substantially consisting of ammonium orthophosphates is obtained without the necessity of further homogenization , e . g ., in a moving bed of granules that have already been formed . owing to the high rates and the consequent very short residence time in the reaction zone , hardly any or no ammonium polyphosphates are formed , even at higher temperatures . if the starting material is phosphoric acid prepared by the so - called wet process , iron and aluminum phosphates that are unavoidable in this type of product will be present , i . e ., in addition to the ammonium orthophosphates . use is preferably made of a two - phase spraying device in which the average diameter and , if so desired , the cross - sectional area of the annular ammonia duct , gradually decreases towards the end , as viewed in the direction of flow , so that the outgoing ammonia flow hits the central phosphoric - acid flow on all sides and at high speed . further improvement of the contact between the two reactants can be achieved according to the present invention in that the mixture flowing through the reaction zone is passed to the outflow opening by way of at least two oppositely twisted baffle plates arranged one after the other as viewed in the direction of flow and having a dimension normal to the direction of flow that is equal to the diameter of the reaction zone . in this arrangement , the length of the reaction zone is taken to be the distance between the outflow openings of the two - phase spraying device and the first baffle plate . the use of such baffle plates is particularly important if products with a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of over 1 . 2 : 1 are to be prepared , but it is also favorable , of course , in the preparation of products in which this ratio is lower . the molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio here denotes the ratio between the number of moles of nh 3 bound to water - soluble h 3 po 4 and the number of moles of this water - soluble h 3 po 4 . in preparing products with a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of up to 1 . 5 : 1 , the process according to the present invention permits one to reach an nh 3 efficiency of over 90 %, which means that less than 10 % of the ammonia supplied to the reaction zone leaves the reaction zone as ammonia . when this ammonia is recovered by washing with phosphoric acid , this results in a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of at most 0 . 15 : 1 , which is not objectionable . we have found that as the p 2 o 5 content of the phosphoric acid used is lower , a higher molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio and a higher nh 3 efficiency are obtained . in this case , the moisture content of the product naturally increases as well . in the process according to the present invention , the amount of ammonia that will not react with the phosphoric acid can be determined beforehand accurately by control of the concentration of the phosphoric acid and selection of the molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio . proper selection of the p 2 o 5 content of the phosphoric acid in the range below 45 % permits reaching almost complete conversion of the ammonia supplied to the reaction , while a product is formed that contains up to 50 mole % of diammonium monohydrogen phosphate and the desired amount of water in addition to monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate . this is particularly suitable if the product is to be granulated , which can , for instance , be effected by distributing it in a known way onto or in a moving bed of granules that have already formed , such as a bed of granules formed in a granulating drum , as only a smaller amount of water need be evaporated . depending upon the recycling ratio , that is the ratio of the amount of product recycled to the amount of product to be granulated , the moisture content of the product supplied from the reaction zone to the granular bed can be selected such that after - drying of the granulated product is not required . if production is followed immediately by granulation , use will generally be made of phosphoric acid with a p 2 o 5 content of over 40 %, as , at lower concentrations , comparatively high recycling ratios are required to avoid over - granulation that accompanies the high moisture content . the product formed in the reaction zone can be processed as such without altering the composition . the process according to the present invention makes it possible to prepare directly a product that consists substantially of monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate and has a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of , for example , about 1 . 1 : 1 . mixtures of monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate and diammonium monohydrogen phosphate with a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of up to about 1 . 5 : 1 can also be prepared in one step . using the process according to the present invention , it is possible to prepare products with a high content of diammonium monohydrogen phosphate , such as products with a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of 1 . 6 - 1 . 8 . in order to accomplish this , a product with a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of 1 . 25 - 1 . 40 may be prepared in the reaction zone , and then granulated in a moving bed of granules that have already been formed , as described above , while ammonia is separately supplied to the granular bed to further convert the phosphoric acid . the first part of the ammonia - treatment of the phosphoric acid then proceeds with a high nh 3 efficiency which approaches 100 %. furthermore , when using phosphoric acid with a p 2 o 5 content of 45 - 46 %, the resulting product in the reaction zone has a moisture content such that a low recycling ratio is sufficient . this recycle ratio may vary between 1 . 5 : 1 and 6 : 1 . when the product to be recycled is cooled and , hence part of the reaction heat is thus removed , a lower recycling ratio may , of course , be used . in that case , a separate drying treatment may be unnecessary . if still other solid substances , e . g ., potassium salts , are fed to the bed , the recycle ratio also depends on the amount of such additions . the invention in its apparatus aspect relates to an apparatus for conducting the above - described process . this novel apparatus includes a two - phase spraying device comprising two coaxial ducts that are narrower at the outflow ends and discharge into a common space and is characterized in that the two - phase spraying device is arranged to discharge into one end of a coaxial cylindrical reaction space or zone that is provided with at least one discharge opening at the other end . the cylindrical reaction space has a diameter of d of about 2 to 4 times the outer diameter of the annular outflow opening of the outer spray duct , and has a length of 10 - 25 times the diameter d . in a particular embodiment of this apparatus , which is suitable for the preparation of products that contain considerable amounts of diammonium monohydrogen orthophosphate in addition to monoammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate , the cylindrical space accommodates at least two oppositely twisted baffle plates arranged one after the other and having a dimension normal to the central axis of the cylindrical space that is equal to the diameter of this space . the present invention is further described with reference to the drawings in which : fig1 is a longitudinal cross - section of an apparatus that can be used to conduct the process according to the present invention ; fig2 is a diagrammaticle representation of an apparatus according to fig1 position in a granulating drum ; and fig3 is a section through the device of fig2 along line a -- a . in fig1 the two - phase spraying device is generally denoted by a and the reaction zone by b . the two - phase spraying device a is constructed from a cylindrical part 1 with a central tube 2 maintained in place by the centering edge 3 of flange 4 and one or more diffuser rings 5 , which may be two or more annular perforated plates that are arranged so that the apertures in consecutive rings are staggered . the cylindrical part 1 is provided with an ammonia feed tube 6 fitted tangentially and , near the outflow end , changes into a conically constricting portion 7 . the outflow end of tube 2 , which is contained in and coincides with the outflow end of the cylindrical part 1 , changes internally into a narrower cylindrical portion 10 by way of a tapered conical portion 9 . externally , the outflow end of tube 2 is fully conical with an apex angle that is smaller than the apex angle of the conical portion 7 of cylindrical part 1 . the average conical angle of the constricting part of the annular ammonia duct ranges between 30 ° and 35 °. the two - phase spraying device a is so fitted to the cylindrical part 14 accommodating reaction zone b by means of flanges 11 and 12 and centering edge 13 is provided such that the central lines of two - phase spraying device a and cylindrical part 14 coincide . the internal diameter of the cylindrical part 14 is between about 2 to 4 , for instance , times the outer diameter of the annular outflow opening of cylindrical part 1 . the length of cylindrical part 14 , which is not shown in full in the drawing , is about 10 to 25 , for examples , 18 times the diameter . the cylindrical part 14 need not be straight . for instance , with a view to the arrangement of the device in or near a granulating device , it may be desirable to provide the cylindrical part with one or more bends , e . g ., a 90 ° bend , so that the two - phase spraying device a and the reactor part b can be arranged approximately horizontally and the discharge can still be straight downwards . the cylindrical part 14 may accommodate two or more blades 15 and 16 or twisted baffle plates having a special shape . these blades are shaped from rectangular flat plate sections with a length of at least 1 . 5 times the width , which corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical part 14 . the plate sections are then so twisted about their longitudinal axes that the ends are twisted about 180 ° with respect to each other . the twist of consecutive blades is preferably alternately clock - wise and counterclock - wise . the distance between the outflow end of the two - phase spraying device and the first blade is , for instance , 10 times the diameter of the cylindrical part 14 , but at least 8 times this diameter . the end of the cylindrical part 14 is provided with a discharge opening 17 . this opening has a cross - section that is equal to the cross - section of cylindrical part 14 , but may be smaller , if so desired . if the reaction product to be discharged from the reaction zone is to be distributed , e . g ., in or onto a granulation bed , a branched discharge part may be fitted . the total surface area of the overflow openings of the branches should then correspond to the cross - sectional area of the cylindrical part upstream of the branched part . one or several of the apparatus shown in fig1 may be arranged in or over a granulating device . this may be , for instance , a granulating drum , as shown in fig2 and 3 . with a view to the space available and the necessary supporting means , the two - phase spraying device a with reactor part b is so arranged that its central axis is approximately parallel to the central axis of drum 18 and the discharge end of the reactor part is bent downwards through an angle of about 90 °, as stated above . it discharges into the drum at a height such that during operation , the discharge openings are at an appropriate distance over the bed 20 of granules that have formed . drum 18 is arranged at a slight slant and , if necessary , is provided with a conduit 21 for supply of liquid ammonia to the granular bed . the higher end of the drum is provided with a central opening 23 through which the recycling product is passed into the drum as shown by the arrow adjacent lead line 23 and through which also the supporting means 19 and the ammonia conduit 21 extend into the drum . the supporting means may carry not only the two - phase spraying device with the reactor parts , but also a conduit 24 with spraying members 25 for the liquid phase . the lower end of the drum has a central opening 26 through which the granulated product is discharged as indicated by the downward arrow . the process according to the present invention is carried out by means of the above apparatus as follows : gaseous ammonia is fed to the cylindrical part 1 of two - phase spraying device a through feed line 6 . this conduit discharges tangentially into cylindrical part 1 , although it might also be connected radially . if a radial connected is used , however , severe wear of tube 2 may occur at the place of inflow and at the place diametrically opposed thereto . a tangential feed , moreover , gives a better distribution of the ammonia over the annular cross - section of the space between cylindrical part 1 and tube 2 . a uniform flow rate along the circumference of the annular outflow opening is effected , at a slight pressure drop , by the diffuser rings 5 , so that the ammonia flows evenly towards the outflow opening and leaves this opening while it is accurately directed towards the center of the reaction zone . a small amount of steam of 0 . 5 - 3 % by weight is added continuously to the ammonia in order to prevent formation and deposition of iron and aluminum phosphates . an amount of no more than about 1 - 2 % by weight usually suffices . such small amounts of steam have no influence on the composition of the product . phosphoric acid with a p 2 o 5 concentration of about 30 to 54 % is supplied through central tube 2 . this may be fresh acid , but it may also be supplied from a device in which nh 3 and dust are removed by means of fresh phosphoric acid from the air discharged from a granulating device . the dimensions of the annular outflow opening through which the ammonia flows from the cylindrical part 1 into the cylindrical part 14 of reaction zone b have been selected such that the axial velocity of the ammonia flow ranges between about 200 and about 1000 m / sec ( n . t . p . ), for example , 700 m / sec ( n . t . p .). this velocity corresponds approximately to the velocity of sound . the outflow opening of tube 2 has a diameter such that the phosphoric acid flows into reaction zone b at an axial velocity of about 1 to about 10 m / sec , for example 7 m / sec . the total pressure difference across the two reaction zones a and b is , for instance , 200 - 400 kpa . due to the velocities employed , the ammonia and the phosphoric acid are very rapidly and thoroughly mixed so that the ammonia combines with the phosphoric acid in a very short time to form monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate and , if the ratio between the amounts of ammonia and the p 2 o 5 fed in with the phosphoric acid is sufficient , to form diammonium monohydrogen phosphate . this amount of p 2 o 5 naturally depends on the amount of phosphoric acid and its concentration . if the phosphoric acid has a comparatively low p 2 o 5 concentration , for example , of below 40 %, it results in products with a high molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio while the proportion of free ammonia , that is the percentage of ammonia fed in that leaves the reaction zone as ammonia together with the product , is low , the resulting product then contains considerable moisture . in the case of granulation , this gives rise to over - granulation -- too many coarse granules are formed and even lumps are formed , unless a sufficiently high recycling ratio is used and / or a sufficient amount of solid substances to be admixed , such as e . g ., potassium chloride , is fed in . at a high p 2 o 5 content of the phosphoric acid , this risk does not exist or hardly exists , but the proportion of free ammonia is higher , and lower molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratios will have to be accepted . however , if mixing baffles 15 and 16 are present , the mixing is improved considerably because the rotation that is imparted to the reaction mixture by the tangential feed of the ammonia changes direction several times . the result is a higher molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of the product leaving reaction zone b . the use of blades or baffles is necessary if molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratios of over 1 . 2 : 1 are to be reached . the special shape of the blades offers the advantage that the mixing is improved considerably without large pressure losses . two blades are usually sufficient and a greater number usually does not give more favorable results . the high velocities used result in only a very short residence time of the reaction mixture in the reaction zone b . as a result , hardly any heat of reaction can be removed and the temperature of the reaction mixture rises to 180 ° to 225 ° c . near discharge opening 17 . however , the time available is too short for the formation of an unacceptable amount of ammonium polyphosphates . the reaction product is discharged from the reaction zone through discharge opening 17 to a collecting space in which atmospheric pressure prevails . with the attendant sudden expansion , the reaction product is atomized into fine solid particles , while a considerable part of the water originally present evaporates . if the product of fine grains thus obtained is to be granulated into coarser granules , it is spread over a bed of granules that have already formed , for example , in a granulating drum as shown in fig2 and 3 . in this bed the molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio can also be raised to , for example , 1 . 6 by distributing liquid ammonia in the bed through conduit 21 . the product discharged from the drum through opening 26 is classified into various sizes according to standard procedures . the product that is too coarse is crushed and recycled together with the product that is too fine in an amount that ensures that the reaction heat released in the ammonia - treatment of phosphoric acid is removed . a recycle ratio of 3 to 6 parts of recycled product to 1 part of fresh supply is generally sufficient for this purpose . several experiments were carried out on the basis of the process according to the present invention . the data and the results of these experiments are given in the following examples . the experiments were carried out in equipment arranged parallel to an existing production unit and connected to the accessory granulating drum , drying drum , dust - collecting system and a washing installation in which the nh 3 discharged together with the air from the granulating drum and , possibly , the drying drum and the dust in the air from the dust - collecting system were recovered by washing with fresh phosphoric acid . the washing acid used , which consequently contained a certain amount of nh 3 , was used as the reactor feed . phosphoric acid with nh 3 was reacted in a reactor according to fig1 but without baffles 15 and 16 . the major dimensions of the reactor were as follows : ______________________________________diameter of cylindrical part 1 75 mmdiameter of reaction zone b over alength of 1000 mm 124 mmdiameter of reaction zone b over alength of 350 mm 100 mmcross - section of ammonia outflow opening 325 mm . sup . 2cross - section of phosphoric - acid outflowopening 141 mm . sup . 2number of diffuser rings 2ratio of length to diameter of reaction zone 18 : 1______________________________________ in experiments 1 and 2 , the diameter of the discharge opening 17 was 35 mm , in experiment 3 it was 70 mm . the discharge was directed downwards through a 90 ° bend . in the reactor , a product consisting almost completely of monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate was prepared from phosphoric acid with a p 2 o 5 content of 43 . 0 %. the amounts of phosphoric acid and nh 3 supplied including the feed rates , the molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of the resulting product are given in table 1 . the nh 3 efficiency as reported in the following tables is the quotient of the molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio in the product and the same ratio calculated from the total amounts of nh 3 and h 3 po 4 supplied , and , consequently , is a measure of the amount of nh 3 converted . the amount of nh 3 already present in the phosphoric acid is included in this calculation . the resulting product flowed freely from the discharge opening onto a stationary surface . it was established by various samples taken from various spots of the resulting pile of granules that the product showed only slight inhomogeneity . but when similar experiments were carried out with a reactor in which the ratio of length to diameter of the reaction zone was 5 : 1 , the inhomogeneity was considerably higher . a series of 6 baffles or blades 15 and 16 were mounted in a reactor in which the cross - section of the ammonia - outflow opening was 300 m 2 and the other dimensions were similar to those of the reactor used in example 1 . the diameter of discharge opening 17 was always 35 mm . phosphoric acid with a p 2 o 5 content of 44 . 7 % was used to prepare a product that contained a considerable amount of diammonium monohydrogen phosphate in addition to monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate . the data about the starting materials used and the resulting products are reported in table 2 . the products were fully homogeneous . in experiment 9 , in which the amount of nh 3 fed in and the feed pressure used were comparatively low , it was found to be impossible to avoid deposition of the product , in spite of regularly purging the reactor with steam . the result was that the feed pressure for a feeding capacity of 500 m 3 nh 3 / h ( n . t . p .) rose from 284 to 431 kpa in 6 days and the noise level became inadmissibly high . these phenomena no longer occurred with an increased amount of nh 3 and the required feed pressure . the product leaving the reactor was collected in the granulating drum , in which further conversion of phosphoric acid was effected by means of liquid nh 3 . here too , a small part of the nh 3 fed in was not converted and passed from the drum to the washing device along with the air . the absorption of this amount of nh 3 in the washing acid gave rise to an increase of the molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio of the feed acid to the values stated in table 2 . the reactor used for the experiments of example 1 was equipped with a discharge opening 17 having a diameter of 70 mm and six baffles or blades 15 and 16 . here the phosphoric aid fed in was diluted by the addition of water . a small amount of steam was added to the nh 3 . the data and results are given in table 3 . as in the experiments of example 2 , liquid nh 3 was fed into the granulating drum and the unconverted portion was absorbed in the phosphoric acid in the washing apparatus . in experiments 20 through 23 the product from the reactor had such a high moisture content that deposits and lumps formed in the granulating drum , which had to be removed several times each hour . the granulate became so coarse that the experiments had to be stopped after a period of time . if so desired , the product obtained in these experiments can be processed into liquid fertilizers . a product consisting substantially of diammonium monohydrogen phosphate was prepared in an apparatus according to fig2 but with two parallel reactors instead of one . at different distances from the ammonia and phosphoric acid outflow openings , the two reactors were provided with two discharge pipes pointing directly downwards . in contrast to the reactors used in the experiments of examples 1 through 3 , two baffle plates 15 and 16 were now present . the phosphoric acid used had a p 2 o 5 content of between 47 . 5 and 49 . 5 %. the outflow rate of the phosphoric acid varied from 3 . 4 to 4 . 9 m / sec and that of the ammonia from 449 to 565 m / sec ( n . t . p .). the length to diameter ratio of the reaction zones in the two reactors was about 18 . 1 . the product discharged from the reactors had a molar nh 3 / h 3 po 4 ratio that varied from between 1 . 27 to 1 . 35 , in dependence on , among other things , the concentration of the phosphoric acid and the amounts of this acid and of the ammonia supplied . this ratio conveniently increased to a value varying from 1 . 69 to 1 . 75 by supplying liquid ammonia to the bed in the granulating drum . table 1__________________________________________________________________________example 1nh . sub . 3 - feed phosphoric - acid feed productexp . m . sup . 3 / h m / sec operating pressure mol . nh . sub . 3 / mol . nh . sub . 3 / nh . sub . 3 - efficiencyno . ( n . t . p .) ( n . t . p .) nh . sub . 3 kpa m . sup . 3 / h m / sec h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 % __________________________________________________________________________1 835 714 334 4 . 0 8 . 0 0 . 18 0 . 95 802 840 718 4 . 05 8 . 0 0 . 17 1 . 08 923 945 808 4 . 5 8 . 8 0 . 22 0 . 89 854 1020 872 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 27 0 . 98 785 1050 897 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 27 1 . 02 806 1180 1009 5 . 5 10 . 8 0 . 20 1 . 00 817 1280 1094 6 . 9 11 . 8 0 . 17 1 . 00 838 1360 1162 6 . 5 12 . 8 0 . 17 1 . 02 86__________________________________________________________________________ table 2__________________________________________________________________________example 2nh . sub . 3 - feed phosphoric - acid feed productexp . m . sup . 3 / h m / sec operating pressure mol . nh . sub . 3 / mol . nh . sub . 3 / moisture nh . sub . 3 - efficiencyno . ( n . t . p .) ( n . t . p .) nh . sub . 3 kpa m . sup . 3 / h m / sec h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 % % __________________________________________________________________________ 9 500 463 284 2 . 5 5 . 0 0 . 36 1 . 3010 587 543 373 2 . 5 5 . 0 0 . 35 1 . 35 3 . 8 92 . 911 704 652 412 3 . 0 5 . 8 0 . 35 1 . 35 4 . 0 96 . 412 587 543 333 2 . 5 5 . 0 0 . 35 1 . 35 5 . 9 96 . 413 636 588 343 2 . 5 5 . 0 0 . 35 1 . 36 7 . 3 91 . 3__________________________________________________________________________ table 3__________________________________________________________________________example 3nh . sub . 3 - feed phosphoric - acid feed productexp . m . sup . 3 / h m / sec operating pressure mol . nh . sub . 3 / mol . nh . sub . 3 / moisture nh . sub . 3 - efficiencyno . n . t . p . ( n . t . p .) nh . sub . 3 kpa % p . sub . 2 o . sub . 5 m . sup . 3 / h m / sec h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 % % __________________________________________________________________________14 1026 857 383 45 . 6 5 . 05 10 . 0 0 . 42 1 . 23 6 . 2 93 . 215 1283 1096 461 45 . 6 5 . 05 10 . 0 0 . 36 1 . 37 8 . 3 92 . 216 1231 1052 461 44 . 3 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 27 1 . 32 8 . 3 94 . 317 1108 947 412 44 . 6 4 . 95 9 . 7 0 . 38 1 . 31 8 . 5 93 . 618 1334 1140 481 42 . 5 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 31 1 . 47 11 . 2 90 . 319 1231 1052 422 42 . 0 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 36 1 . 41 10 . 1 90 . 920 1170 1000 461 40 . 5 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 35 1 . 49 16 . 2 93 . 921 964 824 353 40 . 5 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 35 1 . 34 19 . 0 97 . 722 1067 912 412 40 . 5 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 35 1 . 44 16 . 3 97 . 423 1272 1087 461 39 . 9 5 . 0 9 . 8 0 . 36 1 . 51 17 . 2 87 . 5__________________________________________________________________________ | 8 |
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 . embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures . fig2 illustrates a quantum key distribution system where an optical phase modulator is connected to an outside of an optical interferometer according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig2 , a single photon from a light source 210 may be inputted to an optical interferometer 220 , and a path may be divided to enable a probability of existence to be distributed in two different coordinates in a time domain . an optical phase modulator 230 being connected to an outside of the optical interferometer 220 may phase - modulate a single photon corresponding to one of the two coordinates . after the single photon is transmitted via an optical fiber - based photon channel 240 , a single photon that is not phase - modulated may be phase - modulated in the optical phase modulator 250 . two single photons may be divided and overlapped in an optical interferometer 260 and may be detected by a single photon detector 270 . fig3 illustrates detection probability distributions of a single photon when a time - division optical interference , namely , a constructive interference or a destructive interference , is performed according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig2 and 3 , the two single photons may be divided and overlapped in the optical interferometer 260 and may be detected by the single photon detector 270 with a single photon detection probability based on an optical interference , such as distributions of fig3 . among four single photon distributions generated by two asymmetric optical interferometers , adjacent two single photon distributions may interfere with each other and the remaining two single photon distributions may not be interfered with . single photons of probability distributions indicating probabilities that the single photon distributions are not interfered with , such as probability distributions 310 , 330 , 340 and 360 , may have predetermined detection value and thus , may not transmit any key . adjacent two single photons may have a maximal detection probability 320 by constructive interference or may have a minimal detection probability 350 by destructive interference . according to an embodiment of the present invention , the optical phase modulators 230 and 250 may be arranged outside the optical interferometers 220 and 260 and thus , the optical phase modulators 230 and 250 may be configured regardless of a type of optical interferometer . fig4 illustrates examples where an optical phase modulator is arranged outside an optical fiber - based mach - zehnder interferometer , and where an optical phase modulator is arranged outside an optical fiber - based michelson interferometer , according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig4 , in the example using the optical fiber - based mach - zehnder interferometer , a single photon inputted from a light source 410 may pass through a mach - zehnder interferometer 420 and may be phase - modulated by an optical phase modulator 430 being outside the optical fiber - based mach - zehnder interferometer 420 . subsequently , the single photon may pass through a receiving - end optical phase modulator 450 via the quantum channel 440 , may pass through a mach - zehnder interferometer 460 , and may be detected by single photon detectors 471 and 472 . referring to fig4 , in the example using the michelson interferometer , a single photon inputted from a light source 411 may pass through a michelson interferometer 426 and may be phase - modulated by an optical modulator 431 being outside the michelson interferometer 426 . subsequently , the single photon may pass through a receiving - end optical phase modulator 451 via a quantum channel 441 , may pass through a michelson interferometer 466 , and may be detected by single photon detectors 473 and 474 . for example , although not illustrated , in the optical fiber - based mach - zehnder optical interferometers 420 and 460 , a polarization controller may be inserted into an optical path to enable polarizations of two output single photons of optical interferometer to be the same , or a polarization maintaining fiber may be used . the michelson interferometers 426 and 466 may use a faraday mirror to offset a change in a polarization on a path and thus , the polarizations of the two output single photons of the optical interferometer may be the same . fig5 illustrates examples where an optical phase modulator is arranged outside an optical system - based mach - zehnder interferometer , and where an optical phase modulator is arranged outside an optical system - based michelson interferometer , according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig5 , in the example using the optical system - based mach - zehnder optical interferometer , a single photon inputted from a light source 510 may pass through an optical system - based mach - zehnder optical interferometer 520 and may be phase - modulated by an optical phase modulator 530 being outside the mach - zehnder optical interferometer 520 . subsequently , the single photon may pass through a receiving - end optical phase modulator 550 via a quantum channel 540 , may pass through an optical system - based mach - zehnder optical interferometer 560 , and may be detected by single photon detectors 571 and 572 . referring to fig5 , in the example using the optical system - based michelson interferometer , a single photon inputted from a light source 511 may pass through an optical system - based michelson optical interferometer 526 and may be phase - modulated by an optical phase modulator 531 being outside the michelson optical interferometer 526 . subsequently , the single photon may pass through a receiving - end optical phase modulator 551 via a quantum channel 541 , may pass through an optical system - based michelson optical interferometer 566 , and may be detected by single photon detectors 573 and 574 . when an optical phase modulator is arranged outside an optical interferometer , various advantages may be provided in addition to an example where a pigtailed linbo 3 - based optical phase modulator is applied . first , a configuration of an interferometer may be simplified , and it is easy to replace the optical interferometer with another interferometer having difference configuration . a path difference between two paths of an asymmetric optical interferometer may be easily set . generally , a refractive index of the optical phase modulator is different from a refractive index of a silica optical fiber constituting an optical path in the optical fiber - based optical interferometer , and is also different from a refractive index of air constituting an optical path in an optical system - based optical interference . the optical phase modulator may have an optical path based on a thickness or a length of the optical phase modulator . therefore , when the optical phase modulator is eliminated from the optical path , the length of the optical path of an interferometer may be simply calculated . according to an embodiment , when the optical phase modulator is arranged outside the optical interferometer , a transmitting - end optical phase modulator and a receiving - end optical phase modulator may perform a phase modulating process based on a method different from a conventional method . the conventional method may arrange the optical phase modulator in one side of the asymmetric optical interferometer and thus , a single photon of which a path is divided into two paths may be modulated regardless of the single photon &# 39 ; s relative location . however , according to an embodiment , two adjacent single photons may be phase - modulated while being transmitted and thus , the phase - modulation may be selectively performed and the phase - modulation may be performed based on interference incurred after the two single photons pass through the receiving optical interferometer . fig6 illustrates a number of cases of a phase change based on a phase change incurred in each element unit of a quantum key distribution system and based on two outputs of an optical interferometer of a receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig6 , a single photon inputted from a light source 610 may pass through an optical interferometer 620 of transmitting - end and may sequentially pass through a transmitting - end optical phase modulator 630 , a quantum channel 640 , a receiving - end optical phase modulator 650 , and an optical interferometer 660 of a receiving - end . referring to fig6 , the single photon passing through two asymmetric optical interferometers may show three single photon detection distributions . in this case , two fixed detection distributions that may not contribute interference may be generated when the single photon passes through a shot path , namely , a path excluding an optical delay 622 and an optical delay 662 , or when the single photon passes through a long path , namely , a path including the optical delay 622 and the optical delay 662 . when a single photo passing through the short path in a first optical interferometer 620 among two asymmetric optical interferometers and passing through the long path in a second optical interferometer 660 meets a single photon passing through in the opposite way , interference may be incurred . unlike an optical interferometer 620 of a transmitter , the optical interferometer 660 of the receiver may use two outputs of a beam splitter 663 , namely , output 1 and output 2 . in this case , two outputs have a phase difference of π . when one side shows a constructive interference output , the other side shows a destructive interference output . a contrast between two outputs may clarify a detection result . referring to fig6 , beam splitters 621 , 623 , 661 , and 663 may generally be embodied based on a 2 × 2 optical coupler . in the 2 × 2 optical coupler , a phase change may not be incurred for a parallel input and output , whereas a phase change of π / 2 may be incurred for an output crossing over an input . in a beam splitter used for an optical system - based optical interferometer , when an input is projected from a side of air to a boundary surface between the air and the medium , a phase change of π may be accompanied by only a reflection of a transverse magnetic mode wave , and a phase change may not be incurred by remaining cases . conversely , when the input is projected from a side of the medium , a phase change of π may be accompanied by only a reflection of a transverse electric mode wave , and a phase change may not be incurred by remaining cases . with respect to a case where the optical phase modulator is arranged outside the optical system - based optical interferometer , a phase change of each element unit , such as beam splitters and optical delays 622 and 662 in the optical interferometer , and optical phase modulators 630 and 650 , may be organized for each type of path , namely , a short path and a long path , and may be illustrated beneath a corresponding element unit . although the optical system - based optical interference interferometer is used , an operation principle may be the same . table 1 may organize a phase of a final interference light that may be generated by a combination of paths of the two asymmetric optical interferometer of fig6 according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to table 1 , two outputs 671 and 672 of a receiving - end may have a phase difference of π , and the receiving - end may have various outputs based on an amount of phase modulation performed by the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 630 and the receiving - end optical phase modulator 650 . when the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 630 and the receiving - end optical phase modulator 650 allow the same phase modulation , an output 1 671 may show a maximal single photon detection probability by constructive interference and an output 2 672 may show a minimal probability by destructive interference . fig7 illustrates an example of a phase modulation method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present . referring to fig7 , a height of a vertical arrow denotes a detection probability of a single photon . a number marked above the arrow denotes a relative phase of the single photon . a single photon may be outputted from a light source 710 , may pass through an optical interferometer 720 , and may be inputted to a transmitting - end optical phase modulator 730 . the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 730 may modulate a phase of at least one of two single photons by φ a 731 . after the two single photons pass through a channel 740 , a receiving - end optical phase modulator 750 may modulate a phase of a single photon that is not phase - modulated by the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 730 by φ b 751 . a modulation signal of which a time and a width are adjusted may be inputted to the optical phase modulators 730 and 750 , to selectively modulate the two single photons . a graph of a modulation signal to be inputted to the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 730 and a graph of a modulation signal to be inputted to the receiving - end optical phase modulator 750 are illustrated respectively beneath relative locations 731 and 751 on a time axis where a phase of a corresponding single photon is to be modulated . although the present embodiment describes that the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 730 may modulate a phase of a preceding single photon by φ a , the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 730 may modulate a phase of a following single photon . in this example , the receiving - end optical phase modulator 750 may modulate a phase of a single photon that is not phase - modulated by the transmitting optical phase modulator 730 . from an output 1 771 of an optical interferometer 760 of a receiver , two single photon detection distributions of two single photons that are unrelated to interference and are respectively phase - modulated by φ a and φ b may be outputted with a probability of 1 / 16 , and a single photon detection distribution of a single photon interfering based on a phase difference of φ a − φ b may be outputted with a probability of ⅛ . a single photon distribution of a single photon interfering based on a phase difference of φ a − φ b − π it may be outputted to a center of an output 2 772 . table 2 illustrates an example of a phase modulation based quantum key distribution method . table 2 organizes an amount of phase modulation allowed by an optical phase modulator of each of a transmitter and the receiver , after a quantum key distribution protocol being referred to as bennett brassard 84 ( bb84 ) is applied . referring to fig2 , the transmitting - end optical phase modulator 230 may perform four levels of phase modulations by combining bit information corresponding to a quantum key and basis information enabling a secure communication . each bit may have two orthogonal basis information . the basis information may be randomly generated . therefore , a single photon having a phase value , such as 0 , π / 2 , π , 3π / 2 , and the like , may be generated . a receiving - end may randomly generate two orthogonal basis information and may apply the generated information without being combined with bit information . in this case , the receiving - end optical phase modulator 250 may phase - modulate the single photon by 0 or π / 2 , or may phase - modulate the single photon by π or 3π / 2 . generally , for convenience of operation of the receiving - end optical phase modulator 250 , the single photon may be modulated by 0 or π / 2 to provide the orthogonal basis information . in this case , an optical interference due to the phase modulation of table 2 may be incurred . in table 2 , a question mark , namely , “?”, denotes a case where a single photon is detected , by the single photon detector 270 , with a probability that is different from a maximal probability and a minimal probability , since basis information randomly generated from a transmitting - end is different from the basis information randomly generated from the receiving - end . the result may be deleted because the result is regarded as invalid data during a basis information exchanging process of the quantum key distribution system and thus , the result may not have any value of regard in operation of an optical interferometer . fig8 illustrates an example of constructing a transmitting - end optical phase modulating unit 830 by successively arranging optical phase modulators . referring to fig8 , a four - level phase modulation of a transmitting - end may be performed based on a scheme of successively using two optical phase modulators . specifically , the optical phase modulators may be successively arranged so that one 831 of the two optical phase modulators modulates a phase of a single photon based on bit information and a remaining optical phase modulator 832 may modulate a phase of the single photon based on basis information . the optical phase modulator modulating the phase of the single photon corresponding to the bit information and the optical phase modulator modulating the phase of the single photon corresponding to the basis information may be arranged in a different sequence . an output feature of an optical interferometer may be improved based on the optical phase modulating method according to an embodiment of the present invention . according to an embodiment of the present invention , an optical phase modulator is arranged outside an optical interferometer to easily configure the optical interferometer and thus , instability of the optical interferometer may be prevented . in addition , the optical phase modulator arranged outside the optical interferometer may stabilize the optical interferometer . fig9 illustrates a system that stabilizes an optical interferometer by correcting a phase difference incurred in the optical interferometer according to an example embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig9 , a path difference of an asymmetric optical interferometer of a transmitter and a path difference of an asymmetric optical interferometer of the receiver may be changed depending on an environment , such as different external temperatures , vibration , and the like . in this case , two outputs of an optical interferometer may indicate a value that may be different from a maximal detection probability and a minimal detection probability . according to an optical interferometer method , a processing and control unit 980 may continuously monitor a number of single photons detected by single photon detectors 971 and 972 . an optical interferometer visibility ( v ) may be calculated based on the number of detected single photons as given in equation 2 . in equation 2 , c max may denote a number of photons detected with a maximal probability , and c min may denote a number of photons detected with a minimal probability . a change in v may be incurred due to a phase difference ( δφ ) between an optical interferometer of a transmitting - end and an optical interferometer 960 of a receiving - end , and may satisfy equation 3 . a change in the phase difference may be calculated based on a change in the number of detected single photons , using equation 2 and equation 3 . an applied voltage may be adjusted by an applied voltage controller 990 based on the change in the phase difference when a receiving - end optical phase modulator 950 is operated . a voltage used by the receiving - end optical phase modulator to cause a change of a phase difference of π may be vπ . therefore , when the receiving - end optical phase modulator operates , vα may be additionally provided to provide an additional change of α (= π / vπ × vα = δφ ) for the phase . in this manner , a phase difference between the optical interferometer of a transmitter and the optical interferometer 960 of a receiver may be corrected using the optical phase modulator arranged outside the interferometer . referring to fig9 , a graph at the top of fig9 may be an example of a phase modulation signal of the receiving - end optical modulator to which vα is additionally applied . fig1 illustrates a method of stabilizing an optical interferometer by correcting a phase difference incurred in the optical interferometer according to an embodiment of the present invention . a single photon is received from a light source in operation s 1010 . a path is divided into a plurality of paths to enable a probability of existence of the single photon to be distributed in a plurality of different coordinates in a time domain in operation s 1020 . in this case , an interfering method may be a mach - zehnder optical interfering method or a michelson optical interfering method , and may be performed based on an optical fiber or an optical system . also , a polarization maintaining fiber or a polarization controller may be used . a modulation signal of which a time and a width are adjusted is inputted to selectively modulate a phase of a single photon corresponding to at least one of the plurality of paths in operation s 1030 . therefore , the modulation signal of which the time and the width are adjusted may be inputted . optical phase modulations may be successively performed . in this case , one of the optical phase modulations may modulate a phase of a single photon based on bit information , and a remaining optical phase modulation may modulate a phase of the single photon based on basis information . the single photon passes through a quantum channel in operation s 1040 . the quantum channel may be based on an optical fiber . a phase of a single photon that is not modulated in operation s 1030 , from the single photon received via the quantum channel , may be selectively modulated in operation s 1050 . in this case , the modulation signal of which a time and a width are adjusted may be inputted . subsequently , a path of the single photon is divided into a plurality of paths to enable a probability of existence of the single photon to be distributed in a plurality of different coordinates in a time domain in operation s 1060 , which is an optical interfering process . in this case , the interfering method may be a mach - zehnder optical interfering method or a michelson interfering method , and may be performed based on the optical - fiber or the optical system . also , the polarization maintaining fiber or the polarization controller may be used . a single photon detector detects an outputted single photon in operation s 1070 . in this case , an optical interferometer visibility is calculated based on a number of detected single photons , and a phase difference ( δφ ) between two optical interfering processes of operations s 1020 and s 1060 is calculated in operation s 1080 . equation 2 and equation 3 may be used for the calculation . c max may denote a number of single photons detected with a maximal probability and c min may denote a number of single photons detected with a minimal probability . when δφ is not incurred , the detecting process may be terminated . when δφ is incurred , an applied voltage of an optical phase modulating process may be adjusted based on δφ . during the optical phase modulating process , a voltage used to cause a phase change of π may be vπ . therefore , when an optical phase modulating process is performed in operation s 1050 , vα may be additionally provided to provide an additional change of α (= π / vπ × vα = δφ ) for the phase in operation s 1090 . in this manner , the phase difference between the optical interference processes may be corrected by optical modulating processes of operations s 1030 and s 1050 that are separately operated from interfering processes of operations s 1020 and s 1060 the phase difference may be corrected without operations s 1080 and s 1090 . the optical phase modulation method has been described . descriptions described with reference to fig2 through 9 may be applicable to the optical phase modulation method and thus , detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted . 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 . | 7 |
the spectral remission curves of the printing inks cyan ( c ), magenta ( m ) and yellow ( y ) and of an unprinted white paper ( pw ) are illustrated graphically in fig2 . the curves show for white paper a virtually uniformly high remission of above approximately 0 . 8 in the entire wavelength region above approximately 430 nm . by contrast therewith , the spectral remission curves of the colored inks cyan , magenta or yellow exhibit rising , and also falling , sections over the illustrated wavelength region . in order respectively to provide density measurements with a high information content in the case of the remission of printing inks that is illustrated in such a way , as already mentioned at the beginning the density measurements are respectively undertaken in the low remission range of the colored inks . the measurements are therefore made specifically in comparatively restricted wavelength regions of the spectral remission curves . as illustrated in fig1 , in the case of customary density measurements , an individual red filter is inserted upstream of a photoelement sensitive to white light and in each case filters out from the remission curves of cyan only a wavelength section around approximately 600 nm for the photoelement . depending on color density , correspondingly strong deviations result in light intensity for the photoelement . according to the invention , by contrast , the use of a customary multicolor camera , in particular a red , green , blue camera is proposed which comprises on a flat image sensor a multiplicity of sensor points for different colors , in this case a multiplicity of blue , green and red sensor points or pixels . a diagram in the right - hand area of fig3 shows the two - dimensional arrangement of such blue ( b ), green ( g ) and red ( r ) pixels or sensor points on such a color camera . furthermore , the left - hand area of fig3 illustrates the typical sensitivity of the individual pixels with the aid of their standardized sensitivity . it is clearly to be seen from fig3 that the blue pixels have a sensitivity maximum at approximately 460 nm , the green pixels have a sensitivity maximum at approximately 520 nm to 540 nm , and the red pixels have a sensitivity maximum at approximately 620 to 630 nm . the pixels of such type are preferably produced from silicon and therefore act as individual photosensitive elements whose sensor signal can correspondingly also be evaluated individually . inserted upstream of the multicolor camera of such sensitivity is a filter device that is fashioned as a multiple bandpass filter , in particular as a triple bandpass filter or a so - called triple filter . such a filter device has three respectively restricted transmission ranges . with as high a relative transmission as possible ( ideally approximately 1 ), a first transmission range is restricted to a wavelength region between approximately 430 nm and approximately 450 nm . with as high a relative transmission as possible ( ideally approximately 1 ), a second transmission range is restricted to the wavelength section between approximately 520 nm and approximately 540 nm . finally , with as high a relative transmission as possible ( ideally approximately 1 ), the third transmission range comprises only the wavelength region between approximately 620 nm and approximately 640 nm . the color density measuring device 10 fashioned in such a way is illustrated in fig5 once again with its camera 12 acting as multicolor image sensor , as well as the upstream triple filter 14 acting as filter device . during operation , the color density measuring device 10 is directed , for example inside a further printing apparatus ( not illustrated ) for multicolor printing , onto a printing material 22 that is provided with an ink layer and is , therefore , colored . the color density measuring device 10 is , moreover , coupled operationally to a control and evaluation circuit 18 via lines 16 . furthermore , the color density measuring device 10 is supported such that it can be displaced on a cross member 20 by a motor . the multicolor camera 12 arranged in such a way is then used not , for example , to take customary color photographs , but color density measurements are carried out that have at least the same measurement quality as do measurements with the aid of customary densitometers . such color density measurements are possible because a particular standardized sensitivity of the individual pixels of the multicolor camera 12 results ( see left - hand area of fig6 ) over the entire wavelength region owing to the inventive combination of the triple bandpass filter 14 ( see fig4 ) with a multicolor camera 12 ( see fig3 ). a high standardized sensitivity thus remains for the blue pixel only in the wavelength region between approximately 430 nm and approximately 450 nm . for the green pixel , a high standardized sensitivity is restricted to the wavelength region between approximately 520 nm and 540 nm . the red pixel is particularly sensitive only in the wavelength region between approximately 620 nm and approximately 640 nm . if this sensitivity resulting in the case of the multicolor camera 12 provided with the triple bandpass filter 14 ( see left - hand area of fig6 ) is covered with spectral remission curves of the colored inks cyan , magenta and yellow as well as of the unprinted white paper ( see fig2 ), it is to be seen that a densitometer for cyan ( c ) has been provided with the aid of the filtered “ red ” pixel ( cf . also fig1 ), a densitometer has been provided for magenta ( m ) with the aid of the “ green ” pixel , and a densitometer has been provided for yellow ( y ) with the aid of the “ blue ” pixel . this functionality of the multicolor camera 12 used in accordance with the invention is illustrated once more in the right - hand area of fig6 with the sensor points correspondingly designated ( see , in particular , by comparison with the right - hand area of fig3 ). it is therefore possible to use the color density measuring device 10 to undertake a total of three density measurements in only a single recording and , furthermore , to carry out a comparison with an unprinted white paper surface , if appropriate . a second exemplary embodiment of a color density measuring device 10 is illustrated in fig7 ; it is fashioned like the example illustrated in fig5 with regard to the multicolor camera 12 , the triple bandpass filter 14 and the printing material 22 . in the exemplary embodiment in accordance with fig7 , however , the multicolor camera 12 cannot be moved , but is fastened on a stand ( not illustrated ) in a stationary fashion . a light source 24 in the form of a luminaire emitting light over the entire visible wavelength spectrum is , moreover , provided on the color density measuring device 10 in accordance with fig7 . this luminaire is arranged at a principal irradiation angle of approximately 45 ° to the plane of the printing material 22 . in the case of the exemplary embodiment in accordance with fig7 , the triple bandpass filter 14 is likewise inserted into the beam path of the light remitted by the printing material 22 directly upstream of a lens of the multicolor camera 12 . fig8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a color density measuring device 10 in which the triple bandpass filter 14 is inserted not upstream of the multicolor camera 12 , but is inserted , directly downstream of the light source 24 , into the beam path of the light emitted by the light source 24 . such an arrangement of the triple bandpass filter 14 already restricts the light directed onto the printing material 22 to the desired wavelength bands named above . fig9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which instead of a single light source 24 and a triple bandpass filter 14 a total of three light sources 24 are provided upstream of which a single bandpass filter 26 is inserted in each case . furthermore , the illumination means of such a type are assigned a light mixing system 28 in the form of color interference filters , said light mixing system being used to unite the beam paths of the three light sources 24 to form one beam path . finally , fig1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which a total of four light sources 30 are provided . these light sources 30 are arranged next to one another and directed individually in each case onto the printing material 22 , a principal irradiation angle of approximately 45 ° to the plane of the printing material again being observed in each case ( by contrast with the illustration , which is purely schematic ). of these four light sources 30 , three are fashioned as light emitting diodes or laser luminaries with specific wavelength spectra , restricted in accordance with the invention , in the region of blue , green and red light . the fourth light source 30 is an infrared luminaire and its wavelength band is likewise restricted . as explained above , this light source 30 from the infrared region can then be used in cooperation with the multicolor camera 12 to measure the density of the printing ink black . | 6 |
the present invention is described in the following so that one skilled in the pertinent art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention . the present invention may also be implemented and applied according to other embodiments , and the details may be modified based on different views and applications without departing from the spirit of the invention . fig3 a to 3 d depict a first preferred embodiment of the present invention ; which is made by first kneading a combination of mixed ingredients that includes wheat flour , sugar , oil , powder , yeast , water and likely others to form a smooth and even batter having an appropriate elasticity . next , the kneaded batter is put aside and left for about ten to twenty minutes to become loose . then , the batter is cut into a plurality of small batters and each of the plurality of small batters is rolled into an oval - shaped batter 300 as depicted in fig3 a . thereafter , an edible type of oil is applied to the surface of the center portion of the oval - shaped batter to form an oil - layer region 310 . filtered water is then sprayed by a spray nozzle on the surface of the periphery of the oval - shaped batter surface 300 to form an even water - moisturizing region 330 as shown by fig3 b . subsequently , the oval - shaped batter is folded by turning the oil layer region inwardly to form a folded batter layer 300 ′ having a hemispherical shape . then , referring to fig3 c , the folded batter layer 300 ′ is kneaded by machinery along the edge shown by the vertical arrows a , avoiding the center portion having an oil layer region 310 , to form an edge having a water - moisturizing region 330 , thereby forming a semi - finished flour - yeasted packaging container . then , the semi - finished flour - yeasted packaging container is placed into a yeast tank to undergo a yeast fermentation process for twenty to forty minutes , followed by placement in a steaming cage to steam for about fifteen minutes at a temperature of about 90 degrees . lastly , as shown by fig3 d , the packaging container is cut along the folding line 350 to form an opening 370 . in that the center portion of the folded batter layer 300 ′ is formed with an oil layer region and is not pressed during kneading after the batter is folded , the center portion of the folded batter layer 300 ′ having an oil layer region is not combined and thus has a hollow gap between the upper layer and the lower layer thereof after cooking the semi - finished packaging container by steam . on the other hand , the edge of the folded batter layer between the upper layer and the lower layer thereof is formed with a water - moisturizing area by spraying filtered water thereon and is combined by kneading by machinery , therefore , after cooking the semi - finished packaging container by steam , the edge of the folded batter layer having a water - moisturizing region is combined to form a sealed side 390 as shown in fig4 a . thereafter , after cutting along the folded side , a pocket - shaped container is formed that has only one side thereof formed with an opening 370 , while the remaining edges are sealed to form a hollow portion for packaging fillings therein as shown by fig4 b . in this embodiment , the pocket - shaped container is used as a cover for making a chinese - hamburger , wherein the fillings to be filled into the central hollow portion of the chinese - hamburger such as meat slices , pickled cabbage , peanut powder and the like - can be inserted into the pocket container through the opening 370 . compared to the known batter cover used for making a chinese - hamburger that typically has one closed side with the remaining sides open , the edible pocket container disclosed by the invention is provided with a hollow pocket to contain the fillings therein , making it more convenient to eat or carry . moreover , the pocket container is characterized in that an oil - layer region and a water - moisturizing region are respectively formed at predetermined positions of the batter surface , thereby overcoming the drawback of the prior art that the edible container is not readily applicable to mechanized mass production . fig5 a to 5 d depict a second preferred embodiment of the present invention ; which is made by first kneading a combination of mixed ingredients that includes wheat flour , sugar , oil , powder , yeast , water and likely others to form a smooth and even batter having an appropriate elasticity . next , the batter is put aside and left for about ten to twenty minutes to become loose . then , the batter is cut into a plurality of small batters and each of the plurality of small batters is rolled into a hemisphere - shaped batter 400 , as depicted in fig5 a . thereafter , referring to fig5 b and 5c , an edible type of oil is applied to the surface of the center portion and the non - arc - shaped ( linear ) side 450 of the hemisphere - shaped batters to form an oil - layer region 410 , and filtered water is sprayed by a spray nozzle on the surface 400 of the arc - shaped edges of the hemisphere - shaped batters to form an even water - moisturizing region 430 . subsequently , two identical hemisphere - shaped batters are placed together by facing the oil layer regions thereof to form a superposed batter layer 400 ′ retaining the hemispherical shape , as shown in fig5 c . then , the superposed batter layer 400 ′ is kneaded by machinery along the arc - shaped edge as indicated by the vertical arrows a , avoiding pressing the center portion having an oil layer region 410 , to form an edge having a water - moisturizing region 430 , thereby forming a semi - finished yeasted flour packaging container . then , the semi - finished yeasted flour packaging container is placed into a yeast tank to undergo a yeast process for twenty to forty minutes , followed by placement of the yeasted flour container in a steaming cage to steam at a temperature of about 90 degrees for about fifteen minutes reviewing , an oil layer region is respectively formed on the inner center portion and the edges of the non - arc - shaped ( linear ) side of the superposed batter layer 400 ′ and a water - moisturizing region is formed on the arc - shaped edges thereof . the center portion thereof having an oil - layer is not pressed to combine after the superposed batters are folded by machinery . consequently , after cooking the semi - finished packaging container by steam , the center portion having an oil layer region and the non - arc - shaped side of the superposed batter layer 400 ′ are not combined and thus a hollow gap exists between the upper layer and the lower layer thereof . on the other hand , the arc - shaped edge of the superposed batter layer having a water - moisturizing area between the upper layer and the lower layer thereof is kneaded to combine by machinery to form a sealed side 490 as indicated by fig5 d . note that only the periphery of the arc - shaped edge is formed with a water - moisturizing region in this embodiment . also , in addition to the center portion that has an oil - layer region , the non - arc - shaped ( linear ) edges of the hemisphere - shaped superposed batter layers are also formed with an oil - layer region . therefore , after kneading by machinery to combine the hemisphere - shaped superposed batter layers , a yeast fermentation process , and cooking by steam , an edible hemisphere - shaped container is formed with a center hollow pocket that has only one edge formed with an opening 470 without requiring a cutting process while the remaining edges are sealed . besides the hemisphere - shaped pocket container , the method of producing an edible container disclosed by the invention can also produce other pocket containers in a variety of shapes depending on the preferences and applications , such as folding one or superposing two rectangular batter covers to form a square - shaped pocket container , and folding one diamond shaped or superposing two triangular batter covers to form an edible triangular pocket container , and so on . having thus described preferred embodiments of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention , it will nevertheless be appreciated that numerous variations and modifications of the illustrated embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention , and it is intended that the invention not be limited by the above description or accompanying drawings , but that it be defined solely in accordance with the appended claims . | 0 |
the following description of the preferred embodiment ( s ) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention , its application , or uses . the drawings show a conventional reel - type mower 10 which includes a frame structure 11 having two side plates 12 and 13 and cross - frame pieces 14 and 16 as best seen in fig2 . there is a conventional rotatable greensmower reel 17 with its usual spiraled blades 18 equally spaced around the reel shaft 19 which is elongated and defines a rotation axis 21 extending along the length of the shaft 19 . there is the usual reel fixed bed knife at 22 , and the blades 18 orbit relative to the shaft 19 and move past the knife 22 for the usual and well - known function of the grass cutting . also , there is a reel mower rotatable roller 23 at the front of the assembly and , along with an unshown rear roller , it supports the reel mower for movement on the ground . [ 0022 ] fig1 , and 4 show the above , and they also show a lawn roller 24 included in the assembly and rotatably mounted on the structure 11 through a roller axle 26 . the roller 24 supports the lawnmower assembly on the ground and serves as the traction drive for the lawnmower . other ground - supporting traction members could be substituted . the rotational drive to the reel 17 and the traction roller 23 is through an electrical system which includes two separate electric motors 27 and 28 , respectively . these two motors are a respective part of two branches of electric circuitry herein . the motors 27 and 28 are respectively suitably bolted to the structure side plates 12 and 13 and they are drivingly connected with the reel 17 and the traction roller member 24 . the reel motor 27 suitably drivingly engages the reel shaft 19 for rotating the reel in the forward mowing direction which is leftward in these drawings . the motors 27 and 28 are through motor appliance corp ., st . louis , mo ., model m12160 - 2 . the traction motor 28 has a drive pulley 31 thereon , and the pulley 31 connects with a drive belt 32 which drives an idler pulley 33 . pulley 33 meshes with a drive pulley 34 which in turn drives a belt 36 and a pulley 37 which is drivingly on the roller axle 26 . thus there is a traction drive train from the motor 28 to the ground - engaging traction member 24 , and thusly the lawnmower is moved in the forward operating direction . that operation may be the grass cutting action of the reel 17 along with the roller action of the roller 24 , or it may be the operation of only the roller 24 , as mentioned . [ 0025 ] fig1 and 3 show a handle which is suitably connected with the structure 11 at the handle lower end 39 . the handle upper end has a hand grip portion 41 which the operator can hold in steering the lawnmower . there is a movably mounted bail or operator hand control 42 pivotally connected to the handle 38 , and it is movable toward and away from the grip portion 41 . two pivot mounting plates 43 are connected with the grip 41 , and the plates 43 present a pivot mounting for a bracket 44 which is attached to the bail 42 . in that arrangement , the operator can hold both the grip 41 and the bail 42 while guiding the lawnmower . as will be more clearly seen later , upon release of the bail , the traction drive is interrupted , and the bail is an electric switch manual control . fig1 shows that a bail switch 46 is mounted on the handle 38 in a position to be subject to electrical actuation by forward movement of the bail 42 , and the relationship with the switch 46 may be in any suitable manner . also , there is a bail lockout lever 47 which is spring - loaded to its active position which precludes the bail 42 from being moved into its active position , and thus the switch 46 is in its “ off ” position . the user can release the lever 47 and then pivot the bail forward for activation of the switch 46 and place the switch in its “ on ” position for mower operation . additionally , the vicinity of the handle upper end 42 also includes electrically elements mounted thereon , which are therefore presented to the user for his observation or actuation . an electric and manually controlled switch 48 , through a wire 49 , is mounted on the handle and is connected with the reel motor 27 to control power to the operation of the motor 27 . a battery fuel gage 51 is mounted on the handle and is visible by the user and it is connected through wires 52 into the hereinafter described electric circuitry . the gage is one through curtis instruments , inc ., mt . kisco , n . y ., as part 906t48hwdan . a manually controllable key switch 53 is mounted on the handle and is available to the user at the handle location and it is connected in the circuitry through wires 54 . a manually controllable variable resistor , such as a potentiometer 56 , is connected in that branch of the circuitry through wires 57 , and it is mounted on the handle and it controls the power to the traction motor 28 and it has a control handle 58 connected thereto and disposed within easy reach of the user . the potentiometer is through spectrol electronics corp ., ontario , calif ., part 657 - 2 - 0 - 103 . thus there are the aforementioned five electric elements of the switch 46 , the switch 48 , the gage 51 , the switch 53 , and the potentiometer control 58 , all of which are available to the user at the convenience of the location of the upper handle 42 . that emphasizes the significance of the walk - behind lawnmower of this invention . [ 0029 ] fig5 shows the electric circuitry which includes the battery pack 59 shown to have four batteries in the total pack , as also seen in fig4 . in addition to the electric elements previously mentioned the circuitry includes an electric sensor in the fuel gage element 51 to sense the level of the electric power in the battery 59 and to register that on an operator readout , of any conventional design , at the gage 51 on the handle , so the operator always knows the power in the battery 59 . the relay is one through said curtis instruments , inc ., as part 1178e36480010 . the gage 51 is connected to a battery cutout relay 61 , and , upon the occasion of a predetermined low voltage , such as a depth of discharge ( dod ) of seventy percent of full charge , a flashing light can signal the operator . at eighty percent of dod the fuel gage 51 provides a double flashing light and a signal to the battery cutout relay 61 to activate the relay 61 and thereby terminate current to the reel motor 27 through an electric contactor 62 which is connected with the motor 27 through a wire 63 . that forces the operator to discontinue cutting the grass and to ultimately tend to the battery which is protected from deep discharge and consequent harm . however , the system still allows the operator to drive the lawnmower by use of the traction motor 28 and to a service location . the contactors are through said curtis instruments , inc . part sw60p48dcsupp / 120 . after the battery is rectified , the operator must reactivate the system by setting the key switch 53 into the start mode to energize the system and then reactivate the bail 42 and the bail switch 46 . closing the switch 53 activates a time delay module 64 . module 64 provides an electrical shutdown system where after fifteen minutes of non - operation , the time delay module will remove power to the entire system . this feature is to render the lawnmower inoperative when it is parked for fifteen minutes , and the re - start sequence will then be employed . the module is through marlin technologies , inc . 1105 commerce ct . horicon , wis ., part m371 . another feature of the system is that in the event either motor 27 or 28 is jammed or stalled , such as when the electric current exceeds an amperage for a predetermined length of time , say fifty amps for one - half second , there is a sensor built into each motor that produces an automatic shutdown of that motor . that can be a conventional type sensor , but it is uniquely employed in this system . also of conventional arrangement in the motors is protection against overload , and there is a heat sensor in the motors . internally built into the motors 27 and 28 is a shutdown sensor that senses heat generation in components in the motors and will shutdown the motor when these components exceed the predetermined heat limit . again , after the overload is relieved , the start - up sequence is employed to reactivate the lawnmower . in the re - start , the key switch 53 is activated to the start position and that energizes the time delay module 64 and the battery fuel gage 51 . closing the reel control switch 48 and the bail switch 46 , current is directed to the motor contactor 62 and to the reel motor 27 . current is also directed to a contactor 65 connected with the bail switch 46 for directing current to the traction motor 28 . in the fig5 showing , the traction motor 28 is subject to the variable control 56 to permit the operator to select the ground speed of the lawnmower . selectable walking speeds , rather than having a riding mower speed , is important . in the embodiment of fig5 the reel motor 27 is shown to be controlled by a fixed control 66 . however , in the reel control branch , the control 66 could be replaced by a potentiometer , such as the potentiometer 56 , and then the reel rotation speed would be variable and under the direct control of the operator when a handle - located potentiometer control , like the control 58 is provided for the reel motor 27 . in instances where it is not preferred to have the operator alter reel rotation speed on the mowing site , the embodiment of fig5 is to be employed . as viewed in fig5 the lower portion thereof shows a signal light 67 and a manual switch 68 and provision for another motor 69 , such as a groomer motor , if desired . also , the top location in fig5 shows an electrical connector or plug 71 which is manually connectable for connecting the system with the battery pack 59 . [ 0036 ] fig1 and 4 show the presence and the mounting of the battery 59 . the structure cross bars 14 and 16 are fixedly connected with the mower side plates 12 and 13 , and they support a battery tray 70 which includes a planar base 73 and two side rails 72 and 74 , all as one integral unit . there is a floor extension 76 adjustably bolted to the side rails 72 and 74 through bolts , such as bolt 77 , and elongated slots , such as slot 78 , in the side rails 72 and 74 . the extension 76 is also adjustably attached to the tray base 73 by bolts , such as bolt 79 through elongated slots 81 . screws 82 and 83 extend through the tray assembled base and connect with the mower structure at cross pieces 14 and 16 , with spacers 84 and 86 therebetween . in that manner , the battery tray is adjustable fore - and - aft of the mowing direction , and its weight can thus be selectively shifted relative to the reel mower to adjust the weight effective on the mower rollers , such as the one shown front roller 23 . the tray 70 , as just described , also has a rear abutment or upright wall 87 affixed as a portion of the tray . a front latch 88 is pivotally attached at pivot pins 89 , and it is a portion of the tray . tension springs , such as shown spring 91 , urge an upright wall 92 of the latch 88 rearwardly and toward the abutment 87 . the battery 59 is shown to be in four separate batteries , all connected in series connection and supported in a battery box base 93 which is rectilinear and upwardly open to receive the four batteries in the shown side - by - side positioning . a battery box top 94 mates with the base 93 to form a complete enclosure of a rectilinear box for the four batteries . the top 94 and bottom 93 are bolted together at respective flanges 96 and 97 with bolts , such as bolt 98 . a handle 99 is attached to the box . the latch 88 has an opening 101 therein , and the box 93 has a protrusion 102 and the opening 101 snugly receives the protrusion 102 when the box is sitting on the tray base 73 . thus , the box back wall 103 abuts the abutment 87 and the box is held down by the engaged latch 88 . the box is restricted at its sides by the overlapping two said rails 72 and 74 . the box has feet 104 which support the battery and box assembly on the tray . to remove the assembly of the box and the battery from the mower , the user need only grip a ledge 106 on the latch and pivot the latch forwardly to release at the protrusion 102 . then , disconnecting the wires at the connector 71 , the assembly can be lifted off the mower through the handle 99 . replacement of the battery on the mower is achieved by simply lowering the assembly onto the tray , and the latch 88 has a convex curved portion 107 which slidably engages the battery box to pivot the latch forwardly until the battery box is on the tray base 73 and the latch 88 will then automatically connect with the protrusion . connecting the connector 71 will complete the replacement operation . a ground or floor support stand 108 is pivotally connected to the mower 10 on pivot bolts , such as shown bolt 109 , and it extends from end to end on the mower and upwardly in the inoperative position , as seen in fig1 and 4 . pivoting the stand 108 clockwise , as viewed in fig1 and 4 , will place it underneath the mower 10 and thus will upwardly support the mower off the ground at the back of the mower 10 . that is useful for connecting unshown transport wheels , inspection , and servicing of mower . tension springs , such as spring 111 , urge the stand upwardly to its shown inoperative position . this greensmower may have eight reel blades 18 . per the reel revolution , the number of blades 18 affect the clip rate . also , in the fig5 embodiment , the electric control 66 for the reel motor 27 can be arranged in the shop to produce a selected rpm in the motor 27 . then the user mowing the green will control the clip rate only through the operator presence hand control 58 for adjusting the rpm of the motor 28 and thereby establish the clip rate by the adjustment of only a single control . the description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and , thus , variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention . such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 0 |
the present invention is directed to an agricultural implement having a frame that carries a number of farming related tools , such as discs , tillers , sweeps , or dispensers , whose depth is controlled by a depth control system . as will be described , the depth control system includes a sensor , such as a linear potentiometer , that outputs a signal having characteristics that are a function of the linear displacement of a hydraulic cylinder that raises and lowers the implement frame . as known in the art , the hydraulic cylinder includes an extendable piston or ram that when extended lifts the implement frame and when retracted lowers the implement frame . in one embodiment , the sensor includes an integrated linear position sensor , such as those described in u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 307 , 418 , 7 , 259 , 553 , and 7 , 034 , 527 , the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . in fig1 , an implement 10 is illustrated having a central frame 12 , two wings 14 and 16 pivotally coupled to the central frame , lift actuators 18 and 20 for lifting the wings above the frame , wheel actuators 22 , 24 , 26 , and 28 for raising and lowering wheel sets 30 , 32 , 34 , and 36 , front tool gang 38 fixed to the front of the frame and wings , rear tool gang 40 fixed to the rear of the frame and wings . the implement may optionally have a leveling mechanism for leveling the implement , as described in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 063 , 167 . front tool gang 38 includes inner forward gang tubes 44 and 46 which are bolted to central frame 12 and extend laterally away from the central frame . these gang tubes have pivotal couplings 48 and 50 disposed at their outer ends to which outer forward gang tubes 52 , 54 , respectively , are pivotally connected . rear tool gang 40 includes inner rear gang tubes 56 and 58 which are bolted to central frame 12 and extend laterally away from the central frame . these gang tubes have pivotal couplings 60 and 62 disposed at their outer ends to which outer rearward gang tubes 64 and 66 , respectively , are pivotally connected . a plurality of ground engaging tools , here shown as discs 68 , are fixed to and disposed below each of the gang tubes . like each pair of inner and outer gang tubes themselves , these discs are arranged in a substantially straight line . the gang tubes on each side of the implement are bolted to a wing frame on that side of the implement . outer gang tubes 52 and 64 are coupled to wing frame 70 , and outer gang tubes 54 and 66 are coupled to wing frame 72 . the outer gang tubes are pivotally coupled to the inner gang tubes to permit them to be lifted above and over the central frame to permit the implement to be folded up for clearance when towed over the road . this lifting is provided by lift actuators 18 and 20 , here shown as hydraulic cylinders . lift actuator 18 is coupled between central frame 12 and wing frame 70 to lift wing 14 , and lift actuator 20 is coupled between central frame 14 and wing frame 72 to lift wing 16 . when lift actuators 18 and 20 are retracted , they pull their associated wings 14 and 16 upward and over the top of central frame 12 about pivotal couplings 48 , 60 , and 50 , 62 , respectively . wing 14 includes wing frame 70 , front and rear gang tubes 52 and 64 , respectively , and the ground engaging tools attached to those tubes . wing 16 includes wing frame 72 , front and rear gang tubes 54 and 66 , and the ground engaging tools attached to those tubes . referring to fig2 , central frame 12 includes two fore - and - aft extending members 74 and 76 to which wheel sets 32 and 34 , respectively , are pivotally mounted . side - to - side members 78 and 80 are disposed at the front and rear , respectively , of the frame and are coupled to members 74 and 76 to form a substantially rectangular framework . a tongue 82 is coupled to central frame 12 and allows the implement to be hitched to a tractor in a known manner . a rockshaft 84 extends laterally across central frame 12 and is supported in rotation at each end by bearings 86 and 88 that are mounted on fore - and - aft members 74 and 76 , respectively . bearings 86 and 88 constrain rockshaft 84 to rotate about its longitudinal axis with respect to central frame 12 . four wheel supports 90 , 92 , 94 and 96 extend downward and rearwardly from rockshaft 84 to which they are attached . wheel supports 90 and 92 are disposed on the inside and the outside , respectively , of bearing 86 and member 74 to which bearing 86 is attached . wheel supports 94 and 96 are disposed on the inside and outside , respectively , of bearing 88 and fore - and - aft member 76 to which bearing 86 is attached . thus , when rockshaft 84 rotates , it causes the outer ends of wheel supports 90 , 92 , 94 and 96 to simultaneously and equally raise or lower with respect to central frame 12 . two axles 98 and 100 are provided to which wheel sets 32 and 34 are mounted for rotation . axle 98 is mounted to the outer ends of wheel supports 90 and 92 , and axle 100 is mounted to the outer ends of wheel supports 94 and 96 . wheel set 32 has two wheels that are mounted to opposing ends of axle 98 , and wheel set 34 has two wheels that are mounted to opposing ends of axle 100 . the wheels in each wheel set are disposed on opposite sides of their associated fore - and - aft member , one inside and one outside . wheel actuators 24 and 26 are pivotally coupled to fore - and - aft members 74 and 76 , at one end , and at the other end to brackets 102 and 104 . brackets 102 and 104 are mounted to rockshaft 84 to rotate with rockshaft 84 . when wheel actuators 24 and 26 are retracted , the wheels are raised thereby causing a lowering of the implement and the work units coupled thereto . when actuators 24 and 26 are extended , they push the upper ends of brackets 102 and 104 away from the actuators toward the rear of the implement . the lower ends of brackets 102 and 104 are coupled to rockshaft 84 , which causes rockshaft 84 to rotate clockwise . this clockwise rotation causes wheel supports 90 , 92 , 94 and 96 to also rotate clockwise . as the wheel supports rotate clockwise , the outer ends of the wheels supports and the two wheels sets coupled to the wheel supports also lower . as a result , the wheels pivot about rockshaft 84 as they are lowered thereby lifting the implement . in one embodiment , the actuators 24 and 26 are hydraulic cylinders , with one of the cylinders including an integrated linear position sensor , such as those described in u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 307 , 418 , 7 , 259 , 553 , and 7 , 034 , 527 , the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . it is contemplated however that both cylinders may include a position sensor . the depth control system 106 is schematically illustrated in fig3 and controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from depth control hydraulic cylinder 108 . piston 110 is extendable and retractable from cylinder 108 and has an integrated linear potentiometer that provides a signal to a controller 114 of the tractor t . as will be described , the controller 114 selectively energizes a raise solenoid 116 and a lower solenoid 118 . hydraulic fluid is supplied to the cylinder 108 through supply port 120 and is returned through a return port 122 . the solenoids 116 and 118 are fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir 124 that includes a pump 126 . when raise solenoid 116 is energized , hydraulic fluid is supplied to the cylinder 108 along a fluid path between reservoir 124 and cylinder 108 , thereby causing an extension of piston 110 that is coupled to bracket 102 , fig2 . as the piston is extended , the bracket 102 rotates rearwardly or in a counterclockwise direction thereby causing the implement to lift . conversely , when solenoid 118 is energized , a fluid path is open between the cylinder 108 and the reservoir 124 resulting in fluid being drawing from the cylinder 108 . this causes a retraction of the piston 110 and thus a lowering of the implement . the controller 114 selectively energizes the solenoids 116 , 118 to maintain the depth of the implement at an operator selected level , which is selected using appropriate operator controls 128 within the operator cab of the tractor . the operator cab may also include various displays 130 to provide feedback regarding operation of the depth control system and other systems of the implement or tractor . the feedback provided by the integrated potentiometer 112 is used by the controller 114 to derive a relative depth of the implement 10 . more particularly , and referring now to fig4 , the operator manually sets the implement to a desired depth . the depth can be set remotely using controls within the operator cab of the tractor if so equipped or at the implement itself . once the depth has been selected , the operator activates a set - depth control which is detected by the controller at block 132 . responsive thereto , the controller 114 reads and stores the output of the potentiometer 112 integrally formed with the cylinder 108 . the output of the potentiometer provides a baseline voltage that is stored in memory at block 134 . as the implement is towed along the field , the controller 114 iteratively reads the output of the potentiometer 112 . any leakage of hydraulic fluid as the implement is being towed , which can cause a change in the depth of the implement , is detected by a change in the voltage output of the potentiometer 112 . that is , as the piston 110 is retracted and extended as a result of unintended changes in the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinder 108 , the output of the potentiometer 112 will also change . those changes are detected by the controller at block 136 and compared to the baseline voltage at block 138 . if the position of the piston 110 has changed , which would result in a change in the depth of the implement , the voltage output of the potentiometer 112 will differ from the baseline voltage . thus , if the voltage is different , the controller selectively energizes one of the solenoids at block 140 to either extend or retract the piston 110 until the output voltage of the potentiometer 112 equals , within some tolerance , the baseline voltage . if the voltage substantially equals the baseline voltage , the controller 114 returns to block 136 with continued monitoring of the potentiometer . in the above described embodiment , one of the wheel actuators includes a cylinder with an integrated potentiometer . thus , changes in depth readings are measured at that cylinder and any changes in hydraulic flow to maintain the depth of the implement at the operator selected level are made in that and the other wheel actuators . it is also contemplated however that each wheel actuator may have a cylinder with an integrated potentiometer and that the hydraulic pressure in the cylinders can be independently controlled to independently vary the position of the wheel actuators . in a preferred embodiment , the position sensor is integrally formed with the hydraulic cylinder and its piston , but it is understood that other types of sensors could be used to directly measure the position of the piston and cylinder relative to one another . moreover , sensors that measure voltage changes as a function of the displacement of a cylinder is representative and as such sensors that measure other types of parameters , such as sound , current , force , and the like , may be used and are considered within the scope of the invention . additionally , it is recognized that the output of the sensor could be provided to the controller in a wired or wireless transmission . many changes and will modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof . the scope of these changes will become apparent from the appended claims . | 0 |
an optical correlator is a device which recognizes patterns . while an expensive and complex piece of laboratory equipment until recently , a solid block correlator has now been developed which holds the promise of making optical correlators relatively inexpensive . the advantage of the optical correlator is that it can recognize a predetermined star pattern so that there is no need to have a highly trained operator or an accurate inertial platform to point the star tracker . there is a trade off between accuracy and field of view . in practice , applicant &# 39 ; s correlator works well at locating an object to 1 / 200 of the field of view , and is upgradable to about 1 / 1 , 000 of the field of view . thus , a correlator navigator designed to look completely dumbly at the sky , and needing to cover a full hemisphere , may provide only about thirty miles of accuracy . a narrow field of view optical system , which has to point in roughly the right direction , say with a compass , and knowledge of what country you are in , can give one mile accuracy . a more complex system which uses a moderate view to drive a telescope to look in the right direction with a very narrow field of view , can approach the fundamental accuracy of stellar navigation , a matter of a few meters . applicant &# 39 ; s automatic system has the advantage that it can integrate over a period of time , and thus out perform a human operator . referring now to fig1 an optical system used in carrying out the method of this invention includes an image rotator 10 such as a dove prism for directing the image of predetermined stars 12 to a lens or telescope 14 which focuses the image from stars 12 onto input image forming modulator 16 of solid block optical correlator 18 which has a holographic fourier transform matched filter 20 with the predetermined star pattern desired to be detected . any output produced by matched filter 20 is projected onto quadrant type detector 22 and detector 22 communicates by cable 24 with a computer 26 such as a mini - computer to communicate the position of the output from matched filter 20 relative to the particular quadrants of detector 22 . also , the particular position of image rotator 10 is communicated to computer 26 to indicate the particular vertical and horizontal positions that image rotator 10 is positioned in to pick up the desired star field . computer 26 is then preprogrammed to take these readings and produce the output or outputs desired relative to altitude and latitude . if longitude is desired , additional input of a clock reading is required . in operation , the optical system , as depicted in the dashed in lines of fig1 and absent the star field and computer 26 , is leveled as a unit with leveling bubbles or by reference to an artificial horizon . the optical system is then illuminated by star field 12 . if the relative rotation of star field 12 about the polar star matches that of matched filter 20 , a correlation output will be produced by correlator 18 . if correlator 18 does not produce an output , image rotator 10 must be adjusted until the star field is caused to be presented to lens 14 and optical correlator 18 so as to produce a correlation output . that is , image rotator 10 is adjusted until a correlation signal appears at the output . also , this correlation signal is caused to be maximized by additional fine adjusting of image rotator 10 . the location of the correlation point or output relative to the various quadrants of detector 22 are a measure of the altitude of star field 12 . the output from detector 22 when communicated to computer 26 enables the altitude to be computed . also , the altitude value of the correlation when fed into the computer yields latitude due to the preprogramming of computer 26 to perform the spherical trigonometry calculations required . the rotation of the star field is compared with a clock not shown to get longitude . that is , the specific time on an accurate clock . the critical factor here is usually time measurement . good digital watch technology is sufficient to locate within a fraction of a mile , while super precise measurements with a narrow field of view require linkage to a precise time source such as that broadcast over broadcasting station wwv . it may be possible for one to build an optical correlator which has rotation invariance , through the use of circular harmonic or other techniques . however , this approach would eliminate the ability to measure longitude . referring to fig2 a more sophisticated stellar navigation system is illustrated that includes star pattern 12 as depicted in fig1 with the correlator and its optics 30 mounted on an azimuth mount 32 and an elevation mount 34 . in this embodiment , a computer such as a minicomputer is programmed to drive rotors of the azimuth and elevation mounts to drive them into the position in which the star field 12 is in correlation with that of a matched filter of correlator 30 . once a correlation is produced , the computer continues to drive the rotors for the azimuth and elevation mounts in sidereal time so as to maintain the correlation . the azimuth and elevation mounts of the correlator and its optics 30 continue to be driven by control from the computer to move the correlation spot to the center of the field of view . with the correlation spot being produced from the matched filter of correlator 30 , magnification of the optics can be increased and the star field compared to the matched filter of the magnified field . this comparison results in a more accurate measurement . alternately , simple lights can be used to guide an operator in turning cranks for the azimuth and elevation mount until the narrow field of view is pointed in the right direction . the correlator of fig2 is the same as that for fig1 and is connected to a mini - computer in a similar manner to that illustrated in fig1 . if desired , a narrow field of view can be created by adding lenses , using a zoom lens , by having a second correlator in parallel , or by having a complex lens with a narrow field of view in the center and a wide field of view around the edge . a correlator can be made to handle two or more fields of view by merely switching matched filters or by having two filters multiplexed into the same location by multiple exposure holography . it is also pointed out that a more precise measurement of longitude can be made by having the computer calculate the approximate azimuth , elevation , and rotation for a narrow field of view portion of the star field far away from the polar star and by driving the correlator to look in that direction . in any of the continuous motor drive options as set forth above , this invention provides the advantage of continuous measurement of the angles involved and leading to accuracy improvement by time averaging , or other accuracy improving algorithms such as kalman filtering . | 6 |
shown in fig1 is the utensil rest 10 of the present invention . the rest 10 includes a trough or cradle 20 supported on , or integral with , an elongated stem or rib 30 which is supported on or has integrally attached thereto , a depending spring clip or resilient grasp 40 . elongated stem 30 functions to connect cradle 20 and spring clip 40 in a manner to permit the cradle to be affixed to the handle 61 of a flat - bottomed 63 receptacle or cooking vessel 60 and to hold the utensil 50 generally horizontal with the inboard working end 51 of the utensil extending over the rim 62 of the vessel . the rib 30 also adds strength to the holder 10 . as further described below , spring clip 40 is snapped onto the outboard end of handle 61 ( fig2 ) with the other ( distal ) end of the rest 10 adjacent rim 62 . the trough or cradle 20 has a raised ridge 21 at its inboard end , slightly raised sides 22 , 23 and a shallow central channel or depression portion 24 . as best seen in fig2 , cradle 20 supports a utensil 50 readily with the inboard end 51 of the utensil extending over the rim 62 of a cooking vessel 60 . trough 20 has a generally upwardly turned u - shaped configuration . ( fig5 , 13 ). utensil 50 is simply laid into the cradle 20 where it rests and is held of its own weight . it is removed with one hand by simply grabbing and lifting it . there is no risk of spillage of any of the contents of container 60 . as best seen in fig3 elongated rib or stem 30 includes a central riser portion 34 , an inboard vertical edge 35 , an outboard vertical edge 36 , a bottom edge 37 and a top edge 38 . the central riser portion 34 supports cradle 20 on top edge 38 which is preferably molded integrally with cradle 20 . edge 37 may be either straight or curved to blend smoothly into the inboard and outboard edges 35 , 36 , respectively . as best seen in fig2 the height x1 of the outboard edge 36 plus the thickness x2 of the cradle wall adjacent the edge 36 identified as length x and the combined height y1 + y2 of the inboard edge 35 and ridge 21 respectively , identified as length y are preselected relative to the angle θ ( fig2 ) which the center line of the handle 61 makes with the horizontal so that the utensil is held in a generally horizontal position . as pointed out below , the material from which utensil rest 10 is made has a slippery characteristic in its final form . by selecting the lengths x , y respectively relative to the angle θ of the handle 61 of the cooking vessel , the utensil rest 10 of the present invention is thereby configured to hold the utensil generally horizontal , thereby eliminating any tendency of the utensil to slide inwardly into the open cooking vessel 60 . as further shown in fig1 spring clip 40 is integral with , or attached to and depends from the outboard end of stem 30 ( relative to vessel 60 and handle 61 , vessel 60 is at the inboard end of handle 61 ). spring clip 40 has a horizontal base portion 41 to which is attached depending inwardly turned prongs 42 , 43 which have outturned edges 44 , 45 . spring clip 40 has a generally downwardly turned u - shaped configuration with slightly outturned edges 44 , 45 at the end of the prongs 42 , 43 away from the base portion 41 . as further described below , the material from which spring clip 40 is made allows a flexing of the depending prongs 42 , 43 without fracture or permanent deformation . thus , spring clip 40 is effectively a resilient clamp or grasp or fastener for mounting the rest 10 onto the handle 61 . accordingly , spring clip 40 is readily snapped onto the outboard end of a handle 61 of a receptacle or cooking vessel 60 which has a flat bottom 63 ( fig2 , 24 ). the user simply positions utensil holder 10 on top of handle 61 with the top edge of the handle 61 received between the outturned edges 44 , 45 of spring clip 40 and then pushes downward slightly flexing prongs 42 , 43 outwardly and then inwardly as handle 61 is received within spring clip 40 and held snugly therein . in this position the bottom of inboard edge 35 of elongated stem 30 rests firmly against the top of handle 61 and a utensil 50 , resting in cradle 20 of utensil rest 10 , will have its inboard end extending over rim 62 of cooking vessel 60 . when utensil rest 10 is in its final position clamped to handle 61 , as best seen in fig2 , 24 the inherent resilience of spring clip 40 pulling prongs 42 , 43 inwardly puts pressure on the inboard inside upper surfaces 46 , 47 ( fig6 ) adjacent the inboard edge 48 ( fig2 ) of resilient clamp 40 . this pressure applies a downward force ( a counterclockwise moment as seen in fig2 ) on the inboard end 35 of holder 10 tending to keep the bottom of inboard edge 35 held firmly against the inboard top surface of handle 61 . utensil 50 may be any utensil commonly used in cooking , such as a spoon , fork , spatula , stirrer , beater and the like . if the center of gravity of the utensil is more toward the working end of the utensil which is used for stirring and tasting the food within the vessel 60 the utensil is positioned sufficiently toward the outboard end of the handle 61 atop of trough 20 so that the center of gravity is within the area of the trough 20 preventing the utensil from falling into cooking vessel 60 while maintaining the working end of the utensil over the open vessel . the material from which utensil rest 10 is made is preferably nylon or equivalent thermoplastic resin , which has a high inherent resilience without fracture or permanent deformation when molded into finished products . additionally , nylon has a high enough threshold melting point that it retains its rigidity and flexibility even when the rest is applied to vessels handles which naturally tend to become hot during normal cooking operations , such as , iron handled skillets over open flames and the like . however , other known thermoplastic materials may be used provided they meet the requirements of rigidity when molded , flexibility , and sufficiently high melting point . nylon also has a slippery characteristic in its final hard form . despite that characteristic , there is no tendency of the utensil held in the nylon cradle of the present invention to slip inwardly and fall into the open vessel 60 since the y / x ratio described above retains the utensil in generally horizontal position in the cradle . fig8 - 14 show a second embodiment of the utensil rest 10 of the present invention . this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of fig1 except there is no ridge 21 and the length of inboard edge 35 is slightly shorter than that shown in fig1 . accordingly , in the embodiment of fig8 - 14 , the utensil rests fully along the shallow channel or depression 24 of trough 20 and is supported thereon without having its inboard end lifted by any ridge 21 as was the case in the fig1 embodiment . also , with a shorter inboard edge 35 of stem 31 , again , the inboard end of utensil 50 will not be lifted up as much as in the fig1 embodiment . accordingly , the embodiment of fig8 - 14 has a smaller y / x ratio and is better adapted for handles 61 of cooking vessels 60 that are at a shallower angle θ to the horizontal . fig1 - 17 show a further embodiment of the utensil rest 10 of the present invention in which the stem 32 has an inboard vertical edge 35 longer than that of the fig1 embodiment . in this version of the utensil rest 10 of the present invention , the edge 35 of the stem 32 actually is long enough to extend below the bottom edge of the resilient spring clip 40 . in this embodiment there is a high y / x ratio which indicates the suitability of this embodiment for cooking vessels 60 whose handle is at a steeper angle θ to the horizontal . as shown in fig2 the overall vertical height of just the spring clip or holder 40 portion of rest 10 is identified as dimension z . thus , the height y1 of edge 35 of fig1 is greater than the sum ( x1 + z ) of the vertical height x1 of the short end 36 of the rib 32 plus the overall vertical height z of the spring clip 40 . fig1 - 20 show a still further embodiment of the utensil rest of the present invention which is again similar to the embodiment of fig1 - 7 except that the stem 33 has a length of inboard edge 35 which is intermediate that shown in the embodiments of fig1 - 7 and fig1 - 17 . thus , the embodiment of fig1 - 20 , like the embodiment of fig8 - 14 , is adapted for handles 61 which are at a somewhat shallower angle θ to the horizontal than was the case for the embodiment for fig1 - 17 , for example . the invention described above is easily snapped onto virtually any receptacle which has an elongated handle and , therefore , has applicability to handled containers used in the preparation of food products . a few variations in the stem height provides a family of utensil rests that fit all such receptacles in today &# 39 ; s modern kitchen in homes or restaurants . because it can be readily molded in large quantities using a thermoplastic resin , the utensil rest of the present invention is inexpensive . the utensil - on - cradle - on - handle - with - predetermined - y / x - ratio design allows for efficient , clean use of food preparation areas while holding the utensil level with the wet end over the open vessel and preventing the utensil from slipping into or falling off of the rest . the utensil is conveniently located in an open cradle without fear of melting under normal conditions and is easily picked up from the rest for reuse without risk of tipping , spilling , or overturning the vessel 60 . the foregoing description of a preferred embodiment and best mode of the invention known to applicant at the time of filing the application has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description . it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed , and , obviously , many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching . the preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application , to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto . | 0 |
referring to the drawings in detail , a vehicle hitch , generally indicated by the numeral 10 , is shown as being connectable to , for example , a step portion 12 of a vehicle bumper 14 and a connecting member or tongue 16 which forms part of a trailer or other vehicle . hitch 10 is comprised of a support member , generally indicated by the numeral 18 , which is used to connect hitch 10 to the step portion 12 and supports a coupling member , generally indicated by the numeral 20 . support member 18 includes a support plate 22 which is , preferably , secured to the underside of step portion 12 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 24 ( cooperating with corresponding holes , not shown , in step portion 12 ) and carries a support platform 26 which may be welded or otherwise secured in spaced relation thereto by a plurality of brackets 28 . support platform 26 , of support member 18 , carries a cushioning member or shock absorber , generally indicated by the numeral 30 , which is preferably comprised of a plurality of helical compression springs 32 disposed in spaced relation on opposite sides of a longitudinal center line of hitch 10 and resiliently supporting a slide plate 34 in spaced relation above support platform 26 . as is best shown in fig1 and 2 , springs 32 are each retained in proper location by being seated in a retaining cup 36 which is secured to support platform 26 and by a keeper bolt 38 which is welded or suitably secured to slide plate 34 and extends axially of the springs 32 and loosely through openings ( not shown ) in the support platform 26 . the lowermost portions of keeper bolts 38 are each provided with a washer 40 , an adjustment nut 42 and a locking nut 44 which are used to provide the spaced springs 32 with a matched or balanced resiliency . downward forces on slide plate 34 will compress either or both of springs 32 and provide a smoother functioning of hitch 10 . spring loaded slide plate 34 also functions as an adjustable resilient level support for the coupling member in that the normal vertical support level of slide plate 34 can be varied by adjusting nuts 42 and 44 and washers 40 along keeper bolts 38 to adjust the vertical orientation of the coupling member . coupling member 20 includes a housing 46 for containing therein an attachment member , generally indicated by the numeral 48 , and includes a generally vertically disposed attachment pin 50 having a lower end 52 extending below the housing 46 and an upper end extending outwardly above housing 46 . as is best shown in fig2 a keeper 56 is welded or otherwise suitable secured to attachment pin 50 for cooperating with a helical compression spring 58 which encircles pin 50 . coupling member 20 includes a funnel - shaped coupling guide 60 having an enlarged open end 62 and converges to provide a reduced pocket 64 for receiving tongue 16 therein . a locking slot 66 is provided in tongue 16 for cooperating with the lower end 52 of attachment pin 50 for coupling the tongue 16 to the hitch 10 . as is best shown in fig2 a forward end 68 of tongue 16 is generally tapered or rounded to cooperate with beveled cam surface 70 on lower end 52 of attachment pin 50 so that during introduction of tongue 16 into coupling member 20 , attachment pin 50 is forced upwardly until the locking slot 66 is properly located and allows compression spring 58 to move attachment pin 50 into operative engagement for locking tongue 16 within pocket 64 . a lever 72 is pivotally mounted on the upper side of housing 46 by a pair of brackets 74 and has one end thereof pivotally connected by a pin 76 to the upper end 54 of attachment pin 50 . downward pressure on the free end of lever 72 results in raising attachment pin 50 and retracting lower end 52 from within locking slot 66 on tongue 16 . lever 72 may be secured in a lowermost position by a c - shaped latch member 78 pivotally supported in an upstanding bracket 80 secured on a top portion of housing 46 . this arrangement allows for an operator to retract attachment pin 50 , retain it in an unlocked position and then simply separate the vehicles by driving away . coupling member 20 is connected to support member 18 , and hence in use to bumper step 12 , for rotation in generally horizontal and vertical planes by a fastener , generally indicaetd by the numeral 82 , comprised of a hasp plate 84 which is rotatively supported by a vertically disposed pivot pin 86 . a circular boss or eyelet 88 is attached to coupling member 20 by a weld bead 90 ( fig3 ) and cooperates with a pair of cylindrical bosses or eyelets 92 , affixed to hasp plate 84 by weld beads 94 ( fig3 ), all in alignment with each other for cooperating with a horizontally disposed pivot pin 96 . pivot pin 96 is contained within the bosses 88 and 92 by having a head 98 secured at one end thereof and a conventional cotter pin 100 passing through the other end thereof . thus , the fastener 82 connects the coupling member 20 to support member 18 , and hence in use to bumper step 12 , so that it swivels or rotates in a generally horizontal plane about pivot pin 86 and swivels or rotates in a generally vertical plane about horizontally disposed pivot pin 96 . as shown in fig2 the coupling member slidably rests on and is vertically supported by resiliently mounted slide plate 34 throughout the horizontal arc of movement of the coupling member , and either sliding surface may be formed with an appropriate bearing material if desired . while it is desirable and necessary for coupling member 20 to swivel in a horizontal plane about pivot pin 86 , unrestricted swiveling should be restrained . accordingly , hitch 10 is provided with a brake or friction pad 102 in contact with the underside of hasp plate 84 . as previously described , support plate 22 is preferably secured to the underside of the vehicle step portion 12 . the brake or friction pad 102 is then located on the top of step portion 12 to encircle a mounting hole 104 which is formed in bumper 14 . the vertically disposed pivot pin 86 is then passed through the hasp plate 84 , brake or friction pad 102 , mounting hole 104 , support plate 22 and secured by an adjustment nut 106 which is screwed onto a threaded lower end portion 108 of pivot pin 96 . as a result , horizontal swiveling of coupling member 20 is adjustably controlled by compressing brake or friction pad 102 between hasp plate 84 and the step portion 12 of bumper 14 . by appropriate adjustment , sway or yaw of the trailer can be dampened and reduced and controlled or even eliminated . thus , the hitch of this invention can avoid the need for sway bars or other sway controls which typically have been needed and used to dampen trailer sway or yaw tendency , sometimes called &# 34 ; whipping .&# 34 ; pad 102 , which can be made of typical brake lining or pad material , also constitutes a preferential wear member to minimize wear on step portion 12 and hasp 84 . when hitch 10 is not in use , coupling member 20 is locked in position and swinging in a horizontal plane is positively precluded by the provision of a lock pin 110 being inserted in a locking hole 112 , locking hole 112 passing through hasp plate 84 , friction pad 102 , step portion 12 and support plate 22 . in order to keep lock pin 110 from being lost or misplaced , a link chain 114 is used to attach it to cotter pin 100 . during operation , lock pin 110 is removed from locking hole 112 and retained in a holder 116 located on the funnel - shaped coupling guide 60 . one manner of operation of hitch 10 will now be described in conjunction with the showing in fig1 wherein tongue 16 may be part of a boat trailer or the like . an operator positions the vertical elevation of tongue 16 through , for example , an adjustable screw or ratchet jack 118 having an adjustment crank 120 for positioning a foot or base 122 . hitch 10 may then be connected with tongue 16 by backing the vehicle causing coupling guide 60 to receive tongue 16 therein . horizontal and vertical swiveling of coupling member 20 if necessary , in conjunction with the funnel - shape of coupling guide 60 , will cause tongue 16 to be received within pocket 64 and be secured therein by the lower end 52 of attachment pin 50 . locking slot 66 , in tongue 16 , is preferably provided with an upwardly concave curvature to facilitate relative sliding motion between attachment pin 50 and tongue 16 during relative motion about the longitudinal axis of tongue 16 caused by uneven terrain during movement of the vehicles . hitch 10 is readily disconnected from tongue 16 by rotating lever 72 counterclockwise , as shown in fig2 and the rotation of c - shaped lock member 78 upwardly and over lever 72 for holding attachment pin 50 in its retracted position . when not in use , the entire hitch may be dismounted from the vehicle . alternatively , the support 18 may remain mounted , and the coupling member 20 may be removed by removing pin 96 and disconnecting the coupling member from hasp plate 84 . while the invention has been particularly described for use and operation in conjunction with the tongue of a boat trailer or the like , it is to be understood that hitch 10 is readily adaptable for use with , for example , luggage trailers at airports , etc ., and wherever speed of coupling and uncoupling of vehicles is necesssary or desirable . also , it is to be understood that tongue 16 may be attached to a second vehicle and hitch 10 may be utilized to connect the vehicles together for either towing or pushing thereof . while specific features and structure have been shown in illustrating the invention , it is to be understood that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and changes without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as particularly defined by the following claimed subject matter . | 1 |
a powder gun shown in the drawings comprises a base 10 which has the approximate form of a &# 34 ; t &# 34 ;, whereby the horizontal portion 11 is a tubular member extending in the spraying direction and a part 12 obliquely departstherefrom in the downward direction and is shaped as a handle . the horizontal tube member 11 is closed at its rear end opposite the spraying direction by a screw - tight cap 13 , whereas its forward end is connected toa pistol tube 15 by way of a plug - tight connection and a union nut 14 . a coaxial inner tube 16 extends in the forward region 15a of the pistol tube15 , which is only partially shown , whereby an annular space 17 between the inner tube 16 and the front pistol tube 15a serves for supplying the powder - air mixture to be sprayed from the pistol tube mouth . a channel 18 for the powder - air mixture extends eccentrically in the rear portion 15b of the pistol tube 15 , the forward side of the channel 18 being in communication with the annular space 17 and is rear end comprising a connection to a feed source for the powder - air mixture , as shall be set forth in greater detail below . a rod 19 is arranged in the rear region of the tube 16 . an annular space 27 is provided between the rod 19 and the inner tube 16 , the annular space 27 discharging into the open at the mouthof the pistol tube and continuing towards the rear in the form of an annular channel , continuing back into the horizontal portion 11 of the base member 10 up to a seal 28 . the annular space 27 serves the purpose ofsupplying secondary air . the structure of the base 10 or , respectively , of the component portions integrated therein shall be discussed below , in particular with reference to fig2 . therefore , a high - voltage generator 30 is accommodated in the handle 12 , the generator 30 being supplied with a high - frequency low voltage by way of a line 31 and transmitting a rectified high - voltage , generated therein , to an electrical cable 32 whose free end is electrically connected to the aforementioned conductor 29 of the pistol tube 15 . an uninterrupted line connection between the output of the high - voltage generator 30 and the needle electrode 24 therefore exists . furthermore , a rod 33 is seated in an axially displaceable manner in an axial bore of the tube 11 , the forward end of the rod 33 being connected by a coupling member 34 to the rear end of the rod 19 and the rear end thereof being screwed into a piston 35 which is urged in the direction toward the forward end by way of a coil spring 36 . furthermore , the rod 33is loosely surrounded by a sleeve 37 which is constructed as a multi - part sleeve and which is supported against the forward face of the piston 35 bya spring 38 . the sleeve 37 is composed of a sleeve tube 37a having a rear collar 37b and a front tensing or biasing sleeve 37c screwed thereto for the purpose of pretensing or biasing the inner and outer seal elements . a trigger 40 , pivotally connected at 39 , presses , first of all , against the forward face of the sleeve 37 or , respectively , its tensing sleeve 37c and , secondly , against an abutment . in the position illustrated in fig2 the trigger 40 is pressed against its abutment 41 by the action of the spring 38 by way of the sleeve 37 , whereby a slight distance then exists between the sleeve 37 and the piston 35 . a further , somewhat greater distance , is present between the rear end of the piston 35 and the screwable closing cap 13 . what is thereby also significant is that the collar 37b of the sleeve 37 has its front face pressed against an annular valve seat 42 of the axial bore . a powder cup 43 , which is terminated at the top by a screw - tight cover 44 is illustrated . a conveying tube 45 extending vertically down to the proximity of the floor of the cup 43 is secured to the screw - tight cover , the conveying tube 45 comprising an intake opening 45a . an air tube 46 extends through the cover 44 and is also secured thereto , the air tube 46 extending somewhat beyond the cover 44 and discharging into the conveying tube 45 within the cup 43 adjacent to the opening 45a . the upper end of the air tube 46 , extending beyond the cover 44 , is plugged into a connecting nipple 48 at the underside of the tube 11 together with its protective sleeve 47 , whereby the nipple 48 comprises an elastic valve seat 49 and a valve ball 51 biased against the valve seat by way of a spring 50 . the tip of the inserted air tube 46 thereby presses the valve ball 51 away from the valve sleeve 49 and against the action of the spring50 . a transverse bore 46a is also provided in the cover 44 , the transverse bore 46a being in communication , first of all , with the air tube 46 and , secondly , with the interior of the powder cup 43 . the mounting of the powder cup 43 at the powder gun occurs on the basis of two clamp jaws 61 and 62 ( see fig3 ) which are secured to the cover 44 ofthe powder cup 43 by way of springs 63 and 64 as over - the - center latches . the two jaws 61 and 62 are biased against the pistol tube 15 by the spring63 and 64 and therefore hold the powder cup 43 fast at the piston tube 15 . in addition , the clamp jaw 62 is provided with a spring clip 65 whose freeend can be hooked into a recess 66 of the clamp jaw 61 such that the springclip 65 embraces the upper side of the pistol tube 15 . a firm and reliable fastening is thereby guaranteed . it may also be seen from fig3 that the aforementioned channel 18 for the powder - air mixture connects to the upperopening of the conveying tube 45 extending into the powder cup . finally , a line 70 with a connecting nipple 71 for compressed air is provided at the rear end of the handle 12 , the discharge thereto into the interior of the pistol , however , being closed in the illustrated position , in particular by the collar 37b of the sleeve 37 lying against the valve seat 42 and acting as a valve body . when , however , as shall be set forth below , the collar 37b moves away from the valve seat 42 , then an annular space arises between the two portions , the compressed air supplied from the line 70 being capable of penetrating thereinto . this annular space is in communication with the channel extending essentially parallel to the pistol axis outside of the sectional plane of the drawing , this channel being connected to the annular space 27 located in front of the seal 28 , whereby the annular space 27 , as mentioned above , leads , first of all , through the entire pistol tube 15 up to its orifice and , secondly , is in communication with the interior of the connection nipple 48 by way of a channel 73 . the powder gun operates in the following manner . given the position illustrated in the drawing , the trigger 40 has not been actuated , i . e . thepowder gun is in its quiescent condition . the valve composed of the collar 37b and of the valve seat 42 is blocking the compressed air feed and the high - voltage is also shut off because the magnet 80 located at the trigger40 is too far away from the magnetic switch 81 of the handle 12 which actuates the voltage multiplier . when the trigger 40 is pulled , i . e . pivoted a short distance about the pivot point 19 in a clock - wise direction as illustrated in fig2 then it pushes the sleeve 37 towards the left against the force of the spring 38 without , however , the collar 37b already contacting the front face of the piston 35 . the result of thisdisplacement is , first of all , that the magnet 80 switches the high - voltageon due to its approach to the magnetic switch 81 , i . e . an electrically - conductive connection to the high - voltage generator 30 by wayof the cable 32 and the conductor 29 to a standard spray electrode needle ( not shown ) at the mouth of the pistol tube is completed . secondly , the collar 37b of the sleeve 37 lifts off from the valve seat 42 so that compressed air from the line 70 flows into the annular space which therebyoccurs and flows into the annular space 27 via the channel 24 and proceeds through the annular space 27 up to the mouth of the pistol tube where it emerges towards the exterior . at the same time , however , compressed air proceeds from the channel 47 via the bore 73 into the interior of the connecting nipple 48 and proceeds further into the air tube 46 , whereby a small portion of the air flows through the cover bore 46a into the upper portion of the cup 43 and thereby whirls the powder located therein , whereby the main portion of the air flows out of the mouth of the air tube46 located within the conveying tube 45 and vacuums powder located in the powder cup 43 in through the opening 45a as a result of injector action and upwardly entrains the powder in the conveying tube 45 . the powder - air mixture flowing up in the conveying tube 45 then proceeds into the channel18 and further proceeds into the channel 17 up to the mouth of the pistol tube . when the powder cup 43 is empty , then it is detached from its cover 44 by screws , whereby the conveying tube 45 and the air tube 46 remain with the cover 44 and , therefore , at the gun , whereas the cover 43 can be removed and refilled . when , however , a transfer it to be undertaken from the cup mode to a mode wherein the powder - air mixture is supplied from the remote preparation andconveying device , the cup 43 and its cover 44 are removed from the gun . this occurs in that , slightly pressing the two clamp jaws 61 and 62 together , the spring clip 65 is unhooked from the notch 66 and is pivoted away from the tube 15 , whereupon the clamp jaws 61 and 62 are then pulled apart against the spring power and the entire unit composed of the cover 43 and the cover 44 , together with the conveying tube 45 and the air tube 43 and the clamp mechanism 61 , 62 , 65 , are removed from the powder gun . asa consequence of the removal of the air tube 46 from the seal 49 of the connecting nipple 48 which thereby occurs , the ball 51 is placed against the seal 49 constructed as a valve seat as a consequence of the action of the spring 50 and represents an air - tight closure . the hose 90 ( fig4 ) leading from the aforementioned preparation and conveying device an now beconnected to the free intake of the channel 18 and can be secured by way ofa standard nipple , sleeve or union nut connection . when the trigger 40 is now pulled into the operating mode , the compressed air supplied from the line 12 can again proceed into the annular space 47 in the manner set forth above , in contrast whereto exit of compressed air from the connecting nipple 48 is suppressed , of course , by the valve 49 , 51 which is now closed . due to the approach of the magnet 80 to the magnetic switch41 , the high - voltage is again turned on . at the same time , however , a discharge valve of the preparation and conveying device ( not shown ) is opened , so that the same supplies a powder - air mixture which extends via the hose 90 into the channel 18 and into the channel 17 and further proceeds to the mouth of the pistol tube . although i have described my invention by reference to a particular illustrative embodiment thereof many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . i therefore intend to include within the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of my contribution to the art . | 1 |
fig1 illustrates a sending facility s , located at the sending end of a transmission line and having a plurality , for example 4 , trigger circuits comprising one - shot multi - vibrators k1 - k4 , each with a time constant equal to t s . commands which are to be transmitted over the transmission line are provided to a plurality of inputs 1 - 4 of the four trigger circuits k1 - k4 . the trigger circuits k1 - k4 are each controlled by signals at their inputs 1 - 4 and by control signals supplied thereto by individual logic elements , illustrated in fig1 and identified with &# 34 ;& amp ;&# 34 ;. in one form of the invention , these logic units comprise and gates , but in a modified form of the invention , they can comprise nand gates , as described hereinafter . the trigger circuits k1 - k4 are each of the retriggerable type , and are triggered by a signal at its trigger inputs from the associated logic element , provided its enable input is activated by signal connected thereto from one of the inputs terminals 1 - 4 . the trigger circuit changes its state at the appearance of the trigger input , and maintains its unstable state as long as further trigger signals arrive prior to expiration of the trigger time t s . the outputs of the trigger circuits k1 - k4 are connected to inputs 11 - 14 of a command evaluator bw . the command evaluator bw has a first plurality of outputs 21 - 24 connected to inputs of a transmitting modem fs . a second set of outputs 25 - 28 of the command evaluator bw are connected to one input of each of the logic elements associated with the trigger circuits k1 - k4 , the second input of which is connected to a source of trigger pulses via a terminal t . the frequency of the trigger pulses selected have a relatively high value , such as 10 khz to 1 mhz , so that the generation of the output from the trigger circuits k1 - k4 does not experience any substantial delay after presentation of the enable signal via the inputs 1 - 4 . commands may appear individually at the input terminals 1 - 4 , or may occur simultaneously at two or more input terminals . the arrangement of the present invention is particularly suitable when there is a high probability of no command appearing at any of the input terminals , a low probability of only one command , and a very low probability of two or more commands occuring simultaneously . table 1 indicates the outputs presented to the output lines 21 - 28 of the command evaluator bw , in response to every possible combination of inputs applied to its inputs 11 - 14 . the command evaluator bw may be constructed as a rom , producing signals on its eight outputs in accordance with addresses identified by signals supplied to its inputs 11 - 14 , or alternatively , it may be constructed of logic units for developing the required output signals in response to appearance of the input signals , as shown in table 1 . fig3 illustrates a sequence of commands applied to terminals 1 - 4 of fig1 ( shown in fig3 on lines 1 - 4 , respectively ), with the trigger pulses being shown on line t . lines 11 - 14 of fig3 illustrate the signals appearing on lines 11 - 14 in response to the input commands shown on lines 1 - 4 . on lines 12 - 14 , retriggering is illustrated by vertical lines coincident with the trigger pulses t , while the time - out of a trigger circuit following the last retriggering pulse is shown by a rectangular waveform . lines 21 - 31 through 24 - 34 illustrate signals appearing at the output lines 21 - 24 of the command evaluator bw , in response to the command sequences shown on lines 1 - 4 . the same signals appear on lines 31 - 34 of a receiving modem fe , illustrated in fig2 located at the receiving end of the transmission line . line f of fig3 illustrates which of several discrete frequencies is transmitted over the transmission line at any given time . the frequency f 0 is transmitted when no command is present at any of the input terminals 1 - 4 . four individual frequencies f 1 - f 4 are transmitted at times coincident with the signals on lines 21 - 24 . table 1______________________________________command evaluator bwinputs outputs14 13 12 11 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21______________________________________0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 00 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 10 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 00 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 10 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 00 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 10 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 00 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 01 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 01 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 01 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 01 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1______________________________________ the example illustrated in fig3 will now be described . at the begining , at time t = 0 , all trigger circuits k1 - k4 receive trigger pulses from the trigger pulse source t , via their logic elements , with the word &# 34 ; 1111 &# 34 ; being supplied to the inputs of these logic elements from the outputs 25 - 28 of the command evaluator bw , as shown in table 1 . the outputs of the trigger circuits k1 - k4 produce at this time , the word &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ;, which is presented to the inputs 11 - 14 of the command evaluator bw , and the outputs on lines 21 - 24 of the command evaluator manifest the word &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ;. this is the quiescent condition of the apparatus shown in fig1 . as shown in fig3 commands simultaneously appear at inputs 1 and 4 at time t2 . trigger circuits k1 and k4 both are switched to their unstable states at the time of the trigger pulses which first coincide with the command signals presented to inputs 1 and 4 . accordingly , the signals on lines 11 and 14 switch their states , so that the word &# 34 ; 1001 &# 34 ; is now applied to the input lines 11 - 14 of the command evaluator . this leads to an output of the word &# 34 ; 1000 &# 34 ; on the output lines 21 - 24 , as shown in table 1 . this causes the transmitting modem fs to transmit a frequency f1 over the transmission line , corresponding to the command applied to the terminal 1 , as shown in table 2 . table 2______________________________________transmit modem fsinput output24 23 22 21 f . sub . 4 f . sub . 3 f . sub . 2 f . sub . 1 ( f . sub . 0 ) ______________________________________0 0 0 0 -- -- -- -- x0 0 0 1 -- -- -- x -- 0 0 1 0 -- -- x -- -- 0 1 0 0 -- x -- -- -- 1 0 0 0 x -- -- -- -- ______________________________________ the output signals f 0 - f 4 transmitted by the modem fs , in response to all possible conditions of the inputs lines 21 - 24 , are illustrated in table 2 . it will be appreciated that the command applied to the terminal 1 is immediately connected through to the transmission line via the modem fs , whereas the command appearing at the input 4 is initially suppressed by operation of the command evaluator bw . the output lines 25 - 28 of the command evaluator present the &# 34 ; 0111 &# 34 ; to the logic elements associated with the trigger circuits k1 - k4 , so that ( with the logic elements &# 34 ;& amp ;&# 34 ; being and gates ) trigger pulses are applied to the trigger circuits k2 - k4 , but not to the trigger circuit k1 , which is allowed to time - out . as no commands are connected to the enable inputs of the trigger circuits k2 and k3 , they remain in their stable state , whereas the trigger circuit k4 is maintained in its unstable state , by retriggering with each trigger pulse , as long as the command persists at input 4 . as shown in table 1 , the command evaluator bw is arranged so as to rank the input terminals 1 - 4 in a definite priority sequence , with the highest priority being allocated to the input terminal 11 , and the lowest priority allocated to the input terminal 14 . as shown in fig3 a command appears on input 3 at time 2 . 5 and the trigger circuit k3 assumes its unstable state , coincident with the next trigger pulse t , and supplies a signal to input 13 of the command evaluator bw . the trigger circuit k1 times - out at time t3 , so that the signal on the line 11 ends as the trigger circuit k1 resumes its stable state . as shown in table 1 , the output of the command evaluator bw is not changed by the change in the condition of line 13 , but when line 11 changes , the word &# 34 ; 0011 &# 34 ; at the inputs 11 - 14 of the command evaluator leads to the word &# 34 ; 0010 &# 34 ; at the outputs 21 - 24 , causing the modem fs to transmit the signal f3 . the output lines 25 - 28 now present the word &# 34 ; 0001 &# 34 ; which retriggers only the trigger circuit k4 , thus allowing the trigger circuit k3 to the time - out . the trigger circuit k3 times - out at time t4 , resulting in the change in state of the output lines 21 - 24 , so as to cause the modem fs to transmit the frequency f4 , corresponding to the pending command at input terminal 4 . this results in the output lines 25 - 28 manifesting an output word of &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ;, thus inhibiting trigger pulses for all of the trigger circuits k1 - k4 , begining at time t4 . at time t5 , k4 times - out , leading to the output word &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ; at the inputs 11 - 14 , so that the word &# 34 ; 1111 &# 34 ; is produced on output lines 25 - 28 , after which all trigger circuits k1 - k4 are supplied with continuous trigger pulses via their logic elements . after all of the triggers k1 - k4 have timed - out , the modem fs transmits a signal f 0 indicating no commands are pending , or else transmits no signal at all . lines 11 - 14 of fig3 illustrate the sequence of signals on lines 11 - 14 , and also when the signals are being retriggered . lines 21 - 24 indicate the sequence of outputs on the lines 21 - 24 . it is apparent that these signals are presented to the modem fs one at a time , in the order of the highest priority command than pending . the example in fig3 indicates that the commands presented to inputs 1 and 4 persist until time 10 , with the command presented to input 3 persisting until time 10 . 5 , and the command on input 2 persisting until time 13 . between times t5 and t9 , all four commands are pending , and four pulses are presented consecutively to lines 21 - 24 . immediately after t10 , however , two commands are pending and after t11 , only one command persists at input terminal 2 . as indicated on line 12 , continuous pulses are produced on line 12 , during each consecutive time period , as long as the command persists on input terminal 2 . the sequence is also shown in lines 21 - 24 . the duration of the cycle times is illustrated for the different sequences by the cycle time durations t z1 t z5 illustrated below line 24 of fig3 . it will be appreciated that the cycle of pulses corresponding to pending commands is dependent only on the number of simultaneous pending command , and not on the maximum number of possible inputs . thus , during the time periods t2 - t5 , three input commands are pending , and the cycle is three time periods long . during time periods t5 - t9 , four commands are pending , and the cycle is four time periods long . the cycle of time periods t9 - t11 is only two time periods long , because following time t10 , only two commands were pending . following time 10 . 5 , only one command is pending , at input terminal 2 , so that subsequent cycles are only one pulse length each . line f of fig3 indicates the frequency of the signal transmitted over the transmission line during each time period . begining at time 19 , a different sequence of commands is illustrated , in which commands are presented simultaneously to inputs 2 - 4 at time t19 , and a command is not presented to input 1 until time t19 . 5 . as illustrated in lines 11 - 14 , trigger circuit k2 is permitted to time - out first , since it is the highest priority trigger circuit to receive a command at t19 , after which no triggering pulses are applied to the trigger circuit k1 , until after trigger circuit k4 times out . thus , the priority sequence of the apparatus of fig1 results in the selection of a signal for the modem fs of the signal corresponding to a command having the highest priority then pending , but a lower priority than the previously transmitted command . thus , even though the command presented to terminal 1 would have the highest priority among all commands presented simultaneously to inputs 1 - 4 , in the sequence illustrated begining at time t19 , it results in the lowest priority . when nand gates are substituted for and gates in the logic elements associated with the trigger circuits k1 - k4 , a different priority sequence is established , in which newly arriving , higher priority commands cause an existing cycle of a lower priority command to be aborted , with the newly arrived command immediately resulting in transmission of a frequency corresponding to the new higher priority command . operation of this arrangement is illustrated in fig4 in which lines 1 - 4 indicate the same sequence of commands as described above in connection with fig3 . up to time t19 , the same sequences of outputs is produced , since no newly arriving command interrupts the transmission of a frequency associated with a command of lower priority . however , the command sequence begining at time t19 is modified , since at time t19 . 5 the output corresponding to the command supplied to terminal 2 is aborted and the signal associated with the new command applied to terminal 1 is immediately generated for the next time period . subsequently , since all commands are present , all of the output signals are generated in the order of their priority . line f of fig4 indicates the frequency of transmission over the transmission line , by the modem fs , at any given time . fig2 illustrates a schematic diagram of receiving apparatus located at the receiving side of the transmission line . it incorporates a receiving modem fe which is provided ( if desired ) with a code checking unit , and n trigger circuits , for example four , k1 &# 39 ;- k4 &# 39 ;. each of the trigger circuits has a time constant t e , and is supplied with triggering pulses from a trigger pulse source t &# 39 ;. the outputs 31 - 34 of the modem fe are connected to the enable inputs of the trigger circuits k1 &# 39 ;- k4 &# 39 ;, so that each of the trigger circuits is triggered , at the time of the first trigger pulse t &# 39 ;, following appearance of a signal on its enable input . table 3 indicates the outputs on the lines 31 - 34 of the modem fe , in response to receipt of signals f 0 - f 4 of the transmission line . operation of trigger circuits k1 &# 39 ;- k4 &# 39 ; guarantees that appropriate outputs are connected to the output terminals 1 &# 39 ;- 4 &# 39 ;, with rectangular waveforms , even though the rising edge of the output signals applied to lines 31 - 34 may be distorted . table 3______________________________________receive modem feinput outputf 34 33 32 31______________________________________ ( f . sub . 0 ) 0 0 0 0f . sub . 1 0 0 0 1f . sub . 2 0 0 1 0f . sub . 3 0 1 0 0f . sub . 4 1 0 0 0______________________________________ referring to table 3 , the quiescent frequency f 0 leads to the production of the word &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ; at the outputs 31 - 34 , whereas the other frequencies which may be transmitted on the transmission line each leads to the signal on an individual one of the four lines 31 - 34 . each of these lines is connected individually to one of the trigger circuits k1 &# 39 ;- k4 &# 39 ;, which causes operation of the respective trigger circuit at the time of the next trigger pulse t &# 39 ;. each of the trigger circuits k1 &# 39 ;- k4 &# 39 ; has the time constant t e , which is somewhat longer than the maximum interruption time between successive signals for the same command , namely ( n - 1 ) t s , so that the output signals are delivered to the output terminals 1 &# 39 ;- 4 &# 39 ; continuously , as long as a command is presented to one of the input terminals 1 - 4 continuously . when no signal is received on the respective line 31 - 34 for a time equal to t e , then the operated trigger circuit k1 &# 39 ;- k4 &# 39 ; times - out , ending the output signal at the output terminal 1 &# 39 ;- 4 &# 39 ;. a quiescent frequency f 0 facilitates checking the proper operation of the system , since the failure of any frequency to appear indicates an error condition . in fig3 the lines 1 &# 39 ;- 4 &# 39 ; indicate the signals made available at the terminals 1 &# 39 ;- 4 &# 39 ; of the apparatus in fig2 for the conditions illustrated in lines 1 - 4 of fig3 . t v indicates the delay time between appearance of command at one of the inputs 1 - 4 at the sending system of fig1 and the reproduction of a command of the corresponding terminal 1 &# 39 ;- 4 &# 39 ; of the receiving equipment illustrated in fig2 . it is seen that that every delay time t v is smaller than ( n - 1 ) t s . thus , as shown in fig3 there is no delay , other than the transmission delay , between presentation of the command ( at time t2 ) at terminal 1 , and its reproduction at terminal 1 &# 39 ;. the delay t v3 in transmitting the signal applied to input terminal 3 is one half time unit , the delay t v2 is relative to the command applied to terminal 2 , is one half time unit , and the delay t v4 relative to the command applied to terminal 4 is two time units . fig4 shows , in lines 1 &# 39 ;- 4 &# 39 ;, the sequence of the signals produced at the receiving end of the transmission line , using nand gates for the logic elements . as shown in fig4 the time delay is less than the maximum cycle time nt s . as shown in fig4 there is no delay , other than transmission time , for the signal supplied to terminals 1 &# 39 ; and 2 &# 39 ; ( at time t19 and thereafter ), with delays of 2 . 5 time units and 3 . 5 time units for t v5 and t v6 , applicable to commands applied to terminals 3 and 4 . these delays result from the fact that immediate attention is given to the appearance of the highest priority signal applied to input terminal 1 . in the above description , the term &# 34 ; transmission line &# 34 ; means any single channel made of communication , whether by wire , wireless , etc . it will be apparent from the foregoing that the present invention provides a simple and economical means for the simultaneous transmission of a plurality of commands over a single channel . the channel does not require a broad bandwidth , and all of the commands input to the sending equipment ( 1 ) are manifested continuously by outputs of the receiving equipment ( in fig2 ), as long as the commands persist . it is apparent that various modifications and additions may be made in the apparatus of the present invention without departing from the essential features of novelty thereof , which are intended to be defined and secured by the appended claims . | 6 |
in the figures is shown a portable levee system 10 . fig1 and 2 show a bag 12 which is continuous in that it has a length at least equal to its width , and preferably a length substantially greater than its width . the bag 12 includes one or more lateral webs 14 formed therein to define a preselected geometric shape . a preferred bag 12 shape is trapezoidal , whereby the bag 12 has a greatest dimension at a base 16 when viewed from an end . guide sleeves 18 , containing guide ropes 20 , are sewn along two upper edges 22 of the bag 12 . the two upper edges 22 define an opening 24 . the bag 12 has a flap 26 hingedly attached to one side of the opening 24 and the flap 26 is of sufficient length and width to cover the opening 24 when in a closed position thereby sealing the sandbag 12 . as shown in fig3 - 5 , a dispenser 30 includes a pair of bag guides 32 , each bag guide has two rails 34 , whereby the guide sleeves 18 are retained by the rails 34 , thereby holding the bag 12 in position for filling . the continuous bag 12 is collapsibly disposed within a container 40 , either on a roll , or compressed therein , accordion - style . the container 40 has an opening through which the bag 12 may pass as bag 12 is paid out . the container 40 is mounted on a forward portion of the dispenser 30 and the bag guides 32 are disposed immediately adjacent to an upper portion of the container 40 and running rearward from the container 40 . in this fashion , the bag guides slidably receive the guide sleeves 18 . the dispenser 30 such as , for an example shown in the figures , a trailer , dispenses the bag 12 from the container 40 and onto a support surface 100 , such as , for example , a river shoreline , or other geographical terrain . while the bag 12 is being paid out , available fill material 102 , such as , for example , sand , gravel , or rocks is deposited therein . one embodiment of the present invention relies on the use of a bob - cat , or similar loading equipment to lift and deposit fill material 102 into the bag 12 . however , a preferred embodiment includes an auger system 50 including a chute 52 that transports fill material 102 via the auger system 50 into the opening 24 of the bag 12 . the auger system 50 is pivotably mounted to the dispenser 30 and includes a chute 52 which is adjustably positionable over a grate 36 and thereby disposed over the opening 24 formed at a top of the bag 12 . the auger system 50 includes a hopper 54 and auger compartment 56 , whereby hopper 54 receives fill material received from a dump truck , trailer , or other transport means , and the fill material 102 is collected into the auger compartment 56 . once in the auger compartment 56 , the fill material 102 is transported to the dispenser 30 by rotation of augers 58 and 60 . in an alternate embodiment , the auger system 50 is lowered to dig directly into the support surface 100 , instead of receiving fill material 102 into the hopper 54 , whereby the auger system 50 brings fill material 102 in contact with auger 58 and therefrom to the bag 12 . in this embodiment , fill material 102 is received directly from ground surface 100 directly in the path of the auger system 50 , and alongside the path of the dispenser 30 . the latter option is most readily foreseen when filling bags 12 near a river or stream bank , and soft mud / dirt along the bank is to be used for filling the bags 12 . a brace 62 is attached between the auger system 50 and the dispenser 30 in order to maintain desired rigidity and support of the auger system 50 . a hitch 64 and a power take - off connection 66 is provided at a forward portion of the dispenser 30 , whereby the dispenser 30 is towed and rotational energy is provided to a power transfer system ( not shown ) which , in turn , causes the augers 58 and 60 ( when provided ) to rotate , thereby depositing fill material 102 into bag 12 , after passing through the grate 36 which is removably suspended over the bag guides 32 and also over the opening 24 . the grate 36 sifts the fill material 102 , as desired , and allows the bag 12 to receive the sifted fill material 102 . in this fashion , fill material 102 is provided having a uniform consistency . as desired , the grate 36 may be removed in order to allow the use of coarser fill material 102 than would otherwise be able to pass through the grate 36 . although the present invention can be deposited on - site and there remain in a stationary position , a preferred dispenser 30 has wheels 70 , tracks ( not shown ), or skids ( not shown ). the example shown in fig3 - 5 is a trailer having a steering system ( not shown ) to be pulled by a tractor or a truck . however , other embodiments include , for example , a self - propelled vehicle ( not shown ). likewise , a preferred auger system 50 has wheels , tracks ( not shown ), or skids ( not shown ). the dispenser 30 shown in fig3 - 5 has four wheels 70 . the auger system 50 shown likewise has a wheel 70 attached on an outer side . bag 12 is preferably made of sturdy material such as , for example , plastic - impregnated cloth , or conventional sandbag material . a typical base 16 dimension for the bag 12 is six feet across , but any other dimension may be used . an alternative version of the portable levee system bag for the present invention is shown in fig6 . the portable levee system bag 112 shown in fig6 is similar to the bag shown in fig1 with some minor additions . initially , as can be seen by referring to fig6 a plurality of partitions walls 113 are provided to extend between the front wall 117 and the rear wall 118 of the portable levee system bag . the bag 112 is comprised of the front wall 117 , rear wall 118 , first side - wall 115 , second side - wall 116 , bottom portion 119 and top flap 26 . as is found in the bag shown in fig1 are upper edges 22 for the guide rail . additionally , flap 26 is hingedly connected to the rear wall 118 such that it covers the top opening and entrance to each of the separate partitions openings 110 . the bag 112 is also provided with a plurality of reinforced loops 120 and 121 . loops 120 are found on the top edge of the front wall 117 while reinforced loops 121 are found at the top edge of the rear wall 118 at the hinge point of flap 126 and rear wall 118 . the portable levee system bag 112 shown in fig6 is provided with the plurality of partition walls 113 to define each partition section 110 which is to be filled with sand or the like material . the bag 112 may be utilized as a heavy duty reenforced version which may be utilized to fill a breech in an existing earthen levee . the plurality of loops 120 and 121 may be utilized for ease of movement of the filled bag as a bag filled with sand or a like material may be quite heavy and not readily moveable without machinery . thus , loops 120 and 121 may be secured by chains or possibly a pipe or an extended steel bar may be laced therethrough . thus , the portable levee system bag 112 shown in fig6 may be readily moved after filling . the plurality of partitioned openings 110 provide a reinforced levee system bag such that should one of the partitions become punctured , the remaining partitions in bag 112 remain in position . loops 120 and 121 , as indicated as being reinforced , may be sewn to the wall material of the levee system bag 112 and may be comprised of plastics , nylons , or any strong reenforced material which is capable of supporting the high weight of the filled bags . turning to fig7 an additional alternative embodiment of a portable levee system bag 212 is shown . this alternative embodiment may be utilized in military or other use . as is shown in fig7 the bag 212 is partitioned into a plurality of sections 210 . the sections are defined by lateral partitioning walls 213 and longitudinal partitioning walls 214 which may be subdivided to any desired width and depth . a significant benefit of the design of the levee system bag 212 shown in fig7 is such that with the added number of partitioned sections 210 , the bag becomes significantly more reinforced . should any given partitioned section 210 become breached , the remaining portion of the bag will remain intact and fully capable of its initial function . thus , in a potential military function , the alternative embodiment of the levee system bag 212 shown in fig7 may be utilized so that any given partition 210 should they be breached by small arms fire or shrapnel would be contained in that smaller area and the remaining portion of the bag would remain intact for protection and use . as can be seen from fig7 the alternative embodiment of the levee system bag 212 is similarly comprised of a front wall 117 , rear wall 118 , side - walls 116 and 115 and bottom wall 119 . flap 26 may be provided for covering the entry to the partitioned sections 210 and is hinged to the top section of rear wall 118 . as previously mentioned , the embodiments 112 and 212 of the portable levee system bags of the present invention is desirably of a trapezoidal shape . returning to fig6 the dimensions of the bottom 119 of the portable levee system 112 is larger than the top flap 26 . further , front wall 117 and rear wall 118 are angled slightly toward each other so that they taper toward one another thereby forming definite trapezoids on either side - walls 116 and 115 as can be seen in the figures . turning to fig8 the attachment or fastening clips 44 and 45 of the present invention are shown . it may be necessary such that multiple bags may be fastened together so that the end panels 115 of adjacent bags are securely affixed together thereby securing the entire system of filled bags . this may be desirable due to stability purposes and the like . the fastening clips 44 and 45 as shown in fig8 are comprised of a female fastening clip 44 and a male fastening clip 45 . the female fastening clip has a channel 47 which will receive an extension 46 extending outward from the male fastening clip 45 . in this manner , the opposing fastening clips may be securely affixed and press - fit together so that adjacent bags are securely held in place . the fastening clips as shown in fig8 may be attached to the side panel 115 of the dispensing bag 12 through use of a stapling device or plastic wing nut 43 . thus , on one end panel 115 will be a row of female fastening clips 44 and on the adjacent bag which is secured next to it in the levee system or like structure will be male fastening clips 45 . as shown in the drawings , the fastening clips may be placed on the end panel 115 and similarly the fastening clips may be affixed to the opposite side panel or to the bottom panel of the levee system bag . in this manner , the entire structure may be secured together to provide a strong levee system which is comprised of a plurality of portable levee system bags , all of which are interconnected together for strength and stability purposes . alternative fastening means may be readily used and full within the present teachings . a method for providing a levee consists of the following steps : 2 ) feeding the bag 12 onto guide rails 34 ; 3 ) lowering a base 16 of the bag 12 to a support surface 100 ; 4 ) expanding the bag 12 from a collapsed storage state ; 5 ) disposing an opening 24 of the bag 12 into a condition to receive fill material 102 ; 6 ) transporting the fill material 102 via an auger system 50 to ; 7 ) positioning a chute 52 of the auger system 50 above a grate 36 ; 8 ) depositing the fill material 102 onto the grate 36 ; 9 ) sifting the fill material 102 through the grate 36 ; 10 ) depositing the sifted fill material 102 into the bag 12 through the opening 24 ; 11 ) moving the dispenser 30 along a path of intended travel , thereby providing continuous expansion of the bag 12 for continued receiving of fill material 102 ; and , 12 ) replacing a filled bag 12 from an empty container 40 of the dispenser 30 with a new , collapsibly stored , bag 12 , whereby the new bag 12 is disposed to abut or otherwise rest , as desired , in proximity to said filled bag 12 . the 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 . | 8 |
embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings . it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein . rather , these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete , and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art . like numerals refer to like elements . with reference initially to fig1 and 2 , an embodiment of the present invention is herein described , by way of example , for a submersible swimming pool cleaner 10 having a housing 12 inclined toward a direction of travel , which housing carries a bumper 14 and weight 16 about a forward portion 18 with the bumper extending to left and right side portions 20 , 22 . a float 24 is carried at an aft portion 26 for acting in conjunction with the weight 16 in allowing the cleaner 10 to fall to an upright position when dropping from a sidewall of a swimming pool . vertical and horizontal bumper members 28 , 30 are effective in having the cleaner avoid obstructions within the swimming pool , such as steps and sharp corners . the housing 12 further carries a flexible plate 32 via attachment with a footpad 34 . the housing 12 includes a single flow passage 36 extending from an inlet 38 to an outlet 40 for a flow of fluid and debris through the passage , as described with reference to fig3 . a partition wall 42 extends into the single flow passage 36 such that the flow of fluid and debris ( illustrated with arrows 44 ) are constrained to pass through an opening 46 formed thereby and pass to the outlet 40 , which outlet is adapted for connection to a suction source 48 . the flexible plate 32 is carried about the inlet 38 for engaging a submerged surface 50 to be cleaned . a valve 52 is pivotally carried within the flow passage 36 for interrupting fluid flow 44 through the passage during an oscillation of the valve between a seated position 54 for interrupting the flow to an unseated position 56 permitting the flow , as illustrated with reference to fig4 and 5 . the valve 52 interrupts flow through the passage 36 resulting in a motion of the inclined housing 12 causing it to travel along the surface of the pool to be cleaned , the valve thus acting as the “ motor ” for the pool cleaner . with continued reference to fig3 , a suction of the fluid through the flow passage 36 causes an oscillating of the valve between the seated and the unseated positions and a resulting movement of the cleaner 10 across the submerged surface 50 . with continued reference to fig3 - 5 , a retractable element 58 is moveable between a valve distal end 60 and a surface 62 of the partition wall 42 for reducing a gap 64 formed between them , thus substantially limiting the flow of the fluid and debris to only one side 66 of the valve 52 . the retractable element 58 may be dimensioned such that the fluid flow through the passage 36 causes the retractable element to have slidably engagement between the valve distal end 60 and the surface 62 of the partition wall 42 during the oscillation of the valve , as illustrated with reference again to fig4 and 5 , or alternatively may fully close or simply reduce the size of the gap 64 , as illustrated with reference to fig6 . with reference again to fig1 - 5 , the single flow passage 36 may be defined by opposing top and bottom walls 68 , 70 in combination with opposing left and right sidewalls 72 , 74 , wherein the distal end 60 of the valve 52 contacts the bottom wall 70 in the seated position 54 and oscillates between the seated position and a stop 76 formed with the distal end 60 for contacting the top wall 68 . as illustrated with reference again to fig1 - 5 , an access opening 78 within the top wall 68 provides entry into the housing 12 and the flow passage 36 . a detachable cover 80 encloses the opening 78 . access to the flow passage provides a convenience when clearing out debris lodged therein or replacing the valve , by way of example . in one embodiment of the cleaner , as herein described by way of example , the partition wall 42 is integrally formed with the cover 80 , as further illustrated with reference to fig7 . the cover 80 includes a lock 82 and tab 84 located at ends of the cover for securing the cover to the housing 12 for covering the opening 78 . a pivot pin 86 is carried by the housing 12 for pivotal connection with a proximal end 88 of the valve 52 . as illustrated with reference again top fig4 and 5 , the valve 52 may be constructed to include an elongate arm 90 having the proximal end 88 for connection to the pivot pin 86 . a head portion 92 is located at the valve distal end 60 . the distal end 60 is carried within the passage 36 upstream the proximal end 88 . in the embodiment illustrated with reference to fig4 and 5 , by way of example , the head portion 92 includes a slot 94 for slidably receiving the retractable element 58 . one embodiment of the retractable element 58 includes a slit 96 that is operable with a pin 98 carried within the slot 94 , as illustrated with reference to fig8 and 9 . flexible side edges 100 extend along the longitudinal sides of the valve 52 for minimizing side gaps 102 on the sides of the valve and for providing a close fit , as further illustrated with reference to fig1 , thus enhancing control of the fluid flow along the one side 66 of the valve 52 , as earlier described with reference to fig3 - 5 . alternate embodiments keeping within the teachings of the present invention , may include by way of example , the head portion 92 having a protrusion 104 extending radially outward from the valve distal end 60 for slidably receiving the retractable element 58 , as illustrated with to reference to fig1 . further , the partition wall 42 may include a slot 106 extending for slidably receiving the retractable element 58 , as illustrated with reference to fig1 . yet further , the partition wall 42 may include a protrusion 108 extending outward toward the valve 52 for slidably receiving the retractable element 58 , as illustrated by way of further example with reference to fig1 a . as herein illustrated , the retractable element 58 may have various shapes and may be attached to the valve 52 or to the partition wall 42 without deviating from the teachings of the present invention , and may or may not fully close the gap 64 , as illustrated with reference to fig1 - 20 . with reference to fig1 and 20 , by way of example , the generally circular cross sectional shape of the retractable element 58 and carried within a generally arcuate shape for the slot 94 supports a rolling motion for the retractable element during movement of the head portion 92 , thus reducing wear of the surface and element while remaining effective in directing fluid flow to the one side 66 of the valve 52 . the retractable element 58 is movably carried within the slot 94 making continuous contact with the 62 of the partition wall 42 or in close proximity as herein described . with reference again to fig6 , and 17 , an embodiment of the valve 52 includes the head portion 92 having an angled slot 94 tapering from outside toward a slotted hole 95 , or alternatively having the tapered slot within the partition wall as illustrated with reference to fig1 . the head contact element includes an elongate portion having one end extending out of the slot 94 and an opposing end having a bulbous portion for a sliding movement within the hole 95 . such an embodiment allows the retractable element 58 to be secured within the slot 94 during installation and easily held therein during assembly of the valve . further , a flexible arm portion 109 may be provided as a shock buffer that results in reducing noise generated by the oscillating valve 52 , as illustrated with reference again to fig6 . with reference again to fig1 - 3 , the flexible plate 32 may be described as having an upper surface 110 and an opposing lower surface 112 for contacting the surface to be cleaned 50 . a periphery 114 of the plate 32 includes a plurality of tongues 116 radially extending thereabout . each tongue 116 includes a lower surface portion 118 for contacting the surface to be cleaned 50 and a contoured portion 120 in a spaced relation with the surface to be cleaned during operation of the cleaner 10 , as illustrated with reference again to fig3 , and to fig2 and 22 , the outer most peripheral portion of the plate being upwardly lifted from the surface to be cleaned . in one embodiment , as herein illustrated , a rib 122 is integrally formed with the upper surface 110 of the flexible plate 32 at the tongue 116 . the rib 122 reinforces the tongue 116 for securing the contoured portion 120 in the convex shape . alternate reinforcing element shapes may be formed with the flexible plate 32 for upwardly contouring the periphery 114 upwardly from the surface to be cleaned 50 , including a flange 124 extending along a peripheral edge of the tongue , as illustrated by way of example with reference to fig2 and 24 . as illustrates with reference again to fig2 and to fig2 , embodiments of the plate 32 may include slots 126 radially extending from a center 128 of the plate . the slot 126 herein described is tapered so as to provide a diminishing gap as the taper extends radially outward from the center 128 . alternatively , the plate 32 may include a slit 130 , as illustrated with reference again to fig2 and 24 . yet further , a combination of tapered slot 126 and slit 130 may be formed within the plate 32 , as illustrated with reference to fig2 , such slots and slits extending radially outward from the center 128 of the plate 32 provide added flexibility to the flexible plate 32 and improved maneuverability over contours within the surface to be cleaned 50 . a plurality of slots or slit may be symmetrically located as herein illustrated or located as desired for surface conditions . by way of further example , and as illustrated with reference again to fig2 , the plurality of slots may extend along a first imaginary line 132 centrally positioned between second imaginary lines 134 passing centrally through each of the plurality of tongues 116 . further , the plate 32 may include grooves 136 within the lower surface 112 and extending radially outward for the center 128 . as illustrated , the grooves 136 may extend only partially between the center 128 and the periphery 114 of the plate 32 . pleats 138 provide yet another alternative for adding flexibility to the plate 32 , as illustrated with reference fig2 - 29 . each of a plurality of pleats 138 extending radially from the center 128 forms a groove 140 within the lower surface 112 and a protrusion 142 in the upper surface 110 . with reference to fig2 , by way of example , the plate 32 may include a plurality of holes 144 extending from the upper surface 110 to the lower surface 112 for modifying a suction provided by the flexible plate during operation of the cleaner 10 with the suction source . as earlier described with reference to fig1 - 3 , the cleaner 10 herein described by way of example , includes a foot pad 34 which carries the plate 32 . the foot pad 34 is attached to a flange 146 at the inlet 38 of the housing 12 as further illustrated with reference to fig3 . the footpad 34 is attached to the housing 12 and the flexible plate 32 , and easily replaced by the consumer . as illustrated with reference to fig3 and 32 using arrows , fluid flow passes through openings within the footpad above the plate and below for providing an effective cleaning of debris from the surface to be cleaned . as illustrated with reference again to fig1 - 3 , a hose connector 148 is carried at the outlet 40 of the housing 12 . under the influence of the vacuum source 48 , typically a pump , a flexible hose 150 connected to the connector 148 causes fluid and debris to flow through the housing 12 . as illustrated with reference again to fig1 - 3 , one embodiment of the hose connector 148 includes a swivel portion 152 , nut portion 154 and collar 156 for providing a swivel connection to the hose 150 . such a combination permits easy replacement of parts . a key 158 is carried by the collar 156 to fix the bumper 14 in a forward position . various embodiments of the present invention have been herein described in the drawings and specification , by way of example . although specific terminology was employed , the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation . the invention has been described in detail with specific reference to these illustrated embodiments . however , it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made while keeping within the teachings and scope of the invention as described in the foregoing specification and as defined in claims . | 8 |
the foldable tent of this invention comprises a framework which supports a tent cover 10 . the tent cover may be a conventional tent cover or it may be one designed particularly for the framework of this invention . the preferred framework contemplates using standard , available tent covers which require no significant modification thereto for use with the framework disclosed herein . the framework may also support the tent cover on the inside or the outside of the frame as desired . the framework includes a top base assembly , indicated generally as 12 , comprising an upper spider member 14 and a lower spider member 16 ( fig5 and 6 ) pivotally interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart , hinged lower link members 18 . each lower link member 18 is pivotally attached at its bottom end to the lower spider 16 , and pivotally at its upper end to an upper , leg - mounting link member 20 which is itself pivotally attached to the upper spider 14 as shown . the spider members shown are configured to mount six pivotal upper link members , but it is to be understood that any other number of link members may be provided , depending on the configuration of the spider members 14 , 16 . the upper links 20 each mount a tent cover - supporting leg member 22 formed of a plurality of hinged leg sections 24 , 26 , 28 . the leg sections themselves are formed of preferably lightweight , strong but resilient material such as glass - fiber - reinforced synthetic resin , aluminum tubing , or other material that may be suitable for leg construction . in the embodiments illustrated , the spiders 14 , 16 each include a centrally disposed bore 30 , 30 &# 39 ; therethrough , respectively , which , in each of the various embodiments illustrated , receive alternative drive and locking means , to be described later , arranged to mechanically move the lower spider member 16 toward and away from the upper spider member 14 to accomplish erection and collapse of the framework . fig1 - 4 schematically illustrate the foldable tent and framework of this invention in various progressive stages of erection . it is to be understood that the tent cover 10 , illustrated in broken lines in fig4 has been omitted from fig1 - 3 merely for clarity of the drawings , and normally would remain attached to the framework and be folded up along with the framework into the storage condition of fig1 . as will be understood , the erection of the tent basically involves the unfolding ( fig1 - 3 ) of the plurality of legs 22 , which are attached , by conventional tent straps 32 , to the side walls 10 &# 39 ; and floor 10 &# 34 ; of the tent cover 10 , and then lifting upward on the top base assembly 12 . the drive means , to be described later , is then operated to pivot link members 18 , and hence leg - mounting link members 20 , outward into the extended position shown in fig4 to extend the legs 22 radially outward , and thereby supply supporting tension against the now fully taut tent cover attached thereto . as illustrated in fig1 - 4 , the leg sections 24 , 26 , 28 are connected together by hinge members 34 , 36 , also shown in closer detail in fig7 and 8 . as will be appreciated , the upper leg hinge 34 is configured with a greater distance between the hinge pivots than the lower hinge member 36 , in order that the leg sections and tent cover material will fold more compactly into the storage condition of fig1 . both hinges fold in only one direction between pivoted condition and extended condition . this is necessary so that the leg sections will not buckle inwardly under the tension exerted upon them when in erected condition , as seen in fig4 . fig1 , 11 and 12 illustrate one embodiment of a hinge lock 38 which may be provided in order to releasably secure the hinges 34 , 36 in extended condition so as to avoid the possible occurrence of inadvertant pivoting of the hinges and subsequent collapse of the framework in very high winds , snow and other eventualities . basically , the hinge lock comprises a hollow sleeve member configured with an enlarged , interior portion 40 ( fig1 ) arranged to be slid down over the hinge and confine the latter against pivoting . one end of the sleeve member is configured with a reduced opening 42 ( fig1 ) preferably dimensioned to frictionally engage a leg section for inhibited sliding movement of the sleeve along the leg section . the reduced opening 42 forms an abutment against the hinge and thereby prevents the sleeve from sliding further downward and disengaging from the hinge . an o - ring 44 or other conventional friction means may be provided to frictionally engage the leg section to hold the sleeve on the leg away from the hinge when it is not desired or needed that the hinge be locked . as also seen in fig1 - 4 , the bottom end of the lower leg sections 28 each mount an end cap 46 which comprises a fitting having a bottom section of reduced diameter forming a peg 48 configured to fit through a conventional grommet 50 normally provided about the outer edge of a tent cover floor 10 &# 34 ; or on a tab ( not shown ) attached to the bottom edge of a tent cover wall . a friction washer 52 is pressed onto the peg to capture the grommet 50 on the peg between the washer 52 and the enlarged section of the end cap , as shown , thus securing the tent cover to the terminal end of the legs . the bottom of the legs are thus secured to the bottom perimeter of a tent cover , the legs , thus confined , being sized appropriately to provide the desired amount of flexing and bowing , and hence tension , to adequately support the tent when the tent is fully erected to the condition of fig4 . with the basic construction of the foldable tent frame of this invention thus generally understood , attention is now directed to the top base assembly 12 , various alternative embodiments of which are illustrated in fig1 - 14 , 15 - 17 and 18 - 21 . the top base assembly mounts all of the tent supporting leg members 22 , as previously explained , and also includes drive and locking means configured to mechanically tension the leg members into tent - supporting , erected condition and to maintain the leg members releasably but securely in such tension condition . as explained earlier , the top base assembly 12 includes an upper spider member 14 and a lower spider member 16 , the upper spider pivotally mounting the upper links 20 which in turn mount the legs 22 . the lower spider 16 is connected pivotally to the upper links through lower pivot links 18 , and the upper and lower spiders are interconnected directly together through a drive mechanism received , in the disclosed embodiments , by a centrally located bore 30 , 30 &# 39 ; respectively , provided through each spider member . accordingly , movement of the lower spider vertically toward and away from the top member 14 effects pivoting movement of the leg - mounting upper link members 20 about their pivot attachment to the upper spider outwardly or inward respectively , and hence also moves the leg members extending from the link members . the foregoing basic top base assembly construction is common to all of the preferred embodiments now to be explained in closer detail . referring to the top base assembly shown in fig1 and 14 of the drawings , there are illustrated two embodiments of drive mechanisms that utilize screw means interconnecting the spiders 14 , 16 for mechanically moving them relative to each other , and for releasably locking them in extended condition shown in broken lines . fig1 illustrates top crank assembly primarily intended for smaller tents in which the frame is disposed on the outside of the tent cover , and an individual can reach the crank to operate it . fig1 illustrates a bottom crank assembly which would also find utility in larger tent applications in which the frame would be disposed on the inside of the tent cover , and access to the crank would be gained on the inside of the tent beneath the assembly . as shown in fig1 , each spider has its respective centrally located bore 30 , 30 &# 39 ;, which preferably may be the same diameter so as to permit this embodiment to further enjoy easy reversal of parts for making the assembly either a top or bottom crank model as desired . in this embodiment , an elongated , threaded shaft or screw 54 is secured by a pin 56 to the lower spider , and extends upwardly toward the upper spider . a hollow sleeve 58 having inside threads 58 &# 39 ; is received freely through the bore 30 in the upper spider , and retained in place therein by conventional means , such as by the snap rings 60 illustrated . the sleeve mounts a crank handle 62 by which the sleeve may be easily rotated within the bore 30 , and the screw 54 is received in the threaded interior of the sleeve . rotating the sleeve effects threading and unthreading of the screw , and by virtue of the screws rigid attachment to the lower spider , rotation of the sleeve member hence movees the lower spider vertically accordingly . corresponding inward or outward pivoting movement of the legs is thus accomplished by turning the screw crank 62 in one direction or the other to effect erection or collapse of the tent . the embodiment illustrated in fig1 is generally similar to the above , but in this case the threaded sleeve 58 is fixed to the upper spider as by welds 64 , and the screw 66 is arranged for rotation . moreover , this embodiment provides for lost motion between the screw and the lower spider , for faster erection of the tent , as will now be explained . in this embodiment , the screw 66 is received freely through the bore 30 &# 39 ; in the lower spider 16 , and a washer 68 is fixed , as by nut 70 on the opposite side of the spider . a crank 72 is attached to the end of the screw so that turning of the crank effects rotation of the screw and subsequent threading or unthreading of the screw within the threaded interior of the sleeve 58 . as the screw is threaded into the sleeve , the lower spider , being supported by the washer 68 , is lifted upward . since there is no rigid connection between the screw 66 and the lower spider 16 , the spider is free to move upward independently of the operation of the screw . this is extremely adventageous during the initial set - up of the tent where it is much quicker to simply lift up on the top base assembly for the majority of the erection process . the crank is then rotated to thread the screw into the sleeve until the washer again engages the already partially raised lower spider 16 , and continued rotation of the screw moves the spider its final distance upward against the tension being increasingly exerted as the legs are forced into a more outwardly extended condition against the tent cover as the upper leg - mounting link members are pivoted into their final , fully extended position shown in broken lines . also shown is a separate , removable crank 74 having a long extension . this crank may also be a conventional ratchet wrench with an extension piece for convenience . the screw preferably includes a separate opening ( not shown ) which is configured to receive the end fitting of a ratchet just as a conventional socket receives a ratchet . in cases of larger tents with high ceilings , it may be desirable that a crank extend downwardly so that a person may more easily reach the top base assembly to turn the screw . fig1 and 16 illustrate another preferred drive means for operating the top base assembly . in this embodiment , a shaft 76 is secured , either by pins 78 shown , welding , or other conventional means , in the bore 30 through the upper spider 14 . the shaft 76 extends freely through the bore 30 &# 39 ; through the lower spider 16 and mounts , by pivot pin 80 on the opposite side of the lower spider , a cam 82 as shown . the cam is configured substantially as a disc having the center removed ( as seen in fig1 ) so that a portion of it may straddle the shaft 76 when pivoted into the operative condition shown in fig1 . the broken line in fig1 indicates the wall 84 dividing the solid portion 82 &# 39 ; of the cam from the hollow , open portion comprising two spaced apart walls 82 &# 39 ; as shown . the wall 84 is angled so that the cam achieves a final operative position which is over center ( fig1 ) to prevent inadvertent reverse rotation of the cam when in operative condition and subsequent collapse of the tent . a bore 86 is provided to receive a removable rod ( not shown ) to facilitate hand rotation of the cam . this embodiment benefits by the provision of a resilient tension means , illustrated herein as a rubber ball 88 , between the upper and lower spiders 14 , 16 . the ball , having a bore therethrough for passage of the shaft 76 , encourages downward movement of the lower spider to facilitate collapse of the assembly when the cam is released , and assures a tight abutment of the lower spider against the cam member when is in raised condition , which also serves to prevent inadvertent reverse rotation of the cam when the tent is erected . the ball also exerts outward tension against the link member 18 and 20 to automatically start the assembly in its pivoting action during erection of the tent . additionally , the ball also prevents fingers from accidentally gaining entrance into the space between the link members where they might get pinched during folding and unfolding of the assembly . since there is no direct connection between the cam and the lower spider , the latter is permitted free movement irrespective of the operation of the cam , thus allowing for lost motion and the ability to pivot the legs during the initial stages of erection of the tent without having to operate the cam to do so . once the tent is partially erected , the cam is then operated to accomplish the final stages of tensioning the framework as has been explained . yet another preferred drive means is shown in fig1 - 21 . in this embodiment , an elongated , hollow sleeve , or barrel 90 , is fixed , as by welds 92 within the bore 30 through the upper spider member 14 . the sleeve is closed at its bottom end by a cap 94 having a slot 96 therethrough . the lower spider in this embodiment has a smaller bore 30 &# 34 ; therethrough , and a flat bar plunger 98 extends through the bore 30 &# 39 ; and the slot 96 and into the confines of the barrel 90 . an expansion spring 100 is provided in the barrel , the plunger extending upwardly through the spring which is captured between the bottom cap 94 on the barrel and a plunger cap 102 which is secured to the top of the plunger by pin 104 . the spring 100 exerts upward tension on the plunger , the bottom end 98 &# 39 ; of which is enlarged to provide an abutting surface which supports the bottom side of the lower spider member . as the spring exerts tension toward the expanded condition shown in fig1 , the plunger is raised upward , lifting the lower spider member toward the upper spider . the plunger preferably includes two notches 106 , 108 , spaced apart so that when the plunger is rotated 90 °, the notches , when properly aligned , will engage in the slot 96 to lock the plunger in the retracted and extended positions illustrated respectively in fig1 and 19 , thus securing the framework in collapsed or erected condition , an enlarged end 110 on the plunger aids in rotating the plunger between locked and unlocked positions . the operation of the tent and all of the various disclosed embodiments of its drive means has been carefully detailed hereinbefore . however , from the foregoing it will be appreciated that the erection of the tent of this invention involves simply the unfolding of the legs to which the tent cover is already attached , and then lifting upwards on the top base assembly , and finally operating the particular drive means to fully draw the spider members toward each other which pivots the leg - mounting upper links 20 fully outwardly , automatically tensioning the legs against the confining limits permitted by the tent cover . this erection procedure from beginning to completion taken approximately 30 seconds and involves no particular skill normally required in tent assembly . collapse of the tent takes slightly longer , perhaps a minute or so , as the framework and cover is manually folded back into the condition of fig1 . from the foregoing , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes other than those already described , may be made in the size , shape , type , number and arrangement of parts described hereinbefore without departing from the spirit of this invention and the scope of the appended claims . | 4 |
referring now to the drawings , wherein like or corresponding reference numerals are used for like or corresponding parts throughout the several views , there is shown in fig1 a machine 10 which includes a wheeled chassis 11 , a rotatable upper works 12 , and a boom 13 . on the outer end of the boom 13 there is shown a workman &# 39 ; s platform 14 . the boom 13 is shown is telescopic , but may not be , and may lift a load other than a workman &# 39 ; s platform , such as is the case in connection with a crane . the upper works 12 includes a boom support 16 to which the boom is pivotally connected at its rear end , there being provided , also , a lifting cylinder 17 for luffing , i . e ., raising and lowering , the boom 13 about the pivotal connection with the support 16 . the boom 13 is preferably telescopic , and , typically , is of hollow , rectangular construction , although it will be understood that the lifting boom 13 need not be either of this construction or telescopic . on the side of the lifting boom 13 is the overload control and sensing device of the present invention . as will be understood , when the lifting boom 13 is subjected to stress of a load , usually carried at or near its outer end , it will be strained by that load and will deflect in an arcuate manner . referring now to fig2 there may be seen the lifting boom 13 including bottom plate 18 , top plate 19 and side plate 21 : fixed to the bottom plate 18 is a trunnion 22 which serves to pivotally connect the lift cylinder 17 to the boom 13 . the overload control device 30 includes a beam 31 , which is preferably of hollow rectangular construction , and which extends along the boom 13 , the axis of beam 31 in the unstressed condition of boom 13 being substantially parallel to the axis of boom 13 . at its left or fixed end , the beam 31 is secured to a plate 32 , as by a peripheral weld 33 . the plate 32 is in a plane substantially transverse to the axis of beam 31 and boom 13 , and is secured to a plate 34 by bolts 36 . the plate 34 is secured to a pair of anchor plates 37 and 38 , which latter are secured to the side plate 21 by welds 37 &# 39 ; and 38 &# 39 ;. the anchor plates 37 and 38 may also be seen in fig3 . the anchor plates 37 and 38 are of generally triangular configuration , in the preferred embodiment , as may be seen from fig4 . the hollow rectangular shape beam 31 may be seen in fig3 as well as the hollow rectangular shape of the boom 13 , including the side plate 22 , opposite side plate 21 . also shown on fig3 is a line c which is indicative of the centroid or neutral axis of the boom : as is known , the stress resisting material of the boom 13 which is above the centroid c is under tension , and tends to elongate , while the stress resisting material of boom 13 below the centroid c is under compression , and tends to be compressed . it will further be noted from fig3 that the anchor plate 37 is substantially above the centroid c , while the anchor plate is below , on the opposite side of the centroid c from the anchor plate 37 . referring again to fig2 at the right hand or free end of the beam 31 there is welded or otherwise secured an attachment plate 41 , to which is secured an engagement plate 42 . engagement plate 42 is provided with slots 43 , which extend in the direction generally parallel to the axis of beam 31 , and is secured to the attachment plate 41 by bolts 44 . a linearly extending screw 45 is threaded into the engagement plate 42 , locked into position by a lock nut 46 , and serving to engage the plunger 51 of a micro - switch 50 . referring to fig2 and 5 , there is secured , as by welding , to the side plate 21 a switch support plate 52 , provided with four transversely extending slots 53 . as is apparent , the plate 52 extends substantially transversely to the axis of lifting boom 13 , and bolts 54 extend through these slots 53 , securing the micro - switch 50 to the plate 52 . fig4 discloses a plan view , including the anchor plate 37 , which is of a generally triangular configuration , there being shown secured to it the spacer plate 34 , which is also secured to the other anchor plate 38 . there are also shown the plate 32 which is releasably connected to the spacer plate 34 and is welded to the beam 31 . at its free end , there may be seen attached to the beam 31 the engagement plate 42 , which extends beneath the micro - switch 50 , which latter is carried by the support plate 52 that is welded to the side plate 21 of the boom 13 , extending generally transversely to the side plate 21 , and to the axis of boom 13 . there is shown in fig2 and 4 a removable cover 55 , shown in phantom lines , which completely encloses the beam 31 and the micro - switch 50 , thereby protecting them from the elements , particularly rain and snow . in the event that water does gain access to the sensing device 30 , it is not likely to damage it or interfere with its operation , since the plunger 51 of microswitch 50 extends downwardly and thereby there is avoided the possibility that water will enter the housing of the micro - switch through the passage thereof in which the plunger 51 moves . the cover 55 may be held in position by suitable securing devices , such as straps 56 . a conduit 57 is provided for guarding the electrical conductors which extend to the microswitch 50 . during assembly operations , the lifting boom 13 is fabricated by the welding together of the various plates which form it . consequently , in the welding area of the assembly plant , the anchor plates 37 and 38 may be readily welded to the boom side 21 , and the plate 34 welded to the anchor plates 37 and 38 . in addition , the plate 52 may be welded to the side 21 . thereafter , during further construction and assembly of the machine 10 , the beam 31 and plate 32 are secured together by the bolts 36 , and the micro - switch 50 secured to the plate 52 by bolts 54 . thereafter , due to the above noted construction including the slots 43 and 53 , and the threaded engagement of screw 45 adjustments in position are effected so as substantially to line up the linearly extending screw 45 with the plunger 51 of micro - switch 20 . in addition , the beam 31 , even though secured to the side 21 of boom 13 only by the welding of the plates 37 and 38 to the side 21 , the welding of the plate 34 to the anchor plates 37 and 38 and the connection together of the plates 32 and 34 , will be relatively free of vibration , even in highly stressed conditions of the lifting boom 13 . referring now to fig6 there is shown a plate p which functions as a beam , being loaded at one end and supported at the other end : thus , the plate p is analogous to the boom 13 and to the side plate 21 thereof . the loading of the plate p is indicated by the arrows , and thus the portion of the plate p above the centroid c is in tension , while the bottom portion of the plate p is in compression . shown on the plate p are a pair of areas a , which correspond to the areas of anchor plates 37 and 38 , where welded to the side plate 21 . at the left of the anchor areas a there is a displacement diagram which includes a vertical reference line r and a displacement line d . an arrow extends toward the left , from the reference line r and intersects with the displacement line d , which arrow is at the same distance above the centroid c as the upper area a . a similar arrow is provided for the lower area a , the arrow extending , however , to the right . for a given load in a particular plate p , it will be seen that the further apart the anchor areas a are placed , the greater will be their relative movement , due to their being anchored on portions of the plate p which exhibit some movement or deflection , as indicated . thus , relating fig6 to , for example , fig2 it will follow that the anchor plates 37 and 38 move in opposite directions , when the boom 13 is placed under load , and thereby cause the the beam 31 to move in a generally counter - clockwise manner , due to the action of the anchor plates 37 and 38 moving with the parts of the side plate 21 to which they are secured . as will be appreciated , the wider apart the anchor plates 37 and 38 , the greater will be this counter - clockwise movement of the beam 21 , and therefore there will result a greater sensitivity of the sensor device 30 . preferably , ther anchor areas a and the corresponding securing of the anchor plates 37 and 38 are on opposite sides of the centroid c . referring again to fig2 it will be seen that the anchor plates 37 and 38 are secured to the marginal portions of the spacer plate 34 , which are substantially wider apart than the top and bottom margins of the beam 31 , which define the depth of beam 31 . beam 31 is , of course , of a cross sectional shape , material and length and carries a load at its free end when it engages the micro - switch 50 : these factors are taken into consideration in calculating the depth of beam 31 , which is provided to accommodate the noted load , without deflection such as will interfere with its function . thus , in a practical embodiment , the beam 31 has a depth of approximately three inches , while the spacing between the center line of the anchor plates is approximately twice that , being five and one - half inches . thus , the spacing of the anchor plates 37 and 38 is substantially greater than the depth required for the beam 31 in order to prevent significant deflection of it . referring now to fig7 there is shown an alternate embodiment of the present invention , wherein there is provided on the side plate 21 of the beam 13 a pair of anchor plates 137 and 138 , joined to the beam 131 by being welded directly thereto . the beam 131 has a substantially greater depth than that required to prevent significant deflection of it , and therefore may be said to be an &# 34 ; oversize &# 34 ; beam . as will be seen from fig7 the beam 131 is of substantially uniform cross section from its anchored or secured left end to its free right end , adjacent the micro - switch 50 . in fig8 there is shown still another embodiment of the present invention , in which the beam 231 is of linearly stepped configuration , with its left end secured to anchor plates 237 and 238 . the end portion 235 has a substantially greater depth than is required for the strength and load considerations of the boom , although the succeeding sections 236 , 237 and 238 , being of successively lesser depth , may be of either the proper depth from the engineering standpoint or oversize . while there has been illustrated beams which are of generally hollow , rectangular cross sectional configuration , as will be appreciated , other shapes of beams may be used . the beam , in accordance with the present invention , however , will be either of the appropriate size , particularly depth , for the loads imposed , and a spacer plate used to provide increased spacing between the anchor plates , or alternatively , the beam may be made oversize in whole or in part , specifically as related to depth , in order to provide the greater spacing of the anchor plates . while the sensing element for movement of the beam relative to the boom has been herein described as a micro - switch , in the preferred embodiment , it will be understood that other sensing devices , known in the prior art could be used , and could provide an indication of the load on the boom . thus , a graduated read - out could be utilized , based on the teachings of nash u . s . pat . no . 2 , 030 , 529 , or rathi u . s . pat . no . 3 , 756 , 423 . there has been provided a device for sensing strain or deflection of a boom , which has greater sensitivity , while requiring minimal retraction movement or load - decreasing movement , in order to restore the circuitry to normal operating condition . further , the herein disclosed overload sensing device is constructed so as to avoid undue vibration of the beam thereof as the boom is moved , and the load on the boom is varied . the herein disclosed apparatus functions well , with the ability to repeat its control function in a uniform manner over many applications . the herein disclosed overload sensing and control device functions satisfactorily over a long period of use , and while it is provided with a shield against the elements , it is not liable to become defective even if subject to , for instance , rain or snow . the herein disclosed device may be facilely constructed with the boom , certain parts being welded when the boom is being fabricated in a welding area of an assembly plant , and other parts being assembled with bolts and screws and the like , where such operations are performed in connection with other parts of the boom in other areas of an assembly plant . it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention , and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims . | 1 |
a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings . referring first to fig6 a and 6 b , shown are views illustrating inversion driving methods according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig6 a , polarities of pixels for common voltage are inverted in units of pixel groups comprised of three pixels in each row for common voltage , and alternate between positive and negative in each column . the pixels in the pixel group are red ( r ), green ( g ), and blue ( b ) pixels , respectively . the inventive lcd is operated similarly to the dot inversion method such that the pixels are driven in units of rgb pixel groups . in fig6 b , the polarities of the pixels for common voltage are identical in each column but are inverted as in units of pixel groups comprised of three pixels in each . that is , the lcd is operated similarly to the column dot inversion method such that the pixels are driven in units of rgb pixel groups in like columns . referring to fig7 shown is a view illustrating misalignment between pixel electrodes and data lines in the inversion driving methods shown in fig6 a and 6 b . in the drawing , pa and pb are pixel electrodes , disposed adjacent to but separated from one another , and vp - a and vp - b are voltage signals for the pixel electrodes pa and pb , respectively . here , voltage signals vp - a and vp - b apply negative voltage . in the above , if the pixel electrode pa is disposed slightly to the left ( in the drawing ), while the pixel electrode pb is disposed slightly to the right ( in the drawing ) with respect to data lines d1 , d2 , and d3 , the following results in their coupling capacitance values : ca - d1 & gt ; ca - d2 and cb - d2 & lt ; cb - d3 . here , ca - d1 and ca - d2 are the coupling capacitances between the pixel electrode pa and the data lines d1 and d2 , respectively , and cb - d2 and cb - d3 are the coupling capacitances between the pixel electrode pb and the data lines d2 and d3 , respectively . referring to fig8 shown is a view illustrating fluctuations in voltage with respect to time when inversion drive according to the present invention is performed on the pattern shown in fig7 . here , it is assumed that pixel voltage is influenced more by data voltage with a larger coupling capacitance . accordingly , as ca - d1 & gt ; ca - d2 , more influence is given to pixel voltage vp - a of the pixel pa by vd1 than vd2 such that vp - a is pulled upward ( in the drawing ) as a result of vd1 and vd2 moving in an identical phase . further , as cb - d2 & lt ; cb - d3 , more influence is given to pixel voltage vp - b of the pixel pb by vd3 than vd2 such that vp - b is pulled upward ( in the drawing ) as a result of vd3 and vd2 moving in an identical phase . namely , the pixels vp - a and vp - b do not result in the dotted line shown in fig8 but as they are shifted in an identical direction by coupling capacitance , a root mean square ( rms ) of two adjacent pixels becomes nearly identical . accordingly , a difference in brightness of adjacent pixels ( i . e . between pixels in the rgb groups ) does not result as in the prior art . further , according to the inversion driving method of fig6 a and 6 b , as shown in fig9 vp - a and vp - b become negative values for common voltage ( vcom ) in a normal state such that a black state is displayed . in addition , as vp - a and vp - b become negative values even if electrodes of two adjacent pixels are shorted , a black state is displayed as in a normal state . accordingly , in the inventive lcd , pixels do not become defective to display a white state even in the case where two adjacent pixels are shorted . in fig6 a and 6 b , although the number of pixels in the pixel group is three , the number of pixels in the pixel group is not limited to this number . further , in the inventive lcd , although a difference in brightness results between adjacent pixels of differing rgb groups from coupling capacitances as in the prior art dot and column inversion driving methods , in addition to pixel defects resulting from the shorting of pixels , there is a one - third reduction in the probability that such problems will occur in the present invention . accordingly , to prevent the above problems of brightness discrepancies between adjacent pixels of differing rgb groups and defects of pixels , an inventive pixel structure is provided as shown in fig1 . in the drawing , a sufficient distance d2 is provided between a blue ( b ) pixel electrode and a data line d4 provided to the right ( in the drawing ) of the same pixel electrode , while a distance d1 between data lines d1 , d2 , and d3 and red ( r ), green ( g ), and blue ( b ) pixel electrodes is maintained to as small a degree as possible . with the enlarging of the distance d2 between the blue ( b ) pixel electrode and the data line d4 ( before the next group of rgb pixels ), as coupling capacitance is reduced between these two elements , a difference in brightness caused by coupling capacitance is reduced , and the probability that adjacent pixels of two rgb groups are shorted is minimized . also , by the sufficient distance d2 provided as in the above , cutting using a laser , etc . is easy when a short occurs . however , by the making of such a large interval between a pixel and data line , as an aperture ratio is reduced , only one pixel electrode out of each rgb group of three pixels has this large distance d2 with a data line , while the remaining two pixels has the distance d1 with the data lines . according to the present invention , it is preferable that the distance d2 is from two to six times larger than the distance d1 , with the most preferable multiple being four . when two gate lines , a first gate line gn and a second gate line gn ′, are provided , if a connecting member c is formed between the gate lines gn and gn ′, differences in brightness caused by coupling capacitance between adjacent pixels of different rgb groups is further prevented . in more detail , because gate off voltage , generally lower than data voltage , is mainly applied to the connecting member c , electrical shielding is provided between the pixel electrode and the data line d4 such that coupling capacitance is reduced , thereby preventing differences in brightness between pixels from occurring . here , it is preferable that the connecting member c is interposed between two pixels of different rgb groups . the above method of disposing a connecting member between gate lines and between adjacent pixel electrodes of different groups to prevent differences in pixel brightness can also be applied to an in - plane switching ( ips ) mode . referring to fig1 , shown is a modified example of the pixel structure shown in fig1 in which the ips mode is applied . as shown in the drawing , a tft 80 having a source electrode , drain electrode , and gate electrode is provided near each of intersection of data lines 10 and a gate line 20 , and two pixel electrodes 30 are merged and connected to each of the drain electrodes of the tfts 80 . a first common line 50 and a second common line 60 are arranged parallel to the gate line 20 , and common electrodes 40 connect the first and second common lines 50 and 60 . the common electrodes 40 are positioned between each pair of pixel electrodes 30 . a connecting member 70 is further provided between the first and second common lines 50 and 60 , at a location where pixel electrodes 30 of different rgb groups are adjacent . the connecting member 70 , as in the pixel structure shown in fig1 , provides electrical shielding between the pixel electrodes 30 and data lines 10 . namely , as common voltage is applied to the connecting member 70 , coupling capacitance is reduced between the pixel electrodes 30 and data lines 10 such that differences in brightness between pixels of different groups is prevented . here , it is preferable that the connecting member is interposed between two pixels of different rgb groups . in the present invention , differences in brightness between adjacent pixels , caused by coupling capacitance between pixel electrodes and adjacent data lines , is reduced , and pixel defects caused by the short of two pixels is prevented . other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to the skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein . it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only , with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims . | 6 |
preferred embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings . in the following preferred embodiments , a pm stepping motor using a permanent magnet and used as a rotating component or the like of an oa apparatus or an automobile will be discussed as an example . [ 0046 ] fig1 shows a cross - sectional structure of a stepping motor 1 generally comprising a stator assembly 12 and a rotor assembly 13 . referring to fig2 the stator assembly 12 is formed such that two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 are superimposed back to back . as shown in an exploded view of fig3 the stator subassembly 14 comprises an outer stator yoke 15 , an inner stator yoke 16 , a coil bobbin 17 and a cover ring 18 . the outer stator yoke 15 constitutes a periphery and top surface of the stator subassembly 14 , and is made of a cup - shaped , cylindrical soft magnetic steel plate , and has a plurality of first pole teeth 15 a formed along its an inner circumference and bent up , and has a cutout 15 b formed in its outer circumferential wall . the first pole teeth 15 a are formed by bending the soft magnetic steel plate , and are set to be equidistant from one another at a predetermined electrical angle . a cutout 1 5 b is formed in a side wall of the outer stator yoke 15 and is adapted to allow a terminal block 20 of a coil bobbin 17 to protrude therefrom . the terminal block 20 will be later described in detail . the outer stator yoke 15 also has a positioning notch 15 c . the inner stator yoke 16 is made of a soft magnetic steel plate or the like and is a ring - shaped plate whose outer diameter is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the outer stator yoke 15 . the inner and outer stator yokes are arranged such that they are substantially concentric with each other , and the inner stator yoke 16 is accommodated in an open space of the outer stator yoke 15 in such a manner as to constitute a bottom surface of the stator subassembly 14 . an inner circumference of the inner stator yoke 16 has the same diameter as that of the outer stator yoke 15 . a plurality of second pole teeth 16 a are formed on an inner circumferential side of the inner stator yoke 16 , by bending the soft magnetic steel plate , and are set to be equidistant one another at a predetermined electrical angle . the first and second pole teeth 15 a and 16 a are intermeshed with a gap in a state that the outer and inner stator yokes 15 and 16 are properly positioned and coupled . fig4 shows a partial illustration of that coupling state . referring back to fig3 a chamfered edge 16 b is formed , by cutting off a plano - convex portion from a ring - shaped circumferential portion of the inner stator yoke 16 . and , the chamfered edge 16 b has a substantially rectangular surface and it is close to a terminal block 20 of the coil bobbin 17 . a positioning projection 16 c is formed at a point on the opposite to the chamfered edge 16 b on a circumferential side portion of the inner stator yoke 16 . the positioning projection 16 c is adapted to engage with a positioning notch 15 c of the outer stator yoke 15 , so that the outer and inner stator yokes 15 and 16 are positioned correctly and securely and coupled with each other . the coil bobbin 17 is made of , for example , a plastic material and consists of a bobbin body 19 and the terminal block 20 . the bobbin body 19 is substantially cylindrical with its cross - section in a shape of a letter h , and it has a magnet wire w wound therearound in many turns . the many turns of the magnet wire w wound around the bobbin body 19 make a coil . the bobbin body 19 is disposed around the first and second pole teeth 15 a and 16 a such that it is concentric with the outer and inner stator yokes 15 and 16 . the terminal block 20 is formed continuously from an inner flange in such a manner as to protrude outward with a predetermined width for predetermined length so as to be shaped substantially rectangular . the terminal block 20 protrudes , with a predetermined width , outwardly from the bobbin body 19 , and it is substantially rectangular . the terminal block 20 has a certain thickness for housing terminal pins in the axial direction of the bobbin body 19 . with the inner stator yoke 16 received in the coil bobbin 16 , the chamfered edge 16 b of the inner stator yoke 16 is shaped to fit an elevated portion of the terminal block 20 , thereby functioning as a means for positioning the terminal block 20 to slackly engage therewith . as explained in detail later , the slack engagement means that the coil bobbin 17 and the inner stator yoke 16 can rotate stepwise to a certain extent in their circumferential direction , a height of a lower elevation of the terminal block 20 is set to be substantially equal to a thickness of the inner stator yoke 16 . with the chamfered edge 16 b of the inner stator yoke 16 slackly engaging with the terminal block 20 , the terminal block 20 shares substantially the same plane ( one surface of the stator subassembly 14 ) with the inner stator yoke 16 . the terminal block 20 has an external sidewall substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the bobbin body 19 and two terminal pins 21 and 21 each being a bar - like piece made of a conductive metal are fixed to the external sidewall of the in such a manner as to be erected substantially perpendicular to thereto . both ends of the magnet wire w wound around the bobbin body 19 , that is , lead - out wires each extend on a top major surface terminal block 20 , reach the terminal pins 21 and 21 , and are caught and soldered thereon . the terminal pins 21 are adapted to be inserted into connection holes or the like in a pcb ( printed circuit board ) or an fpc ( flexible printed circuit ), so that electricity can be supplied to the magnet wire w via the terminal pins 21 , thus generating magnetic flux from the coil bobbin . [ 0064 ] fig5 shows a sectional view of the stator assembly shown in fig2 taken along an abutting contact surface of the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 with the outer stator yoke housed in a coil bobbin . an angle φ made by two radii connecting a center of the outer stator yoke with two points on a minor arc of the terminal block to be housed in the cutout 15 b is set to be smaller than an angle θ of the cutout 15 b . for example , the angle θ is set at 44 degrees of mechanical angle and the angle φ 40 degrees of mechanical angle . most favorably , the angle φ is set to be smaller than the angle θ by an electrical angle of 10 degrees or more . as to the motor of the present invention , since a number of its magnetic poles is six , 360 / 6 degrees of mechanical angle is equivalent to 360 degrees of electrical angle . therefore , since the most favorable angle φ depends on a number of magnetic poles of the concerned motor , it is preferable to use its electrical angle . consequently , by setting the angle φ of the terminal block 20 to be smaller than the angle θ of the cutout 15 b , a gap is generated between the terminal block 20 and inner walls of the cutout 15 b , with the terminal block 20 protruding from the cutout 15 b . therefore , as the coil bobbin moves , the terminal block 20 can move at a predetermined angle , that is , an angle produced by the generated gap , in a circumferential direction of the coil bobbin 17 . the terminal block 20 capable of rotating in the circumferential direction of the coil bobbin 17 eliminates a dislocation between the two terminal blocks 20 and 20 with the two stator yokes 15 and 16 superimposed at their respective predetermined positions in an assembly process of the stator assembly 12 , which will be mentioned in detail later . referring back to fig3 the cover ring 18 is made of an elastic material such as a plastic material which is a cylindrical material having its predetermined width and thickness . a diameter of the cover ring 18 is equal to or shorter than that of the coil bobbin 17 formed of wiring of the magnet wire w . the cover ring 18 has a slit 18 a at an end of its circumference , and the slit 18 a is adapted such that the cover ring 18 can easily cover the coil bobbin with the use of an elasticity thereof . the width of the cover ring 18 is set to be the same as or a little shorter than a distance between inner sides of the two flanges of the coil bobbin . consequently , the cover ring 18 press - fitted in the coil bobbin 17 is adapted to cover and protect wirings of a magnet wire w . referring back to fig1 and 2 , the stator assembly 12 in the stepping motor 11 is formed such that the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 each with the above - described structure are superimposed back to back with their respective terminal blocks 20 and 20 adjacent to each other . the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 are resin - molded with each other , which will be described in detail later . major surfaces not in contact with each other of the two superimposed stator subassemblies 14 and 14 are fixed , by projection welding or the like , to a first and second flanges 23 and 24 , which have been already formed each by punching out a stainless steel plate . the rotor assembly 13 comprises a shaft 26 press - fitted in a metallic holder 25 , bearings 27 and 27 fixed by caulking or the like to the fist and second flanges 23 and 24 and rotatably holding the shaft 26 , and a magnet 28 disposed around an outer circumferential wall of the holder 25 . the magnet 28 is fixed by bonding or insertion molding such that it is concentric with the shaft 26 and is also concentric with and faces both the pole teeth 15 a and 16 a with a slight air gap . the magnet 28 is magnetized on its circumferential surface along the circumferential direction with a plurality of alternating n - and s - poles having a preset width . when a predetermined pulse driving voltage is applied on the windings in the stator assembly 12 , the first pole teeth 15 a are magnetized , for example , with s - pole . consequently , n - poles in the surface of the magnet 28 are drawn toward the first pole teeth 15 a . in this manner , the rotor 13 moves by a predetermined angle . how to assemble the stepping motor with the above - described structure will be hereinafter explained . the shaft 26 is forcibly inserted into the holder 25 , and the magnet 28 is fixed around the holder 25 , constituting the rotor assembly 13 . the stator assembly 12 is structured as described below . the coil bobbin 17 is formed by winding a magnet wire w around the bobbin body 19 . a diameter , a number of turns , a length , etc . of the magnet wire w depend on applications of the stepping motor 11 . the cover ring 18 covers the coil bobbin 17 . the stator subassembly 14 is formed such that the inner and outer stator yokes 16 and 15 are coupled together in such a manner as to sandwich the coil bobbin 17 covered by the cover ring 18 . here , the terminal block 20 of the coil bobbin 17 , the cutout 15 b of the outer stator yoke 15 and the chamfered edge 16 b are disposed in such a manner as to mate with one another . then , using a predetermined holding jig , the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 are correctly positioned such that their respective inner stator yokes 16 and 16 abut back to back . alternatively , the holding jig may be used so as to directly hold each component of the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 in their respective assembly sequence . the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 are superimposed such that the pole teeth of their respective stator yokes 15 and 16 are misaligned , each having an optimum difference in an electrical angle , for example , of 90 degrees . with the above - described structure of the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 , their respective terminal blocks 20 and 20 have to be fittingly positioned with respect to one another . for example , there are several mechanisms for achieving the fitting positioning of the coil blocks 20 and 20 as shown in fig6 a - 6 d . [ 0079 ] fig6 a shows a first mechanism in that positioning through - holes 20 a and 20 a for each of the terminal blocks 20 and 20 are bored therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to main surfaces thereof ( an axial direction of the cylindrical coil bobbin 17 ). the positioning is carried out by inserting one positioning pin 30 into both the positioning through - holes 20 a and 20 a . [ 0080 ] fig6 b shows a second mechanism in that positioning grooves 20 b and 20 b are cut in opposing surfaces of the two terminal blocks 20 and 20 in their protruding direction , placing the positioning grooves 20 b and 20 b at substantially a center of each coil block . the positioning is carried out by placing the one positioning pin 30 along both the positioning grooves with the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 superimposed back to back . when using the positioning mechanisms shown in fig6 a and 6b , the positioning pin 30 is removed after , for example , the terminal pins 21 have been connected to a circuit board such as an fpc , which will be explained later in detail . [ 0082 ] fig6 c shows a third mechanism in that either a v - shaped protuberance 20 c or a v - shaped groove 20 d in cross - section to mate with one another is formed on an opposing surface of each of the terminal blocks 20 and 20 . the positioning is carried out by mating the protuberance 20 c with the groove 20 d . [ 0083 ] fig6 d shows a fourth mechanism in that a positioning jig is used for fittingly positioning the terminal blocks 20 and 20 by aligning sidewalls on the same side of the terminal blocks 20 and 20 . [ 0084 ] fig7 shows a side view of the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 properly positioned using any one of the above - described four positioning mechanisms . even if a displacement in relative angle between the notches 15 b and 15 b of the stator subassemblies 14 and 14 occurs , any one of the four positioning mechanisms can serve to eliminate the displacement in relative angle . after that , with the outer and inner stator yokes 15 and 16 and the terminal block 20 properly positioned , the two stator subassemblies 14 and 14 are resin - molded integrally with one another to thereby form the stator assembly 12 . then , the second flange 24 having one bearing 27 fixed , by welding or the like , thereto is fixed to one main surface of the stator assembly 12 . and , the rotor assembly 13 is housed in an inner surface of the ring - shaped stator assembly 12 such that one end of the shaft 26 extends through the bearings 27 and 27 . and , the first flange 23 having the other bearing 27 fixed thereto is disposed such that the other end of the shaft 26 extends through the one bearing 27 , and then the other main surface of the stator assembly 12 is fixed , by welding or the like , to the first flange 23 , thereby to complete the stepping motor 11 in this embodiment . the stepping motor 11 assembled by the above - described method is to be mounted on an apparatus such as a measuring instrument . an electrical connection between the stepping motor 11 and an apparatus on which it is mounted is made via a circuit board , for example , an fpc ( flexible printed circuit ) 32 having four connection holes 33 as shown in fig8 . alternatively , the stepping motor 11 may be connected to a rigid circuit board not having flexibility , unlike the fpc 32 . four terminal pins 21 projected on the two terminal blocks 20 and 20 are each inserted into the four connection holes 33 in the fpc and soldered therein . as described above , after the outer and inner stator yokes 15 and 15 are positioned relative to one another , the two terminal blocks 20 and 20 are again correctly positioned through adjustment to thereby eliminate their relative dislocation . therefore , it is not necessary to do any additional thing such as setting a diameter of each of the connection holes 33 to be relatively long so as to eliminate the dislocation of the terminal pins 21 . consequently , the above - described mechanisms do not involve any difficulty or complication such as inability of smooth soldering between the connection holes 33 and the terminal pins 21 due to the long diameter of each of the connection holes 33 , thereby achieving an easy and highly - reliable electrical connection . in brief , in this embodiment , the terminal block 20 can rotate by a predetermined angle as the bobbin 17 moves together with the terminal block projecting from the cutout 15 b . consequently , this embodiment can eliminate the dislocation between the two terminal blocks 20 and 20 and 20 with the outer stator yokes 15 and 16 fixed at a predetermined relative location in a process of assembling the stator assembly 12 . therefore , for example , it becomes easier to solder the terminal pins 21 to the fpc 32 , achieving a highly - reliable and stable electrical connection between the stepping motor and the apparatus on which it is mounted . the present invention is not limited to the above - described embodiment , and alternatively there may be any other variations and applications . in the above - described embodiment , the terminal block 20 projects in such a manner as to project with a predetermined width in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the bobbin 17 . however , a shape of the terminal block 20 is not limited to the above - described example , and alternatively it may be any shape as long as it is possible to connect a magnet wire to the terminal pins 21 , which in turn is connected to an external electrode . for example , it may be structured such that a width of a potion horizontally overlapping the outer stator yoke 15 is narrower than the width of the other portion ( the protruding portion ). in the above - described embodiment , the pm stepping motor is used as an example for explanation . however , the present invention can also be applied to the other stepping motors and any other motor using a bobbin having a magnet wire wound therearound , such as spindle motors and servo motors . various embodiments and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention . the above - described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention , not to limit the scope of the present invention . the scope of the present invention is shown by the attached claims rather than the embodiments . various modifications made within the meaning of an equivalent of the claims of the invention and within the claims are to be regarded to be in the scope of the present invention this application is based on japanese patent application no . 2002 - 257199 filed on sep . 2 , 2002 and japanese patent application no . 2003 - 118825 filed on apr . 23 , 2003 , and including specification , claims , drawings and summary . the disclosure of the above japanese patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . | 7 |
fig1 is a block diagram showing the system of this invention . the watch calculator interface circuit 2 interfaces a watch circuit 4 with a calculator circuit 6 to control the supply of information to a special six digit led display 8 . it is contemplated that the watch circuit may comprise a harris semiconductor hd4822 cmos integrated circuit ; the calculator circuit may comprise a toshiba t3338 cmos integrated circuit . each of these circuits supplies segment and digit information for seven and / or nine segment led displays . the system operates from a 3 . 0 volt power supply consisting of four 1 . 5 volt watch batteries comprising two series connected pairs of 3 . 0 volts ( nominal ) each . one pair of batteries powers the logic circuits of the watch , calculator and interface chips , through chip inputs + v l ( logic ). the other , parallel pair of batteries powers the segment and digit drivers , through chip input + v d ( driver ). by this arrangement , it is possible to replace the driver batteries , which are subject to greater power drain than the logic batteries , and therefore require more frequent changing , without disturbing the time keeping operation of the watch . external to the clock chip 4 is an oscillator circuit 10 comprising a quartz crystal 12 , a trimmer capacitor c1 , an oscillator capacitor c2 and a resistor r1 . the watch chip outputs include display information consisting of nine segment data lines wa through wj and four digit lines wd1 through wd4 which are supplied to corresponding inputs of the interface chip 2 . the watch chip also supplies a 1024 hz output signal to a corresponding interface chip input . the calculator chip outputs include seven segment data lines ca through cg , a decimal point line cdp , six digit strobes cd0 through cd5 , and an overflow flag cdof ; these calculator display information outputs are connected to appropriate inputs of the interface chip 2 . all of the inputs to the interface chip from the watch and calculator chips are cmos level active inputs . a keyboard 14 , of the same type disclosed in co - pending application ser . no . 740 , 409 , is mounted on the face of the watch . briefly , it comprises a plurality of keys which , when depressed , complete an electrical circuit to calculator chip 6 and / or interface chip 2 . in addition to their standard function , the &# 34 ;+&# 34 ; and &# 34 ; s &# 34 ; keys serve to enter the calculating mode and provide a time setting function , respectively , as will be described in more detail below . the upper row of keys of keyboard 14 , containing number keys 0 , 1 , . . . , 9 and the decimal point key &# 34 ; dp &# 34 ;, is connected through resistor r4 to interface chip output rkn . the purpose of this is to provide a positive inhibition of the calculator function during the watch mode of operation ; output rkn is pulled to ground during the calculator mode operation , as described in more detail below . time display is commanded by an inertia switch 16 connected to an interface chip input is or by a manually actuated time demand pushbutton 17 . inertia switch 16 is operated by a predetermined movement of the watch , e . g . by the wearer moving his arm in a certain pattern . operation of pushbutton switch in a predetermined pattern produces a time or date display . a brightness control circuit 18 , comprising a photoresistive element pr in series with a capacitor c5 to form a variable time constant charging circuit , is connected to interface chip input p . the display 8 comprises six display stations 20a - 20f , a pair of centrally located light emitting diodes 22a , 22b for forming colon dots , and a negative / calculator overflow diode 24 shown at the leftmost side of the display 8 . since the calculator incorporates a floating decimal point , each of the six display stations is provided with a decimal point diode in a conventional manner . digits 20a , 20b , 20c and 20f are seven segment displays ; digits 20d and 20e are nine segment displays , connected as shown in fig1 to form day - of - the - week indications ( e . g . mo , tu , we , th , fr , sa , su ). six interface chip outputs d0 - d5 are connected to the display 8 to control respective ones of display stations 20a - 20f ; interface chip output d2 controls the activation of digit 20c as well as colon dot diodes 22a , 22b and negative overflow indicator diode 24 . corresponding segments a - g and the decimal point dp of each display digit , and segments h of digits 20d and 20e are connected in common to corresponding interface chip outputs . fig2 is a block diagram and fig2 a is a detailed circuit diagram of the interface chip circuits . the interface chip of this invention utilizes cmos or i 2 l ( integrated injection logic ) devices and combines on a single substrate a number of circuits which heretofore had been constructed as discrete units . the power and set control logic generates the calculator power - up signal cvdd ( active high ) and the watch setting signal s ( active low ). the cdof input is connected through a diode to an inverter 314 ; the output of inverter 314 in turn is connected to the clock input of flip - flop 310 . except when switch sw &# 34 ;+&# 34 ; is depressed momentarily , input cdof floats . when switch sw &# 34 ;+&# 34 ; is closed , the diode input to inverter 314 is pulled to ground to cause the inverter output to change state ( from logic &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; to logic &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;). the inverter input is activated by an input level not to exceed 0 . 5 volts and deactivated by loading the input with an effective impedance of 250 kω . strobe inputs wd1 and wd3 are gated through an or gate 312 and inverter to one input of cross - coupled nand gates , generally designated 316 , the output of which is connected to the set terminals of d flip - flop 310 . a logic 1 on either wd3 or wd1 , indicates that the watch circuit is active and time ( watch mode ) display has been demanded , either by the demand switch or by the inertia switch . this sets the output of cross - coupled nand gates at a high level ( logic 1 ) and prevents d flip - flop 310 from changing state in the subsequent presence of a clock input . thus the calculator mode cannot be demanded as long as the device is in the watch mode . in the absence of wd1 and wd3 strobes , cvdd is energized by the momentary closure of normally open switch sw &# 34 ;+&# 34 ; which grounds interface chip input cdof through resistor r 5 ( fig1 ). this produces a logic 1 at the clock input c of d flip - flop 310 . absent an input from wd1 or wd3 ( watch mode inactive ), a logic 1 ( output of inverter 314 high ) appearing at the clock input of flip - flop 310 causes the q output of flip - flop 310 to go high , thereby energizing cvdd through amplifier 318 . q remains high until an input appears on lines wd1 and / or wd3 ( watch mode activated ) to set d flip - flop 310 and return q to zero . the q output of flip - flop 310 is also gated to transistor tr1 . a watch setting signal s ( active low ) is generated only during the watch mode operation . when the calculator mode is selected ( cdof high , q high ), triggering of transistor tr1 is inhibited by and gate 320 . one input of gate 320 consists of the output of flip - flop 310 inverted by inverter 322 . in the watch mode ( cdof low , q low ), time setting is selected by momentarily closing switch sw &# 34 ; s &# 34 ;, which grounds interface chip input cd4 through resistor r5 . this input signal is inverted by inverter 324 ( operated in the same manner as inverter 314 ) and gated through gate 320 to trigger transistor tr1 conductive and pull output s to ground . the output of inverter 322 is also connected to terminal rkn and to inertia switch control gate 162 . the output of and gate 162 is connected to and controls the inertia switch logic 50 . when the calculator mode is selected , output q of flip - flop 310 goes high and output signal rkn is pulled low ( to ground ) to enable calculator keyboard switches &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, . . . , &# 34 ; 9 &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; dp &# 34 ;. when q goes high , the input to gate 162 goes low ( logic 0 ). and gate 162 is thus disabled to inhibit the operation of the inertia switch during the calculator mode . in the watch mode , the display is controlled as a function of watch digit inputs wd1 - wd4 . these are strobed signals having a repetition rate of 1024 hz and a period of approximately 122 μsec . ( 1 / 8192 second ). fig4 a shows the phase relationship among watch digit input strobes wd1 through wd4 . the brightness control logic generates variable pulse width strobes wd1 &# 39 ;- wd4 &# 39 ; in response to watch digit input strobes wd1 - wd4 . the pulse width of strobes wd1 &# 39 ;- wd4 &# 39 ; is varied as a function of the ambient light illuminating a photoresistive element pr . in the brightness control logic circuit , watch digit inputs wd1 and wd2 are gated through an or gate 410 to the clock input of a monostable multivibrator 412 , having a typical nominal pulse width of 48 μsec . watch digit input strobes wd3 and wd4 are gated through an or gate 414 to the clock input of a second monostable 416 , also having a 48 μsec nominal pulse width . the q outputs of monostables 412 and 416 are applied to respective inputs of nand gate 418 , the output of which is connected in common to one input of an or gate 420 and the base of a switching transistor tr2 , the emitter of which is grounded . the collector of transistor tr2 is connected in common to the second input of or gate 420 and to output point p of the photo - resistive time constant circuit comprising photo - resistor pr and capacitor c5 . the output of or gate 420 is connected in common to one input of each of and gates 421 , 422 , 423 , and 424 . watch digit input strobes wd1 through wd4 are applied as the second inputs of and gates 421 - 424 , respectively . the appearance of any one of watch digit inputs wd1 - wd4 triggers one or the other of monostables 412 and 416 . referring to fig4 c , which shows a timing diagram of the operation of the brightness control circuit triggered by the appearance of watch digit input wd1 , monostable 412 is triggered at time t 1 by watch digit strobe wd1 to cause its q output to become low for its 48 μsec on - time . the output of nand gate 418 becomes high ( logic 1 ) for this 48 μsec period , thereby triggering transistor tr2 into its on or conductive state . at the same time , the output of nand gate 418 is gated through or gate 420 to the commonly connected inputs of gates 421 - 424 . watch digit input wd1 is therefore gated through gate 421 for the on period of monostable 412 . during the on - time of transistor tr2 point p is held substantially at ground . at time t 2 , monostable 412 returns to its stable or off state and the q output goes high ; the output of nand gate 418 becomes low and transistor tr2 switches to its off or nonconductive state . immediately after time t 2 , both inputs of or gate 420 are low ; the output wd1 &# 39 ; of and gate 421 thus becomes low . the voltage at point p begins to increase at a rate determined by the time constant of the charging network 18 . the increase in voltage at p is gated through gate 420 to gate 421 . the resistance of element pr is inversely related to the amount of ambient illumination ; thus , the lower the light level , the higher the resistance of element pr and the longer it takes to charge capacitor c5 . the voltage at the input of the and gate 421 ( and therefore the voltage at point p ) must reach a certain level before the and gate will turn on and pass input wd1 . this occurs at time t 3 , which is variable with respect to t 2 and depends on ambient light conditions . from fig4 b it will be seen that the strobe wd1 &# 39 ; has a minimum pulse width determined by the 48 μsec nominal monostable multivibrators 412 and 416 , and a maximum pulse width ( 122 μsec ) determined by the periodicity of the watch digit input wd1 ; the variation between the two limits is determined by the time constant of the externally connected charging circuit 18 . the inertia switch control logic 50 generates a time window in response to the externally connected , normally closed inertia switch 16 ( input is ). a reference time window is generated by the opening of the switch 16 to begin counting at a 128 hz rate . the window opening occurs ( nominally ) 105 ms after switch opening and the window closing occurs ( nominally ) 230 ms after switch opening . if the switch closure occurs within the generated time window , then a valid time request is asserted by the logic and output t is held low for a preset time after the switch 16 is closed . if the switch closure occurs before the window opening ( less than 105 ms ) the switch input is used to reset the logic to its initialized state . if the switch closure occurs after the window closes ( greater than 230 ms ), the logic resets itself to its initialized state . the inertia switch itself may comprise an evacuated glass tube or envelope which , if desired , may be back - filled with an inert gas to control the mechanical viscosity and containing a small amount of conductive material which is fluid at ambient temperatures ( e . g . mercury ). projecting into one end of the tube are a pair of electrical contacts , one of which is connected to the negative side of the logic power supply ( v g ) and the other of which is connected through the inertia switch input is of the interface chip to one input of the inertia switch control gate 162 ; the other input of control gate 162 constitutes the inverted q output of power and set control flip - flop 310 . in operation , a quick movement of the arm of the wearer in the appropriate direction causes the mercury drop in the glass tube to move from the normal rest , or closed position , electrically connecting the pair of contacts , to an open position . thus , the inertia switch constitutes a normally closed switch that , when opened , permits the inverted q output of flip - flop 310 to be gated through gate 162 to enable the inertia switch logic to generate the time window . the inertia switch control logic provides a means for preventing inadvertent operation of the time display upon opening of the inertia switch due to movement of the wearer &# 39 ; s arm not in accord with the predetermined required movement for operating the display . to prevent such inadvertent operation , the wearer must move the watch in such a manner as to cause the inertia switch to open and then close within a predetermined time period , i . e . within the generated time window . more particularly , a 1024 hz clock obtained from an intermediate tap of the main frequency divider on clock chip 4 , provides a clock input for the inertia switch control logic . this 1024 hz signal is divided down to 128 hz by a three - stage counter 510 . the 128 hz clock signal output of counter 510 is applied to the input of a four - stage counter 520 . counter 520 is normally inhibited by a flip - flop 536 from counting down the 128 hz output from counter 510 . upon movement of the wearer &# 39 ; s arm to open the inertia switch , the output of an and gate 532 goes high and the q output of flip - flop 536 goes low to permit counter 520 to begin counting down the 128 hz output from counter 510 . a nor gate 522 detects the occurrence of the fourteenth 128 hz . pulse to generate a time window opening signal . the output of nor gate 522 is connected to the r ( reset ) input of d flip - flop 524 and the c input of d flip - flop 526 . the d input of flip - flop 524 is connected to v l and the q output is connected to one input of a nand gate 528 . the q output of flip - flop 526 is connected to the second input of nand gate 528 and to one input of a nor gate 530 . the q output of flip - flop 526 is connected to one input of and gate 532 and to one input of an or gate 534 . the second inputs of gates 530 , 532 and 534 are coupled in common to input is &# 39 ; ( output of gate 162 ). the output of gate 532 is connected to the c input of d flip - flop 536 ; the output of gate 530 is connected to the r input of flip - flop 536 . the q output of flip - flop 536 is connected in common to the reset inputs of counter 520 and flip - flop 526 and is fed back to the d input of flip - flop 536 . the inverted output of or gate 534 is connected to the c input of flip - flop 524 . on the occurrence of the fourteenth 128 hz signal , gate 522 clocks flip - flop 526 and resets flip - flop 524 . time window opening thus occurs on the fourteenth 128 hz pulse ( nominally 105 ms after switch opening ) and window closing occurs on the thirtieth 128 hz pulse ( nominally 230 ms after switch opening ). if switch closure occurs before the appearance of the fourteenth 128 hz signal , flip - flop 536 is reset by inertia switch input signal is &# 39 ; through gate 530 ; this resets the inertia switch control logic 50 to its initialized state ( i . e ., counter 520 is reset to zero and is inhibited from counting the 128 hz input signal ). fig5 a . if switch closure occurs within the generated time window ( i . e ., between the fourteenth and thirtieth 128 hz pulses ), a valid time request is asserted by the switch control logic and output t is held low from the time the switch is closed until the occurrence of the forty - sixth 128 hz pulse ( nominally 355 ms ). fig5 b . if the switch closure occurs after the time window closes ( greater than 230 ms ), the thirtieth 128 hz pulse resets and inhibits counter 520 and resets the output logic to its initialized state ( t goes high ). fig5 c . the segment decode logic receives segment information from the watch circuit inputs wa through wj and the calculator inputs ca through cg , and cdp . the calculator power - up signal cvdd and input cdof are used to gate the proper set of display information to the segment driver section . the segment decode logic includes a first set of and gates 610 , each having a common input cvdd obtained from the output of power and set control logic 30 . a second input of each of gates 610 is connected to respective calculator chip outputs ca - cg . the outputs of gates 610 are connected to respective inputs of or gates 620 ; the second inputs of or gates 620 are connected respectively to watch chip outputs wa - wg . the outputs of gates 620 in turn are connected to respective inputs of and gates 630 ; the second inputs of gates 630 are connected in common through an inverter 632 to the cdof interface chip input . in the watch mode , input cdof floats and cdof is high . thus , watch digit segments wa - wg are gated through or gates 620 and and gates 630 to activate the desired display segments . watch segment input wh is activated only in the time display mode , and particularly when the alphabetic day of the week display is commanded by the time demand switch 17 through watch chip 4 . watch segment wh also controls the operation of the colon dots 22 , which operate only during the time display mode . thus , a direct path is provided through the interface chip to the segment driver section for watch display input wh . watch display segment signal wj is operated during the watch display mode to activate the appropriate segments when the day of the week display is commanded . signal wj is connected to one input of an or gate 640 . the other input of or gate 640 is connected to the output of an and gate 645 . this and gate has two inputs , one controlled by an overflow indication on input cdof during the calculator mode and the other connected to the output of an or gate 650 , the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of gates 610d and 610g . during the watch display mode , input wj passes through or gate 640 to activate day of the week segments . in the calculator mode , a signal appears at the output of gate 640 to activate diode 24 when an overflow condition obtains in the calculator circuit . as noted above , in the watch mode , cdof is normally maintained at a high level to permit watch segment inputs wa - wg to be gated directly through gates 630 to the segments drivers . after the device has been placed in the calculator mode , by the momentary depression of switch sw &# 34 ;+&# 34 ;, cdof is again maintained at a high level to permit calculator segment inputs ca - cg to be gated directly through gates 630 to the segment drivers . when an overflow condition occurs in the calculator mode , as when the number to be displayed contains more than six digits , a logic high level will appear at the cdof interface chip input . this logic high level is inverted in inverter 632 to a logic low level ; this inhibits the transmission of calculator segment signals ca - cg through gates 620 during the overflow condition . the boolean expressions for the segment display information are as follows : the segment driver section accepts the segment decode signals and provides a nominal 12 ma current source ( pnp type ) drive from 3 . 0 volts for a common cathode led seven or nine segment plus decimal point display . the digit decode logic receives digit information from the calculator chip 6 ( inputs cd0 through cd5 , cdof ), and from the brightness control logic 40 ( signals wd1 &# 39 ; through wd4 &# 39 ;). the calculator power - up signal cvdd from power and set control logic 30 and the input cdof are used to enable the proper set of digit information to the digit driver section 80 . the digit decode logic includes a group of and gates 810 , each having one input connected in common to the cvdd output of the power and set control logic 30 . a second input of each and gate 810 is connected respectively to calculator digit outputs cd0 - cd5 . the outputs of and gates 810a and 810f are connected directly to the appropriate digit drivers 90 . the outputs of gates 810b , 810c , 810d and 810e are gated through or gates 820 along with watch digit display signals wd1 &# 39 ; through wd4 &# 39 ; from brightness control logic 40 . the outputs of gates 820 are connected to the appropriate digit driver 90 . or gate 820b has a third input derived from the output of an and gate 830 , also having one input connected to the cvdd line and a second input connected to cdof . a level high signal appears in the output of gates 830 only during the calculate mode ( cvdd high ) when an overflow signal is detected ( cdof high ) to drive overflow indicator diode 24 through digit display input d2 and segment display input j . the boolean expressions for the digit display information are as follows : the digit driver section accepts the digit decode logic output signals and provides a nominal 100 ma current sink ( npn type ) to ground for a common cathode led seven or nine segment display . the clock chip 4 , calculator chip 6 and interface chip 2 , along with resistors r 1 and r 4 - r 9 , and capacitors c 2 - c 5 are mounted on one side of a substrate 44 ( fig7 ). inertia switch 16 is bonded to the same side of substrate 44 as the several chips . the six led display stations 20a - 20f , colon dots 22a , 22b , overflow / negative indicator 24 and photocell pr are mounted on the other side of the substrate 44 ( fig8 ). comparing the substrate diagram of fig7 with the corresponding substrate diagram of application ser . no . 740 , 409 , it will be readily seen that the interface chip of this invention replaces eight separate integrated circuit chips ic3 - ic10 . this reduces the number of wire bonds required from 158 to 104 ( a reduction of approximately 34 %). by way of example only , but not of limitation , the external resistor and capacitors may have the following values : while a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail , it will be understood that the invention may be modified without departing from the spirit of the inventive principles as set forth in the hereafter appended claims . | 6 |
fig1 shows a view on the wiping area of a wiper which during normal operation moves between the positions 10 and 11 . the position designated by 10 is to be the parking position in which the wiper is deposited in the rest position . the reversing position of the wiper is designated by 11 . the wiper moves over an angular area a . by the angular area b a parking area is determined between the parking position 10 and a wiper position 12 . thereby it can be started from the fact that the wiper position 12 corresponds to that position in which the parking position switch of known wiper installations changes over and short - circuits the wiper motor . this parking area is divided into two angular areas d and c . in accordance with the basic idea of the invention the wiper motor is switched off as soon as the wiper occupies the position designated by 13 . thereby it is indicated by the dotted line that this switching - off point is variable . the angular area c namely characterises the after - running of the wiper motor after it is switched off , which depends on the angular velocity of the wiper motor . from the difference of the angular areas b and c the angular area d has to be determined which , starting from the parking position , has to be passed by the wiper before the switching signal for switching off the switching element is released . fig2 shows a circuit diagram for the wiper motor 20 which is a concentric running motor and drives the wiper via a pendulum - type gearing . a rotational speed sensor 21 is assigned to the wiper motor 20 . the wiper motor 20 is supplied from a voltage source not shown in detail with the positive pole 24 and the negative pole 25 via a relay - operated changeover contact 23 . the relay 26 is controlled via a switching signal at the output 27 of an evaluation circuit 30 . the operating switch of the wiper installation is designated by 28 . the evaluation circuit 30 has a first counter 31 , a following 1 from n decoder 32 . the pulses of the rotational - speed sensor 21 are conducted to said counter 31 . a second counter to which also a 1 from n decoder 34 follows is designed by 33 . clock pulses of a clock generator 35 are conducted to this counter 33 . the count of the two counters 31 and 33 is compared in a comparator 36 . the operating switch 28 is connected to the set input of a store 37 at whose output the switching signal for the control of the switching element is tapped off . the clock input of a flip flop 38 is connected to the position switch 22 . via the output of said flip flop 38 an and - gate 39 is controlled to whose other input the signal of the clock generator 35 is conducted . to the position switch 22 furthermore a monostable timing element 40 is connected whose output is connected with the reset inputs of the two counters 31 and 33 . at last via the position switch 22 a gate 41 is controlled to whose other input the signal of the rotational - speed sensor 21 is conducted . the output of the comparator 36 is conducted to the clock generator of the store 37 via a gate 42 which is controlled in dependence on the count of the counter 31 . when the operating switch 28 is actuated the store 37 is set with a negative slope so that at the output of this store positive potential may be measured and thus the switching element 26 is excited . as long as the operating switch 28 is closed said switching element remains excited and thus energy is conducted to the motor . via the position switch 22 negative potential is switched on the inhibit input of the gate 41 when the wipers are located within the parking area which is characterised by the angular area b . the signal of the rotational - speed sensor 21 can only be conducted to the clock input of the counter 31 within this parking area . in contrast thereto outside of the parking area the gate 41 is blocked . the flip flop 38 is triggered when the wipers enter the parking position , so that positive potential is available at the output . thus the pulses of the clock generator 35 can be conducted to the clock input of the counter 33 via the and - gate 39 . in dependence on the count of the assigned counters the decoders 32 or 34 only supply a positive signal at one output each , whereas all other outputs are connected to earth . the output a of a decoder 32 which only supplies a positive signal at the count 0 of the assigned counter is connected to the reset input of the flip flop 38 . as soon as the count of the counter 31 is other than 0 the flip flop 38 is reset . thus the pulses of the clock generator 35 can no longer reach the clock input of the counter 33 . in the following description of the mode of operation of this circuit arrangement it is started from the fact that the operating switch 28 is opened , when the wiper occupies the parking area b . as soon as the wiper leaves this parking area the timing element 40 is triggered by the positive slope of the position switch 22 and thereby as well the counter 31 as also the counter 33 is reset . at the same time the gate 41 is blocked , so that at first the pulses of the rotational - speed sensor are no longer conducted to the counting input of the counter 31 . positive potential may be measured at the outputs a and a &# 39 ; respectively of the two decoders 33 and 34 respectively . thus positive potential is also applied to the output of the comparator 36 . however the store 37 is not reset by this measure , because its clock input only responds to positive slopes . as soon as the wiper reaches the parking area b again the flip flop 38 is triggered and the and - gate 39 opened , so that the pulses of the clock generator 35 are switched on the clock input of the counter 33 . at the same time the pulses of the rotational - speed sensor 21 also affect the counter 31 , because now the gate 41 is opened . through the following pulse of the rotational - speed sensor 21 the potential at the output a of a decoder 32 jumps to earth , so that the flip flop 38 is reset . thus the signals of the clock generator 35 can only reach the counter 33 during the time interval t between two pulses of the rotational - speed sensor 21 . thus the count of this counter 33 is a measure for this time interval t and thus for the momentary speed of the wiper entering the parking area . the count of the counter 31 is continuously increased by the pulses of the rotational - speed sensor 21 . as soon as the comparator 36 detects that the count of the counter 31 equals to that of the counter 33 , a positive signal is released at its output which is switched to the clock input of the store 37 via the now opened gate 42 . thus the store 37 is reset and the switching signal for switching off the switching element is released . from this description it becomes clear that with a high rotational speed of the motor , thus with a short time interval , the count in the counter 33 is smaller and thus only a small number of pulses of the rotational - speed sensor 21 are necessary to make the count of the counter 31 equal to that of the counter 33 . thus the wiper motor is switched off relatively early , that means the angle d is relatively small , but the after - running angle of rotation c is relatively big . if on the other hand the rotational speed and thus the wiper speed too is low and consequently the time interval t is relatively long the counter 33 has a high count and much more pulses of the rotational - speed sensor 21 are necessary to make the counts of the two counters 31 and 33 equal . thus the angular area d is big and the after - running angle of rotation c is small . thus from the signal of the rotational - speed sensor 21 characterising the angular speed a correction value is derived which is stored in the counter 33 . thereby the correction value depends on the clock frequency of the clock operator 35 which is determined by experiments and among other things is dependent on the construction of the wiper installation , especially by the size of the wiper blades and the power of the wiper motor 20 . thereby the count of the counter 33 , when the speed was measured , provides a measure for the angular area d , the difference between the maximal count of the counter and the measured count of the counter 33 characterises the after - running angle of rotation as correction value . in the embodiment shown in fig2 the correction value is derived from the speed which the wiper has , when it reaches the parking area . it is however also conceivable to derive the correction value from the medium wiper speed over a full wiping cycle or during half a wiping cycle . however this technique is less exact . besides it is conceivable to detect a given after - running time instead of a given after - running angle of rotation and derive a time interval from it which , starting from the beginning of the parking area , has to expire until the wiper motor is switched off . thereby the basic idea of the invention is used that the switching signal is released at differing angular positions of the wiper in dependence on the wiper speed . in fig3 a version using a microcomputer 50 as evaluation circuit is indicated . the speed - dependent signal is conducted to said microcomputer which computes the individual values and releases the switching signal at a predetermined time . in fig3 it is furthermore indicated that a pendulum - type motor can also serve as a wiper motor , whereby its direction of rotation is changed in the parking position or in the reversing position of the wipers . now the relay 26 of fig2 is replaced by two switching elements 51 and 52 switching with delay , so that the electric motor is being short - circuited shortly before it is reversed . besides it is indicated in fig3 that the wiping angle a of such a pendulum - type wiper motor can be programmed through a first switch 53 and that through a switch 54 the computer can be fed with values which are necessary for computing the after - running time or the after - running angle of rotation . these values depend on the design of the wiper installation and especially on the frictional conditions and correspond to the frequency of the clock generator of fig2 . an essential component of the version according to fig4 to 6 is a capacitor 60 with relatively high capacity , to which a low - resistance charging resistor 61 is series connected and to which a high - resistance discharging resistor 62 is assigned . in addition to the operating switch 28 five switches 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , and 74 are shown which are all directly or indirectly switched by the motor 20 . the switching points are described in detail by way of fig6 . in the shown rest position of the motor 20 the switch 70 is opened and thus the motor circuit interrupted . the switches 71 and 72 are closed , so that the capacitor 60 in series connection with the resistor 61 is connected in parallel to the motor 20 . the capacitor was discharged via the motor winding . the two switches 73 and 74 are opened . it is now assumed that at the time t 0 the operating switch 28 is changed over into the dotted operating position . thereby the circuit to the capacitor 60 is opened and the motor beings to rotate . at the time t 1 the motor was rotated by a very little angular value and the previously closed switches 71 and 72 are opened . thus switch 70 closes at the time t 2 . if the operating switch 28 is now reset into the reset position the motor current circuit remains closed via this switch 70 until the wipers have again reached their parking position . the switches 73 and 74 close at the time t 3 . thereby the capacitor foil 63 is connected to the positive potential 24 via the switches 74 and 70 , the other capacitor foil 64 to earth potential 25 via the switch 73 . the switches 73 and 74 open again at the time t 4 . thus the charging process of the capacitor is terminated and the discharging process begins via the resistors 61 and 62 . at the time t 5 the switch 70 opens and the motor current circuit is interrupted . a short time later , at the time t 6 , the switches 71 and 72 are closed again , so that the motor is again connected in parallel to the series connection consisting of resistor 61 and capacitor 60 . it is now essential that at the time t 6 the charging voltage of the capacitor depends on the angular velocity of the motor . if the velocity is high , the time interval between t 4 and t 6 is short and the capacitor is only slightly discharged . but if the angular velocity is low , the time interval is long and the capacitor is discharged to a low voltage value . accordingly at the time t 6 also the energy stored in the capacitor depends on the angular velocity . because the foil 63 of the capacitor charged with positive potential is now connected to the earth potential of the motor and the foil 64 charged with negative potential acts on the positive motor terminal a braking effect depending on the energy stored in the capacitor is the result . this braking effect can be determined by the resistors 61 and 62 in a way that , independently of the angular velocity , the wipers stop in an exactly defined parking position . fig5 shows how the separate switches 70 to 74 can be combined to a single position switch 22 . a switch wafer 80 has four contact paths 81 , 82 , 83 and 84 on which the contact springs 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 and 89 are sliding . the contact path 81 contains two contact segments 90 and 91 of which one is connected to the contact path 82 and the other to the contact path 84 in an electrically conductive manner . the contact path 83 has also two segments 92 and 93 , which are connected to the contact paths 82 and 84 respectively . in the contact path 82 is a gap 95 , into which the contact spring 86 jumps in the rest position . contact spring 86 and contact path 82 form the switch 70 which is opened in the parking position , but otherwise closed . by a comparison to fig4 one recognises that the contact spring 85 with the segment 90 forms the switch 71 and with the segment 91 the switch 74 . the switch wafer rotates with the motor in the shown direction of rotation , whereby the circumferential length of the segments 91 and 93 determines the charging time of the capacitor . thereafter the discharging circuit is initiated , because the contact springs 85 and 88 are free from potential until the wiper again enters its parking position . | 1 |
our invention is a new composition of matter formed via the copolymerization of di - or polyethynyl - substituted diluents such as diethynylbenzene or diethynyldiphenyl ether with ethynyl - substituted polyimide oligomers and the use of the product to form composite materials . one purpose of the invention is to provide a class of heat resistant copolymers which are thermosetting . a second purpose is to provide a class of heat resistant copolymers which cure through addition rather than through condensation . a third purpose is to provide thermosetting addition polymers which have sufficiently low viscosity to exhibit good melt flow characteristics , good molding properties and good coating characteristics , and a fourth purpose is to provide thermosetting resins which , when used in the fabrication of composite structures , yield cured resin matrices having very low or zero void contents . this latter purpose is very important since composite structures without voids can exhibit the optimum potential properties characteristic of their constituents . we have discovered that the incorporation of diethynylbenzene and analogous copolymerizable acetylene substituted diluents in a polyimide oligomer such as one having the following structure ## str3 ## wherein x , n , and m are as defined previously , will yield products which allow the production of laminates with essentially zero void contents . such laminates are considerably stronger than analogous laminates with larger void contents . in the specific case where n = 2 and m = 0 , the oligomer is one called hr600 . this is the one which was used in several of our experiments . the advantage of this invention is largely attributed to the fact that the copolymer was produced from a polyimide oligomer and a liquid compound which could effectively interact with it during cure . the liquid effectively thins out the oligomer when the oligomer is heated and molded and allows the molten oligomer to flow readily into the pores and crevices in fillers and fabric reinforcements . upon cure , the &# 34 ; thinner &# 34 ; coreacts with the oligomer and thus it doesn &# 39 ; t have to be removed from the resin as an ordinary solvent would have to be . the coreaction between the thinner and the oligomer during cure also yields a product with a higher crosslink density than that which the cured oligomer alone would have . with hr600 , the copolymers of this invention can be visualized as being formed as follows : ## str4 ## this illustration is not intended to show the entire repeating unit of the polymer , but is merely intended to show theoretically the way the compounds copolymerize . although the whole molecule is not illustrated , this partial structure adequately illustrates the high degree of complexity of the copolymers . nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy supports the belief that cure occurs when aromatic rings are formed from the acetylene substituted polyimides . however , absolute proof of this theory has not been obtained and it may be that some other types of functional groups such as cyclobutadiene groups or bi - ethynyl groups might also be present to some degree . nevertheless , the hr600 and diethynylbenzene obviously copolyermize as evidenced by the high strength of the composite structure obtained when a laminate was made . one species of this invention can be produced by mixing diethynylbenzene with the ethynyl - substituted polyimide oligomer to form a copolymer for preparation of the composite . it is important , however , to avoid the use of excess diethynylbenzene since this compound can polymerize explosively . we thus prefer using less than 20 % by weight of the diethynylbenzene in the oligomer . it is possible to pre - react these materials by careful heating of the mixtures at temperatures of about 400 °- 450 ° f , but prepolymerization is not essential since the oligomer can merely be diluted with the diethynylbenzene and used directly as a molding or laminating resin . various other di - or polyethynyl - substituted diluents could also function in this capacity . specific examples of how to utilize the described copolymers within the matrix of a laminate is described below . a section of glass cloth ( 181e glass having an a - 1100 finish ) was cut to 10 × 10 inches and then weighed . a quantity of powdered hr600 was then weighed out sufficient to provide a 40 % resin weight pick up on the fabric . to this amount of resin was added n - methylpyrrolidinone , producing a coating varnish after heating the mixture to 325 ° f to promote dissolution . the glass fabric was dipped into , and slowly pulled through the hot solution in a dip tank at 350 ° f . the coating process was repeated until all of the varnish was consumed ; however , the fabric was air dried for 30 minutes followed by 15 minutes at 350 ° f . after each coating . subsequently the coated fabric was dried for 16 hours under vacuum at 160 ° f . next it was cut in half , and one half was made into a 6 ply laminate by molding it at 485 ° f and 200 psi using a contact time of 90 seconds and a cure time of 2 hours . the other half of the fabric was brushed with a solution of diethynylbenzene ( deb ) in hexane ( 20 ml .). sufficient deb was used so that its weight was equal to 10 % of the hr 600 resin weight . after a 5 minute air dry the coated &# 34 ; prepreg &# 34 ; fabric was placed into a polytetrafluoroethylene film bag and the bag was sealed and stored for 7 days . after aging the fabric , a laminate was molded at 485 ° f and 200 psi using a contact time of 90 seconds and a cure time of 2 hours . ______________________________________ withoutproperty deb with deb______________________________________thickness 0 . 050 &# 34 ; 0 . 045 &# 34 ; density 1 . 91 g / cc 2 . 11 g / ccresin content 23 . 0 % 24 . 1 % void content 5 . 0 % 0 % ______________________________________ void content calculations were based on a density of 1 . 40 g / cc for the hr600 resin and 2 . 51 g / cc for the glass fabric . the difference between the two laminates was startling since under the specific molding conditions used the laminate without deb had 5 % voids and the laminate with deb had 0 % voids . other molding conditions would show a different differential and the lower the molding pressure the bigger the differential that would be expected . the advantage of adding deb was even more evident when a comparison was made between the physical properties of the deb containing laminate and several other hr600 / 181e glass laminates that had been fabricated earlier and tested previously . results of this comparison are shown below ______________________________________ flexural flexural void strength , modulus , laminate no . content psi at 550 ° f . psi at 550 ° f . ______________________________________g 1996 - 31 3 . 5 26 . 5 × 10 . sup . 3 1 . 25 × 10 . sup . 6 ( no deb ) g 1996 - 22b 1 . 4 28 . 5 × 10 . sup . 3 1 . 95 × 10 . sup . 6 ( no deb ) with deb / hr600 0 34 . 5 × 10 . sup . 3 2 . 40 × 10 . sup . 6______________________________________ a chloroform solution of hr700 oligomer ( whose structure is shown below ) was mixed with sufficient diethynylbenzene ( deb ) ## str5 ## such that the oligomer deb weight ratio was 10 to 1 and the mixture was poured into a small crystallizing dish . after the chloroform had evaporated , the oligomer mixture was pulverized and molded with heating at a pressure of 200 psi . microscopic examination of the cured resin showed no evidence of porosity . having described our invention with sufficient particularity so as to teach one skilled in the art how to make and use it , the scope of our claims may now be understood as follows . | 2 |
in fig2 is shown a system for administering anaesthesic gas to a patient . as in prior systems , an anaesthesic gas such as oxygen and nitrous oxide is supplied from a pair of tanks 10 and 11 through shutoff valves 12 and 14 , respectively , to a standard mixing valve 15 . in the mixing valve the gases are mixed and fed into a supply line 16 through a gas bag 17 for passage through a line 18 to an anaesthesic gas mask 19 . the overall gas flow rate is controlled at the mixing valve which is of a standard design having flow control means as well as means for joining the gases together . the person administering the flow can obtain a visual indication of the breathing volume and rate of the patient by observing the expansion and contraction of the bag 17 . in addition , such person can also administer a rapid flow of the gas by grabbing and squeezing the bag which causes accelerated flow through the line 18 to the mask . as discussed previously , the patient usually breathes only through the nose or mouth and it is over these organs that the mask is placed . in prior systems , the exhaled gas and the gas fed through the mask which is not inhaled is usually dumped directly into the room surrounding the patient which naturally raises the concentration of such gas in that room each time the anaesthesic process is performed . for instance in a dental office the process can be performed many times a day and if the air is not scavenged by passage through a non - recirculating air - conditioning system , the concentrations of the gas can become quite high . such concentrations can reach the level at which the dentist &# 39 ; s consciousness and dexterity are actually affected by the continuous breathing of the gas . in accordance with the present invention , means are provided for receiving substantially all of the gases supplied to the patient and conducting such gases to a point exterior of the treatment room to maintain the concentration of the gases within the room at low levels . thus there is provided a special anaesthesic mask 19 which is connected to an exhaust pump 21 such that gas exhaled by the patient , gas supplied to the mask but not inhaled by the patient and gas escaping around the mask are collected and pumped to a point exterior of the room by means of the pipe 20 , the pump 21 and exhaust pipe 22 leading to a point exterior of the room . an anaesthesic mask for incorporation into the present invention is shown in fig3 and 4 comprises an inner mask made up of an inner shell 24 having an opening or chamber 25 therein which permits entry of the nose or exit of supplied gases into the mouth . such inner mask has connected thereto a pair of inlet tubes 26 and 27 connecting through the lines 28 and 29 to the supply line 18 leading from the anaesthesic bag 17 . thus as gas glows through the supply line under the pressure of the gases supplied from the tanks 10 and 11 , it is forced to flow into the gas cavity or chamber formed within the inner shell 24 from which it can be inhaled by the patient to which the gas is being administered . as pointed out before , the patient usually breathes through the nose and therefore the mask commonly is placed over the nose , however if the patient actually breathes through the mouth , either the mask can be placed only over the mouth or the mask can be made of sufficient size to fit over both the nose and the mouth . in the present invention the mask is provided with a pressure relief valve 30 ( fig2 and 3 ) which valve is normally closed by the plunger 31 being spring - loaded over an opening 32 in the inner shell . thus the gas which enters the inlet lines is contained in the mask and can be readily inhaled by the patient . upon exhalation by the patient , the pressure within this inner mask is immediately increased sufficiently to cause the plunger to compress the spring 34 to the position indicated in fig4 . thus the exhaled gas is permitted to pass through the pressure relief valve and into an exhaust passage 35 formed between the inner shell 24 and an outer shell 36 surrounding but spaced from that inner shell . communicating with the exhaust passage 35 are a pair of exhaust tubes 37 and 38 in flow relationship with the exhaust lines 39 and 40 which join at the juncture with the exhaust line 20 connecting with the exhaust pump 21 . in a normal mask not using an exhaust pump the exhalation by the patient will cause a substantial increase in the flow of gas into the inner mask such that gas will escape between the edges 25a of the mask and the patient &# 39 ; s face . naturally this leads to a substantial leakage of gas into the surroundings of the patient . however , by using an extract system providing a positive exhaust flow by use of the pump 21 creating a negative pressure within the exhaust lines 20 , 39 and 40 , the gas is scavenged from the mask to thereby limit leakage through the opening 25a and the patient &# 39 ; s face . in accordance with another feature of the invention , the inner exhaust passage 35 opens adjacent the face of the patient at a continuous port 35a surrounding the edge 25a of the inner mask . thus by the creation of a negative pressure and because the peripheral edge of the outer shell extends past the peripheral edge 25a of the inner shell so as to press more tightly against the patient &# 39 ; s face , any gas leaking between the juncture of the inner shell and the patient &# 39 ; s face is immediately scavenged through the port 35a to the inner passage 35 and into the exhaust lines . with the creation of a negative pressure between the inner and outer shells there exists the possibility that the mask will become pressed sufficiently close to the patient &# 39 ; s face such that it will stick to the face because of the negative pressure within the passage 35 and the atmospheric pressure outside the mask . to counteract this possibility means may be provided to limit the negative pressure within the passage 35 . one form of such means involves the location of a series of relief holes 45 in the outer shell 36 connecting the inner passage 35 with atmosphere . such relief holes are not large enough to permit total relief of the vacuum pressure within the passage 35 but do permit sufficient air flow to limit such vacuum pressure . of course an actual pressure relief valve can also be utilized if necessary which valve would control closely the vacuum pressure maintained within the inner passage 35 . the mask can also be provided with straps or strap attachments 41 for attachment of the mask to the head of the patient . in addition , the pressure relief valve can be made adjustable by the incorporation of a control knob 42 which is threaded into the outer wall 44 . by tightening the thumb screw 42 the tension on the spring 34 can be increased to permit a higher buildup of pressure within the inner shell 24 prior to the opening of the valve . such a higher buildup might be desirable to cause a quick flow of oxygen to the patient for medical purposes such as revival . said valve also permits the administration of the gas to control the fullness of the gas cavity and the breathing reservoir . in addition , another feature of the present invention involves the manufacture of the mask from material which is transparent . such a transparent mask enables the administering personnel to visually observe the proper placement of the mask over the patient &# 39 ; s nose and mouth . also the transparent mask can be inspected easily to detect the presence of any foreign objects , dirt or other pocketing or buildup . | 0 |
an embodiment of the present invention is explained below with the aid of fig1 to 7 . as shown in fig1 a connector housing 10 provided in a connector attached to a panel is of an oblong rectangular parallelepiped shape . three connector members 11 are aligned horizontally inside the housing 10 , each of these members 11 being open at the anterior face of the housing 10 , these openings forming concave openings 12 ( see fig2 ). an angular tubular hood 13 is provided on opening edges of each opening 12 on the anterior face of the housing 10 , corresponding connectors ( not shown ) being parallel to these hoods 13 and fitting into the openings 12 . a plurality of terminals 14 are provided within each connector member 11 in the housing 10 . as shown in fig2 base end terminals 14a of the terminals 14 pass through innermost walls 12a of the opening 12 , one end thereof protruding towards the mouths of the openings 12 . when the corresponding connectors are fitted into the openings 12 , these base end terminals 14a make contact with corresponding terminal fittings housed within the corresponding connectors . furthermore , the other end of each base end terminal 14a is bent at right angles ( towards the bottom of fig2 ) in a mutually parallel manner at the rear face of the housing 10 , the tips thereof being aligned vertically in the same position directly behind one another . a flange 16 protrudes from side faces of the housing 10 . the flange 16 protrudes to a uniform height from two of the side faces of the housing 10 , these being the upper and lower faces in fig1 and a central portion of each of the two faces facing left and right protrudes further and is of a triangular shape . a through hole 16a is formed in the vicinity of the peak of each triangle . a housing groove or recess 17 following the direction of the circumference is set into the base end of a rear face 16b of the flange 16 . this houses the waterproofing ring or annular seal 18 . as shown in fig4 the waterproofing ring 18 has a rectangular frame shape corresponding to the shape of the outer circumference of the housing 10 , a pair of protrusions 19 extending inwards from two end portions of one of the longer sides thereof . moreover , outer and inner faces of the waterproofing ring 18 are each provided with two lips 18a ( see fig4 ( b )), these extending along the direction of the circumference . the side of the housing 10 towards which the tips of the base end terminals 14a extend forms an attachment face 20 , an alignment plate 15 being attached thereto . as shown in fig5 four ribs 21 are provided in a horizontal direction on both ends and in the central portion of the attachment face 20 . further , as shown in fig7 a protrusion 22 is provided on the portion of the attachment face 20 which is located within the housing groove 17 , this protrusion 22 fixing the position of the waterproofing ring 18 . the protrusion 22 extends part way along a horizontal portion of the attachment face 20 and is of the same height as the ribs 21 . the inner circumference face of the waterproofing ring 18 between the two protrusions 19 makes contact ( from the lower part of fig7 ) with the protrusion 22 , thereby fixing the position of the waterproofing ring 18 . moreover , the protrusions 19 are housed in rectangular areas 17a , these rectangular areas 17a being located between the protrusion 22 and the ribs 21 of the two sides of the attachment face 20 within the housing groove 17 . the alignment plate 15 has an oblong shape corresponding to the housing 10 , a step 23 being provided part - way along the anterior - posterior direction of the alignment plate 15 ( the horizontal direction in fig2 ). three attachment hole groups 24 are provided on the alignment plate 15 at a location posterior to the step 23 ( the left side in fig2 ), and the alignment plate 15 to the anterior of the step 23 is divided horizontally into three installation protrusions 25 . as shown in fig2 when the alignment plate 15 is attached to the housing 10 , the free ends ( 14b ) of the terminals 14 are passed through each attachment hole 24a of the attachment hole or aperture groups 24 , and the installation protrusions 25 are housed between the ribs 21 provided on the attachment face 20 of the housing 10 . as shown in fig1 a position fixing protrusion 26 protrudes upwards from the central installation protrusion 25a on the alignment plate 15 , this fitting into a hole 27 provided on the housing 10 ( see fig7 ). furthermore , as shown in fig1 the installation protrusions 25b on both sides of the central installation protrusion 25a each have rectangular holes 28 extending along the side edge adjacent to the central installation protrusion 25a , and protruding members 29 ( see fig7 ) provided on the ribs 21 of the attachment face 20 cause the side walls of the installation protrusions 25b to change shape on the sides provided with the rectangular holes 28 . moreover , as shown in fig2 a clearance c is provided between the end of the alignment plate 15 and the waterproofing ring 18 in the housing groove 17 . a wall or projection 30 is formed at right angles at the anterior end of each of the two installation protrusions located on the sides , this wall 30 being at a location corresponding to the rectangular areas 17a of the housing groove 17 . as shown in fig2 the wall 30 extends parallel to the flange 16 and in a direction away from the attachment face 20 . a panel 32 ( see fig3 ), to which this connector is attached , is provided , for example , on a case of an electrical device , a connector attachment hole 33 being formed on this panel 32 . the connector attachment hole 33 is rectangular in shape and corresponds to the shape of the outer circumference of the housing 10 , both sides of the connector attachment hole 33 having bolt holes ( not shown ). next , the operation of the present embodiment , configured as described above , will be explained . the waterproofing ring 18 is attached to the housing 10 as follows : the waterproofing ring 18 is positioned below the housing 10 in fig1 the side of the waterproofing ring 18 provided with the extending protrusions 19 is placed against the flange 16 of the housing 10 , and the tips of the base end terminals 14a are inserted through the opening of the waterproofing ring 18 . then the waterproofing ring 18 is raised vertically upwards along the bent portion of the base end terminals 14a and is pushed into the housing groove 17 at the rear face of the flange 16 . next , as shown in fig7 the extending protrusions 19 of the waterproofing ring 18 are housed in the rectangular areas 17a of the housing groove 17 , while the remainder of the inner circumference face of the waterproofing ring 18 fits tightly against the entire circumference of the side face of the housing 10 . next , the alignment plate 15 is attached to the housing 10 . the alignment plate 15 is positioned below the housing 10 in fig1 the base end terminals 14a of the housing 10 are inserted through the attachment hole groups 24 provided on the alignment plate 15 , and the alignment plate 15 is moved towards the housing 10 along the terminals 14 . there is no interference between the alignment plate 15 and the waterproofing ring 18 at this juncture due to the clearance c ( see fig2 ) provided between the tip of the alignment plate 15 an the waterproofing ring 18 housed in the housing groove 17 . when the alignment plate 15 is pushed into the attachment face 20 of the housing 10 , the installation protrusions 25 of the alignment plate 15 are housed between the ribs 21 provided on the attachment face 20 ( see fig6 ). at this juncture , the position fixing protrusion 26 provided on the alignment plate 15 ( see fig7 ) fits into the hole 27 provided on the housing 10 ( see fig7 ), thereby fixing the position of the alignment plate 15 . furthermore , the protruding members 29 ( see fig7 ) provided on the ribs 21 of the attachment face 20 cause the side walls of the installation protrusions 25b to change shape on the sides provided with the rectangular holes 28 ( see fig1 ). consequently , the protruding members 29 and the side walls of the installation protrusions 25 press mutually against one another , thereby retaining the alignment plate 15 within the housing 10 by frictional force . thereupon , as shown in fig2 the vertical wall 30 provided in the alignment plate 15 and the extending protrusions 19 provided on the waterproofing ring 18 are in a state whereby they face each other . the connector of the present embodiment is attached to the panel 32 ( see fig3 ) as follows : the base end terminals 14a maintained in the alignment plate 15 are inserted from their tips into the connector attachment hole 33 of the panel 32 , the housing 10 being lifted along the bent portion of the base end terminals 14a and moved to the innermost portion of the connector attachment hole 33 . at this juncture , since the vertical wall 30 on the alignment plate 15 and the extending protrusion 19 on the waterproofing ring 18 are in a state whereby they make contact with each other , the movement of the waterproofing ring 18 is regulated even if the rear face of the flange 16 faces downwards while the connector is being manipulated . consequently , the waterproofing ring 18 will not slip off the housing 10 . then , the rear face of the flange 16 is pushed into the end portion of the connector attachment hole 33 , bolts are passed through onto the end portion of the connector attachment hole 33 , bolts are passed through the holes 16a on the flange 16 and holes ( not shown ) provided on the panel 32 , and nuts are threaded onto the tips of the bolts . the lips 18a of the waterproofing ring 18 are squashed down by the flange 16 being pushed onto the panel 32 , and form waterproofing faces along the circumference edge portions of the connector attachment hole 33 . the attachment of the connector to the panel 32 is thereby completed . in the attached connector of this embodiment , the waterproofing ring 18 cannot be separated and , consequently , the connector can be attached efficiently to the panel 32 . moreover , since the alignment plate 15 is used to control the position of the base end terminals 14a and thereby prevents the waterproofing ring 18 from separating , production costs are not high . furthermore , the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with the aid of figures . for example , the possibilities described below also lie within the technical range of the present invention . in addition , the present invention may be embodied in various other ways without deviating from the scope thereof . ( 1 ) the top of the alignment plate 15 of the present embodiment is provided with a wall 30 . however , it is equally possible that no wall be provided , and that the waterproofing ring simply faces the alignment plate . however , if the present embodiment is configured as described above , that is , the wall 30 provided on the alignment plate faces the extending protrusions 19 on the waterproofing ring 18 , the area of contact of these two portions is greater , and the movement of the waterproofing ring 18 can therefor be regulated reliably . ( 2 ) further , the extending protrusions 19 ( extending member ) of the present embodiment form a pair . however , the extending member may equally well form , for example , a continuous extending protrusion extending along the entire inner circumference of the waterproofing ring 18 . in such a case , the waterproofing ring 18 would be symmetrical both above and below , and it could be attached to the housing with a greater degree of freedom . | 7 |
aspects of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements . it should be noted that references to “ an ”, “ one ”, “ various ” and “ further ” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment , and such references mean at least one . if the following description , numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough description of the invention . however , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the 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 invention . in various embodiments , systems and methods for providing collaboration among users in the context of business processes are presented . in aspects of these embodiments , a collaboration process can be developed in an integrated software development environment ( ide ) or by using other suitable means . one example of an ide is weblogic ® workshop , available from bea systems , inc . of san jose , calif . the collaboration process can be written in one or more programming languages , can be multi - threaded , subdivided into separated processes , and / or distributed among one or more computing devices / processors . the collaboration process can be deployed as a stand - alone program , in an application server , and / or as a resource ( e . g ., an object ) accessible through one or more networks . finally , the collaboration process can be implemented in software , hardware or as a combination of hardware component ( s ) and software . fig1 is an exemplary illustration of the component parts of a collaboration process in various embodiments of the invention . although this diagram depicts components as logically separate , such depiction is merely for illustrative purposes . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components portrayed in this figure can be combined or divided into separate software , firmware and / or hardware components . furthermore , it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that such components , regardless of how they are combined or divided , can execute on the same computing device or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication means . in various embodiments , the collaboration process can be implemented at least in part with one or more programming languages ( e . g ., java ®, c #, etc .). of course , the scope of the present invention is not limited to any particular programming language or paradigm . in aspects of these embodiments , a collaboration process can include one or more java ® 2 platform , enterprise edition ( j2ee ) components deployed on one or more application servers 112 , such the weblogic ® server , available from bea systems , inc . by way of illustration , a collaboration process can include one or more of the following components : controls ( illustrated singularly as control layer 108 ); web services 100 ; pageflows 102 ; business processes 104 ; and javaserver pages ( jsps ) 106 , some or all of which may be part of one or more pageflows . in addition to the java ® code that implements the logic of the component , each source code file can contain custom javadoc annotations that can be used to determine runtime capabilities . the infrastructure referenced by these annotations can be implemented as j2ee components . in aspects of these embodiments , a collaboration process can ultimately be deployed as a pure j2ee application . in various embodiments , a control encapsulates business logic and / or provides programmatic access to one or more resources 110 . in aspects of these embodiments , a control model allows a collaboration process to access the business logic or resource in a consistent , straightforward manner as though it was a simple java ® object . controls can simplify access to common resources such as databases , java ® message service ( jms ) queues and enterprise javabeans ™ ( ejbs ). however , the present disclosure is not limited to or dependent on any particular control implementation , programming language or programming paradigm . it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that a control can be implemented in many other ways including , but not limited to , as a library , subroutine , function , method , macro , procedure , and any other suitable means for encapsulating program logic and / or resources . in aspects of these embodiments and by way of illustration , a control can be implemented as a java ® class and can be managed at runtime by a j2ee ejb container . the container can provide automatic transactions , asynchrony , state management and other services . in aspects of these embodiments , a control &# 39 ; s java ® class definition includes annotations ( e . g ., javadoc annotations ) that define the control &# 39 ; s runtime behavior . a control can use and be used from a web service , a pageflow , a jsp , a business process , and another control . a commercial embodiment of controls is available from bea systems , inc . see bea w eb l ogic ® w orkshop ™ h elp : a nnotations r eference ( version 8 . 1 sp2 , november 2003 ), which is incorporated herein in its entirety . in various embodiments , a web service is a software component whose functionality can be accessed by sending extensible markup language ( xml ) messages over common web protocols . typically , these messages are in a specific xml dialect called soap ( simple object access protocol ). the messages usually represent requests for the web service to perform some operation . when a server hosting web services receives such a message , it delivers it to the entity that implements the web service business logic . when the operation completes , the web service typically responds to its client by sending an xml or soap response message . since web services can communicate via xml , a client and a web service are generally not aware of the programming language or operating system on which the other is implemented . for example , soap and xml schema provide a language and operating system independent way to describe data types of arbitrary complexity . the first generation of web services was typically invoked over http . however , the foundation of the web services concept is messaging and the protocol over which the messages are transported is irrelevant . in aspects of these embodiments , a web service can be specified as a java ® web service ( jws ). a jws can include a single java ® class that defines one or more methods that may be exposed as web service operations . an operation is invoked when a request for the web service &# 39 ; s uniform resource locator ( url ) is received and the request contains an appropriate xml or soap message identifying the operation to be performed and containing the data on which to operate . javadoc annotations can be used to configure attributes of the web service and its operations . in various embodiments , a pageflow can manage the presentation and flow of information among multiple web pages , typically jsps . a pageflow can control a user &# 39 ; s interactive path through an application and can access back - end resources using controls . pageflows are not dependent on any particular programming language , software framework or runtime paradigm . in aspects of these embodiments pageflows can leverage the struts framework , an open source facility from the apache jakarta project ( http :// jakarta . apache . org / struts /) for their runtime infrastructure . the pageflow model improves on the struts model by centralizing the management of information flow across web pages . a pageflow can be defined as one or more java ® pageflows ( jpfs ). a jpf can include a single java ® pageflow class that defines one or more action methods . the actions can be invoked according to rules defined in the jpf , and in response to user interactions with individual web pages . javadoc annotations can be used to configure attributes of the action methods . a commercial implementation of pageflows is available from bea systems , inc . as part of their weblogic ® portal product . in various embodiments , a business process enables the integration of diverse applications and human participants , as well as the coordinated exchange of information between business partners and the enterprise . a business process is composed of a set of activities with a defined ordering . by way of illustration , a business process orchestrates the interaction of potentially diverse business systems ( e . g ., business - to - business order placement and tracking systems , etc .) and users wherein the business process itself is advanced by event generation and the exchange of messages . in aspects of these embodiments , a business process can be specified by a java ® process definition ( jpd ) which conforms to the java ® c ommunity p rocess j ava s pecification r equest ( jsr ) 207 : p rocess d efinition for j ava ® ( available at www . jcp . org ), which is included herein by reference in its entirety . in aspects of these embodiments , business processes can be compiled into ejbs and deployed on an application server . entity beans can be used for stateful processes and session beans can be used for stateless processes . fig2 is an exemplary high - level illustration of component invocation in various embodiments of the invention . in aspects of these embodiments , when a component is compiled , a collection of artifacts can be generated and / or configured for deployment ( e . g ., in an application server ). these artifacts can include a dispatcher 200 and a component container 202 . the component container can be a lightweight class that provides context and a consistent interface to other components . one or more transport objects ( 204 , 206 ) in the web tier provide protocol support for invocation of components from external clients ( e . g ., web browsers or applications running in conjunction with web browsers ). transport objects receive invocation requests in a protocol - specific format ( 208 , 210 ) and transform them into generic request objects that are passed to the dispatcher . different transports can be supported , such as jms and http , however the present disclosure is not limited to or dependent on any particular transport . accordingly , new transports not yet developed are fully within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . in various embodiments , web service invocations that arrive via http can be received by a servlet 206 . the collaboration process of which the web services are a part can be configured to route all requests for urls ( e . g ., ending in “. jws ”) to this servlet . jws url routing , as well as any desired basic authentication security on specific web service urls , can be specified in standard j2ee web application deployment descriptors . web service invocations that arrive via the jms protocol can be directed to a specific configured jms queue ( not shown ). a message driven bean ( mdb ) 204 can be deployed to listen to this queue . in aspects of these embodiments , the dispatcher can be constructed and used by all components within a collaboration process . in aspects of these embodiments , the dispatcher receives incoming request objects and routes them appropriately . the dispatcher for a particular application can include one or two ejbs ( not shown ), depending on the runtime features the developer has selected via annotations associated with the collaboration process components : a message driven bean that handles asynchronous invocations of component methods . invocation requests are queued and serviced later . this bean can be deployed if the collaboration process contains one or more components with buffered methods . a stateless session bean to receive incoming synchronous method invocation requests . it can route synchronous requests directly to the appropriate component container ( 202 ) and asynchronous requests to the message driven bean . synchronous methods can have an annotation indicating such . in various embodiments , a container ( e . g ., container ejb 202 ) can be used to wrap code found in web services , controls and business process definitions . containers can provide special functions such as context services , control initialization and event routing , and container - specific pre / post - processing during request invocation . the container exposes a business interface that mirrors the public interface of the component it contains . this enables per - method declarative security on components . the code defined in a component &# 39 ; s source file is ultimately executed directly by the container when a component method is invoked . in aspects of these embodiments , there are two types of container ejbs : a stateless session bean that handles stateless ( non - conversational ) component method invocations . since no state is required , these invocations can be handled by any pooled instance of this stateless session bean . an entity bean that handles stateful ( conversational ) component method invocations . stateful methods require access to the persisted state of a particular component instance . this ejb is present if a web application contains one or more components with conversational methods ( e . g ., methods are annotated as to indicate whether they start , continue or finish a “ conversation ”). when a method marked as starting a conversation is invoked , a new entity bean instance is created to represent a new conversation instance . the data of the entity bean is the persisted state of the component &# 39 ; s instance . subsequent invocations of continue or finish methods operate on the instance of the entity bean . in various embodiments , information can be returned to the client . in the case of synchronous method invocations , the return value of a component method can be translated into an xml or soap response via xml mapping . the response can be returned through the dispatcher to an appropriate transport object . if the request arrived via http , the response can be packaged as an http response and returned by the servlet as the response to the originating http request . in the case of requests that arrive via jms , no direct response is necessary . in the case of asynchronous method invocations , a client can optionally receive callbacks from the component whose method is being invoked if the client supplies a callback location ( e . g ., via a url ) during the conversation . the component &# 39 ; s container can utilize a callback proxy to send information to the callback destination . in various embodiments , a pageflow component controls navigation and data flow across a set of related web pages in a collaboration process . in aspects of these embodiments , a pageflow is a struts web application . however , pageflows improve upon struts in many key areas , such as providing access to controls . for more information on pageflows , see bea weblogic ® workshop ™ help ( version 8 . 1 sp2 november 2003 ), available from bea systems , inc ., and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . the struts framework is based on the model - view - controller ( mvc ) pattern . struts is designed to allow a developer to choose the appropriate technology for the model and view portions , but in reality j2ee components are used for each of the parts : the views are typically implemented as jsps ( javaserver pages ); the controller is typically a java ® servlet ; and the model typically comprises one or more ejbs ( enterprise javabeans ). the struts framework provides multiple extensibility points where software developers can augment or replace the default struts behavior . pageflows exploit these extensibility points to provide a programming model that is simpler to use that pure struts . fig3 is an exemplary illustration of the pageflow control flow and extensibility points in various embodiments of the invention . in various embodiments , a collaboration process is configured to intercept jsp requests with pageflowjspfilter ( a servlet filter mapped to “*. jsp ”). on an incoming request for a jsp , if the directory path for the jsp corresponds to a registered struts module ( or a struts module dynamically registered on - the - fly ), that module is selected in the request . struts provides an actionservlet to which all action universal resource identifiers ( uris ) in a struts application are directed . the servlet uses mappings that associate specific uri patterns with struts modules to direct incoming requests to the appropriate module . the struts framework allows substitution of a custom action servlet . in aspects of these embodiments , the actionservlet has been substituted with a custom pageflowactionservlet 300 . when a pageflow is compiled , struts configuration files can be generated based on annotations in the pageflow source file . in various embodiments , a pageflow uses a configuration file to map incoming requests directed at specific uris ( or uri patterns ) to servlets . for example , uris that end in “. do ” or “. jpf ” can be mapped to the pageflowactionservlet . once an incoming request arrives , the pageflowactionservlet looks for a registered struts module to which the request &# 39 ; s uri is mapped . if one is found , the request is dispatched to the request processor associated with that struts module . the module that is found may be a pageflow struts module that is registered dynamically . struts also provides a request processor object that is associated with each struts module . the request processor shepherds a request through multiple phases including user role verification , action lookup , form data management , action dispatch , and request forwarding . the struts framework allows substitution of a custom request processor . in aspects of these embodiments , the request processor has been substituted with a custom pageflowrequestprocessor 302 . the struts framework defines the request processor interface to allow it to be extended at various points in the processing of a request . the pageflowrequestprocessor utilizes these extensibility points . a processmapping 304 extensibility point allows the pageflowrequestprocessor to examine action mappings defined in a struts configuration to find an action associated with the request &# 39 ; s uri . if successful , processmapping returns an actionmapping that encapsulates information about the action process . the collaboration process may be configured to require that the user be authenticated as a member of a specific security role in order to execute specific actions . the processroles 306 extensibility point determines whether the calling user is in a suitable role . an error can be returned to the browser if the user cannot be authenticated as belonging to the required role . the request processor determines whether the target action has an associated form bean in a processactionform 308 extensibility point and whether the form bean should be scoped to the request or to the session . the request processor then attempts to access the form bean in the request or session state . if it is not found , a new form bean can be created and stored in the appropriate state . the request processor then maps the request &# 39 ; s input data to the form bean identified in the processactionform in the processpopulate 310 extensibility point . the request processor next finds the appropriate action object . struts instantiates an object using the class specified in the action mapping and returns the object in the processactioncreate 312 extensibility point . in various embodiments , the base class of each pageflow is derived from the struts action class . the pageflowrequestprocessor instantiates the appropriate pageflow object ( if necessary ), caches it in the session and returns it as the action . a pageflow object may also optionally implement lifecycle methods that will be invoked at appropriate times . these methods are oncreate , beforeaction , afteraction and ondestroy . when the pageflow is instantiated , its oncreate method is invoked . in various embodiments , the pageflowrequestprocessor invokes the pageflow &# 39 ; s execute method . this method performs several steps around the invocation of the pageflow , including establishing a context that will be available to the pageflow . request , response , session and action mapping objects are all stored in the pageflow object . the execute method invokes the pageflow &# 39 ; s beforeaction lifecycle method . next , the execute method invokes the pageflow action method , expecting an action forward object to be returned . the controller then calls the pageflow &# 39 ; s afteraction lifecycle method and returns an actionforward object to the request processor . the actionforward object represents a destination to which the pageflowrequestprocessor can forward or redirect the client to in the processforwardconfig 314 extensibility point . in various embodiments , interceptor objects can dynamically change pageflow topology by intercepting it . this is useful for a variety of situations , including replacing whole pageflows or inserting pageflow sequences into existing page flows . in aspects of these embodiments , interceptors can occur at the beginning or the end of a pageflow , or be evaluated in beforeaction and afteraction methods and create actionforward objects whose destination pageflows can be dynamically determined . by way of illustration , this may be useful in a scenario where the first time a user navigates to a web page , they are presented with a notice of some kind . after reviewing the notice , the user can be automatically returned to the original web page . before and after action pageflows have access to any posted form data both before and after interception . after interception , pageflows additionally can have access to the form that is populated by the action that was intercepted . in various embodiments , interceptors can be rule - driven . rules can be specified in any number of ways . the present invention is not dependent on or limited to any method for specifying interceptor rules . by way of illustration , a rule could specify the name of the pageflow that will be affected , whether the interceptor occurs in the beforeaction or afteraction method , and an identification of target action / pageflow . in aspects of these embodiments , changes to interceptor rules can be detected on - the - fly . interceptor rules can also be modified by a “ one time ” flag , which means that the interception will occur only the first time through a target pageflow . in one embodiment , interceptions can be configured via an xml file that defines the source and target actions plus any modifiers to the interception like one - time . this configuration information is also run - time accessible , so that any of the configured interceptions can be turned on and off programmatically , or even have the source and target information updated programmatically . fig4 is an exemplary illustration of a messaging layer in various embodiments of the invention . although this diagram depicts components as logically separate , such depiction is merely for illustrative purposes . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components portrayed in this figure can be combined or divided into separate software , firmware and / or hardware components . furthermore , it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that such components , regardless of how they are combined or divided , can execute on the same computing device or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication means . a collaboration scenario ( hereinafter referred to as a “ collaboration ” or a “ scenario ”) can include a number of client users and / or processes ( hereinafter referred to as “ clients ”) working together under the coordination of a collaboration process . in various embodiments , the scenario participants ( i . e ., the client ( s ) and the collaboration process ) can interact using a protocol that is known among them . in aspects of these embodiments , the protocol can be transmitted via any communication medium including , but not limited to , one or more public and / or private networks , shared memory , a file system , distributed objects , and any other suitable means for exchanging information . in various embodiments , a messaging layer 400 provides a communication medium for the scenario participants . participants can interact with each other through the messaging layer by utilizing an application programming interface ( api ) 402 . the api exposes messaging functionality without creating dependence on any underlying communication facility . the api may also include one or more specialized apis ( not shown ) tailored to performing certain tasks . in aspects of these embodiments , api functionality can be surfaced to participants as a software library , as one or more a object ( s ), and / or by any other suitable means . the messaging layer also includes a service provider interface ( spi ) 404 that allows one or more communication providers ( 406 - 412 ) to dynamically “ plug into ” the messaging layer by implementing some or all of the spi and thereby making their services available to the api . in aspects of these embodiments , spi functionality can be surfaced as a library , as one or more object ( s ), and / or by any other suitable means . in aspects of these embodiments , providers can be dynamically created at run - time by an spi factory class that constructs a provider implementation based on parameters such as required bandwidth , transport reliability , protocol , etc . in various embodiments , multiple communication providers can be supported concurrently by the messaging layer . this allows multiple transports within a scenario to be utilized ( e . g ., instant messaging and e - mail ). in further aspects of these embodiments , when multiple providers co - exist , one can be designated as the “ default ” transport to use for communication when the provider is not specified . those of skill in the art will appreciate that a communication provider is a is not limited to providing network - based communication , but can be based on any method for exchanging information such as ( but not limited to ): inter - process communication , inter - processor communication , communication through shared memory or other storage systems , and other suitable communication links within a given computing device . the spi allows the api to access the functionality of providers in a provider - independent fashion . since each provider implements some or all of the spi , providers can be changed without requiring changes to the api . this allows for accommodation of new communication facilities and technologies as they become available since the nature of underlying communication providers is hidden by the spi . accordingly , the present disclosure is not limited to any particular communication protocol or physical layer transport . those of skill in the art will appreciate that many such providers are possible and fully within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . the spi may include one or more specialized spis ( not shown ). in aspects of these embodiments , the spi can include functionality for initializing , starting and stopping providers . the spi can also provide access to specialized spis tailored to specific tasks . in aspects of these embodiments , the message provider spi can expose functionality including : functionality for initializing a provider . this might include configuring the respective provider &# 39 ; s server or other processes , if any ( e . g ., an instant messaging server .) functionality for obtaining provider attributes , such as capabilities . for example , the encryption schemes and reliability supported by a given provider . functionality for obtaining a user account manager api , wherein such an api exposes functionality related to managing user accounts . for example , changing user passwords and user permissions . functionality for obtaining a user presence manager api , wherein such an api exposes functionality to provide user presence related information . functionality for obtaining a connection manager api . by way of illustration , such an spi can expose connection management functionality such as the ability to login into a server , the ability to obtain a valid communication connection based on a set of attributes ( e . g ., the type of encryption scheme to use , etc . ), the ability to obtain a unique identifier for a connection , and the ability to send and receive messages . functionality for receiving events related to communication . in aspects of these embodiments , this method allows the registration of a methods , objects or functions (“ message listeners ”) to receive a notification when a message is ready to be retrieved on a given provider connection . in aspects of these embodiments , multiple message listeners can be associated with a given connection . methods for processing messages ( e . g ., parsing , extracting information , etc .) one type of spi provider is a channel ( e . g ., 408 and 410 ). a channel is responsible for transporting messages and making them available to participants . channels can provide asynchronous and / or synchronous communication . in the case of asynchronous communication , the channel can direct received messages to one or more registered message listeners . in various embodiments , a channel can be based on the extensible messaging and presence protocol ( xmpp ), available from the jabber software foundation ( www . jabber . org ). xmpp is an instant messaging protocol based on extensible markup language ( xml ). an xmpp - based channel provider can communicate with an external xmpp server to exchange messages with other participants and to propagate presence information . presence information allows a participant to find other participants for a scenario . other implementations based on similar or different communication technologies are possible and fully within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . all that is required from the messaging layer &# 39 ; s standpoint is conformance to the spi . the notion of presence is used in the instant messaging ( im ) world . im support of presence is centered on providing a status (“ available ”, “ unavailable ”, “ away from my desk ”, etc .) for all the users in one &# 39 ; s roster ( also referred as “ buddy lists ”). in aspects of these embodiments , presence information can be tied to information about a user or other information through the use of roles . in addition to sending and receiving messages , the messaging layer api can also can provide presence and status information to participants if an spi provider supports it ( as in the case with providers based on xmpp ). presence information can be provided by a channel provider or by a special purpose presence provider ( 406 ) which scenario participants can use to let each other know of their presence and status ( e . g ., by broadcasting the information to the other participants or by updating a central repository ). by way of illustration , the presence provider can utilize the channel provider to communicate presence information . in various embodiments , there are two types of presence information : user and application presence . user presence and status provides information pertaining to the availability of a participant for a scenario . in aspects of these embodiments , user presence can be based on roles . application presence provides information pertaining to the availability of a particular application . the presence of an application may be important where there is a need to find appropriate participants who have the required application running . in various embodiments , the api can provide role - based presence functionality . this allows users that map to a specific role and presence status to be dynamically invited into a running scenario . in aspects of these embodiments , presence functionality will be able to provide a set of users that map to a given role and are “ available ” to participate in a scenario . in aspects of these embodiments , a role is a dynamic set of users . a role can be based on attributes shared by its members and can be defined by one or more membership criteria . role mapping is the process by which it is determined whether or not a user satisfies the membership criteria for a given role . for purposes of discussion , a role can be described as follows : where pmembers is a set of user ( s ), group ( s ) and / or other role ( s ) that form a pool of potential members of this role subject to the membership criteria , if any . for a user or a process to be in a role , they must belong to pmembers and satisfy the membership criteria . the membership criteria can include one or more conditions . by way of illustration , such conditions can include , but are not limited to , one or more ( possibly nested and intermixed ) boolean , mathematical , functional , relational , and / or logical expressions . because roles can be evaluated dynamically at run - time , they can also be changed dynamically while scenario participants are active . this gives a tremendous amount of flexibility to system administrators since fundamental operating parameters of scenarios can be changed without recompiling or restarting the effected programs . by way of illustration , consider the following administrator role : the administrator role has as its potential members two users ( joe and mary ) and users belonging to the user group named superuser . the membership criteria includes a condition that requires the current time to be after 5 : 00 pm . thus , if a user is joe , marry or belongs to the superuser group , and the current time is after 5 : 00 pm , the user is a member of the administrator role . in various embodiments , membership criteria can be based at least partially on a user &# 39 ; s properties . by way of illustration , consider the roles defined in table 1 below . the supervisor role includes as its potential members users joe , marry , paul and timothy . in order to qualify for the role , these users must satisfy the membership criteria which requires a job title of “ manager ”, a department of “ customer support ” and a presence status of “ available ”. the service_rep role specifies that all users of the system are its potential members , but only those who do not qualify for the supervisor role and are available . a commercial embodiment of a role - based system is the bea weblogic ® portal , available from bea systems , inc . in various embodiments , role - based presence information can be evaluated as needed since such a determination could introduce processing delays . in aspects of these embodiments , different mechanisms can be used to keep role - based presence information up - to - date . in the worst case embodiment , a role &# 39 ; s membership criteria are recalculated each time a role is referenced . a more intelligent solution can look to the criteria itself to determine how frequently a role needs to be recalculated . by way of illustration , some criteria change more frequently than others . group membership , for example , will not change that often since it is typically established only once by a system administrator . hence roles that only have group criterion do not need to be re - evaluated while a given user is logged in — just once at login time . on the other hand , date / time criteria change more frequently than group membership so roles whose membership criteria depend on date / time information can become stale very quickly ( e . g ., during the lifespan of a scenario ). in aspects of these embodiments , presence information can be kept fresh by reevaluating roles that depend on date / time criteria at a set interval . thus , given a set of role membership criteria , the criteria that is considered most volatile can drive the frequency at which the role is reevaluated . in various embodiments , the messaging api can support the feature of subscription wherein client processes and collaboration processes can subscribe to presence information for given role ( s ). in aspects of these embodiments , a presence provider , channel provider or other process can monitor changes to role membership and notify client processes and / or collaboration processes that have registered to receive such notification of any such changes . the messaging api provides the ability for a given process to subscribe to one or more roles . in aspects of these embodiments , users in a given role can either decline or accept a subscription request in order to protect their privacy . in additional aspects of these embodiments , such approval can be automated through the use of rules and / or roles such that no user input is required . by way of illustration , a user may choose to automatically accept any subscription requests by processes / users in a given set of roles . referring again to fig4 , a monitor provider 412 can provide messaging layer monitoring to support administration and auditing activities . by way of a non - limiting example , a monitor provider can track the flow of messages for other providers . in aspects of these embodiments , a monitor provider can be configured using rules that determine what activities it will track . rules can be expressed in a natural language , graphically , through expressions , or through any other suitable means . a rule can contain one or more expressions that can substitute expression variables from presence information , user profile information ( e . g ., name , address , position , etc . ), or any other information . in various embodiments , a rule can include mathematical , logical and boolean operators , function / method invocations , macros , sql ( structured query language ), and any other suitable query language . in various embodiments , an expression can be pre - processed one or more times to perform variable substitution , constant folding and / or macro expansion . it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that many other types of expressions are possible and fully within the scope and spirit of this disclosure . in one embodiment , each time functionality in the spi is accessed the monitor provider can be notified by the spi ( e . g ., via an event ) so that it may ( optionally ) log and / or act on the information . alternatively , or in addition to , providers can proactively notify the monitor provider of events as they happen through a specialized monitor spi . in this way , all events ( e . g ., sending and receiving messages , propagation of presence information ) can be tracked whether or not the api is invoked by a participant . in aspects of these embodiments , the monitor provider can notify other processes ( e . g ., by sending messages ) of events that trigger rules . for example , if process “ a ” wants to know when the number of messages sent by a given provider has exceeded a certain number , a rule can be specified with this condition specifying that process “ a ” will be notified when the number of message exceeds the limit . fig5 is an exemplary illustration of scenario participants in various embodiments of the invention . although this diagram depicts processes and components as logically separate , such depiction is merely for illustrative purposes . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components portrayed in this figure can be combined or divided into separate software , firmware and / or hardware components . furthermore , it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that such components , regardless of how they are combined or divided , can execute on the same computing device or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication means . in various embodiments and by way of illustration , scenario participants can communicate with one another over one or more networks 520 using a messaging layer 506 . in aspects of these embodiments , communication providers ( not shown ) upon which the messaging layer is based can optionally utilize one or more xmpp - based im servers 510 to exchange messages and propagate presence information . in this illustration , there are two collaboration processs represented by business processes 500 and 516 , and two client processes represented by web browsers 508 and 512 . although not required , a client process &# 39 ; s user interface can be driven by a pageflow ( which executes on a server ). here , browser 508 is being driven by pageflow 502 on server a whereas browser 512 is being driven by pageflow 514 on server b . in aspects of these embodiments , pageflows and browsers can communicate using the hypertext transfer protocol ( http ) and / or the secure version of http , https . since browsers can communicate both with http and the messaging layer , the messaging layer makes it possible for a web browser to receive data outside of the http stream . in various embodiments , a business process can be initiated by a pageflow or by an http request from a browser . in the later case , the uri of the request is examined at the server which is communicating with the browser to determine if it matches a predefined uri corresponding to a business process . if so , the server can initiate the business process on behalf of the browser . the newly started business process can than , by way of a non - limiting illustration , redirect the browser to an appropriate pageflow corresponding to an end - user application required by the business process . impersonation is the ability for parts of the system to perform operations on behalf of a user . this notion is similar to the notion of a user in unix ®- based operating systems . unix ® processes for purposes of security and permissions execute with the privileges of a specific user , typically the user that started the process . privileges ( also called entitlements ) govern what a user can and cannot do on a system . this scheme prevents a process started by a user from performing operations which the user would not be entitled to ( e . g ., deleting all of the files in a file system , rebooting the system , etc .). here , a given collaboration process may interact with one or more client processes wherein each client process was started or is “ owned ” by a particular user . in order for a collaboration process to perform certain operations as a given user , it can execute a command that instructs the system that it will be performing operations in accordance to the privileges of the user . in this way , a collaboration process can “ impersonate ” different users in the course of servicing client processes and thus maintain the integrity of the system . business processes can communicate with other business processes , pageflows , and client processes ( e . g ., web browsers ), whether or not they are reside on the same or a different computing device from the business process . likewise , pageflows can communicate with business processes and clients , whether or not they are reside on the same or a different computing device from the pageflow . scenario participants can also communicate in an asynchronous fashion since the messaging layer allows communication has direct support for this . one upshot of this feature is that information can be transferred from collaboration processes to client web browsers without the need for http ( which is a synchronous protocol ) and without causing client browsers to refresh or reload a web page . in aspects of these embodiments , scenario participants can utilize controls in the control layer 504 to assist them in accomplishing their tasks . although the following discussion illustrates control functionality according to different control types , it will be appreciated that such functionality can be combined into fewer controls or spread across a greater number of controls without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . in various embodiments , a message control can provide a high - level and simplified means for interacting with the messaging layer api . in aspects of these embodiments , the message control can automatically obtain a participant identifier (“ participant id ”) for each client a collaboration process is attempting to communicate with . in various embodiments , participant ids are used by participants involved in a scenario in order to identify one another . by way of a non - limiting illustration , participant ids can be assigned to web portal users and to application servers . in aspects of these embodiments , participant ids can be drawn from and returned to a pool data structure to facilitate their reuse . in other embodiments , participant ids can be more “ permanent ” in nature when transports such as simple mail transport protocol ( smtp ) are used . for smtp , a participant id can equate to an e - mail address . hence , the participant ids will not be transient in nature , as e - mail addresses rarely change . in aspects of these embodiments , a participant id can have an associated password and a status . status can refer to the status of the participant id at the time of its creation . this can be used to base decisions that depend on presence information . referring again to fig5 , a client can itself contain one or more client processes , referred to as “ rich ui ” applications 522 (“ rich ui ” stands for “ rich user interface ”). in various embodiments , an application identifier (“ application id ”) can be assigned to each client process and to each collaboration process . in aspects of these embodiments , a combination of a participant id and an application id can be used to specify a destination ( i . e ., a “ routing id ”) for a scenario message : fig6 is an class diagram of an exemplary message control in various embodiments of the invention . a messagecontrol 600 can be used by participants to send and receive messages . it depends on a messageentity 604 instance that can be obtained from a messageentitymanager 602 using a participant id . upon creation , a messagecontrol can use the messageentitymanager to get the messageentity assigned to it . it can then register its application id and a messagecallback 608 implementation that can be used for asynchronous message delivery back to the messagecontrol . in certain of these embodiments , since the messagecontrol can be used within a collaboration process that can be at times suspended and / or serialized , the messagecontrol only maintains a participant_id object as a member variable ( i . e ., to store a participant id and associated information ), and uses it to access its associated messageentity in a transient manner . the messagecontrol can use the messageentity to directly send and receive messages . synchronously reception of messages can be performed with a timeout parameter such that the operation will not block indefinitely if there is no message available for receiving . to asynchronously receive messages , the messagecallback can be used . a waitformessage method on the messagecontrol can serve as the registration method for the callback . the messagecontrol in turn can invoke waitformessage on the messageentity , which configures the messageentity to use the registered messagecallback when a new message arrives for a particular application id . this callback can then trigger the messagecontrol to callback into the calling process . the messageentity uses a connection 610 object to interact with the messaging api for sending messages and registering callbacks . in certain of these embodiments , when a callback is not currently registered with the messageentity for a collaboration process and a message arrives from the messaging layer , the message can be put in a messagequeue 606 . subsequent attempts to synchronously or asynchronously receive messages can consume messages from this queue . fig7 is a class diagram of an exemplary presence control in various embodiments of the invention . a presencecontrol 700 can provide application and user presence information to participants . in aspects of these embodiments , an applicationpresencemanager 706 instance is responsible for maintaining the current presence status of all scenarios . scenariosportalservlet 702 is responsible for populating the applicationpresencemanager with associations between a participant end - user identifiers ( e . g ., a web portal user &# 39 ; s login name ), participant ids that are associated with a given end - user , and application types that are currently available for a given participant id . in various embodiments , the scenariosportalservlet can be a servlet / process / thread that examines html responses destined for an end - user to determine what application types are available / present for that end - user . such responses can contain instructions to initiate , render and / or interact with applications that have a presence in the end - user &# 39 ; s web browser or other client process . in one embodiment , scenariosportalservlet or other part of the system can also track application status by examining html responses to determine when applications go into and out of scope ( i . e ., are active or suspended ) for a given client process . by way of illustration , if an application is rendered in a first response , but not in a subsequent response , the status of the application would have a “ suspended ” status ( i . e ., not “ active ”) since it is no longer on the current web page . in still other embodiments , application type and status information can be obtained from client processes which tell the messaging layer which applications are present and what their status is . this information can be relayed or broadcast to other participants so that all participants are apprised of any changes . the information in the applicationpresencemanager can be updated by an apppresenceentity 704 instance , which can be associated with the scenariosportalservlet . for example , the apppresenceentity can receive notification from the messaging api ( e . g ., via a callback ) when an application is no longer present so that the applicationpresencemanager can be updated to reflect this . in various embodiments , the apppresenceentity can receive notification of the application types associated with a particular client process and update the applicationpresencemanager accordingly . the presencecontrol depends on the messaging api directly to support a getuserstatus method that provides that presence status of a given user . the presencecontrol also depends on the applicationpresencemanager for obtaining application presence information . the getuserswithrole method of the presencecontrol allows a collaboration process to obtain a list of available users with a particular role that have an active application matching apptype . this is useful for finding lists of appropriate collaboration candidates based on a role and an application type . another variant is also provided , getuserstatus , which can be used to determine the real - time status of a user based on providing a participant id and an application type . in various embodiments , a scenario control can provide an abstraction for scenario - related activities , including scenario session creation and finalization , participant and group binding , and access to shared state . a scenario session is a logical run - time context for participants engaged in a scenario . a session can be established during any stage of a scenario , but is typically created at the early stages . a scenario session does not necessarily equate with an http session or portal login session . there may be cases where there is no portal login session ( anonymous user ) or where multiple scenario sessions occur within the span of a http session . the scenario session provides a shared state mechanism that allows participants in the session to easily share information . in aspects of these embodiments , a session can be implemented as a persistent map . scenario sessions are similar to http sessions or httpservletrequests in that they can be used to store and get object attributes that are accessed by a string identifier key . all participants in a session may populate and retrieve these session attributes , though in aspects of these embodiments the total visibility of attribute data can depend on entitlement information that is set by the actor who creates the attribute . each session is assigned a unique id that can be used in other contexts to obtain the session instance . any participant can attach to a session , however in various embodiments a session will persist until all participants have detached from it . in still further embodiments , a session can automatically free its resources when the system detects that its attached participants no longer exist or are inactive . in aspects of these embodiments , when a participant detaches from a session , any other participants who are attached to the session can be notified so that they have the opportunity to detach from it or take other action . in various embodiments , a scenario control can provide the following functionality : create a scenario session and provide a corresponding scenario session id . attach to and detach from a scenario session . store , retrieve and delete shared state values . bind a default participant . assign a participant id to a participant . provide a participant id to be used by the messagecontrol for messaging activities . provide a set of parsed input arguments that can be used within the scenario . these arguments can come from the http request that originated the business process . bind a scenario user to a scenario alias . bind a scenario group to a scenario group alias . in various embodiments , shared state functionality can be surfaced as a shared state control that uses an identifier to access a persistent map containing the shared state data . the control allows participants to have access to and share a common set of information within a scenario session . for example , if a scenario is built around the concept of a document review process , one component of the shared state could be a reference to a document in a content management system . in aspects of these embodiments , the shared state control supports a persistent collection functionality that allows participants to associate serializable objects with string keys . participants reference a scenario session id that is used by the control to locate and load the appropriate persistent map . by way of illustration , business processes will typically populate a session &# 39 ; s shared state , while pageflows will typically consume from that shared state to render information associated with the shared state into an html document . other entities can also use the shared state control as long as they have a means to obtain the session id . this could be useful for handling asynchronous data requests from a client process that retrieves data out - of - band using the messaging layer rather than performing an http request . in various embodiments , a shared state control can provide the following functionality : bind the control to session based on a session id . create a scenario session and provide a corresponding scenario session id . attach to and detach from a scenario session . store , retrieve and delete shared state values . returns a set containing all current value keys . shared states can be persisted for the entire lifecycle of a collaboration process and can be accessible from any node in a server cluster for fail - over and load - balancing purposes . in various embodiments , the shared state control can be used to manipulate references to documents and lifecycles in a content repository or a content management system . this allows shared information to live longer than a scenario session since it resides in a separate system . content repositories can relate structured content and unstructured content ( e . g ., digitally scanned paper documents , xml , portable document format , html , electronic mail , images , video and audio streams , raw binary data , etc .) into a searchable corpus . content repositories can be coupled to or integrated with content management systems . content management systems can provide for content life cycle management , versioning , content review and approval , automatic content classification , event - driven content processing , process tracking and content delivery to other systems . in various embodiments , clients can support end - user interaction with one or more collaboration processes . in aspects of these embodiments , the client process can also provide a user interface . by way of a non - limiting example , a user interface can include one or more of the following : 1 ) a graphical user interface ( gui ) ( e . g ., rendered with hypertext markup language ) rendered on a display device or projected onto a user &# 39 ; s retina ; 2 ) an ability to respond to sounds and / or voice commands ; 3 ) an ability to respond to input from a remote control device ( e . g ., a cellular telephone , a pda , or other suitable remote control ); 4 ) an ability to respond to gestures ( e . g ., facial and otherwise ); 5 ) an ability to respond to commands from a process on the same or another computing device ; and 6 ) an ability to respond to input from a computer mouse and / or keyboard . this disclosure is not limited to any particular ui . those of skill in the art will recognize that many other user interfaces are possible and fully within the scope and spirit of this disclosure . in aspects of these embodiments , one such user interface can be rendered with the aid of a web browser , such as microsoft ® internet explorer , available from microsoft ® corporation of redmond , wash . in one embodiment , a client process can be implemented using a minimalist javascript / applet . this embodiment can use a combination of a java ® applet and javascript functions embedded within a web page to enable collaboration functionality . applets can send and receive messages via the messaging layer . when a scenario message arrives , an applet can call a javascript function on the page to handle the message . javascript embedded in the page can be responsible for all user interface updates , user interaction , data handling and sending messages ( through the applet ). one advantage of this approach is that it does not require modification of the web browser . in another embodiment , a heavy - weight client can be downloaded and run within or in conjunction with a web browser that has been augmented with a browser helper or plug - in for this purpose . the client - side programming model could include client - side pageflows and a rich set of capabilities for executing entire applications , potentially consisting of many pages without interaction with a server . asynchronous communication would allow bi - directional notification of events necessary for scenarios . clients could take advantage of persistent or semi - persistent data storage . user interface elements within clients could be represented using controls and could be bound to local data storage ( either directly or indirectly through a script ). reusable controls would maximize code reuse and streamline application development . in yet another embodiment , a light - weight client can be downloaded and run within or in conjunction with a web browser that has been augmented with a browser helper or plug - in for this purpose . a browser helper to work with dynamic html ( dhtml ) and javascript embedded on the page to provide asynchronous communication and user interface data binding to a client data store . the client - side programming model would not include client - side pageflows . a collaboration process would be able to push new javascript down to the browser without forcing a page reload , and the client would be able to show multiple “ pages ” of content by activating different div sections in the html document . a document object model ( dom ) of the user interface elements within the client can be used to read and manipulate the user interface elements . data can be bound from a local data store to dom properties as needed . fig8 is an exemplary illustration of a web browser and an application server in various embodiments of the invention . although this diagram depicts components as logically separate , such depiction is merely for illustrative purposes . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components portrayed in this figure can be combined or divided into separate software , firmware and / or hardware components . furthermore , it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that such components , regardless of how they are combined or divided , can execute on the same computing device or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication means . in this illustration , application server 830 includes collaboration processes 800 , 802 and 804 , all of which can execute simultaneously . client web browser 832 includes one or more rich ui clients 824 , 826 and 828 , which are also capable of executing simultaneously . communication between participants is supported by the messaging layer 808 . as previously discussed , the messaging layer provides an extensible communication platform that allows different communication providers to provide services to participants in an uniform manner . although not depicted in this figure , messaging providers allow participants to utilize multiple and different underlying communication channels . in aspects of these embodiments , collaboration processes register with a message manager 806 in order to send and receive messages via the messaging layer . after registering , the message manager can provide routing information to a collaboration process which it can then provide to any participant that wishes to communicate with it . in aspects of these embodiments , the routing information can be embedded in a response to the first request a client makes to the collaboration process . the routing information can include the routing id for the collaboration process and any other information that would be required by a participant to establish communication with it . in further aspects , the routing information can include the name of an xmpp server and an im identifier to use for the server . for message routing purposes , the message manager can maintain associations between the routing ids of client processes and their corresponding universal resource identifiers ( uris ) in a temporary or persistent map 810 . in aspects of these embodiments , the message manager can populate the map as it receives messages from participants ( e . g ., obtaining the source uri from the messaging layer and the source routing id from the message itself ). the map can be used by the message manager to look up a participant &# 39 ; s uri when sending it a message . the message manager accepts outgoing messages from the collaboration processes and provides them to the messaging layer . the message manager can construct a message based on a collaboration process &# 39 ; s routing information , the destination participant &# 39 ; s routing information ( e . g ., obtained from the presence control or from the messaging layer api ), and the message contents . in aspects of these embodiments , the default communication provider can be used to send the message . in further aspects , the default communication provider can send the message through the xmpp server that the destination participant is using . the message manager can also accept incoming messages from the messaging layer and route them to the appropriate collaboration process ( s ). in various embodiments , the message manager can instantiate messaging layer communication providers as part of its initialization . configuration information can be supplied to each provider , such as an xmpp server address and an im identifier to use when connecting to that server . those of skill in the art will appreciate that this disclosure is not dependent on or limited to any particular means for conveying configuration information and that many such ways exist and are fully within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . the configuration information can also designate one provider as the default transport . in various embodiments , a web browser helper 816 ( e . g ., a browser plug - in or other suitable means for providing asynchronous communication and displaying information ) can facilitate asynchronous communication between rich ui and collaboration processes . the browser helper allows collaboration processes to push content to web browsers without causing an the current web page to reload , for example . the browser helper functions similarly to the message manager on the server in that it can route messages to / from rich ui clients and can initialize the messaging layer . in aspects of these embodiments , the browser helper is exposed to its host browser &# 39 ; s script engine so that it will be invoked when a rich ui enabled page is loaded or when a message needs to sent . by way of illustration , a rich ui client might receive an initial set of data records to display from a collaboration process , and when the dataset changes the collaboration process can send the updated data to the rich ui client . when the updated data arrives , the rich ui client can update its user interface to incorporate the data . in various embodiments , a graphical user interface can be updated in place by using dhtml . a collaboration process may also choose to send executable code ( e . g ., instructions ) to the client if , for example , an end - user needs to be notified of some event . in aspects of these embodiments , the collaboration process can generate a custom javascript function to highlight something on the end - user &# 39 ; s web page , or display an alert box , and then send the code to the rich ui client asynchronously with instructions to execute that function . in aspects of these embodiments , the browser helper can exchange messages with the collaboration processes using routing information 820 . those of skill in the art will appreciate that this disclosure is not dependent on or limited to any particular means for conveying routing information and that many such ways exist and are fully within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . for message routing purposes , the browser helper can maintain associations between the routing ids of collaboration processes and their corresponding universal resource identifiers ( uris ) in a temporary or persistent map 820 . in aspects of these embodiments , the browser helper can populate the map as it receives messages from collaboration processes ( e . g ., obtaining the source uri from the messaging layer and the source routing id from the message itself ). the map can be used by the browser helper to look up a collaboration process &# 39 ; s uri when sending it a message . when it receives a message , the browser helper can extract routing information from the message and invoke a rich ui client ( e . g ., via a script method ) with the message body and the routing information of the participant that sent it . in further aspects of these embodiments , the browser helper can use an open - source c ++ xml parsing library , called xpath , to parse incoming messages . in aspects of these embodiments , rich ui clients can be represented as scoped javascript methods and dhtml display components . each rich ui client has its own application id and is aware of the application id of the collaboration process with which it is communicating . a given rich ui client can communicate with more than one collaboration process and vice versa . to respond to a message , a rich ui client can invoke a method on the browser helper and provide it the message body and the routing information of the destination participant . the helper then constructs a message based on this information , and sends it through the messaging layer to the destination participant . in various embodiments , messages sent between the participants can contain any information in any format and using any protocol . in aspects of these embodiments , xml fragments can contain routing information along with an information payload destined for the participant . in further aspects of these embodiments , the routing information can include the application id of the source and , in some cases , the im identifier used by that application . the payload can contain a type field indicating to the destination participant the type of information contained in the message . fig9 is a flow diagram illustration of rich ui client initialization in accordance to various embodiments of the invention . although this figure depicts functional steps in a particular order for purposes of illustration , the process is not necessarily limited to any particular order or arrangement of steps . one skilled in the art will appreciate that the various steps portrayed in this figure can be omitted , rearranged , performed in parallel , combined and / or adapted in various ways . in step 900 , it is determined that a rich ui client will be rendered on a web page that will be sent to a web browser . ( note , there may be more than one rich ui client on a given page in which case the steps in this flow diagram can be performed for each such client .) once this determination is made ( e . g ., by detecting use of jsp tags or other evidence ), the system can include or “ embed ” information on the page to assist the rich ui client in initializing in step 902 . in aspects of these embodiments , this information can include some or all of the parameters described in table 2 . this information , called a “ rich ui header ”, can be included once for each rich ui client on a given page . when this page is received by the web browser , the rich ui client can be initialized by the browser helper in step 904 . this may entail initializing the messaging layer based on the provided communication protocol and configuration parameters . if a timeout period is specified , it will determine the period of inactivity that must elapse before the browser helper closes any open communication sessions and / or detaches from a scenario session . in aspects of these embodiments , valid activity can include end - user interaction with a web browser or other user interface , web browser activity ( e . g ., page loads , refreshes , redirects , etc .) and application / framework messages sent or received . in addition , if seed data is present it can be placed in the data store 814 which is accessible by the browser helper and all rich ui clients . if a collaboration process routing id is present , the newly initialized rich ui client can be associated with it in step 906 . finally , the rich ui client can be rendered with a web browser in step 908 . in aspects of these embodiments , once initialized a rich ui client is able to receive and send messages via the browser helper . messages can be encapsulated in an envelope containing source and destination routing ids wherein the destination routing id specifies the messages &# 39 ; ultimate destination . messages received by the browser helper fall into two categories : application messages and framework messages . application messages are meant for rich ui clients whereas framework messages are meant for consumption by the browser helper itself and are used to control the participant . in further aspects of these embodiments , one type of framework message causes the browser helper to terminate all rich ui clients and detach from any scenario sessions . framework messages can be received and processed by the browser helper at all times , even if the browser is currently displaying an “ off - site ” page or is in a page transition . in various embodiments and by way of illustration , when a page transition occurs on the browser the browser helper allows rich ui clients to remain attached to their scenario sessions ( if any ). all application messages received by the browser helper are placed in a queue 822 for later examination . however , any framework messages received during a page transition can be immediately processed by the browser helper . when the new page is loaded by the browser , the browser helper examines it for a participant id . in aspects of these embodiments , the browser helper reacts to the new page as illustrated in fig1 . fig1 is a flow diagram illustration of rich ui client initialization in accordance to various embodiments of the invention . although this figure depicts functional steps in a particular order for purposes of illustration , the process is not necessarily limited to any particular order or arrangement of steps . one skilled in the art will appreciate that the various steps portrayed in this figure can be omitted , rearranged , performed in parallel , combined and / or adapted in various ways . in addition to header information , pages sent to the browser can include the participant id of the web browser on pages that don &# 39 ; t contain rich ui headers so that the browser helper can maintain the state of its rich ui clients . upon a page transition , any active rich ui clients are suspended and the new page is examined in step 1000 . if there is not a participant id encoded on the page 1002 , the browser helper enters “ offsite browsing ” mode in step 1008 . this can happen if the browser is redirected to an external website unexpectedly or if the user enters a portion of a website that is not enabled for rich ui . when in off - site browsing mode , the browser helper can maintain any messaging layer communication sessions that its rich ui clients depend on . all application messages received can be discarded or queued for later processing , but framework messages can be processed immediately . in step 1016 , the browser helper waits for either a page to be loaded into the browser with an embedded participant id or for a timeout to occur . if a page is loaded into the browser with an embedded participant id before the timeout expires , off - site browsing mode is concluded and processing resumes at step 1000 . otherwise , the any messaging layer communication sessions and / or scenario sessions can be closed / detached in step 1018 . step 1004 applies if the participant id encoded in the new page does not match the participant id currently in use . by way of a non - limiting example , this can happen when a user does not properly leave a web page and manages to browse back to the same page . in this case , any messaging layer communication sessions and / or scenario sessions in use by rich ui clients can be closed / detached in step 1010 . in addition , any messages in queue 822 can be discarded . in step 1014 , the browser helper initiates a new messaging layer communication sessions using the information encoded on the new page , if any . in step 1006 , if the participant id encoded in the new page matches the current participant id , the browser helper can examine the new page to determine which rich ui clients are present . each client can be initialized in step 1012 . any application messages in queue 822 can then be processed in order of receipt ( or in a priority order ) by the appropriate rich ui client ( s ). in one embodiment , any messages sent to rich ui clients that are not present on the new page are discarded . each client process can be associated with one or more collaboration processes . in aspects of these embodiments , client processes ( e . g ., rich ui processes ) have an state that governs their behavior to some extent . by way of illustration , exemplary states are describe in table 3 below . in various embodiments , rich ui clients in the same web browser can send and receive messages to each other . in one embodiment , this can be accomplished by adding loop - back functionality to the messaging layer wherein the messaging layer can detect if a routing id is local ( i . e ., identifies a rich ui client in the messaging layer &# 39 ; s process space ). messages whose destination routing id is local are “ looped back ” to the browser by delivering the message to the local destination rich ui client without sending the message over a channel . in another embodiment , the browser helper itself can catch local communication and redirect it before it reaches the messaging layer . from a participant &# 39 ; s point of view , there need be no discernable difference in the communication mechanism for local communication . in various embodiments , when a client process is in the active state it may also be considered “ associated ” or “ unassociated ”. unassociated client processes are not currently associated with a collaboration process . in one embodiment , they may receive messages from any collaboration process , but cannot send messages to collaboration processes . unassociated client processes that receive a message from a collaboration process can always choose to associate themselves with the message sender . in various embodiments , associated client processes can be associated with a single collaboration process such that messages sent from the client process are automatically directed ( e . g ., by a browser helper or other suitable means ) to the particular collaboration process . whether associated or not , a client process may send and receive messages to / from other client processes in the same process space and may receive messages from any collaboration process — not just the one it is associated with . in various embodiments , the browser helper is responsible for tracking the routing id for the collaboration process for each associated client process ( e . g . rich ui client ). in aspects of these embodiments , the browser helper can provide functionality to its rich ui clients . this functionality can be implemented by the helper in any manner , but in one embodiment can be implemented as callable javascript functions the rich ui client may call and helper - invoked rich ui client function callbacks . in further aspects , rich ui client - initiated functionality is represented as a function the rich ui client may call , and browser helper - initiated functionality can be represented by functions , methods or raised “ events ” that the helper invokes on the rich ui client . in various embodiments , client - initiated functionality can include : the ability to associate a client process with a collaboration client process routing id . this places the client process in the “ associated ” state . if the client process was previously associated with another routing id , the newly specified routing id becomes the client process &# 39 ; s new default communications endpoint . the ability to remove the client process &# 39 ; s association with a collaboration process , if such an association exists . this places the client process instance is in the “ unassociated ” state . the ability to send a message to the associated collaboration process . the ability to send a message to another client process in the same process space ( e . g ., the same web browser ). any of the client - initiated functionality . the ability to initialize a client process instance for the first time , or after its data store has been reset by a collaboration process . the ability to initialize a client process instance after a page refresh . the ability to suspended or unload a client process . the ability to deliver a message sent to a client process sent by a collaboration process or by another client process . fig1 is a flow diagram illustration of rich ui client page loading in accordance to various embodiments of the invention . although this figure depicts functional steps in a particular order for purposes of illustration , the process is not necessarily limited to any particular order or arrangement of steps . one skilled in the art will appreciate that the various steps portrayed in this figure can be omitted , rearranged , performed in parallel , combined and / or adapted in various ways . there may be more than one rich ui header on a given page in which case the steps in this flow diagram can be performed for each such header . see fig9 and accompanying text . in various embodiments , when a new page is loaded into the browser , the browser helper is responsible for ensuring that rich ui clients work properly . in step 1100 , if a routing id is found in a rich ui header , the corresponding rich ui client will be associated with the routing id . in step 1102 , if the application id specified in the rich ui header matches that of a suspended rich ui client , then it is determined in step 1104 if the header contains seed data . if so , the data is copied to the data store in step 1108 . the copying will replace any preexisting seed data for that client . if not , this step is skipped . in step 1112 , the suspended rich ui client is brought out of suspended state . in step 1116 , the now active rich ui client can then send and receive messages , including any that were queued while the rich ui client was suspended . in step 1103 , the application id in the rich ui header does not match that of a suspended client . in step 1106 , it is determined if the header contains seed data . if so , the data is copied to the data store in step 1108 . if not , this step is skipped . in step 1114 the rich ui client is created and initialized . in various embodiments , the foregoing systems and methods can be used to assemble an unlimited variety of scenarios . by way of illustration , one such scenario is a customer call center . in this application , customer service representatives ( csrs ) are tasked with taking calls from customers to perform various actions . one such action is a refund request where the customer wants a refund . in this example , csrs with less than six months of experience may not process refunds for amounts over $ 1000 . 00 without the real - time approval of a manager . through use of a client process ( e . g ., a rich ui client ), a csr can contact a manager in real - time for assistance . managers also use a client process ( e . g ., a rich ui client ) called a “ helper ” client that allows them to be engaged in many “ conversations ” with many different csr &# 39 ; s . each conversation is represented by collaboration process that manages csr - manager connection . when a csr client process requests help , a collaboration process is created ( if one does not already exit ). the collaboration process by using presence information can dynamically locate an available manager running the helper client . in order to communicate with the collaboration process , the manager &# 39 ; s helper client can associate itself with the collaboration process &# 39 ; s routing id . because client processes can receive messages from any collaboration process at any time , the collaboration process can send messages to manager helper clients to request help . individual helper clients can evaluate the request message and choose whether or not to associate themselves with the collaboration process . when the help session is complete , the manager &# 39 ; s helper client may disassociate from the collaboration process or re - associate with another as needed . in aspects of these embodiments , to support client - based decisions about association ( or re - association ) with a collaboration process , the client is responsible for receiving and evaluating association requests from the server . because the server may include arbitrary data in the association request sent to the client , there is no standard form for the association request message . instead , any message received by the client may potentially be an association request , and the client may associate ( or re - associate ) at its own discretion by invoking the association functionality provided by the browser helper . fig1 a - c are exemplary illustrations of a collaborative customer call center scenario in accordance to various embodiments of the invention . although this diagram depicts components as logically separate , such depiction is merely for illustrative purposes . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components portrayed in this figure can be combined or divided into separate software , firmware and / or hardware components . furthermore , it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that such components , regardless of how they are combined or divided , can execute on the same computing device or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication means . in fig1 a , three rich ui client clients (“ a ”, “ b ”, and “ c ”) and two collaboration processes (“ 1 ” and “ 2 ”) are illustrated . the dotted line enclosures are used to indicate associations between the two . for example , client “ a ” is associated with collaboration process “ 1 ” whereas client “ b ” is associated with collaboration process “ 2 ”. client “ c ” is unassociated . each rich ui process can share the same web browser or utilize different browsers . in this scenario , the end - user csr interacting with client “ b ” takes a call from a customer . the csr can gather customer information , including first and last name and some details about the call . this information can be placed in the scenario session &# 39 ; s shared state through use of the shared state control . if customer then requests a refund with an amount greater than $ 1000 and the csr has less than six months experience , client “ b ” will attempt to associate with a manager to get approval . in this case , “ b ” sends a help request ( e . g ., using the message control ) to collaboration process “ 2 ”. the collaboration process locates available managers using a role that requires a user to be a manager , to have a presence status of “ available ” and to be running the manager client . in various embodiments , the collaboration process can use a presence control in this endeavor . the collaboration process then sends an association request to one of the available managers identified by the role using a message control . in aspects of these embodiments , if the manager responds within a certain time frame the manger &# 39 ; s status is changed to “ busy ”. if there is no response or a negative response , the collaboration process can send an association request to another of the identified managers until one accepts the request . in one embodiment , the collaboration process can send association requests in any order . by way of illustration , the collaboration process can send association requests to the “ least busy ” manager first . in another embodiment , the collaboration process can send association requests following an ordering based on one or more properties of the scenario participants . other schemes are possible ( e . g ., round robin ) and fully within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . in fig1 b , the manager &# 39 ; s client “ c ” has associated itself with collaboration process “ 2 ”. now both clients “ b ” and “ c ” are associated with collaboration process “ 2 ” as indicated by the surrounding dotted line . at this point , “ b ” can send its refund request to “ c ” via collaboration process “ 2 ”. using the shared state control , the manger &# 39 ; s rich ui client can examine any pertinent information about the request and then respond affirmatively or negatively to “ b ” via collaboration process “ 2 ”. thereafter , clients “ b ” and “ c ” can disassociate from the collaboration process as indicated in fig1 c . fig1 c also illustrates that client “ a ” has requested help from collaboration process “ 1 ”. (“ a ” could also have requested help from collaboration process “ 2 ”.) collaboration process “ 1 ” has , in turn , identified that a manager is present and is also running the manger client . the collaboration process sends an association request to “ c ”. if “ c ” responds affirmatively to the request , both “ a ” and “ c ” will be associated with collaboration process “ 1 ” and will thus be able to have a dialog . by way of a further illustration , another possible scenario is group chat . in this application , users have an active “ buddy ” list that displays other users with whom they can correspond with . the buddy list also can display each user &# 39 ; s status ( e . g ., “ online ”, “ offline ”, “ busy ”, etc .). the buddy list can also be rule - driven , displaying users according to rules based on presence . for example , a rule might specify that people on a buddy list are present , have an status of “ online ”, and live in the los angeles area . any criteria is possible . a buddy list can be based on a combination of rules and users that have been manually added to the list . to chat with a second user , the first user selects the second user from their buddy list . the second user is then contacted by a collaboration process to see if they would like to chat . if so , a chat window is activated on both users &# 39 ; browsers ( or other suitable applications ). the first and / or second user ( s ) can also bring additional users into the chat by selecting them from their respective buddy lists . the chat window allows users to exchange messages in real - time . in various embodiments , each user sees every other user &# 39 ; s messages in their chat window . in aspects of these embodiments , this can be accomplished by sending all messages to a collaboration process which can then broadcast the message to all associated users ( i . e ., users involved in the group chat ). since users involved in the chat can be part of the same scenario session , they can all have access to the session &# 39 ; s shared state . the shared state control enables users to seamlessly exchange other kinds of information ( e . g ., sounds , images , video , files , etc .) alongside their messages . in further embodiments , chat users can also share a common view of a web page that can be co - navigated . in aspects of these embodiments , the chat window has a text field or other user interface that allows any of the users to specify a url . once specified , the url can be sent via a collaboration process to all of the users . this will cause the url to be loaded into each user &# 39 ; s common view of a web page . in various embodiments , group chat is facilitated by a collaboration process that serves to relay a message from one user to the other users in the group . when a chat client process invites a new user to join , it can do so by sending a chat request to the collaboration process which will forward the invitation to the new user ( assuming the new user is available and is running a chat client themselves ). if the new user declines the invitation , the collaboration process can notify the client process of the failure . otherwise , the new user associates itself with the collaboration process and thus becomes part of the group chat . at this point , the new user can both send messages to the group and receive messages from other users in the group . fig1 a - e are exemplary illustrations of a group chat scenario in accordance to various embodiments of the invention . although this diagram depicts components as logically separate , such depiction is merely for illustrative purposes . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components portrayed in this figure can be combined or divided into separate software , firmware and / or hardware components . furthermore , it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that such components , regardless of how they are combined or divided , can execute on the same computing device or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication means . in fig1 a , three rich ui group chat clients (“ a ”, “ b ”, and “ c ”) and two group chat collaboration processs (“ 1 ” and “ 2 ”) are illustrated . the dotted line enclosures are used to indicate associations between the two . for example , client “ a ” is associated with collaboration process “ 1 ” whereas client “ b ” is associated with collaboration process “ 2 ”. client “ c ” is unassociated . each rich ui client can share the same web browser or utilize different browsers . with reference to fig1 a , a user interacting with chat client “ b ” invites two users to chat . this causes client “ b ” to makes a request to collaboration process “ 2 ” to invite the users on its behalf . the collaboration process determines that these users correspond to chat clients “ a ” and “ c ”. accordingly , the collaboration process sends association requests to “ a ” and “ c ”. if there is no response or a negative response from either , the collaboration process can provide notice of such to “ b ”. if one or both of “ a ” and “ c ” respond affirmatively , then they will associate themselves with collaboration process “ 2 ”. this is illustrated in fig1 b . chat messages now sent by “ a ”, “ b ” or “ c ” will be forwarded to the others in the group by collaboration process fig1 c illustrates client “ a ” disassociating itself from collaboration process “ 2 ”. this could be a result of the end - user of client “ a ” wanting to exit the chat . fig1 d illustrates that client “ a ” is no longer associated with collaboration process “ 2 ” and is attempting to invite client “ d ” into a group chat via collaboration process “ 1 ”. client “ d ” accepts the invitation and both clients associate with collaboration process “ 1 ” ( fig1 e ). the group chat directed by collaboration process “ 2 ” is independent from the group chat directed by collaboration process “ 1 ”. in further embodiments , clients can be associated with more than one collaboration process . in this way , a client can participate in more than one group chat . various embodiments may be implemented using a conventional general purpose or a specialized digital computer or processor ( s ) programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure , as will be apparent to those skilled in the computer art . appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by skilled programmers based on the teachings of the present disclosure , as will be apparent to those skilled in the software art . the invention may also be implemented by the preparation of integrated circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits , as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art . various embodiments include a computer program product which is a storage medium ( media ) having instructions stored thereon / in which can be used to program a general purpose or specialized computing processor / device to perform any of the features presented herein . the storage medium can include , but is not limited to , one or more of the following : any type of physical media including floppy disks , optical discs , dvds , cd - roms , microdrives , magneto - optical disks , roms , rams , eproms , eeproms , drams , vrams , flash memory devices , magnetic or optical cards , nanosystems ( including molecular memory ics ); paper or paper - based media ; and any type of media or device suitable for storing instructions and / or data . various embodiments include a computer program product that can be transmitted over one or more public and / or private networks wherein the transmission includes instructions which can be used to program a computing device to perform any of the features presented herein . stored one or more of the computer readable medium ( media ), the present disclosure includes software for controlling both the hardware of the general purpose / specialized computer or microprocessor , and for enabling the computer or microprocessor to interact with a human user or other mechanism utilizing the results of the present invention . such software may include , but is not limited to , device drivers , operating systems , execution environments / containers , and applications . the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description . it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed . many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art . embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application , thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention , the various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated . it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents . | 6 |
the technology of the present application will now be explained with reference to a customer call center application . the technology , in general , is described as directing the audio from a user to a remote server that converts the audio to text and returns a transcription of the text . one of ordinary skill in the art on reading the disclosure will now recognize that the technology of the present application will be useful in other dictation systems that use training . for example , instead of a remote server to provide the transcription , the transcription may be loaded directly to the user processor . additionally , the technology of the present application may be used in systems other than call centers to provide training for speech recognition engines relating to dictation systems . for example , both medical and legal services frequently use dictation systems . moreover , the technology of the present application will be described with relation to exemplary embodiments . the word “ exemplary ” is used herein to mean “ serving as an example , instance , or illustration .” any embodiment described herein as “ exemplary ” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments . additionally , unless specifically identified otherwise , all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary . as explained above , dictation based speech - to - text conversion software has existed for some time . the dictation may be performed on a local processor such that real - time or near real - time transcription of the dictation may be provided to the user . instead of having the dictation performed on a local processor , it also is possible to stream the audio to a remote server that performs the dictation and returns textual data to the local processor . alternatively , the dictation may be batch loaded to a central processor or server where the transcription is returned at a later date , returned shortly after the dictation , or stored for later retrieval . either dictation system may use a speech recognition engine that is either a natural language recognizer , as a grammar - based or pattern matching recognizer , or a combination thereof . the technology of the present application , however , will be described in relation to natural language recognizer as they provide a more robust ability to generate data outside of a pattern match system . referring first to fig2 , a functional diagram of a training system 200 for the technology of the present application is provided . training system 200 includes a processor 202 , such as , for example , a microprocessor , a central processing unit , a desktop computer , a server , a laptop computer , a handheld computer or the like . processor 202 controls the major functions of the training system 200 including the functional operations described herein below . processor 202 also processes the various inputs and / or data that may be required to operate training system 200 . a memory 204 is interconnected with processor 202 . memory 204 may be remotely located or co - located with processor 202 . the memory 204 also may store data necessary or convenient for operation of the training system 200 as will be explained herein . as will be explained , the memory 204 may include memory to store audio and text files to generate corrections and training material as will be explained further below . training system 200 further includes an audio reception interface 206 or port that can receive or transmit audio information from and to a user , such as , for example , a customer service representative or transcription technician . training system 200 also includes a data interface 208 or port to receive or transmit data from and to the user . interconnected to processor 202 is a speech recognition or speech - to - text engine 210 that converts the audio signal received from the user into a text file that can be returned to the user or further processed as part of the transcription . speech recognition engine 210 is generally understood in the art and will not be further explained herein . engine 210 may be provided remote from , integrated with , or co - located with processor 202 . training system 200 further includes output devices 212 , such as , a display , a printer , an email generator , or the like as is conventional in the art to output the results of the training system 200 . to facilitate training of the speech recognition engine , as will be explained further below , output device 212 may comprise a speaker and a display . the speaker would play audio files , which audio files may be stored in memory 202 , and the display would display the associated transcription or text file of the audio , which also may be stored in memory 202 . training system 200 may further comprise input devices 214 . input device 214 may include any conventional device , but will be described using reference to a conventional keyboard for convenience . output device 212 and input devices 214 may be co - located or remote from training system 200 . in such cases , the audio and text files may be transmitted to a remote location using a conventional or private network connection . while shown and described as performing the transcription using speech recognition engine 210 , training system 200 may receive a text file and audio file from a remotely located transcription engine or memory . using dictation based systems for various industries , such as , for example , call center applications , medical dictation , legal dictation , and the like , requires that the transcription system be trained to recognize a user &# 39 ; s dialectic ; specialized words , clauses and phrases ; and the like . conventionally , training for these systems involve , for example , time that a customer service representative , doctor , lawyer , or the like may otherwise spend assisting customers , patients , or other clients . in order to improve efficiency , it would be desirable to provide alternative ways to train the speech recognition engine or speech - to - text engine 210 . referring now to fig3 , an exemplary flowchart 300 is provided showing exemplary operational steps to training a speech recognition engine where the customer service representative does not need to take time away from assisting customers . it is assumed that an audio file 216 and a text file 218 of the transcribed audio are available in memory 204 . however , if not , audio file 216 and text file 218 may be transmitted to training system 200 , step 302 . an audio file is stored in memory 204 as audio file 216 , step 304 . if the text file is not provided , speech recognition engine 210 transcribes the audio file , step 306 . speech recognition engine 210 may be co - located with training system 200 , integrated with training system 200 , or remote from training system 200 as a matter of design choice . speech recognition engine 210 may transcribe the audio file substantially in real time or near real time , but real time or near real time transcription is not necessary . once the transcription is complete , the text file is returned to the customer service representative , step 308 , and stored in memory 204 as text file 218 , step 310 . if speech recognition engine is remote from training system 200 , the text file is received by processor 202 via data port 208 and stored in memory 204 . audio file 216 and text file 218 may be associated via a link 219 or the like . link 219 may include , for example , a hyperlink , a mapping , a correlation in a database , or the like . to train the speech recognition engine 210 , a training user would initiate the training sequence , step 312 . processor 202 would fetch from memory 204 the audio file 216 and the associated or linked text file 218 , step 314 . the processor would display the text file 218 to the training user on , for example , a display 400 shown in fig4 , step 316 . in this case , display 400 includes an original transcription text display 402 . processor 202 would substantially simultaneously , or on a prompt such as by clicking play icon 410 , play audio file 216 , step 318 . the training user would make corrections either to the original transcription text display 402 or to a correction display 406 based on comparing the audio to the transcription text , step 320 . in this case , changes are shown by corrections 412 . once the corrections are inputted , the training user would click the train icon 408 or the like , step 322 , and speech recognition engine 210 would train based on the noted changes in a conventional fashion which will not be further explained herein , step 324 . the training of speech recognition engine 210 may occur substantially in real time after the training icon 408 is clicked . alternatively , the training information may be stored in memory 204 or transmitted to a remote memory networked to training system 200 and / or speech - recognition engine 210 such that the training of speech recognition engine may be accomplished subsequently . in particular , the actual training of speech - recognition engine 210 may be delayed to process the training in a conventional manner at a time when the processor has more available resources . thus , an administrator may schedule the training of speech - recognition engine 210 for particular users to occur at particular times , or the like when the speech - recognition engine is considered to be less “ busy ”. alternatively , the training system or the speech - recognition engine may monitor the speech - recognition engine for available capacity and automatically prompt training if certain predetermined conditions are satisfied , such as , for example , the processor load is below a certain percentage of capacity , the particular time ( whatever that may be ) is considered time when training is allowed , etc . for example , there may be times when processor load is estimated to be relatively high , but for one reason or another at any particular moment , the processor load is relatively low . because demand on the processor may increase during these expected high load times , the training system would be prohibited from initiating training even if processor load happens to be low . as mentioned above , it has been discovered that in certain instances training of the speech - recognition engine decreases the accuracy of the engine such that the confidence of the transcription is diminished . training is important to increase the accuracy and confidence associated with transcriptions . so training should be undertaken whenever warranted . however , it is not currently possible to predict whether any training of the speech recognition engine will result in increased confidence of the transcriptions , decreased accuracy of the transcriptions , or no change in the confidence of the transcriptions . referring now to fig5 , an exemplary flowchart 500 is provided showing exemplary operational steps to training a user profile associated with a speech recognition engine where the trained user profile is tested for increased , or at least not decreased , confidence , accuracy , or other measure , prior to implementing the trained user profile . a customer service representative does not need to take time away from assisting customers . to initiate the process , the training system receives the training information , step 502 . the training information may be from a pre - programmed training session , training information from step 324 of flowchart 300 , or other applicable training information . the user profile to be trained is fetched from memory , step 504 . the user profile to be trained is referred to below as the initial user profile . optionally , the initial user profile prior to training is at least temporarily stored as the initial user profile in the memory , step 506 . the initial user profile is trained using the received training information in a conventional manner , step 508 , that will not be further explained herein , but such training is available via dragon ® naturallyspeaking ® from nuance , inc . the user profile after training , hereinafter the interim user profile , optionally is at least temporarily stored , step 510 . next , the interim user profile is used by the speech recognition engine to transcribe an audio file , step 512 . the audio file may , for example , be the same audio file from which the training information was received . alternatively , the audio file may be a customer test audio file , a previously transcribed audio file , or a new audio file . the accuracy of the transcription using the interim user profile is determined , step 514 . ideally , the audio file would be a known audio file such that the accuracy of the transcription using the interim user profile may be measured automatically . notice , while accuracy is the performance metric called out herein , other performance metrics may be used . for example , the time delay between receiving the audio and returning a transcription may be used as a performance metric , average confidence of transcribed words may be used as a performance metric , etc . the accuracy of the interim user profile is compared to an accuracy of the initial user profile , step 516 . for example , if the audio file from which the training information was provided is the audio file used for test purposes , the accuracy of the initial user profile can be determined as the accuracy was available via the corrections associated with flowchart 300 . alternatively , the initial user profile would be used to transcribe , for example , a customer test audio file , or the like . next , it is determined if the accuracy of the interim user profile is less than the accuracy of the initial user profile , step 518 . if it is determined that the accuracy of the interim user profile is less than the accuracy of the initial user profile , then the interim user profile is discarded and the initial user profile is stored as the user profile or the final user profile , step 520 . otherwise , the interim user profile , which is the trained profile , is stored as the user profile or the final user profile , step 522 . as can be appreciated , the above method and system provides a system for training where the customer service representative may continue to assist customers without the need to train the dictation system . 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 the various illustrative logical blocks , modules , circuits , and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware , computer software , or combinations of both . to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software , various illustrative components , blocks , modules , circuits , and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality . whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system . skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application , but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention . the various illustrative logical blocks , modules , and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor , a digital signal processor ( dsp ), an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), a field programmable gate array ( fpga ) or other programmable logic device , discrete gate or transistor logic , discrete hardware components , or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein . a general purpose processor may be a microprocessor , but in the alternative , the processor may be any conventional processor , controller , microcontroller , or state machine . a processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices , e . g ., a combination of a dsp and a microprocessor , a plurality of microprocessors , one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a dsp core , or any other such configuration . the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware , in a software module executed by a processor , or in a combination of the two . a software module may reside in random access memory ( ram ), flash memory , read only memory ( rom ), electrically programmable rom ( eprom ), electrically erasable programmable rom ( eeprom ), registers , hard disk , a removable disk , a cd - rom , or any other form of storage medium known in the art . an exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from , and write information to , the storage medium . in the alternative , the storage medium may be integral to the processor . the processor and the storage medium may reside in an asic . in the alternative , the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal . the previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention . various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention . thus , the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein . | 6 |
in accordance with this invention , it has been found that a wrist brace may be provided with areas of varying elasticity when manufactured from one piece of uniformly elastic fabric . the fabric is folded and sewn according to the process of the invention to accomplish results previously attainable only when several pieces of nonuniformly elastic fabric were used . it has further been found that two - way stretch fabric may be employed in an orthopedic support apparatus allowing a severed end portion to be joined flatly to and abutting another end portion . the instant invention , therefore , allows various orthopedic supports to be manufactured at lower costs than heretofore attained . fig1 shows a human hand indicated generally at 1 with some of the bones and ligaments therein . directly adjacent the hand is the wrist indicated generally at 3 . the carpal ligament 5 can be seen to encircle the wrist . the wrist brace 7 of the invention is shown in phantom form as it would appear on the hand and wrist . the wrist brace 7 comprises a sleeve defining elastic body 9 . the body 9 has an outer edge 11 near the fingers indicated at 13 and an inner edge 15 below the wrist on the wearer &# 39 ; s arm shown generally at 17 . the body 9 also has a thumb opening 19 allowing the thumb indicated at 21 to move freely . the brace 7 maintains the hand in a slightly angled position approximately 32 ° as shown by lines 23 and 25 . as is known in the art , this angled position is preferred for proper healing . fig1 a shows the single piece of non fray elastic fabric as cut with fold marks b . the top fold mark is brought down to a position on the lower mark with an angled fold at each edge of the cut fabric . when attached along the fold lines at top and bottom as shown in fig1 b the upper portion of the brace when closed as worn on the hand forms a 32 ° angle at the same time producing three times the elastic power of the original fabric in the area 39 . fig2 is a detailed view of the wrist brace 7 closed but without the hand . the body 9 is unlike prior art devices generally manufactured from a single piece of two - way uniformly elastic fabric . such a fabric is shown in application ser . no . 07 / 117 , 756 and ser . no . 07 / 387 , 706 . a fold 29 is formed by folding and sewing the fabric such that the area on the wrist adjacent the fold , which covers the carpal ligament 5 is provided with three times the tension as compared to the adjacent areas covered by the body 9 . the process of the invention discussed below describes how the fold is formed . a pocket 27 on the palm side of the brace 7 extends longitudinally lengthwise from the area near the inner edge 15 to the outer edge 11 and is provided to carry a generally flat and angled splint ( not shown ). when in place on a hand , the splint and the fold cooperate to hold the hand in the proper healing position . fig2 a shows the three fold section producing the increased tension needed over the carpal ligament . fig3 is a view of the exterior of the wrist brace 7 opened and spread flatly . the brace 7 is provided with velcro hooks 31 which are used in conjunction with velcro pile 33 in a well known way to hold the brace 7 in place on the hand . a small additional piece 35 of fabric is attached along the outer edge 11 of the brace to provide a supplementary area of greater tension near the fingers . a fold , like fold 29 of the brace 7 , can be formed in accordance with the process of the invention . fig4 illustrates the first step of this process . a fabric 37 with elastic properties is folded to form a pleat 39 with two longitudinal edges , a base edge 41 and a top edge 43 . the second step of the process is shown in fig5 . the base edge 41 is folded down and is stitched together with stitching 45 . the final step of the process is illustrated by fig6 . the top edge 43 has been stitched to the rest of the fabric 37 with stitching 49 . in this way , a fold 39 has been formed which provides an area with a spring constant three times as great as that of adjacent areas shown as 51 and 53 of fabric 37 . prior art orthopedic supports achieved this same result only with expensive dual - tension elastic material . fig7 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention comprising generally an orthopedic support apparatus 55 . the apparatus 55 is here shown to be a knee brace but , as one skilled in the art will recognize , different dimensions will allow a similar apparatus to function as an elbow brace . the apparatus 55 is constructed of one rectangular portion 57 of ravel - free two - way stretch fabric having edges 61 , 63 , 65 and 67 as illustrated in fig8 . edges 65 and 67 are generally severed from a continuous roll of fabric . the two way stretch feature permits the front of the brace to stretch longitudinally when the knee is flexed and when the knee is straightened the elastic to return its original position thus eliminating troublesome wrinkles experienced with one way stretch fabric . fig9 shows the assembly of the knee brace with cut dart edges joined 68 and the cut edges 65 and 67 joined to complete the brace using non fray two way stretchable fabric . fig1 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention comprising generally an orthopedic ankle support . the apparatus 70 is constructed on one rectangular portion 71 of ravel - free two way stretch fabric having edges 72 , 73 74 and 75 as illustrated in fig1 . edges 72 and 73 are generally severed from a continuous roll of fabric . normally braces of this type are cemented or latexed along the severed ends 72 and 73 to prohibit unraveling and runback of the elastic yarn where cut . the cement or latex is an expensive operation , is unsightly since it changes the appearance of the fabric and can be a cause of irritation to sensitive skin . the ravel free two way stretch fabric of this invention requires no treatment of the cut edge , is non allergenic and more comfortable to the wearer . the rectangular portion 71 is folded as shown in fig1 to form the shape of the apparatus . end 73 is brought as illustrated by arrow 76 to a position flatly abutting the edge 74 and stitched in place . end 72 is brought to edge 75 as shown by arrow 77 . related prior art apparatus used raveling fabric and , therefore , required that both edges be latexed or cemented to prevent fraying of the edges . however , the instant invention uses ravel - free fabric and , accordingly , allows the respective edges to abut without latex or cement . the resulting advantage is much greater versatility in the type of stitching that can be used is more comfortable and nonallergenic . some of the other types of stitching possible are , for example , surge stitch , cover stitch or flat lock stitch . it is thus seen that the instant invention provides a novel orthopedic support apparatus . it is further seen that the invention provides a novel process for the manufacture of an orthopedic apparatus with increased features of comfort , appearance and cost . as many variations are apparent to one of skill in the art from a reading of the above specification , such variations are within the spirit and scope of the instant invention as defined by the following appended claims . | 8 |
in the drawings , the letter s designates generally a prosthetic vision system according to the present invention for assisting vision - impaired or blind users in seeing . although principally intended for use with humans , the present invention might as well be used in animals , particularly in experiments , and thus the term user as used throughout this application is intended to include both human and animals . the system s includes a lens l and an electrode array a which is optically connected to the lens l by a fiberoptic conductor bundle f . preferably , a lens , electrode and fiberoptic bundle are provided for both eyes where needed . the lens l receives and senses optic conditions or light levels presented to the user and focuses the sensed optic images onto a first input end 10 of each of a plurality of individual optic fibers 12 in the fiberoptic bundle f . the ends 10 of the fiberoptic bundle f are formed into a polished common planar surface so that the optic conditions focused thereon by the lens l are in effect partitioned into a matrix of small individual areas . the intensity of the light in each of those areas is determined by the intensity of the light in the optic conditions presented to the lens l . the lens l may be mounted or implanted in an ocular socket or elsewhere , as desired . if implanted in a user , the lens l is , of course , formed from a material acceptable to body tissues . the lens l is transparent and may be formed to contain a material , such as a silver halide composition , which darkens when exposed to ultraviolet light . such a material is of the type commonly used in commercially available eyeglasses . with the lens l formed of such a material , the amount of light transmitted through the fiberoptic bundle f is limited and the level of said signal formed in the electrode array a to stimulate the cortex region of the user &# 39 ; s brain is lowered . the fiberoptic bundle f is formed from the number , usually six to nine hundred , of individual light conducting optic fibers or light guides which convey light intensity conditions sensed and focused thereon by the lens l to the electrode array a . the individual light conducting optic fibers 12 each terminate in a second or output end 14 in proximity to the electrode array a . the output ends of the fiberoptic conductors 12 are arranged in a corresponding matrix to the matrix formed by the input ends 10 and the individual optic fibers 12 thus form a coherent light guide . with the fiberoptic bundle f formed as a coherent light guide with the present invention , shades of darkness and lightness in an image received on the lens l are focused onto the front end 10 of the fiberoptic bundle f and are transported to the output ends 14 in a matrix corresponding to the image received . thus , an image imposed by the lens f onto the front ends 10 is reproduced at the second or output end 14 of the fiberoptic bundle f . the image present at the output ends 14 of the cables 12 of the fiberoptic bundle f is focused by a second lens 16 onto the electrode array a . the electrode array a is in the form of an electrically conductive , flexible semiconductor substrate of relatively small dimensions , such as one square centimeter , so that one for each lens l may be implanted in the optical cortex region of the calcarine fissure in the brain of the user using the prosthetic vision system s . portions of the cables 12 , as well as the lens 16 , are also implanted in this location . portions of fiberoptic bundle f not inside the user &# 39 ; s skull may be subcutaneously implanted , if desired . if power consumption requirements dictate , the electrode array a is electrically connected to a suitable power source or battery , preferably external to the skull of the user . the fiberoptic bundle f and lens 16 are encapsulated in a medical grade silicone rubber coating 18 , such as the type sold under the trademark &# 34 ; silastic &# 34 ;. electrode array a is coated with a carbon - impregnated conductive silicone . an array of rows and columns of miniturized photovoltaic semiconductor cells or phototransistors 20 is formed on at least one surface of the substrate in the electrode array a . the phototransistors 20 are preferably of the pn type which when luminous energy in the form of photons from the fiberoptic bundle output ends 14 impinges upon them , convert the luminous energy to electrical energy . the phototransistors 20 when energized form a potential which passes through the conductive coating 18 and energizes neurons of the visual cortex of the user &# 39 ; s brain . the array of rows and columns of miniature phototransistors 20 of the electrode array a corresponds to the array or matrix of input and output ends of the fiberoptic bundle f so that a numerical correspondence , such as a one - to - one , exists between the matrix into which the optic conditions sensed by the lens l is divided and the number of phototransistors 20 rendered conductive when exposed to light from the fiberoptic bundle f . the phototransistors 20 are miniaturized components and are spaced from each other so that each conductive one of them can energize preferably three or less neurons in the user &# 39 ; s visual cortex in response to light from one of the fibers 12 . the photodiodes are preferably laser trimmed so that their n regions are directly exposed through the conductive coating 18 to neurons in the user &# 39 ; s cortical area of vision . thus when the phototransistors are energized , neural stimulation occurs . portions of the visual region in the user &# 39 ; s brain which are stimulated correspond to portions of the lens l which sense light conditions . in order to prevent overstimulation of those portions of the user &# 39 ; s brain when confronted with high intensity light conditions , the electrode array a may be time - gated by a suitable switching circuit set to activate the array a at intervals greater then the polarization , de - polarization fime or the absolute refractory period in the user &# 39 ; s brain to permit the cells to return to their normal state . medical treatises indicate that macular representation is more precisely organized than any other bodily sensory system , and further that there is a point - to - point relationship between the retina and the occipital lobe , without significant spatial overlapping . further , medical treatises have indicated that electrical stimulation of the visual cortex in a conscious subject gives rise to impressions of pin - points of light in corresponding loci in the fields of vision . further , the treatises indicate that stimulation of the peristriate area produces integration to the extent of organization of the more primitive impression elicited from the visual cortex area into geometric figures . finally , the treatises indicate that stimulation of other areas of the user &# 39 ; s brain introduces color and definitive form of familiar objects . finally , research has confirmed in the published literature that experiments have permitted a blind volunteer to see simple geometrical shapes . the present invention takes cognizance of these physical phenomena . the input ends of the fiberoptic bundle f effectively partition a field of view presented to the lens l into a matrix of small individual areas , and the intensity of the light in those areas is conveyed to the electrode array a . individual ones of the phototransistors in the array a are selectively energized where sufficient light intensity is sensed by the lens l and portions of the user &# 39 ; s visual cortex then stimulated . in this manner , a vision - impaired user &# 39 ; s brain is presented with physical stimuli of the type which occur in a human or animal having normal vision . this occurs , even though the user &# 39 ; s eyes or optic nerves or both are damaged to an extent that normal vision does not occur . the foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof , and various changes in the size , shape , materials , components , circuit elements , wiring connections and contacts , as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry and construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention . | 0 |
reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . wherever possible , like reference designations will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts . an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig4 a - 5c . as shown in fig4 a , a plurality of photodiodes 41 , which may be in the form of a plurality of photo - gates , are formed at fixed intervals in a predetermined surface of a semiconductor substrate 40 . then , an insulating interlayer 42 of an oxide such as undoped silicate glass is formed on an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 40 including the plurality of photodiodes 41 . the insulating interlayer 42 may be formed as a multi - layered structure , including a light - shielding layer ( not shown ) for preventing light from reaching areas other than the photodiodes 41 , and another insulating interlayer ( not shown ) formed on the light - shielding layer . subsequently , respective resist layers of green ( g ), blue ( b ), and red ( r ) are coated on the insulating interlayer 42 , and then an exposure and development process is performed with respect to each layer of resist , thereby forming a color filter layer 43 including the green ( g ), blue ( b ), and red ( r ) color filter patterns . the color filter patterns are arranged to correspond to a plurality of active devices , such as photodiodes 41 , for filtering light according to wavelength . the respective color filter patterns have different heights since each is formed by its own individual photolithography processing . referring to fig4 b , a chemical - mechanical polishing process or an etching process is performed with respect to the entire surface of the color filter layer 43 including each of the color filter patterns , thereby forming a planarized color filter layer 43 . that is , the polishing process or the etching process serves to planarize the surface of the color filter layer 43 . as a result , each color filter pattern is imparted with an equal height for receiving an array of microlenses . in fig4 c , a sacrificial layer ( not shown ) for microlens formation is coated on the planarized color filter layer 43 , and an exposure and development process is performed with respect to the sacrificial layer , thereby forming a microlens pattern corresponding to an array of microlenses . the sacrificial layer may be formed as a resist layer or an oxide layer of tetra - ethyl - ortho - silicate . a plurality of microlenses 44 is formed by reflowing the microlens pattern . the reflowing process may employ a hot plate or a furnace . the curvature of the microlenses 44 can be varied to control focusing according to an application of a heat shrinkage method . subsequently , the microlenses 44 are irradiated with ultraviolet light , thereby curing each microlens to maintain its optimal curvature radius . another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig5 a - 5d . as shown in fig5 a , a plurality of photodiodes 31 , which may be in the form of a plurality of photo - gates , are formed at fixed intervals in a predetermined surface of a semiconductor substrate 30 . then , an insulating interlayer 32 of an oxide such as undoped silicate glass is formed on an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 30 including the plurality of photodiodes 31 . the insulating interlayer 32 may be formed as a multi - layered structure , including a light - shielding layer ( not shown ) for preventing light from reaching areas other than the photodiodes 31 , and another insulating interlayer ( not shown ) formed on the light - shielding layer . subsequently , respective resist layers of green ( g ), blue ( b ), and red ( r ) are coated on the insulating interlayer 32 , and then an exposure and development process is performed with respect to each layer of resist , thereby forming a color filter layer 33 including the green ( g ), blue ( b ), and red ( r ) color filter patterns . the color filter patterns are arranged to correspond to the plurality of active devices , such as photodiodes 31 , for filtering light according to wavelength . the respective color filter patterns have different heights since each is formed by its own individual photolithography processing . as shown in fig5 b , a planarization layer 34 is formed on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 30 , including the color filter patterns , to fill any crevices in the color filter layer 33 that may be present in the underlying surface , for example , between the color filter patterns . the planarization layer 34 should cover the highest surface among the respective color filter patterns and will serve as a sacrificial layer . referring to fig5 c , a chemical - mechanical polishing process or an etching process is performed with respect to the entire surface of the planarization layer 34 . the planarization layer 34 and the respective color filter patterns of the color filter layer 33 are simultaneously polished or simultaneously etched . the planarization layer 34 enables less removal of one or more of the color filter patterns of the color filter layer 33 . thereby an excessive reduction in filter layer thickness , which may occur in striving for full planarization by polishing or etching the color filter layer directly , is avoided . that is , there may be remnants of the planarization layer 34 left after the polishing step or etching step , such that material of the planarization layer 34 is disposed between the color filter patterns of the color filter layer 33 . thus , with minor portions ( not shown ) of the planarization layer 34 remaining as necessary , each color filter pattern is imparted with an equal height for receiving an array of microlenses . in fig5 d , a sacrificial layer for microlens formation is coated on the planarized color filter layer 33 , and then an exposure and development process is performed with respect to the sacrificial layer , thereby forming a microlens pattern corresponding to an array of microlenses . the sacrificial layer may be formed as a resist layer or an oxide layer of tetra - ethyl - ortho - silicate . a plurality of microlenses 35 is formed by reflowing the microlens pattern . the reflowing process may employ a hot plate or a furnace . the curvature of the microlenses 35 can be varied to control focusing according to an application of a heat shrinkage method . subsequently , the microlenses 35 are irradiated with ultraviolet light , thereby curing each microlens to maintain its optimal curvature radius . another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig6 a - 6d . as shown in fig6 a , a plurality of photodiodes 31 , which may be in the form of a plurality of photo - gates , are formed at fixed intervals in a predetermined surface of a semiconductor substrate 30 . then , an insulating interlayer 32 of an oxide such as undoped silicate glass is formed on an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 30 including the plurality of photodiodes 31 . the insulating interlayer 32 may be formed as a multi - layered structure , including a light - shielding layer ( not shown ) for preventing light from reaching areas other than the photodiodes 31 , and another insulating interlayer ( not shown ) formed on the light - shielding layer . subsequently , respective resist layers of green ( g ), blue ( b ), and red ( r ) are coated on the insulating interlayer 32 , and then an exposure and development process is performed with respect to each layer of resist , thereby forming a color filter layer 33 including the green ( g ), blue ( b ), and red ( r ) color filter patterns . the color filter patterns are arranged to correspond to the plurality of active devices , such as photodiodes 31 , for filtering light according to wavelength . the respective color filter patterns have different heights since each is formed by its own individual photolithography processing . as shown in fig6 b , a planarization layer 34 is formed on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 30 , including the color filter patterns , to fill any crevices in the color filter layer 33 that may be present in the underlying surface , for example , between the color filter patterns . the planarization layer 34 should cover the highest surface among the respective color filter patterns and will serve as a sacrificial layer . referring to fig6 c , a chemical - mechanical polishing process or an etching process is performed to partially remove the planarization layer 34 . the planarization layer 34 and one of the respective color filter patterns , such as the green color filter pattern , of the color filter layer 33 are simultaneously polished or simultaneously etched . the planarization layer 34 enables less removal of one or more of the color filter patterns of the color filter layer 33 . thereby an excessive reduction in filter layer thickness , which may occur in striving for full planarization by polishing or etching the color filter layer directly , is avoided . that is , there may be remnants of the planarization layer 34 left after the polishing step or etching step , such that material of the planarization layer 34 is disposed between the color filter patterns of the color filter layer 33 . thus , with minor portions ( not shown ) of the planarization layer 34 remaining as necessary , each color filter pattern is imparted with an equal height for receiving an array of microlenses . in fig6 d , a sacrificial layer for microlens formation is coated on the planarized color filter layer 33 , and then an exposure and development process is performed with respect to the sacrificial layer , thereby forming a microlens pattern corresponding to an array of microlenses . the sacrificial layer may be formed as a resist layer or an oxide layer of tetra - ethyl - ortho - silicate . a plurality of microlenses 35 is formed by reflowing the microlens pattern . the reflowing process may employ a hot plate or a furnace . the curvature of the microlenses 35 can be varied to control focusing according to an application of a heat shrinkage method . subsequently , the microlenses 35 are irradiated with ultraviolet light , thereby curing each microlens to maintain its optimal curvature radius . by adopting the cmos image sensor and method for fabricating the same according to the present invention , no planarization layer is needed between the color filter layer and the microlens since the color filter layer itself is imparted with a planarized upper surface . accordingly , because the thickness of the planarization layer is eliminated , the traveling distance of light passing through the microlens to be incident on the photodiode can be decreased , thereby improving the image characteristics of the sensor . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention . thus , it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents . | 7 |
referring to fig1 a tubular 10 is supported in casing 12 , using known techniques such as a spear made by baker oil tools , as previously described . that spear or other gripping device is attached to a running string 14 . also located on the running string 14 above the spear is a hydraulic or other type of stroking mechanism which will allow relative movement of a swage assembly 16 which moves in tandem with a portion of the running string 14 when the piston / cylinder combination ( not shown ) is actuated , bringing the swage 16 down toward the upper end 18 of the tubular 10 . as shown in fig1 during run - in , the tubular 10 easily fits through the casing 12 . the tubular 10 also comprises one or more openings 20 to allow the cement to pass through , as will be explained below . comparing fig2 to fig1 the tubular 10 has been expanded radially at its upper end 18 so that a segment 22 is in contact with the casing 12 . segment 22 does not include the openings 20 ; thus , an annular space 24 exists around the outside of the tubular 10 and inside of the casing 12 . while in the position shown in fig2 cementing can occur . this procedure involves pumping cement through the tubular 10 down to its lower end where it can come up and around into the annulus 24 through the openings 20 so that the exterior of the tubular 10 can be fully surrounded with cement up to and including a portion of the casing 12 . before the cement sets , the piston / cylinder mechanism ( not shown ) is further actuated so that the swage assembly 16 moves further downwardly , as shown in fig3 . segment 22 has now grown in fig3 so that it encompasses the openings 20 . in essence , segment 22 which is now against the casing 12 also includes the openings 20 , thereby sealing them off . the seal can be accomplished by the mere physical expansion of segment 22 against the casing 12 . alternatively , a ring seal 26 can be placed below the openings 20 so as to seal the cemented annulus 24 away from the openings 20 . optionally , the ring seal 26 can be a rounded ring that circumscribes each of the openings 20 . additionally , a secondary ring seal similar to 26 can be placed around the segment 22 above the openings 20 . as shown in fig3 the assembly is now fully set against the casing 12 . the openings 20 are sealed and the tubular 10 is fully supported in the casing 12 by the extended segment 22 . referring to fig4 the swage assembly 16 , as well as the piston / cylinder assembly ( not shown ) and the spear which was used to support the tubular 10 , are removed with the running string 14 so that what remains is the tubular 10 fully cemented and supported in the casing 12 . the entire operation has been accomplished in a single trip . further completion operations in the wellbore are now possible . currently , this embodiment is preferred . fig5 - 12 illustrate an alternative embodiment . here again , the tubular 28 is supported in a like manner as shown in fig1 - 4 , except that the swage assembly 30 has a different configuration . the swage assembly 30 has a lower end 32 which is best seen in cross - section in fig8 . lower end 32 has a square or rectangular shape which , when forced against the tubular 28 , leaves certain passages 34 between itself and the casing 36 . now referring to fig7 it can be seen that when the lower end 32 is brought inside the upper end 38 of the tubular 28 , the passages 34 allow communication to annulus 40 so that cementing can take place with the pumped cement going back up the annulus 40 through the passages 34 . referring to fig8 it can be seen that the tubular 28 has four locations 42 which are in contact with the casing 36 . this longitudinal surface location in contact with the casing 36 provides full support for the tubular 28 during the cementing step . thus , while the locations 42 press against the inside wall of the casing 36 to support the tubular 28 , the cementing procedure can be undertaken in a known manner . at the conclusion of the cementing operation , an upper end 44 of the swage assembly 30 is brought down into the upper end 38 of the tubular 28 . the profile of the upper end 44 is seen in fig1 . it has four locations 46 which protrude outwardly . each of the locations 46 encounters a mid - point 48 ( see fig8 ) of the upper end 38 of the tubular 28 . thus , when the upper end 44 of the swage assembly 30 is brought down into the tubular 28 , it reconfigures the shape of the upper end 38 of the tubular 28 from the square pattern shown in fig8 to the round pattern shown in fig1 . fig1 shows the running assembly and the swage assembly 30 removed , and the well now ready for the balance of the completion operations . the operation has been accomplished in a single trip into the wellbore . accordingly , the principal difference in the embodiment shown in fig1 - 4 and that shown in fig5 - 12 is that the first embodiment employed holes or openings to facilitate the flow of cement , while the second embodiment provides passages for the cement with a two - step expansion of the upper end 38 of the tubular 28 . the first step creates the passages 34 using the lower end 32 of the swage assembly 30 . it also secures the tubular 28 to the casing 36 at locations 42 . after cementing , the upper end 44 of the swage assembly 30 basically finishes the expansion of the upper end 38 of the tubular 28 into a round shape shown in fig1 . at that point , the tubular 28 is fully supported in the casing 36 . seals , as previously described , can optionally be placed between the tubular 28 and the casing 36 without departing from the spirit of the invention . another embodiment is illustrated in fig1 - 15 . this embodiment has similarities to the embodiment shown in fig1 - 4 . one difference is that there is now a sliding sleeve valve 48 which is shown in the open position exposing openings 50 . as shown in fig1 , a swage assembly 52 fully expands the upper end 54 of the tubular 56 against the casing 58 , just short of openings 50 . this is seen in fig1 . at this point , the tubular 56 is fully supported in the casing 58 . since the openings 50 are exposed with the sliding sleeve valve 48 , cementing can now take place . at the conclusion of the cementing step , the sliding sleeve valve 48 is actuated in a known manner to close it off , as shown in fig1 . optionally , seals can be used between tubular 56 and casing 58 . the running assembly , including the swage assembly 52 , is then removed from the tubular 56 and the casing 58 , as shown in fig1 . again , the procedure is accomplished in a single trip . completion operations can now continue in the wellbore . fig1 - 19 illustrate another technique . the initial support of the tubular 60 to the casing 62 is accomplished by forcing a grapple member 64 down into an annular space 66 such that its teeth 68 ratchet down over teeth 70 , thus forcing teeth 72 , which are on the opposite side of the grappling member 64 from teeth 68 , to fully engage the inner wall 74 of the casing 62 . this position is shown in fig1 , where the teeth 68 and 70 have engaged , thus supporting the tubular 60 in the casing 62 by forcing the teeth 72 to dig into the inner wall 74 of the casing 62 . the grapple members 64 are elongated structures that are placed in a spaced relationship as shown in fig1 a . the spaces 76 are shown between the grapple members 64 . thus , passages 76 provide the avenue for cement to come up around annulus 78 toward the upper end 80 of the tubular 60 . at the conclusion of the cementing , the swage assembly 82 is brought down into the upper end 80 of the tubular 60 to flare it outwardly into sealing contact with the inside wall 74 of the casing 62 , as shown in fig1 . again , a seal can be used optionally between the upper end 80 and the casing 62 to seal in addition to the forcing of the upper end 80 against the inner wall 74 , shown in fig1 . the running assembly as well as the swage assembly 82 is shown fully removed in fig1 and further downhole completion operations can be concluded . all the steps are accomplished in a single trip . fig2 - 25 illustrate yet another alternative of the present invention . in this situation , the swage assembly 84 has an upper end 86 and a lower end 88 . in the run - in position shown in fig2 , the upper end 86 is located below a flared out portion 90 of the tubular 92 . located above the upper end 86 is a sleeve 94 which is preferably made of a softer material than the tubular 92 , such as aluminum , for example . the outside diameter of the flared out segment 90 is still less than the inside diameter 96 of the casing 98 . ultimately , the flared out portion 90 is to be expanded , as shown in fig2 , into contact with the inside wall of the casing 98 . since that distance representing that expansion cannot physically be accomplished by the upper end 96 because of its placement below the flared out portion 90 , the sleeve 94 is employed to transfer the radially expanding force to make initial contact with the inner wall of casing 98 . the upper end 86 of the swage assembly 84 has the shape shown in fig2 so that several sections 100 of the tubular 92 will be forced against the casing 98 , leaving longitudinal gaps 102 for passage of cement . in the position shown in fig2 and 22 , the passages 102 are in position and the sections 100 which have been forced against the casing 98 fully support the tubular 92 . at the conclusion of the cementing operation , the lower segment 88 comes into contact with sleeve 94 . the shape of lower end 88 is such so as to fully round out the flared out portion 90 by engaging mid - points 104 of the flared out portion 90 ( see fig2 ) such that the passages 102 are eliminated as the sleeve 94 and the flared out portion 90 are in tandem pressed in a manner to fully round them , leaving the flared out portion 90 rigidly against the inside wall of the casing 98 . this is shown in fig2 . fig2 illustrates the removal of the swage assembly 84 and the tubular 92 fully engaged and cemented to the casing 98 so that further completion operations can take place . fig2 and 26 fully illustrate the flared out portion 90 pushed hard against the casing 98 . again , in this embodiment as in all the others , auxiliary sealing devices can be used between the tubular 92 and the casing 98 and the process is done in a single trip . referring now to fig2 - 30 , yet another embodiment is illustrated . again , the similarities in the running in procedure will not be repeated because they are identical to the previously described embodiments . in this situation , the tubular 106 is initially formed with a flared out section 108 . the diameter of the outer surface 110 is initially produced to be the finished diameter desired for support of the tubular 106 in a casing 112 ( see fig2 ) in which it is to be inserted . however , prior to the insertion into the casing 112 and as shown in fig2 , the flared out section 108 is corrugated to reduce its outside diameter so that it can run through the inside diameter of the casing 112 . the manner of corrugation or other diameter - reducing technique can be any one of a variety of different ways so long as the overall profile is such that it will pass through the casing 112 . using a swage assembly of the type previously described , which is in a shape conforming to the corrugations illustrated in fig2 but tapered to a somewhat larger dimension , the shape shown in fig2 is attained . the shape in fig2 is similar to that in fig2 except that the overall dimensions have been increased to the point that there are locations 114 in contact with the casing 112 . these longitudinal contacts in several locations , as shown in fig2 , fully support the tubular 106 in the casing 112 and leave passages 116 for the flow of cement . the swage assembly can be akin to that used in fig5 - 11 in the sense that the corrugated shape now in contact with the casing 112 shown in fig2 at locations 114 can be made into a round shape at the conclusion of the cementing operation . thus , a second portion of the swage assembly as previously described is used to contact the flared out portion 108 in the areas where it is still bent , defining passages 116 , to push those radially outwardly until a perfect full 360 ° contact is achieved between the flared out section 108 and the casing 112 , as shown in fig3 . this is all done in a single trip . those skilled in the art can readily appreciate that various embodiments have been disclosed which allow a tubular , such as 10 , to be suspended in a running assembly . the running assembly is of a known design and has the capability not only of supporting the tubular for run - in but also to actuate a swage assembly of the type shown , for example , in fig1 as item 16 . what is common to all these techniques is that the tubular is first made to be supported by the casing due to a physical expansion technique . the cementing takes place next and the cementing passages are then closed off . since it is important to allow passages for the flow of cement , the apparatus of the present invention , in its various embodiments , provides a technique which allows this to happen with the tubular supported while subsequently closing them off . the technique can work with a swage assembly which is moved downwardly into the top end of the tubular or in another embodiment , such as shown in fig2 - 26 , the swage assembly is moved upwardly , out of the top end of the tubular . the creation of passages for the cement , such as 34 in fig8 in fig1 a , or 102 in fig2 , can be accomplished in a variety of ways . the nature of the initial contact used to support the tubular in the casing can vary without departing from the spirit of the invention . thus , although four locations are illustrated for the initial support contact in fig8 a different number of such locations can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention . different materials can be used to encase the liner up and into the casing from which it is suspended , including cement , blast furnace slag , or other materials , all without departing from the spirit of the invention . known techniques are used for operating the sliding sleeve valve shown in fig1 - 15 , which selectively exposes the openings 50 . other types of known valve assemblies are also within the spirit of the invention . despite the variations , the technique winds up being a one - trip operation . those skilled in the art will now appreciate that what has been disclosed is a method which can completely replace known liner hangers and allows for sealing and suspension of tubulars in larger tubulars , with the flexibility of cementing or otherwise encasing the inserted tubular into the larger tubular . the foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof , and various changes in the size , shape and materials , as well as in the details of the illustrated construction , may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention . | 4 |
reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . wherever possible , the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts . fig2 through 4 are views illustrating an optical pickup actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig2 through 4 , a lens holder 202 has first heat dissipation grooves 204 formed on a lens - seating portion 209 on which an object lens 201 seats , second heat dissipation grooves 225 formed on centers of opposite side surfaces of the lens holder 202 , and third heat dissipation grooves 232 formed on left and right portions of each of the opposite side surfaces of the lens holder 202 . the object lens 201 seating on the lens - seating portion 209 is aligned with a beam - passing hole 203 surrounded by the lens - seating portion 209 . lens guide portions 211 protrude from the lens - seating portion 209 to fixedly support the object lens 201 . the lens guide portions 211 are formed along a circumference having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the object lens 201 . the lens guide portions 211 are opened upward and toward a location where the object lens is located . for example , the lens guide portions 211 may be disposed about 90 ° apart . each of the lens guide portion 211 has an adhesive confining groove 212 and an adhesive reinforcing projection 213 for dividing the adhesive confining groove 212 into two sections . the adhesive reinforcing projection 213 extends toward the object lens . one or more reinforcing projections 213 may be formed on each lens guide portion 211 , having a height lower than that of the lens guide portion 211 . referring to fig4 , the adhesive is injected into the lens guide portion 211 after the object lens 201 seats on the lens - seating portion 209 . the adhesive may be a uv adhesive or a bond . the injected adhesive does not leak out of the lens guide portion 211 due to the internal structure of the lens guide portion 211 . at this point , since the adhesive reinforcing projection 213 is formed in the adhesive confining groove 212 , the adhesive force of the adhesive can be more enhanced . as the adhesive is applied between he lens guide portions 211 and the object lens 201 , the adhesive force for bonding the object lens 201 to the lens holder 202 is further enhanced . accordingly , when the lens holder 202 is driven at a high speed , the resonance peak of the object lens 201 becomes identical to that of the lens holder 202 . meanwhile , the first heat dissipation grooves 204 are respectively formed on opposite portion of the lens - seating portion 209 that are adjacent to the coils . by the first heat dissipation grooves 204 , portions of the object lens 201 do not contact the lens - seating portion 209 . therefore , an amount of the heat transmitted to the object lens 201 through the lens - seating portion 209 can be reduced . also , second heat dissipation means is formed on the centers of the opposite surfaces of the lens holder 200 . the second heat dissipation means includes second coil contacting portions 223 and 224 on which portions where coil - supporting portions 221 and 222 will be formed are elevated so that upper and lower portions of the tracking coils 206 contact the coil supporting portions 221 . the second heat dissipation means further includes the second dissipation grooves 225 formed portions where a middle portion of an inner surface of the tracking coil 206 will contact . by the second dissipation grooves 225 , portions of the tracking coil 206 do not contact the lens holder 202 . here , each of the second heat dissipation grooves 225 may be unevenly formed and has a width wider than those of the second coil contacting portions 223 and 224 . also , third heat dissipation means is formed by stepping left and right sides of opposite surface of the lens holder 202 , which corresponds to inner surfaces of bobbins 230 around which the focusing coil 205 is wound . the third heat dissipation means includes third contacting portions 231 to which upper and lower portions of the focusing coil 205 contact . the third contacting portions 231 are elevated from the opposing surfaces of the lens holder 202 . the third heat dissipation means further includes third heat dissipation grooves 232 formed on the opposite surface of the lens holder 202 . the third heat dissipation grooves 232 correspond to the middle portion of the focusing coil 205 . therefore , the middle portion of the focusing coil does not directly contact the lens holder 202 by the third dissipation grooves 232 . each of the third heat dissipation grooves 225 may be unevenly formed and has a width defined between the upper and lower bobbins 230 . preferably , the width of the third heat dissipation grooves 225 is wider than those of the third coil contacting portions 231 . the case where the coils are wound around the lens holder 202 having the above described first and second heat dissipation means is illustrated in fig3 . the coils may be formed in a variety of shapes such as a rectangular shape or a trapezoid shape . referring to fig3 , the tracking coils 206 are wound around middle portions of the opposite surfaces of the lens holder 202 and the focusing and radial coils 205 and 207 are wound around left and right sides of the opposite surfaces of the lens holder 202 . the tracking coils 206 are supported by the coil supporting portions 221 and 222 and the middle portion of the inner surfaces of the tracking coils 206 are spaced away from the opposite surfaces of the lens holder 202 by the second heat dissipation grooves 225 . that is , since the upper and lower portions of the inner surfaces of the tracking coils 206 contact the second coil contacting portions 223 and 224 , the middle portions of the inner surfaces of the tracking coils 206 do not directly contact the lens holder 202 by the second dissipation grooves 225 . accordingly , an amount of the heat generated by the tracking coils 206 and transmitted to the object lens can be reduced . furthermore , the focusing and radial coils 205 and 207 are dually wound . middle portions of the inner surfaces of the focusing and radial coils 205 and 207 do not directly contact the tracking coil 206 by the third heat dissipation grooves 232 stepped inward from the third coil contacting portions 131 . therefore , an amount of heat generated from the focusing and radial coils 205 and 207 and transmitted to the object lens can be reduced . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention . thus , it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents . | 6 |
various embodiments and aspects of the inventions will be described with reference to details discussed below , and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments . the following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention . numerous specific details are described to provide a through understanding of various embodiments of the present invention . however , in certain instances , well - known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present inventions . fig1 shows some of the major elements of the female reproductive system . the uterus 2 is an organ of the female pelvis that has the shape of a pear . it consists of a thick muscular coat , the myometrium 3 , a cavity having an inner mucosal lining of variable thickness called the endometrium 4 , and a cavity referred to as the uterine cavity 5 . the cervix 6 defines the cervical canal 7 which is an inferior opening to the vagina 8 . the fallopian tube ( or ampulla ) 9 is a hollow organ that connects the uterus to the ovary 10 . the ovary 15 is the organ that produces one or more eggs during every cycle of a woman &# 39 ; s reproductive life . in the human female reproductive system , there is one uterus , two fallopian tubes and two ovaries ( under normal conditions ). the site where the fallopian tube and uterus connect is called the utero - tubal junction 11 . it is a section of tubular shape of about 10 mm in length . its inner diameter in the resting position is less than 1 mm , but when gas or liquid is pushed through the uterus and tubes , the diameter of the utero - tubal junction may stretch up to about 2 mm . the utero - tubal junction provides a transition between the uterus and the fallopian tube , and the area of transition from the chamber of the uterus to the lumen of the utero - tubal junction is referred to as the ostium or cornu ( marked with item number 12 ). the area of transition between the ostium and the isthmus 13 of the fallopian tube is referred to as the interstitial portion ( marked as item 14 ). the ostium , utero - tubal junction , interstitial portion , isthmus and fallopian tube are part of a pathway leading from the ovaries to the uterus , and this pathway is sometimes referred to as the uterine tube . for the sake of clarity the term ovarian pathway is to denote the entire passageway through which the ova pass when transiting from the ovaries to the uterine cavity . fig2 shows the utero - tubal junction 11 , including the ostium 12 , the isthmus 13 , and the interstitial portion 14 . the cross section shows the layers of tissue that make up the utero - tubal junction . the lumen 20 passes through the fallopian tube , and this lumen is lined with a layer of mucosal tissue consisting of epithelium 21 and lamina propria 23 . within the fallopian tube , this layer of mucosal tissue is referred to as the endosalpinx , indicated as item 22 . the layer of tissue under the epithelial layer is the lamina propria , indicated as item 23 . the lamina propria is surrounded by a layer of circular muscle 24 which is surrounded by layer of longitudinal muscle 25 . the longitudinal muscle layer may be surrounded with a second layer of circular muscle . the first circular muscle layer 24 typically comprises about 10 - 14 layers of muscles cells . one aspect of the new treatment method is the extent to which each of these layers is damaged prior to insertion of an occluding plug . fig3 a illustrates the desired degree of damage in each layer of the utero - tubal junction , and the desired interaction between the tissue and the foam plug which is inserted to generate an occlusion of the fallopian tube . the foam plug 34 is inserted into the target site for occlusion , which in this illustration is the utero - tubal junction . the plug is put in place after the target site has been treated with the application of thermal energy . the thermal energy is delivered at levels well below the level required to cause a severe burn ( and the concomitant severe inflammatory response ), but sufficient to cause thermal necrosis of the epithelial layer 21 and the lamina propria 23 . the area of thermal death ( necrosis ) is indicated as item 35 , and extends for a length of approximately 4 to 10 millimeters along the pathway . damage to the circular muscle layer 24 is acceptable , but damage to the longitudinal muscle layer 25 is undesirable . this leads to minimal collapse of the utero - tubal junction about the plug . the body responds with normal “ wound healing response .” the term “ wound healing response ” is a term understood in the art to include biological activities including : ( 1 ) arrival of leukocytes , neutrophils , monocytes , and their transformation into macrophages and aggregation into giant cells , and arrival of fibroblast cells , ( collectively referred to as inflammatory cells ), and ( 2 ) the creation of an extracellular matrix and deposition of proteins , and ( 3 ) the formation of granulation and connective tissue at the wound site . the wound healing response may continue to completion in the surrounding intact pathway , and will further entail reorganization of the granulation tissue into specialized and functional tissue corresponding to the original injured tissue ( matching the architecture of the original tissue ), and the formation of scar tissue ( different from the tissue &# 39 ; s original architecture ). the tissue response immediately surrounding the plug depends on the composition , pore size and architecture of the plug . for the plugs described below , the short term and long - term condition of the tissue immediately surrounding the plus and / or in - growing within the plug depends on the pore size and architecture of the plug . where the pore size is large relative to the cell size , in the range of 40 - 200 micron , and of a specific architecture , the body will heal by forming a vascularized tissue within the pores of the foam . inflammatory cells will enter the foam pores , attract other cells , form extracellular matrix and connective tissue , and form into a collection of tissue referred to as granulation tissue within the pores of the foam . subsequent healing includes in - growth of vascular structures such as arterioles , capillaries and lymphatic vessels into the connective tissue residing within the pores of the foam . because of the unique architecture and pore size of the foam , the granulation tissue will remain as granulation tissue indefinitely . thus the large pore plug , in its final form within the body , will comprise numerous filaments of the foam superstructure which form a network of communicating pores , with granulation tissue occupying the pores . the plug will also comprise numerous blood vessels formed within the granulation tissue , so that the tissue interspersed with the original plug material may be described as vascularized organic tissue . the vascularized tissue is vascularized to the same extent as is typical of other natural organs within the body . where the plug pore size is small compared to cell size , in the range of 1 - 20 microns , vascularized granulation tissue will not form in the plug interstices . subsequent healing includes formation of a highly vascularized foreign body capsule and intrusion of some macrophages into the plug pores , without intrusion of other cells or tissue associated with the later stages of healing ( such as extracellular matrix , granulation tissue and blood vessels ). instead , the body will form a vascularized capsule with blood vessels closely approaching the plug , lying adjacent and within about 10 um of the foam . this may be referred to as an altered foreign body response . fig3 b illustrates the condition of the plug and ovarian pathway after the wound healing process has proceeded to the extent permitted by the continued presence of the plug , the several layers of the target site of the pathway have healed to form healing granulation tissue around the plug and throughout the wounded pathway . placement of the plug directly against the wounded inner surface of the pathway has encouraged this tissue to surround the plug , and prevented epithelium from forming around the longitudinal surfaces of the plug . epithelium 26 has grown to cover the distal and proximal faces of the plug to form distal and proximal layers of tissue over the plug . the unwounded longitudinal muscle layer and remaining circular muscle layer remain in the pre - wound condition . after a period of time , a network of new blood vessels organizes within the granulation tissue , and a matrix of connective tissue forms within the granulation tissue . fig3 c illustrates the condition of the large pore plug and ovarian pathway after the wound healing process has proceeded to the extent permitted by the continued presence of the plug . the several layers of the target site of the pathway have healed to form healing granulation tissue around the plug and throughout the wounded pathway . placement of the plug directly against the wounded inner surface of the pathway after wounding has encouraged this tissue to surround the plug , and encouraged healing tissue penetration into the plug ( and thus inhibited epithelium from forming around the longitudinal surfaces of the plug ), numerous blood vessels 36 have entered or formed within the large pores . the prior entry of wound healing tissue ) including numerous macrophages 37 , has inhibited formulation of a fibrous capsule around the plug and epithelial intrusion between the plug and the wounded portion of the ovarian pathway . the body appears to recognize the plug as an organ , and foregoes additional wound healing and foreign body reactions . fig3 d illustrates the condition of the small pore plug and ovarian pathway after the wound healing process has proceeded to the extent permitted by the continued presence of the plug . the several layers of the target site of the pathway have healed to form healing granulation tissue around the plug and throughout the wounded pathway . placement of the plug directly against the wounded inner surface of the pathway after wounding has encouraged this tissue to surround the plug and prevented epithelium from forming around the longitudinal surfaces of the plug . scattered macrophages 37 have entered the small pores , and a vascularized altered foreign body capsule 38 has formed around the plug . the vascularized foreign body capsule includes numerous blood vessels , and further progress of the foreign body response is inhibited . epithelium has grown to cover the distal and proximal faces of the plug to form distal and proximal layers of tissue over the plug . thus , depending on the pore size of the plug foam , the plug may be infiltrated with vascularized granulation tissue ( for plugs with large pore sizes in the range of 40 - 200 microns ) or infiltrated with scattered macrophages and surrounded with a vascularized capsule of connective tissue ( for plugs with small pore sizes in the range of 1 - 20 microns ). in either case , the growth of epithelium between the plug and the wounded portion of the ovarian pathway is inhibited ) and the formation of a foreign body avascular fibrous capsule is inhibited by displacement of that structure in favor of other wound healing structures . the plug is preferably made of a material with a pore size , chemistry and architecture that actually facilitates cellular ingrowth into the material ( large pore plugs ) or that allow macrophage infiltration but inhibit cellular ingrowth ( small pore plugs ). regarding the large pore plugs , the nature of the desired in growth is vastly different from the standard foreign body reaction . the primary difference is a type of ingrowth that consists of a variety of blood vessels , connective matrix and cells , macrophages , and other cells . regarding the small pore plugs , the nature of the foreign body capsule is altered to include numerous blood vessels . these structures can be described as “ organoid ,” as they exist as an integral part of the organ . two types of materials have displayed this organoid appearance after healing , those materials with a specified architecture and pore size of between 40 - 200 microns , and those materials that have specific architectures and are microporous ( 1 - 20 microns ). the wound healing growth would be classified histologically for the small pore materials as resembling the tissue of an “ altered foreign body response ”, and for the larger pore materials , as approaching the look and content of the “ dermis ”. the plug may be made of eptfe ( also referred to as expanded teflon ™ or expanded polytetraflouroethylene ), porous silicone , acrylic copolymer , cellulose acetate , polyethylene and high density polyethylene ( hdpe ), pe , polyester , and sintered , micro - knurled , or molded titanium and platinum . textured polyamides or polyimides , hydroxyapitite , and hydrogels are also potential suitable materials . preferably , these materials are formed into a plug ( a sphere , cylinder or other occluding mass ) of foamed material . the preferable pore sizes of the foam fall into the two distinct ranges mentioned above , namely 1 - 20 micron pore size and 40 - 200 micron pore size ( 40 - 120 microns is even better ). the foam is preferably formed as a reticulated foam , meaning that the pores communicate with other pores , rather than existing as discrete and isolated voids within the material . the plug may have a solid core surrounded by foam or a porous material having a reticulated network of pores . silicone foam is readily formed into foam plugs with the procedure set forth in seare , method of making a porous device , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 605 , 693 ( feb . 25 , 1997 ). uncured silicone ( med 4860 grade supplied by nusil technology corp is suitable ) is injected into a form packed with granules , and slowly fills the voids between all the granules . the silicone is cured and the particles are dissolved in a suitable solvent ( water , where sugar or salt is used ) to form the reticulated foam plug . the foam plug has a durometer value between 20 - 100 shore a , preferably about 60 shore a , the foam is a matrix of interlocking angular blocks of silicone which are formed together to create a network of communicating pores with sizes corresponding to the size of the granules that were used to make the negative . the pores communicate with surrounding pores to form a reticulated or networked foam . the pore size of the large foam pores are in the range of 40 - 200 microns ( mu ). the structure of small pore foam is essentially the same as large pore foam , except that the pore sizes is in the range of 1 - 20 microns . the plug may be fabricated from expanded polytetraflouroethylene , commonly referred to as eptfe , with the processes used for forming eptfe generally . starting with a ptfe rod , the rod is stretched to expand the ptfe to form the system of nodes and fibrils characteristic of eptfe . pore size ( commonly referring to the distance between the nodes ) and the number and size of fibrils connecting the nodes is controlled by stretching the ptfe rods at controlled rates and temperatures . ( the plugs may also be fabricated from sheets of ptfe which are stretched to the degree necessary to create the desired porosity , then cut to shape . the plugs may also be formed of very thin sheets of eptfe which are used to coat or wrap a solid rod of ptfe .) the process results in a material having microstructure characterized by elongate nodes interconnected by fibrils running between the nodes and extending generally perpendicular to the long dimension of the nodes . the pore size , as measured between the nodes , is in the range of 40 to 200 microns for large pore foam and 1 to 10 microns for small pore foam . the plug may also be formed of acrylic copolymer ( such as tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene ). the acrylic copolymer is formed as a mass of interlocking fibers , which on the outer surface of the foam become outwardly extending rods . the pore size , as measured by the distance between the rods is preferably in the range of 1 to 10 microns . the plug may be formed of a shape memory polymer , one example being compound polymer of oligo ( ε - caprolactone ) diol and crystallisable oligo ( ρ - dioxanone ) diol . in use , the plug may be formed in a foam structure , compressed into a smaller form and delivered into the fallopian tube . upon heating the plug would form into the expanded plug . this is particularly advantageous because it would allow a lower profile delivery system , and shape memory polymers requires lower temperatures ( slightly above body temperature ) than shape memory alloys to regain form . the plug may be fabricated with the polymer materials described herein and additionally doped with radiopaque elements such as barium sulfate . radiopaque fillers such as tungsten , tungsten dioxide , tungsten trioxide , stainless steel powder , silver iodide , or iodinated organic compounds may also be used . fillers in powder , sphere , particle or flake form may be used . a radiopaque stripe may also be applied to one side of the plug , or upon the entire outer surface . in certain embodiments , the plug may include a combination of markers , such as at least one visual marker ( observable with an endoscope ) at least one radiopaque marker ( observable with x - ray imaging ) and at least one echogenic marker ( observable with ultrasound imaging methods ). in other embodiments , a plug may include a combination of two of these types of markers such as a combination of a visual marker and a radiopaque marker , or a combination of a visual marker and a echogenic marker , or a combination of a radiopaque marker and an echogenic marker . in other embodiments , a plug may include only one type of marker ( e . g . either a visual marker or an echogenic marker or a radiopaque marker ). the entirety of the implant may be additionally doped or coated with substances which are antimicrobial in nature . silver - based micro particles , ( e . g . silver bromide ) may be embedded in the plug matrix . additionally , chemicals such as chitosan may be used to prevent bacterial infections and prevent the growth of a biofilm . fig4 a shows an example of a plug 400 including a tail 402 . the plug may be constructed as described above ( e . g . with porous foam ). a shown the tail 402 extends throughout the plug 400 , however the tail 402 may also terminate at a portion approximately midway through the plug . the tail 402 serves as a marker , which may be a visual marker . after delivery into the ovarian pathway , the tail 402 is visible past the ostium , thus a physician may visibly confirm the successful delivery of the plug . thus , the presence of the tail 402 greatly reduces the chance of unilateral plug delivery . the tail 402 may be constructed from a polymer material , for example a standard suture material . the tail 402 may also be formed from a biodegradable polymer for example a glycolic or lactic acid derived polymer may be used . the tail 402 may also be formed from a metallic alloy such as stainless steel , gold , or platinum so as to be visible under an x - ray examination . a nickel - titanium alloy ( nitinol ) may also be used . a coating of titanium - nitride may also be used over a metallic alloy in order aid in visibility . titanium - nitride may be coated in different colors , for example blue with a coating thickness of 60 nm , to aid in visible contrast . the tail 402 or plug 400 may also include an echogenic marker , such as gas bubbles trapped in a substance . the tail 402 may also be cut off after proper insertion . fig4 b shows an example of a plug 404 including a coiled tail 406 . the plug 404 may be constructed as described above ( e . g . with porous foam ). a coiled tail may be packaged in a wound configuration and thus a more compact configuration prior to delivery . the coiled tail 406 also has a large surface area and thus is easy visible under direct and x - ray observation . the coiled tail 406 may be constructed from the same materials as the tail 402 above . the coiled tail 406 may be constructed from flat or round wire . thin , flat wires are advantageous due to a low profile and ease of deflection , thus may be less likely to irritate the ovarian pathway . the coil may be self expanding and serve as an anchor which resiliently presses against an inner wall of the ovarian pathway . the coiled tail 406 may also be cut off after proper insertion . fig4 c shows an example of a plug 408 including a tail 410 and an anchor mechanism 412 . the plug 408 may be constructed as described above ( e . g . with porous foam ). the anchor mechanism 412 includes three anchors 414 as shown , but may include more or less anchors 414 . the anchor mechanism 412 needs at least one anchor 414 to function . the anchors 414 serve to prevent movement of the plug when placed in the fallopian tube . the tips 416 of the achors 414 place a radial stress onto the fallopian tube wall and thereby lock the plug 408 into place . the anchor mechanism 412 may have two states , a folded state ( not shown ) and an expanded state as shown . the anchor mechanism 412 may be constructed from an alloy such as stainless steel , nitinol with super elastic properties , or a shape - memory alloy . the anchor mechanism may be a super elastic alloy and expanded by physical release from the folded state . alternatively the anchor mechanism may be a shape memory alloy or shape memory polymer and heated to the expanded state . alternatively the anchor mechanism may be a malleable material and physically deformed into the expanded state , for example by balloon expansion . alternatively the anchor mechanism 412 is constructed from a biodegradable polymer material . fig5 a shows an example of an elongated plug 500 positioned in the utero - tubal junction 11 . the plug may be constructed as described above ( e . g . with porous foam ). the elongated plug 500 may be positioned as shown or alternatively deeper within the ovarian pathway . the elongated plug is advantageous because the proximal end 502 serves as a marker , thus the elongated plug 500 does not require an additional tail element , although alternatively a tail element may be added . a tail element may be helpful for visualization if the elongated plug 500 is positioned deep within the ovarian pathway . the elongated plug 500 may be 2 . 5 cm in length , or in a range from 4 mm to 4 cm in length . the elongated plug 500 is less prone to operator placement error because it requires less precession in placement as the length of the elongated plug 500 is greater than the length of damaged area 504 in the fallopian tube as shown . the damaged area 504 may be wounded through application of energy to the area as described herein , and may be deeper , for example approximately 1 cm past the ostium . thus there is a very high likelihood that portion of the elongated plug 500 will always be in contact with the damaged portion of the fallopian tube for proper tissue in growth in to the elongated plug 500 . this embodiment is one example in which the size of the damaged area is substantially different ( e . g . greater than 100 % different ) than the size of the plug which is placed in the damaged area . in another embodiment , the damaged area is substantially larger ( e . g . at least twice the size ) than the size of the plug . fig5 b shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 506 . the plug may be constructed as described above ( e . g . with porous foam ). the elongated plug 506 may be positioned as shown in fig5 a or alternatively deeper within the ovarian pathway . the elongated plug is advantageous because the tapered proximal end 508 serves as a marker ; thus the elongated plug 506 does not require an additional tail element , although alternatively a tail element may be added . a tail element may be helpful for visualization if the elongated plug 500 is positioned deep within the ovarian pathway . the tapered proximal end 508 is tapered to a reduced diameter . the tapered proximal end 508 is offers less contact with the utero - tubal junction and thus may cause less of a foreign body response or less irritation to the utero - tubal junction . fig5 c shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 510 . the elongated plug 510 may be positioned as shown in fig5 a or alternatively deeper within the ovarian pathway . the elongated plug is advantageous because the reduced proximal end 512 serves as a marker , thus the elongated plug 510 does not require an additional tail element , although alternatively a tail element may be added . a tail element may be helpful for visualization if the elongated plug 500 is positioned deep within the ovarian pathway . the reduced proximal end 512 is tapered to a reduced diameter . the reduced proximal end 510 is offers less contact with the utero - tubal junction and thus may cause less of a foreign body response . the elongated plug 510 features a tear - away joint 514 . the tear - away joint allows a later removal ( e . g . 3 months after insertion ) of the reduced proximal end 512 after the elongated plug 510 has been secured to the fallopian tube , because the proximal end may have no further use after tissue has grown into the elongated plug . the tear - away joint features the smallest cross section of material of the elongated plug 510 , thus a pulling force in the proximal direction will result in proximal end 512 severing from the rest of the elongated plug 510 at the tear - away joint 514 . the proximal end 512 may be removed by endoscope forceps in conjunction with an endoscope or forceps under fluoroscopy . fig5 d shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 516 . the elongated plug includes an elongated mid - section 518 which is has a smaller cross - sectional area than end portions 520 . the mid - section 518 may range in length from 1 - 20 mm and have an outer diameter of 0 . 5 - 1 . 5 mm . the length of the plug 516 may range from 1 mm to 4 cm , with a preferred length between 3 - 4 mm . the diameter of the end portions 520 may be as large as 2 . 6 mm . the end portions 520 are compressible before delivery into a fallopian tube and serve as anchoring mechanisms by placing diametrical expansive force onto the fallopian tube walls , which is larger than force exhibited by the mid - section 518 . two end portions are shown , but this is merely demonstrative as only one , or at least one end portion is required . the plug 516 also includes a tail element 522 as described elsewhere herein , which may be flexible , semi - rigid , or rigid . fig5 e shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 524 . the plug features an elongated mid - section 526 and expandable hollow end portions 528 . the plug shares the general dimensions with plug 516 of fig5 d . the hollow end portions 528 are conically shaped and also hollow for easier compressibility before delivery , and have a larger cross - sectional profile than the mid - section 526 , but not necessarily a larger cross - sectional area . additionally the hollow portions may serve to deliver drugs such as hormones , spermicidal , marker dyes , or scar tissue inducing agents . the end portions 528 may also include hoops or a mesh structure ( not shown ) coupled to or within the end portions 528 , which would serve to spring the end portions 528 open from a compressed state and provide anchoring force for the plug 524 . the hoops or mesh structure may be constructed from superelastic , or shape memory alloy or shape memory polymer , or from an expandable and malleable alloy or polymer , and also be a radiopaque material or doped with radiopaque elements . the plug 524 may also include a tail element as described herein . fig5 e i and 5 e ii show end views of plug 524 . fig5 e ii shows the plug 524 in a normal state , the hollow portion is clearly visible . fig5 e ii shows the plug 524 in a compressed state . the plug 524 may be compressed by applying circumferential force tangential to the longest axis , such as placing the device in a small delivery lumen . the plug 524 may also be a shape memory material and compressed into the state shown in fig5 e ii before heating and expanding the plug 524 in the state shown in fig5 e i . the plug may also be a hydrogel material , and thus fig5 e ii would be a dry state , upon which the addition of fluids ( e . g . saline , water ) the plug 524 would expand to the state shown in fig5 e i . fig5 f shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 530 . the plug shares the same general construction of plug 524 as shown in fig5 e , with the exception of the hollow end portions 532 which include an accordion wall . the end portions are capable of folding down to a narrow profile in order to be placed into a small lumen prior to delivery into a fallopian tube , which is particularly advantageous because it allows the use of a smaller delivery catheter . fig5 g shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 534 . the plug 534 shares the same general external profile of plug 524 shown in fig5 e , with the exception that plug 534 is molded around insert 536 . insert 536 allows subsequent removal or replacement of plug 534 after placement within a fallopian tube . the insert includes a pullable and pushable loop 536 for replacement or removal of the plug 534 . the insert may be constructed from a variety of materials , including metals and polymers , but should generally be a stiffer material than the plug material . in use the plug 534 would be placed in a fallopian tube as generally described herein , and then graspers may be used to clamp onto the loop 536 for replacement or removal , which is particularly advantageous because incorrect placement of the plug 534 may result in an ineffective closure of a fallopian tube . fig5 h shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 540 . the plug 540 shares the same general construction of plug 524 shown in fig5 e , however the conical ends portions 542 feature flower shaped ends 544 . the flower shaped ends 544 provide an irregular contour which provides anchoring force against the fallopian tube walls . this is particularly advantageous because the cross - sectional profile of the fallopian tube is also irregular , thus the flower ends 544 may provide a better anchoring mechanism than a round profile . fig5 i shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 546 . the plug 540 shares the same general construction of plug 524 shown in fig5 e , however the end portions 548 feature layers 550 which provide additional anchoring against a fallopian tube wall . in use the layers 550 provide advantageous opposing forces on both sides of the plug 546 to help prevent migration of the plug before tissue ingrowth occurs . three layers are shown on each side of the plug 546 , however this is merely demonstrative and more or less layers may be used . fig5 j shows an example of an alternate elongated plug 552 . the plug 552 features a frame 554 with foam mold 556 . the foam mold 556 may be porous as described elsewhere herein . the frame 554 may be constructed from a superelastic or shape memory alloy / polymer . the frame 554 may also be constructed from a standard alloy or polymer . the plug includes barbs 558 which provide opposing anchoring force on the plug when placed within a fallopian tube . the delivery catheter developed for delivery of the plugs and to apply the desired wounding system is illustrated in fig6 a . fig6 a illustrates an embodiment in which the wounding energy source is rf energy . the catheter includes a catheter body 51 with a wounding segment 52 comprising a short tubular extension slidably mounted within the distal tip 53 of the catheter . the distal tip of the catheter body extends over the proximal end of the tubular extension for a short length of 2 - 25 mm , which is sufficient to firmly hold the tubular extension during use . four electrodes 54 , 55 , 56 and 57 are aligned along the outer surface of the wounding segment . one or more temperature sensors 58 are mounted on the wounding segment ( a single temperature sensor may be mounted in the center of wounding segment , between the ground electrodes ). the distal tip and wounding segment are about 55 mil in outer diameter . the wounding segment in the rf embodiment may be about 6 to 8 mm long , and the electrodes are ring electrodes which are about 0 . 037 to 0 . 050 inches wide ( measured along of the longitudinal axis of the catheter ) and wrap around the catheter . alternatively the wounding segment may include more electrodes over a range from 8 mm - 4 cm in length to accommodate longer plugs . one or more foam plugs 34 are stored within the catheter body , and are shown housed within the wounding segment . by arranging the electrodes with the energized or hot electrodes 54 and 57 on the distal and proximal ends of the wounding segment , with the ground electrodes 55 and 56 situated between the hot electrodes , a long and shallow lesion may be produced in the ovarian pathway when the electrodes are energized appropriately . the converse pattern of ground electrodes located on the distal and proximal ends of the wounding segment with energized electrodes located between the ground electrodes may also be used to create the desired long and shallow lesion . the plugs may be compressed to fit into the lumen 59 in the wounding segment of the catheter . a holding rod 60 is disposed within the catheter body 51 fixed longitudinally within the catheter body at any point distal to the wounding segment ( it may be secured by gluing or heat sealing a proximal segment of the holding rod to the inner wall of the catheter body ) which permits adequate pullback of the wounding segment to release the plug . a pullwire 61 is secured to the proximal end of the wounding segment by attachment of the boss 62 on the distal end of the pullwire . the pullwire extends distally from the wounding segment to the proximal end of the catheter body . fig6 b shows the cross section of the device along section 6 b , more clearly illustrating the relative positions of the pullwire boss 62 fixed to the inner wall of the wounding segment 52 , which itself is slidably disposed within the distal tip 53 of the catheter body 51 , and also slidably disposed around the holding rod 60 . fig6 c shows the cross section of the device along cross section 5 b , more clearly illustrating the position of the holding rod 60 within the catheter body 51 . the pullwire 61 can be manipulated by hand from the proximal end of the catheter to pull the wounding segment proximally within the catheter body . the holding rod 60 maintains the plug ( or plugs ) in position within the ovarian pathway while the wounding segment is pulled proximally , thereby ejecting the plugs from the distal tip of the catheter without moving them relative to the wounded segment of the ovarian pathway after initial positioning ( and also without moving the catheter body relative to the patient ). electrical wires which supply rf power to the electrodes may run the through the lumen of the catheter body alongside the pullwire or they may be housed within the catheter body , and an electrical connector 63 is supplied on the proximal end of the catheter to connect the wires in the catheter to the rf power supply . the electrical wires may also be incorporated into the pullwire , with the electrical connections to the rf power supply being disposed on the proximal end of the pullwire . other wounding mechanisms may be employed , including resistive heating elements , direct laser irradiation , laser heated elements , microwave , ultrasound , peizo - electric abrasion , hypothermia , cryothermia , chemical ablation , and mechanical and physical abrasion . fig6 d shows a cross sectional alternate arrangement of the catheter as described above . the lumen 59 and the holding rod 60 operate largely as described above . the catheter includes two plug implants 600 . the implants may include tails and / or anchors as described previously herein . a pellet 602 is spaced between the plugs 600 to operate as a marker element or visual cue , to the operator , that a plug has been successfully placed . no visual indicators of positive plug placement previously existed , thus it has been found that two plugs have been mistakenly placed in one fallopian tube , possibly resulting in later pregnancy and required retreatment . the pellet 602 may help prevent the placement of two plugs into one fallopian tube . in use the operator would place one plug 600 into one fallopian tube , then remove the catheter from the fallopian tube , and observe the ejection of the pellet . thus the ejection of the pellet would confirm to the operator that only one plug 600 has been properly placed within one fallopian tube . the operator may then safely continue to the next fallopian tube for placement of the next plug 600 . the pellet 602 may be constructed from a biologically inert substance such as non - porous silicone or non - porous ptfe which would eventually be naturally flushed from the body or removed with forceps . alternatively the pellet 602 may be constructed from a harmless rapidly biodegradable substance , such as gelatin or cornstarch based foam . the pellet 602 may be colored to provide more contrast with the surrounding uterus structure , for example green . the pellet 602 may also be a dye - filled capsule , which would provide visual confirmation by observing dye exiting the patient . fig6 e and 6 f show cross sectional alternate arrangements of the catheter as described above . the catheter shows a unique side by side arrangement of the implants 600 , with a dual lumen segment necking down to a single lumen segment . the implants may include tails and / or anchors as described previously herein . each implant has a holding rod 604 for pushing the implant out of the catheter . in use one implant is pushed out of the catheter while the other remains in side a separate lumen , as shown in fig6 f . this is particularly advantageous because it allows the low profile delivery tip of device , as shown in fig6 , and it greatly reduces the risk of pushing two implants into one fallopian tube because the holding rods would be operated by separate mechanisms on a handle , which is not shown . in use , the catheter is inserted into the uterus transcervally , and the distal tip of the catheter is navigated into the fallopian tubes , until the wounding segment is stationed at the desired point along the ovarian pathway . surgeons may view the placement with an endoscope or hysteroscope , and / or placement within the pathway can be confirmed with fluoroscopy or ultrasound energy . ( of course , placement of the catheter may be accomplished blindly , using tactile feedback only .) once the wounding element is in place , the appropriate wound may be created by application of power limited so as destroy the epithelial layer / endosalpinx in the area of plug placement , yet avoid unwanted physiological reactions . the goal is to completely necrose the epithelium / endosalpinx , and to accomplish this goal , the surgeon applies sufficient wounding power to necrose the epithelium / endosalpinx , and the lamina propria , while limiting the wounding power to prevent damage to the longitudinal muscle layer . damage to the circular muscle layer should be insubstantial , but may be tolerated . after wounding the ovarian pathway , the wounding segment is withdrawn by pulling the pullwire proximally while holding the catheter in place . this ejects the plug without need for relative motion between the plug and the wound after the operator has positioned the catheter for use . when using rf energy as the wounding mechanism , it has been determined that power of 0 . 1 to 5 watts for about 5 to 60 seconds causes thermal necrosis of the epithelial layer , without damaging the longitudinal muscle layer and without inducing an acute inflammatory response . preferably , temperature in the tissue is monitored with temperature sensors mounted on the delivery catheter wounding segment , and power is applied to maintain tissue temperature in the range of 40 - 80 ° c . for a period of 5 to 60 seconds , or as long as 80 seconds . it has determined that 64 ° c . for a period of 60 seconds works well in human patients . in the foregoing specification , the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof . it will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims . the specification and drawings are , accordingly , to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense . | 0 |
referring to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 the humidification system is shown designated by the numeral 1 . the system consists of a generally cylindrical , pressurizable tank 2 . although the tank can be of one - piece construction , it is preferably manufactured in sections , designated by numerals 2a , 2b , 2c and 2d , which are joined together by conventional &# 34 ; v &# 34 ; band couplings 4 to provide for easier handling during overhaul and / or repair . at the top of the tank 2 is an outlet duct 6 which connects to the air conditioning ducts 8 which carry fresh , temperature and pressure - regulated air from the air conditioning systems ( not shown ) and distribute the air throughout the aircraft passenger compartment and flight station . the tank 2 is also provided with a port 10 , sealed by a plug 11 , located at the bottom of tank section 2d to provide for the drainage of any accumulated water in the interior 12 of the tank 2 prior to dismantling . a water injection system , designated by numeral 14 , is coupled to the tank 2 . the system 14 consists of a pipe 16 which extends into the interior 12 of the tank 2 and terminates in a water injection nozzle 18 located near the bottom of the tank 2 . the pipe 16 is connected at its opposite end to a source of pressurized water , such as water reservoir 20 . typically , the drinking water reservoir of the aircraft , which is pneumatically pressurized , is used for the water reservoir 20 . alternatively , a separate pressurized tank , or an unpressurized tank with a suitable water pump , could be used as an adequate source . of these three systems , it is preferable to utilize the drinking water reservoir since such a use requires a slight enlargement of the reservoir , reduces complexity of installation of the humidification system 1 and keeps the overall increase in weight of the aircraft to a minimum . to control the flow of water into the tank 2 , a solenoid operated valve 22 is installed in the pipe 16 between the reservoir 20 and the tank 2 . the valve 22 is controlled , as explained below , to open and allow water to flow into the tank 2 when the temperature in the outlet duct 6 rises above a preselected value and to close when the temperature falls below the preselected value . for example , on a 250 passenger airbus type aircraft when the passenger compartment is maintained between 70 °- 80 ° f ., a preselected temperature in the outlet duct 6 of around 155 ° f . would be used . this preselected temperature determines the desired degree of humidity maintained in the passenger compartment since a higher temperature level in the duct 6 would cause less water to be injected into the tank 6 and thus lower the humidity level in the passenger compartment while a lower temperature level in the duct 6 would cause more water to be injected into the tank 6 and thus increase the humidity level in the passenger compartment . the temperature in the outlet duct 6 is sensed by thermistor 24 , such as , for example , model no . 0 - 109 - uua - 3503 , manufactured by omega engineering company , stamford , connecticut , which , when placed in an electrical circuit , is capable of varying the resistance of the circuit as a function of temperature . a resistance - sensing relay 26 is electrically coupled to the thermistor 24 and the valve 22 to actuate the valve 22 . the relay 26 may be a solid - state type , such as , for example , model ep - 376 manufactured by the leach relay company , los angeles , california . thus , when the temperature within the outlet duct 6 rises above the preselected value , the changed resistance level of the thermistor 24 is sensed by the relay 26 which applies electrical power to the valve 22 to cause valve 22 to open and allow water to be injected into the tank 2 via nozzle 18 . when the temperature falls below the preselected value , relay 26 cuts off electrical power to the valve 22 , causing the valve 22 to close and stop the injection of water into the tank 2 . while the thermistor - relay combination has been found to provide the most accurate and repeatable results , a less accurate temperature switch can be mounted in the outlet duct 6 as a substitute for the thermistor 24 and relay 26 if less control of the humidity level within the passenger compartment can be tolerated . since it is desirable that the water injection system 14 be self - draining in order to reduce scale buildup and to prevent water from leaking out upon disassembly , settling in the fuselage and possible initiating corrosion , the reservoir 20 is placed at a level below the tank 2 with the pipe 16 slanted at an upward angle . a bypass line 30 is connected at its end to pipe 16 on both the upstream and downstream sides of valve 22 . a check valve 32 adapted to allow flow only in the direction toward the reservoir 20 is incorporated in line 30 . thus , when the reservoir 20 is depressurized , water trapped in pipe 16 downstream of the valve 22 will drain into line 30 through check valve 32 , back into pipe 16 and into the reservoir 20 . still referring to fig1 the gas flow control system of the present invention , designated by numeral 34 , is illustrated . the gas flow control system 34 includes a duct 36 which is connected at end 36a to one or more of the jet engine compressor bleed air ducts 38 and at end 36b to an air injection nozzle 40 located within the interior 12 of the tank 2 in proximity to the water injection nozzle 18 . while bleed air is the most convenient source of high temperature air on jet - engine powered commercial aircraft and is used for deicing the wings and engine inlets as well as a source for pressurizing and air conditioning for the flight station and passengers &# 39 ; compartment , the simple use of bleed air as the source of air for the humidification system presents problems because the bleed air is taken from the compressor stages of the engine and thus the pressure and temperature levels of the bleed air will vary with the power settings of the engine and the altitude of the aircraft . for example , bleed air temperatures on an aircraft typically can vary from a low value of 220 ° f . to a high of 450 ° f . while bleed air pressures can vary from 10 psi to 40 psi . furthermore , while it is desirable that the usage of bleed air be kept at a minimum since any bleed air taken from the engines increases fuel costs , it is important , as stated previously , that there always be a sufficient amount of air flowing into the tank 2 at a sufficient temperature to ensure that the air has sufficient internal energy or enthalpy to evaporate all the injected water to prevent condensation , corrosion and water droplets . however , it is also important to maintain the airflow rate at a minimum in order to minimize passenger compartment temperature changes . in order to satisfy the above requirements , the gas flow control system 34 also includes a temperature - biased pressure regulator 42 incorporated into the duct 36 between the tank 2 and bleed air ducts 38 to regulate the downstream pressure as a function of upstream temperature so that the value of the weight flow times the temperature of the air exiting the regulator 42 and entering the tank 2 is substantially constant , i . e ., the airflow has constant internal energy or enthalpy , and is sufficient to evaporate all the injected water . a suitable temperature - biased pressure regulator is model 2770120 manufactured by the air and fuel division of parker - hannifin corporation , irvine , california , and is an electrical / pneumatic - type using the bleed air as the control fluid . a suitable alternate temperature - biased regulator is manufactured by sundstrand advanced technology group , rockford , illinois . while the particular temperature and pressure specifications of the regulator are generally fixed in accordance with the requirements of the humidification system , the regulator may be made adjustable to accommodate changes in the requirements of the humidification system . sources of gas other than bleed air may , of course , be utilized in the above injected system . there may be aircraft designs which may not have sufficient bleed air capacity to supply the required airflow to tank 2 . in such situations , an alternate gas flow control system 34 &# 39 ; shown in fig2 may be used . a compressor 43 is shown having its inlet side connected to a source of air , such as cabin air or air diverted from the air conditioners , and its outlet side connected to tank 2 via duct 44 . an electrical heater 45 is installed in the duct 44 between the compressor 43 and the tank 2 . such a gas flow control system 34 &# 39 ; would eliminate the need for the regulator 42 because the heater 45 and compressor 43 can be sized or adjusted to supply an airflow with the required internal energy , as specified above . in order to ensure that all the injected water is evaporated by the ariflow , an evaporator system 50 , illustrated in fig1 is incorporated within the tank 2 between the nozzles 18 and 40 and the outlet duct 6 of the tank 2 to ensure that all the water passes through the evaporator system 50 . the evaporator system 50 consists of a series of plates 52 having substantially centrally located apertures 54 alternating with a series of solid plates 56 which cooperate with the tank wall sections 2b and 2d to form circumferential apertures 58 . the plates 52 and 56 are coupled to the tank wall sections 2b and 2d by brackets 59a and 59b . the system 50 ensures evaporation of substantially all the injected water because any water not initially evaporated by mixing with the hot gas flow is deposited uniformly on the plates 52 and 56 by the gas flow and is evaporated off the plates 52 and 56 by the gas flow , which flow also heats the plates 52 and 56 to the temperature of the hot gas . the baffle configuration illustrated which creates a labyrinth of alternating inward and outward radial flow paths has been found to maximize evaporation of the water and provide uniform scale buildup on the plates . while stainless steel has been used for the evaporator plate material because of its excellent corrosion resistance , other corrosion - resistant materials would be satisfactory for use in the above configuration . an alternate baffle configuration is shown in fig3 in which the plates 60 and 62 are alternately staggered to the left and right creating a lateral &# 34 ; crisscross &# 34 ; flow path from one side of the tank 2 to the other . as stated above , if tap water is used in the humidification system , any impurities in the water will tend to deposit as scale on the tank walls and the evaporator plates . such particular matter as may break off the evaporator plates , or even particles in the water itself , can act as points of condensation for the evaporated water and should be prevented from reaching the outlet duct 6 and the passenger compartment . therefore , a demisting filter 66 , made for example of polyurethane foam , is shown in fig1 mounted between the evaporator system 50 and the outlet duct 6 to trap such particles . also shown in fig1 are two safety systems to shut down the humidification system should there be an out - of - tolerance performance or a failure . the first safety system acts to shut off the flow of air to the tank 2 by closing the temperature - biased regulator 42 . a normally closed temperature switch 70 is mounted in the outlet duct 6 and is coupled to the circuit ( not shonw ) which provides electrical power to regulator 42 . the switch 70 is set to open should the temperature in the outlet duct 6 reach a temperature level that indicates an out - of - tolerance performance and thereby cut off electrical power to the regulator 42 causing it to close . for example , if the valve 22 is set to open when the temperature within the outlet duct 6 reaches 155 ° f ., the switch 70 would be set to open at 200 ° f . upon the temperature dropping below 200 ° f . due to the lack of airflow , the temperature switch 70 would close and electrical power would again be supplied to the regulator 42 allowing airflow to resume into tank 2 . the switch 70 can also be utilized to shut off the compressor 43 in the gas flow control system 34 &# 39 ; shown in fig2 . the second safety system consists of a normally open temperature switch 72 mounted in the outlet duct 6 and electrically coupled to a normally open , motor - operated shutoff valve 74 mounted in the duct 6 upstream of the regulator 42 . when the temperature in the outlet duct 6 reaches a higher level than that required to initiate regulator shutdown by the switch 70 , such as , for example , 250 ° f . which is indicative of a serious failure , the switch 72 closes and electric power is applied to the valve 74 causing it to close off airflow upstream of the regulator 42 . the switch 72 can also be utilized to shut off the valve 74 &# 39 ; in the gas flow control system 34 &# 39 ; shown in fig2 . in order to determine water and airflow rate requirements and outlet duct temperature settings , one need only know the required flow rate of conditioned air into and out of the passenger compartment , which depends upon the size of the aircraft and the number of passengers that will be carried , the desired temperature to be maintained within the passenger compartment and the existing and desired humidity levels . for example , on a typical 250 passenger wide - bodied aircraft , the required air flow rate necessary to pressurize the passenger compartment and also supply sufficient fresh air is around 220 lbs ./ min . the temperature within the passenger compartment is normally maintained at a comfortable 70 °- 80 ° f . as previously discussed , the desired humidity level is 15 - 30 %, while the humidity normally present at a high altitude is 5 - 7 %. from these parameters , a water flow rate of 0 . 6 lb ./ min . and a nominal airflow of 19 lb ./ min . having an enthalpy of 92 btu / lb . can be routinely derived to completely vaporize the injected water and to have the water flow initiated only when the temperature in the outlet duct reaches approximately 155 ° f ., a temperature which ensures that there will be no condensation within the ducting and the passenger compartment and that only a nominal 1 °- 2 ° f . change in passenger compartment temperature will be experienced . in fig4 a graph showing the typical humidity level maintained in the passenger compartment of a typical 250 passenger wide - body aircraft at 33 , 000 ft . is illustrated . since the passengers themselves add humidity , the humidity level varies as the load factor -- the ratio of the number of passengers actually carried to the maximum number of seats available . because of clogging of the demisting filter and scale buildup within the tank , in particular on the evaporator plates , the humidity level drops with time . as is illustrated in the graph , over 200 hours of satisfactory operation can be obtained before the humidity level within the passenger compartment exceeds tolerances and the humidification system requires cleaning . while the humidification system has been described with reference to particular embodiments , it should be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative as there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made by those skilled in the art . thus , the invention is to be construed as being limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims . the humidification system is useful on jet - powered commercial aircraft to provide increased passenger comfort . | 8 |
fig1 shows a digital system 100 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention . more specifically , in one embodiment , the digital system 100 comprises multiple register banks ( e . g ., register banks 110 , 120 , and 130 ). although the digital system 100 has many register banks , only the three register banks 110 , 120 , and 130 of the digital system 100 are shown in fig1 . illustratively , the register bank 110 comprises multiple registers ( e . g ., registers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , and 116 ). it should be noted that the register bank 110 comprises many registers but only the six registers 111 through 116 are shown in fig1 . similarly , the register banks 120 and 130 comprise multiple registers ( e . g ., registers 121 , 122 of the register bank 120 and registers 131 , 132 of the register bank 130 ). in one embodiment , similarly , the other register banks in the digital system 100 comprise multiple registers . in one embodiment , the digital system 100 further comprises multiple logic circuits electrically coupled between the register banks 110 and 120 ( e . g ., logic circuits 142 , 144 , and 146 ). in one embodiment , the digital system 100 further comprises multiple logic circuits electrically coupled between the register banks 120 and 130 ( e . g ., logic circuits 152 , 154 , and 156 ). in one embodiment , the digital system 100 further comprises a clock generator circuit 170 electrically coupled to the register banks 110 , 120 and 130 . in one embodiment , each register of each register bank of the digital system 100 receives one clock signal from the clock generator circuit 170 . more specifically , in one embodiment , for illustration , the registers 121 , 122 , 131 , and 132 receive clock signals clk 121 , clk 122 , clk 131 , and clk 132 , respectively , from the clock generator circuit 170 . although the clock generator circuit 170 generates many clock signals , only the four clock signals clk 121 , clk 122 , clk 131 , and clk 132 are shown in fig1 . in one embodiment , the digital system 100 further comprises a controller circuit 160 electrically coupled to the clock generator circuit 170 . fig2 shows a detail configuration of the logic circuit 142 of fig1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention . more specifically , in one embodiment , the logic circuit 142 comprises inverters 205 , 240 , 245 , and 250 . in one embodiment , the logic circuit 142 further comprises nand gates 210 , 215 , 230 , 235 and or gates 220 and 225 . in one embodiment , the inverters , nand gates , and or gates of the logic circuit 142 are electrically coupled together as shown . as can be seen in fig2 , the logic circuit 142 has six inputs in 1 , in 2 , in 3 , in 4 , in 5 , in 6 and two outputs out 1 and out 2 . in one embodiment , the six input signals in 1 , in 2 , in 3 , in 4 , in 5 , and in 6 come from the six registers 111 through 116 of the register bank 110 of fig1 , respectively , and the two output signals out 1 and out 2 go to the two registers 121 and 122 of the register bank 120 of fig1 , respectively . in one embodiment , similar to the logic circuit 142 , each of the other logic circuits of the digital system 100 of fig1 can comprise logic elements ( e . g ., inverters , nand gates , and or gates , etc .) which are electrically coupled together and can have multiple inputs and multiple outputs . fig3 shows a detail configuration of the clock generator circuit 170 of fig1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention . more specifically , in one embodiment , the clock generator circuit 170 comprises multiple delay circuits ( e . g ., delay circuits 310 , 320 , and 330 ) electrically coupled together in a chain . it should be noted that the clock generator circuit 170 may have many delay circuits but only the three delay circuits 310 , 320 , and 330 are shown in fig3 . in one embodiment , the delay circuit 310 receives a master clock signal and generates a clock signal clk 1 to the delay circuit 320 . in one embodiment , the delay circuit 320 receives the clock signal clk 1 from the delay circuit 310 and generates a clock signal clk 2 to the delay circuits 330 . similarly , the delay circuit 330 receives the clock signal clk 2 from the delay circuit 320 and generates a clock signal clk 3 . in one embodiment , similarly , the other delay circuits in the chain of the clock generator circuit 170 are coupled in a similar manner . in one embodiment , the clock generator circuit 170 further comprises multiple multiplexer ( mux ) circuits ( e . g ., mux circuits 341 and 342 ). although the clock generator circuit 170 may have many mux circuits , only the mux circuits 341 and 342 are shown in fig3 for illustration . the way the other mux circuits are coupled to the delay circuits of the clock generator circuit 170 will be described later . in one embodiment , the mux circuits 341 and 342 receive the three clock signals : master clock , clk 1 , and clk 2 . in one embodiment , the mux circuits 341 and 342 also receive control signals 161 and 162 , respectively , from the controller circuit 160 . in one embodiment , the mux circuits 341 and 342 also generate clock signals clk 121 and clk 122 to the registers 121 and 122 of the register bank 120 of fig1 , respectively . it should be noted that the clock signal clk 121 comes from one of the master clock , clock signal clk 1 , and clock signal clk 2 depending on the control signal 161 . similarly , the clock signal clk 122 comes from one of the master clock , clock signal clk 1 , and clock signal clk 2 depending on the control signal 162 . in one embodiment , the remaining mux circuits of clock generator circuit 170 will generate multiple clock signals one to one to the other registers of fig1 . in one embodiment , with reference to fig1 , 2 , and 3 , the operation of the digital system 100 is as follows . in one embodiment , to simplify the description of the present invention , assume that one clock cycle of the digital system 100 is one hour . in one embodiment , assume further that in a first clock cycle starting at 8 : 00 am , the controller circuit 160 controls the clock generator circuit 170 such that all clock signals going to the registers in fig1 are asserted at a same time ( e . g ., at 8 : 00 am ). in response , each of the logic circuits in the digital system 100 obtains data from registers of the register bank on the left , processes the obtained data , and sends the processed data to registers of the register bank on the right . more specifically , for instance , at 8 : 00 am the logic circuit 142 obtains data from registers 111 through 116 of the register bank 110 , processes the obtained data , and sends the processed data to the registers 121 and 122 of the register bank 120 . assume further that in a second clock cycle starting around 9 : 00 am , the logic circuit 152 will obtain the data from the register 121 , process the obtained data , and send the processed data to the register 131 . assume further that in the second clock cycle , the logic circuit 154 will obtain the data from the register 122 , process the obtained data , and send the processed data to the register 132 . assume further that in a third clock cycle , the clock signals clk 131 and clk 132 will be asserted at 10 : 00 am . in one embodiment , the processed data from the logic circuits 152 and 154 will be ready in the registers 131 and 132 , respectively , before the clock signals clk 131 and clk 132 are asserted at 10 : 00 am . one recognizes that each group of registers is clocked every cycle . for the purpose of this example , data proprogating thru the pipeline is being illustrated . assume that the controller circuit 160 determines that the logic circuit 142 takes only 40 minutes to have the processed data ready in the registers 121 and 122 . in other words , a first processing time of the logic circuit 142 is 40 minutes . this means that the processed data is ready in the registers 121 and 122 at 8 : 40 am . assume further that the controller circuit 160 determines that the logic circuit 152 and 154 take 45 minutes and 50 minutes to have processed data ready in the registers 131 and 132 of register bank 130 , respectively . in other words , a second processing time and a third processing time of the logic circuits 152 and 154 are 45 and 50 minutes , respectively . as a result , the controller circuit 160 determines that a first clock window for the clock signal clk 121 is from 8 : 40 am to 9 : 15 am ( the first clock window is a window in which the clock signal clk 121 can be asserted such that the register 121 has processed data from the logic circuit 142 and the register 131 has processed data before the clock signal clk 131 is asserted at 10 : 00 am ). similarly , the controller circuit 160 determines that a second clock window for the clock signal clk 122 is from 8 : 40 am to 9 : 10 am ( the second clock window is a window in which the clock signal clk 122 can be asserted such that the register 122 has processed data from the logic circuit 142 and the register 132 has processed data before the clock signal clk 132 is asserted at 10 : 00 am ). therefore , in one embodiment , the controller circuit 160 controls the clock generator circuit 170 to assert the clock signals clk 121 and clk 122 in the first and second clock windows , respectively . this ensures that the processed data from the logic circuits 152 and 154 will be ready in the registers 131 and 132 , respectively , before the clock signals clk 131 and clk 132 are asserted at 10 : 00 am . in one embodiment , the controller circuit 160 determines that the clock signal clk 121 will be asserted at 9 : 00 am ( which is within the first clock window ) and the clock signal clk 122 will be asserted at 9 : 05 am ( which is within the second clock window ). assume that the master clock is asserted at 8 : 00 am , 9 : 00 am , 10 : 00 am , etc . assume further that each delay circuit ( e . g ., delay circuit 310 , 320 , and 330 ) delays 5 minutes . as a result , the clock signal clk 1 is asserted at 8 : 05 am , 9 : 05 am , 10 : 05 am , etc ; the clock signal clk 2 is asserted at 8 : 10 am , 9 : 10 am , 10 : 10 am , etc ; and the clock signal clk 3 is asserted at 8 : 15 am , 9 : 15 am , 10 : 15 am , etc . in one embodiment , for instance , in order to assert the clock signal clk 121 at 9 : 00 am , the controller circuit 160 controls the clock generator 170 to generate the control signal 161 so as to cause the mux circuit 341 to pass the master clock through it as the clock signal clk 121 to the register 131 . as a result , the clock signal clk 121 will be asserted at 9 : 00 am which is in the first clock window . this ensures that the processed data from the logic circuit 152 will be ready in the register 131 of the register bank 130 before the clock signal clk 131 is asserted at 10 : 00 am . in one embodiment , similarly , in order to assert the clock signal clk 122 at 9 : 05 am , the controller circuit 160 controls the clock generator 170 to generate a control signal 162 so as to cause the mux circuit 342 to pass the clock signal clk 1 through it as the clock signal clk 122 to the register 132 . as a result , the clock signal clk 122 will be asserted at 9 : 05 am which is in the second clock window . this ensures that the processed data from the logic circuit 154 will be ready in the register 132 of the register bank 130 before the clock signal clk 132 is asserted at 10 : 00 am . in summary , the clock signals clk 121 and clk 122 are asserted at different times for the second clock cycle ( 9 : 00 am and 9 : 05 am , respectively ). as a result , noise is reduced . in one embodiment , the controller circuit 160 of fig1 is a state machine . in an alternative embodiment , the controller circuit 160 of fig1 contains a microcode that helps the controller circuit 160 perform its functions described above . in the embodiment described above , it is assumed that the process data is ready in the registers 121 and 122 at the same time . in an alternative embodiment , it takes different processing times to have processed data ready in the registers 121 and 122 . in the embodiment described above , with reference to fig3 , each of the mux circuit 341 and 342 receive the three clock signals : master clock , clk 1 , and clk 2 . alternatively , each of the mux circuit 341 and 342 can receive n clock signals , n being positive integer . for example , the mux circuit 341 can receive clock signals clk 1 , clk 2 , clk 3 , and clk 4 ; and the mux circuit 342 can receive clock signals clk 1 , clk 3 , clk 6 , and clk 11 . as a result , the clock signal clk 121 can be asserted at either 9 : 05 am , 9 : 10 am , 9 : 15 am or 9 : 20 am for the second clock cycle around the start of the second clock cycle . similarly , the clock signal clk 122 can be asserted at either 9 : 05 am , 9 : 15 am , 9 : 30 am or 9 : 55 am for the second clock cycle around the start of the second clock cycle . in the embodiments described above , each register of digital system 100 of fig1 receives a clock signal from the clock generator circuit 170 . in an alternative embodiment , the registers of one register bank of the digital system 100 are divided into group , wherein each group receives one clock signal from the clock generator circuit 170 . for example , the registers 111 through 116 can be grouped together , and receive the same clock signal from the clock generator circuit 170 . fig4 shows a detail configuration of another embodiment of the logic circuit 142 of fig1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention . more specifically , in one embodiment , the logic circuit 142 comprises a fast logic circuit 142 a , a slow logic circuit 142 b , a mux circuit 142 c , and a mux circuit 142 d , which are electrically coupled together as shown . it should be noted that the mux circuits 142 c and 142 d receive control signals ( not shown ) from the controller circuit 160 . in one embodiment , the fast logic circuit 142 a and the slow logic circuit 142 b perform the same function , but the fast logic circuit 142 a is faster than the slow logic circuit 142 b in performing the function . however , the fast logic circuit 142 a consumes more energy than the slow logic circuit 142 b . in one embodiment , the other logic circuits of the digital system 100 have similar structure as the logic circuit 142 of fig4 . in one embodiment , in each particular clock cycle , one of the fast logic circuit 142 a and the slow logic circuit 142 b is selected by the controller circuit 160 to obtain data from the registers 111 through 116 of register bank 110 via the mux circuit 142 c , processes the obtained data , and sends the processed data to the registers 121 and 122 of register bank 120 via the mux circuit 142 d . the non - selected circuit of the fast logic circuit 142 a and the slow logic circuit 142 b does not operate ( does not consume energy ). in the embodiments described above , with reference to fig1 , 3 , and 4 , in the first clock cycle , the controller circuit 160 can select the fast logic circuit 142 a to operate ( the slow logic circuit 142 b does not operate ). as a result , the first and the second clock window are wider than the case in which the controller circuit 160 selects the slow logic circuit 142 b to operate . in summary , in operation processing of the digital system 100 of fig1 , the times at which the clock signals clk 121 and clk 122 are asserted can be spread out . as a result , noise is reduced . in the embodiments described above , for simplicity , it is assumed that the controller circuit 160 causes the clock generator circuit 170 to simultaneously assert the clock signals to all the registers of the digital system 100 at 8 : 00 am and again at 10 : 00 am . only at around 9 : 00 am , the clock signals to the registers are asserted at different times . more specifically , the clock signal clk 121 to the register 121 is asserted at 9 : 00 am and the clock signal clk 122 to the register 122 is asserted at 9 : 05 am . in an alternative embodiment , the clock signals to the registers of the digital system 100 are asserted at different times around any clock cycle boundary including around 8 : 00 am and 10 : 00 am . while particular embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration , many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly , the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention . | 6 |
before delving into the specifics of the exemplary embodiments of the invention , the following provides a list of specific terms used herein and their definitions . a “ route segment ” is the smallest unit of a route which is protected by a signal tower or switchgear unit and which can be set up for a train . a “ track sector ” ( also referred to as a track field ) is the starting point or destination point of a route segment . a “ controlling track sector ” is a track area at a start of a route segment that is requested by the track control system . a “ route ” ( also referred to as an itinerary ) is route of a train through a track system over successive track sectors . a “ setup request ” is an inquiry by the track control system to an congestion prevention system as to whether a specific route segment can be set up . a “ request ” is a request for setting up a route segment order from the track control system to the signal tower equipment , that is , to the switchgear system . “ congestion ” of a track system ( also referred to as overfilling ) occurs in the track system if trains obstruct each other &# 39 ; s routes in such a way that at least one train cannot reach its destination on its programmed route , that is , according to its itinerary . the congestion prevention system , referred to below by the acronym “ cps ”, as part of the train control system decides on the setting up of a route segment after the arrival of the setup request . for this purpose , the method according to the invention supplies , as part of the cps , the indication of which trains can reach their programmed destination . the behavior of the congestion prevention system and the embedding of the method according to the invention into the cps are explained below with reference to fig2 . in fig2 the track system to be monitored , what is referred to as an overfilling area , is illustrated with a rectangle which is represented by dashed lines . the location of the trains with the train numbers zn 123 , zn 456 and zn 789 : a setup request for zn ( 123 ) from 101 to 202 is signaled to the cps . the result of the method with the setup request for zn ( 123 ) is : zn ( 123 ) and zn ( 456 ) can no longer reach their destination . the setting up of the route segment for zn ( 123 ) is not permitted . a setup request for zn ( 789 ) from the track sector al to the track sector 101 is signaled to the cps . the result of the method with the setup request for zn ( 789 ) is : the cps permits the setting up of the route segment for the train zn ( 789 ). a setup request for zn ( 456 ) from the track sector b 2 to the track sector 202 is signaled to the cps . the result of the method with the setup request for zn ( 456 ) is : the cps permits the setting up of the route segment for zn ( 456 ). as soon as the route segment is implemented , the cps reevaluates the situation . the result of the method with the setup request for zn ( 123 ) is : the cps permits the setting up of the route segment for zn ( 123 ). after this explanation , there is then a formal description of the method according to the invention . whether a train reaches its destination depends on the position and the routes of other trains . the dependencies are described in this algorithm with a graph represented in fig5 or formally in the following notation : a current train position , or a train position to be reached , is represented by an ordered pair containing the train number and track sector : a dependence of two train positions is expressed by a relation symbol : the semantics of this notation x / 103 → y / 102 stand for : there is a compulsory sequence , whether of a commercial or deployment type or of a type relating to the prevention of overfilling , that a first train x must travel to the track sector 103 before a second train y can travel to the track sector 102 . the notation and semantics which are introduced above are also appropriate for the case x = y , for example for the train zn ( 789 ) in fig2 : 789 / 101 → 789 / 102 . this introduced relation is transitive : if train x has to be routed to a before train y can travel onward to b , and if train y has to be routed to b before train z can travel onward to c , then train x must be routed to a before train z can travel onward to c . using the notation just introduced , the following is obtained : x / a → y / b and y / b → z / c x / a → z / c . the symbol stands for an implication . this dependence can also be written as : if the case x / a → y / b → . . . → x / a occurs , this results in that the train x must first be routed onward to a before train y can be routed onward to b . in this way , a blockage in the cps area to be checked becomes apparent . in an associated graph of the type according to fig5 a cycle occurs . the method according to the invention is preferably implemented with the structogram given in fig3 . the signaling of train numbers and track sector occupation to the route level is carried out according to prior art solutions , as specified for example in swiss patent ch ps 613 419 . the method rules ( referred to below simply as “ rule ”) specified by use of r 1 , r 2 and r 3 in fig3 are as follows : before a train z 1 can travel to a track sector g 2 , it must reach a track sector g 1 that is directly preceding on the route ( commercial request ). the train z 1 whose reference location with respect to another train z 2 prevents the route of the train z 2 being traveled on leads to additional dependencies . track sector a designates the destination of the first route segment on the programmed route of the train z 2 which cannot be implemented owing to train z 1 . track sector b designates the first position of train z 1 at which the destination of the first route segment on the programmed route of train z 2 which cannot be implemented because of train z 1 is no longer track sector a . track sector c designates the first position of train z 1 at which all the route segments of train z 2 could be implemented . rule 2a — if the track sector b corresponds to the track sector c , train z 1 must first travel to track sector b before train z 2 can travel to track sector a ( operational requirement ). rule 2b — if the track sector b does not correspond to the track sector c and if all the route segments of the route from train z 2 to track sector a could be implemented if train z 1 were to be switched onward to track sector b , train z 1 must first travel to track sector b before train z 2 can travel to track sector a ( operational requirement ). rule 2 must be applied once more , with track sector b as the reference location of train z 1 . rule 2c — if the track sector b does not correspond to the track sector c and if it would not be possible to implement all the route segments of the route from train z 2 to track sector a if train z 1 were to be switched onward to track sector b , train z 1 must travel to track sector c before train z 2 can travel into the first track sector in which train z 2 prevents the implementation of at least one route segment on the route from the current position of train z 1 to track sector c ( overfilling - preventing requirement ). the reference location of a train z 1 with respect to another train z 2 is located between the signaled position and the next controlling track sector on its route . if the train z 1 is located at a controlling track sector and has not signaled a setup request , the reference location corresponds to the train position . a . if train z 2 has signaled a setup request whose route segment could be implemented , the destination of the route segment is considered to be a train position for the further working steps ; b . if train z 1 has signaled a setup request whose route could be implemented , the destination of the route segment is considered to be a train position for the further working steps ; c . if the position of train z 1 is a controlling track sector , the reference location corresponds to the train position ; d . if the position of train z 1 is a non - controlling track sector and it prevents the route being traveled on by train z 2 , the reference location corresponds to the train position ; e . if the position of train z 1 is a non - controlling track sector , does not prevent the route being traveled on by train z 2 and the route segment to the next destination on the programmed route cannot be implemented because of train z 2 , the reference location corresponds to the train position ; and f . otherwise , the next track sector on the programmed route is considered to be the train position for the further working steps and the system is continued at number 3 above . if there is a compulsory sequence that the first train z 1 must travel to the track sector a before train z 2 can travel to the track sector b . and if train z 1 in the track sector a prevents the implementation of at least one route segment on the route from the current train position of train z 2 to the track sector b , then train z 1 must travel into the first track sector after the track sector a on its programmed route , in which first track sector it no longer prevents the route being traveled on from the actual position of train z 2 to the track sector b ( operational requirement ). the iterations and method steps indicated in fig3 are explained below . the term variation which is specified below stands here for a configuration of m = 2 elements of a set of n elements taking into account the sequence . the calculation of the number of variations is carried out according to v n m = n !/( n − m )!. st 1 : r 1 : insert and store dependencies according to rule 1 . cyc 2 : iteration for all variations of two trains z 1 , z 2 : st 2 : r 2 insert and store relations according to rule 2 . st 3 : take into account deployment dependencies , for example timetabled connections and programmed train sequences . st 5 : r 3 insert and store dependencies produced according to rule 3 . cyc 4 : iteration until no further dependencies are added or no train can reach its destination . a congestion prevention system for preventing overfilling of a track system that is divided into track sectors is divided into modules . the train control system assigned to a route level i contains a congestion prevention module , which itself has a process module . the process module is divided into : a ) a first sequence module which contains an implementation of rule 1 ; b ) a relation module which contains an implementation of rule 2 ; c1 ) a transitivity module which contains an implementation of the transitivity of train positions , according to the notation x / a → y / b and y / b → z / c x / a → z / c introduced above ; and c2 ) a second sequence module which contains an implementation of rule 3 . in a particular embodiment , it is possible to superimpose on the transitivity module and the second sequence module an iteration module which repeatedly carries out an iteration for all the trains until no further new dependencies can be generated or until no train can reach the destination predefined by its route . likewise , it is possible to superimpose on the first sequence module a second iteration module which contains an implementation of the iteration cyc 1 . in addition , it is possible to superimpose on the relation module a third iteration module which contains an implementation of the iteration cyc 2 . the timetable dependencies or specific predefined train sequences — referred to as deployments — are stored in a data module corresponding to the notation given above . a deployment module contains an implementation of the method step st 3 . the method according to the invention will be explained by reference to fig4 with three trains 1 , 2 and 3 : [ 0154 ] 1 / 101 2 / 102 3 / 103 current train positions ; [ 0155 ] 1 / 102 2 / 203 3 / 102 train positions to be reached ; and [ 0156 ] 1 / 103 3 / 101 train positions to be reached . an application of the rule 1 for the step st 1 : r 1 yields : six variations are obtained for cyc 2 . an application of the rule 2 yields the following dependencies for the step st 2 : r 2 , two of the six variations leading to no dependencies : step st 3 does not yield any new dependencies in this example . cyc 4 : in the present case according to fig4 no new dependencies arise from the step st 5 : r 3 and the iteration is exited . the result can be seen in fig4 : train 1 and train 3 cannot reach their destination . train 2 can reach its destination . [ 0173 ] fig6 is formally based on the case of excessively long trains or excessively short track sectors . it is assumed that a track sector a 2 is too short to completely accommodate the train 2 . this results in that a train that has traveled in from the track sector 102 to the track sector a 2 prevents a train in track sector a 1 moving out to the right . according to rule 2a ), the dependence comes about that train 2 must first travel to 101 before train 1 can be released to 102 . according to rules 1 and 2 , the following dependencies are produced : in this case , according to rule 3 no new dependencies are produced . all three rules are applied only in relatively complex initial situations . in this respect the following example is given , but is explained using the rules only to the extent that the invention can be implemented . in each case three trains are traveling on a single - track section from both sides toward two passing stations , in this respect see the configuration according to fig7 . zn ( 1 ) 101 - 102 - a 2 - 103 - 104 - b 2 - 105 - 106 zn ( 2 ) 101 - a 2 - 103 - 104 - b 2 - 105 - 106 (*) zn ( 3 ) a 2 - 103 - 104 - b 2 - 105 - 106 zn ( 4 ) b 3 - 104 - 103 - a 3 - 102 - 101 (**) zn ( 5 ) 105 - b 3 - 104 - 103 - a 3 - 102 - 101 zn ( 6 ) 106 - 105 - b 3 - 104 - 103 - a 3 - 102 - 101 the dependency 2 / 103 → 1 / a 2 according to line (***) is produced as follows : the blocking of zn ( 1 ) by zn ( 2 ) leads , according to rule 2 , to dependencies : the reference location of z 1 with respect to z 2 is track sector 102 . z 2 cannot reach the track sector 102 because of z 1 ; from which it follows that : track sector a = 102 see line (*) in this respect . only when z 1 is in track sector a 2 can the first route segment be set up by z 2 ( 101 - 102 ); from this there follows : only if z 1 has exited the track system to be protected can all the route segments be set up by z 2 ; from this there follows : as track sector b does not correspond to track sector c , and z 2 can travel to track sector a if z 2 is in track sector b , rule 2b comes into force . [ 0222 ] 2 / 103 → 1 / a 2 and 1 / a 2 → 4 / 102 leads to 2 / 103 → 4 / 102 . according to rule 3 the dependence 2 / b 2 → 4 / 102 is produced . this dependence 2 / b 2 → 4 / 102 results from the dependence 2 / 103 → 4 / 102 as follows : train 2 is the first train z 1 according to rule 3 . train 4 is the second train z 2 according to rule 3 . routes for train 2 and train 4 : zn ( 2 ) 102 - a 2 - 103 - 104 - b 2 - 105 - 106 (*) zn ( 4 ) b 3 - 104 - 103 - a 3 - 102 - 101 (**) the track sector 103 prevents the implementation of the route segment 103 - a 3 - 102 by train 4 from the route for train 2 in the line designated by (*), in this respect see line (**). rule 3 then requires , with respect to the first train — train 2 here — that train 2 must first be moved onward to b 2 ; moving onward to track sector 104 is not sufficient as train 2 prevents the implementation of the route segment 104 - 103 - a 3 - 102 by train 4 with the track sector 104 , resulting in , as already mentioned above : [ 0232 ] 5 / 104 → 6 / b 3 and 6 / b 3 → 3 / 105 leads to 5 / 104 → 3 / 105 . according to rule 3 the dependence 5 / a 3 → 3 / 105 is produced . this results in the cycle 3 / 105 → 2 / b 2 → 4 / 102 → 5 / a 3 → 3 / 105 . as 2 / 2 b → 1 / 104 and 5 / a 3 → 6 / 103 , no train can reach its destination . deployment requests can also be handled by the method according to the invention . for a station with the track configuration according to fig6 with sufficiently long track sectors it will be assumed that a timetabled location for changing between trains is provided for two trains traveling in the same direction : the express 1 overtakes a local train 2 and as a result ensures a connection between the trains ( these trains are not represented in fig6 ). according to rule 2 no new dependence is produced . train 1 can only travel onward to track sector 102 if train 2 has previously traveled into track sector a 1 ; the following deployment dependence is thus produced in the introduced notation : implementations of the rules 1 , 2a - 2c and 3 which are based on another structogram according to fig3 are possible . | 1 |
referring now to the drawings , and particularly to fig1 the process flow and apparatus relationships are illustrated . electric arc furnace ( eaf ) flue dust from the eaf dust collecting system or storage bin 10 is delivered by screw or pnuematic conveyors 12 to a flue dust day bin 14 . coal or coke from solid reductant bin 16 provides the principal reductant for the process . a binder for making a strong greenball pellet , preferably an organic , cellulose - based colloidal binder , is stored in binder bin 18 . in order to pelletize greenballs , raw materials from bins 14 , 16 , and 18 are metered onto screw conveyor 20 , which transports the materials to mixer 22 . the reductant feed rate to the mixture is determined by the iron ( fe ) content of the eaf dust . it has been determined by practice that for each pound of iron , 0 . 35 to 0 . 50 pounds of fixed carbon is required , depending on the desired end product . feed weights from each bin are controlled by load cells connected to each bin . during mixing , approximately ten to thirteen percent water is added to achieve proper pelletizing composition , depending on the nature of the flue dust and the type of reductant used in a particular plant . the mixed material is conveyed from the mixer 22 to pelletizing disc 24 by which greenballs are formed . both the mixer 22 and pelletizing disc 24 are commercially available apparatus . when properly controlled , the pelletizing disc 24 acts as an autosizer , and no screening is required prior to the pellets being fed to pellet dryer 26 . air preheated to approximately 300 ° c . by a heat exchanger 28 in waste gas afterburner 30 is blown and sucked through the pellet dryer , first in a downdraft direction and second in an updraft direction . the pellet dryer 26 and subsequent batch charging system 32 is sized to hold the live load of a unit charge . this prevents flow problems inherent with greenball pellet holding bins . the pellet dryer apparatus 26 is unique , and intended for application only in association with the process of this invention . in certain situations , the pellet dryer may not be required in the process and may be omitted . the batch charging system 32 contains a unit charge of previously dried pellets . when the demand is made for a new batch , the system will convey a properly sized batch of pellets onto the preheating hearth 36 of the inclined rotary reduction smelter 38 . retractable feeder 40 moves into the charge or feed position in the preheat hearth 36 of the smelter and discharges the unit batch into the smelter . the inclined rotary reduction smelter 38 , as illustrated in fig2 and 4 through 8 , is a multi - function vessel , having the abilities to rotate at various speeds and tilt to positions a and b to discharge its burden and take on a new batch respectively . when a new batch is introduced into the smelter , the rotation rate is reduced to a slow speed to allow minimum rolling of the pellet bed while the material is in the preheating position . as soon as the unit batch is placed on the preheat hearth 36 , the smelter returns to operating position c , the movable fume hood 42 is returned to operating position covering the smelter charge opening 44 , the retractable burner 46 is inserted to the position shown in fig6 and fired in oxidizing mode to rapidly raise the temperature of the batch to about 600 ° c . to complete devolatilization of the admixed coal ( reductant ) in the pellets , and reduction of the metal oxides begins . the smelter rotation speed is slowly increased to rotate the bed and move the batch down to the operating position . the rotation speed is controlled to prevent the pellet batch from sticking to the hot hearth walls . the gas feed to retractable burner 46 is controlled to maintain a slightly oxidizing atmosphere as smelter off - gases are monitored for excess oxygen content while the heat - up of the batch continues . when the batch temperature reaches about 900 ° c ., and as reduction of metal oxides increases , the retractable burner gas feed is adjusted to a slightly reducing atmosphere while the batch temperature is raised to 1050 ° c . to 1150 ° c . when the rate of oxide reduction decreases , the exit gas from the smelter again becomes oxidizing and the reduction process is complete . the process can be stopped at this point by decreasing the gas feed to the retractable burner 46 , and retracting it into the movable fume hood 42 . the fume hood is then removed to clear the mouth of the smelter vessel , and the smelter is tilted to casting position from which the burden is dumped into a rotary cooler 50 , in which the cooling atmosphere is controlled to produce either metallized pellets or reoxidized pellets . before the movable fume hood 42 is retracted from the operating position , the smelter and afterburner atmospheres must be oxidizing . during casting operations , air is injected through melting burner 52 to maintain a positive oxidizing atmosphere in the smelter . in order to melt the burden in the smelter , the following procedure is followed . as the rate of reduction decreases , the batch temperature rises indicating the reduction process is nearing completion . fuel gas injection through melting burner 52 is increased to create additional heat with an attendant increase in the melting rate . oxygen , air , and / or fuel are injected through tuyeres 54 , porous plugs , or other ceramic elements , to combine with the excess carbon both carried in the pellets and added separately to the burden , and thus the batch is quickly melted . oxygen , fuel , and air are delivered to the interior of the rotating vessel through rotary coupling 56 . when melting is completed , the movable fume hood 42 is retracted to the open position . as soon as the fume hood clears the mouth of the smelter , the casting sequence begins . the slowly rotating smelter is tilted to the casting position shown in fig8 and the liquid contents are slowly poured into a tundish where a partial slag / iron separation is made . liquid iron and the remaining slag are diverted either into a pig machine or into an iron shot - making vessel . alternatively , the molten material is simply dumped into a prepared sand mold pit for cooling . the casting pit is hooded to divert casting dust and fumes into an afterburner bypass duct leading to the process dust collector 58 . upon completion of the casting sequence , the inclined rotary reduction smelter 38 is returned to charging position and the batch charging process is repeated . processing time and temperature ranges for each operating sequence are approximately as follows : the smelter is in the casting position for about 5 to 10 minutes at normal operating temperature . the smelting vessel is in the preheating position about the same length of time as the charging position , as preheating can occur during charging . about 5 to 10 minutes for the batch temperature to reach 600 ° c . while the atmospheric temperature within the vessel increases to 900 ° c . ; about 10 to 15 minutes while the batch temperature rises to 900 ° c . while the atmospheric temperature within the vessel increases to 1100 ° c . ; about 10 to 15 minutes for the batch to reach 1050 ° c . to 1150 ° c . at which temperature the batch is maintained until reduction is complete . depending on the pellet analysis of the particular batch , the time to process each batch will vary between 35 and 55 minutes to complete reduction . to continue the process to melt the batch or burden , the atmospheric temperature within the vessel is increased to the range of 1500 ° c . to 1650 ° c . by utilizing an oxy - fuel melting burner 52 and optional injection of oxygen and / or fuel under the burden within the smelter . melting is completed in 15 to 20 minutes depending on the composition of the pellet batch . thus , it is seen that one entire sequence of batch operation requires between 35 and 55 minutes to complete reduction of the pellet batch , plus an additional 15 to 20 minutes to complete the melting procedure , if melting should be the operating mode . it is well known in the art that it is difficult to maintain a positive atmospheric seal with rotating furnaces to prevent gas leakage from such vessels . in any case where heavy metal fumes may be expelled from the process , it is vital that gas leakage to the surrounding work area be prevented . semi - positive sealing means as provided by metal - to - metal slip - seals , or labyrinth - type seals are expensive to construct and maintain . this invention utilizes an air gap between the lip of the inclined rotary reduction smelter 38 and the movable fume hood 42 to provide limited air intake , and thus provide a positive gas seal . the air intake gap is approximately 3 mm to 6 mm of space between the rotatable vessel 38 and the stationary fume hood 42 in which a negative pressure is maintained . pressure kicks and pressure pulses are avoided by predrying the green pellets to prevent the sudden release of steam within the smelter furnace . the movable fume hood 42 is provided with both temperature and oxygen sensing instruments which provides process control data . both the retractable burner 46 and the melting burner 52 are controlled by output signals from fume hood sensors according to the mode of operation . when the movable fume hood 42 is returned to the operating position illustrated in fig5 a positive face - to - face seal is provided between the top of the fume hood and the uptake duct 60 leading to the afterburner 30 . hot process gases are sensed for free oxygen content while passing through the movable fume hood 42 and the afterburner combustion air blower 64 is activated to provide the afterburner air requirements to complete combustion of combustable gases as well as to reoxidize volatile metals . a pilot burner 66 is provided in the afterburner to insure ignition should the refractory temperature be below the necessary ignition temperature as it is in the case of starting up the system . an excess air damper 68 is employed to provide excess combustion air plus partial gas cooling . the afterburner 30 contains a gas - to - air heat exchanger 28 , from which drying air at 300 ° c . is generated for use in the pellet dryer 26 . however , depending on the local cost for natural gas , the option to use natural gas for pellet drying may be chosen instead of using a heat exchanger in the afterburner . gas cooler 70 follows the afterburner 30 to accomplish gas cooling by conventional means and equipment to reduce the gas temperature sufficiently to allow the process dust collector 72 to be of conventional fabric bag - type . the process of this invention includes the mechanical diversion of cooled waste gases from the gas cooler 70 to one of three separate compartments of the baghouse 72 . the process dust collector header 74 diverts the gas stream to one of the three baghouse compartments as required by the mode of smelter operation . during preheating and devolatilization of the admixed carbon in the pellets , dust and gases from the smelter are burned , cooled , and diverted to compartment a in the baghouse 72 . when reduction begins and zinc , lead , cadmium , and alkali fumes begin evolving , the waste gas streams are diverted to compartment b and then to compartment c to take advantage of the variable distillation effect of the batching process and to enhance the enrichment of the recollected zinc oxide and lead oxide dust . recollected baghouse dust is removed from each baghouse compartment independently , and dust collected in compartment a is recycled back to mixer 22 , where it is reblended with other feed materials for another pass through the smelting process . dusts collected in compartments b and c may or may not be recycled through the smelter a second time depending on the dust composition and the market for such materials . fig1 shows an alternative embodiment in which the pellets are passed through a rotary hearth direct reduction furnace 80 prior to being fed to the inclined rotary reduction smelter 38 . means are provided for bypassing the rotary hearth furnace if the pellets need not be pre - reduced . in some instances of any embodiment described , the pellet dryer may not be required in the operation of the process . from the foregoing , it is readily apparent that we have provided a small - scale flue dust recovery plant that can be operated on a discontinuous basis , without costly degradation to the systems refractories . our invention provides economic application &# 34 ; on - site &# 34 ; at mini - steelmills for the purpose of recycling hazardous eaf flue dust into recyclable , and / or non - hazardous materials , including directly reduced iron pellets , or pig iron and slag , and a highly reconcentrated zinc and lead oxide dust / ore . in addition , the invention provides a batch process which selectively distills and recovers reconcentrated zinc oxide dust , lead oxide dust , and process gangue dust separately . the apparatus has sufficient operating flexibility to allow feed material to be converted to solid - state directly reduced iron , or to be melted to form liquid iron and slag , while distilling volatile heavy metals for subsequent recovery in an off - gas cooling and dust collection system . it also provides means to convert hazardous waste flue dust which has no direct commercial value into marketable products and by - products , and non - hazardous waste materials that can be safely disposed of according to the epa ep toxicity regulations . lastly , our invention provides means to terminate the existence of certain flue dust and sludge materials as hazardous waste . | 8 |
a portion of a belt conveyor embodying features of the invention is shown in fig1 . the exemplary conveyor 10 comprises a conveyor belt 12 supported on a carryway 14 composed of parallel elongated support rails 16 supported on legs 18 . in this example , three rails are shown . the length of the carryway is defined by the longitudinal extent of the support rails . the conveyor belt 12 shown in fig1 is a modular plastic conveyor belt that is constructed of a series of rows 22 of belt modules 24 hingedly linked at hinge joints 26 between consecutive rows . in this example , each row comprises a single belt module . but the rows could include more than one module . along the carryway , the belt forms a top carryway surface on an outer conveying side 27 . drive structure 28 formed on an opposite underside 29 of the belt engages drive faces on drive sprockets ( not shown ). the hinge joints are formed by interleaved leading and trailing hinge elements 30 , 31 of consecutive rows . the hinge elements may include holes ( 32 , fig2 b and 3b ) aligned laterally across the width of the conveyor belt 12 with the holes of interleaved hinge elements of a consecutive module to form a lateral passageway for one or more hinge rods ( not shown ). alternatively , some of the hinge elements may include laterally extending stubs serving as hinge rods that are received in laterally opening recesses in adjacent interleaved hinge elements to form the hinge joints . the modular plastic conveyor belt 12 shown in fig1 is made of a thermoplastic polymer , such as polypropylene , polyethylene , acetal , nylon , or a composite polymer , in an injection - molding process . but other kinds of belts , such as flat belts , may be used in the conveyor . the conveyor belt 12 may be conventionally trained around idle and motor - driven drive sprockets or drums ( not shown ) at each end of the carryway and returned along a returnway ( not shown ) below the carryway . the drive sprockets engage the drive structure 28 to positively drive the belt along the carryway in the direction of belt travel 20 . the conveyor belt module 24 and its engagement with the support rails 16 is shown in more detail in fig2 a - 2c . the module has drive structure on the underside 29 in the form of a drive bar 34 that extends laterally across the width of the module and the belt row . the bottom 35 of the drive bar 34 extends below the bottom surfaces 36 of the hinge elements 30 , 31 . the support rails 16 are shown with circular cross sections . the convex outer surfaces of the rails are more hygienic and easier to clean than the flat tops of conventional wearstrip supports . sculpted into the drive bar 34 on the underside 29 of the module 24 are concave indentations 38 spaced apart laterally across the width of the module . when series of modules are linked together into a belt , the indentations are aligned in longitudinal columns . the concave indentations are shaped to match the convex shape of the upper surface 40 of the support rails 16 . in this example , each indentation defines a portion of a circular cylinder that complements the circular cross section of the support rail over some or all of the lateral extents of the indentations and the upper surfaces of the support rails . in this example , the indentation contacts the support rails along a contact area 42 commensurate with at least a major portion of the indentation . ( the contact area on the indentation is shown cross - hatched in fig2 c .) the contact area is much greater than for a module with a flat , unsculpted underside that would contact the circular support rail 16 only along its topmost tangent line . the greater contact area distributes the load , decreasing contact pressure and wear . furthermore , the engagement of the indentations with the support rails provides tracking by preventing the belt from wandering laterally . the hinge elements 30 , 31 are laterally offset from each other and are also shaped along their outer bottom sides 44 to avoid contact with the support rails . thus , in the example shown in fig2 a - 2c , the middles 46 of the indentations 38 are positioned midway between the middles of leading and trailing hinge elements 30 , 31 of a module . another version of a belt module usable in a conveyor as in fig1 is illustrated in fig3 a - 3c . the module 48 differs from the module 24 of fig2 a - 2c in that its drive bar 50 does not extend below the bottoms 35 of the hinge elements 30 , 31 . because of the shallower drive bar 50 with the same hinge - element dimensions and spacings as in fig2 a - 2c , the contact areas 51 provided by the smaller indentations 52 are smaller than those in fig2 c . furthermore , the support rails 54 are smaller in diameter than the support rails 16 in fig2 a to avoid the hinge elements . otherwise , the concave indentations and the convex top surfaces of the support rails are complementarily shaped — in this example , arcuately shaped — so that the contact area between them is increased and wear is reduced . as shown in fig4 , a concave indentation 60 may be formed on an attachment 62 depending below the underside 64 of a belt module 66 . the attachment 62 may be made of the same material as the module 66 , but could be made of a more durable or lower - friction material for a longer wear life . if the attachment does wear , it can be replaced without the need to replace the entire module . the attachment 62 shown in fig4 has two arms 68 that extend through the module and terminate in tabs 70 that engage structure in the module that retains the attachment in place . but the attachment and the module may be designed with other means for removably fastening the attachment . instead of a removable attachment , the underside portions of the module could be formed with a more wear - resistant material overmolded onto or co - molded with the rest of the module . fig5 and 6 show other versions of conveyor belts usable with the convex carryways shown in fig1 - 3 . the length portion of the conveyor belt 72 in fig5 has as an underside 73 with drive bars 74 extending laterally across the width of the belt and regularly spaced along its length . to accommodate convex carryway support rails as in fig1 , the underside 73 is sculpted with concave indentations 76 from drive bar to drive bar arranged in longitudinal columns extending along the length of the belt to receive longitudinally extending complementary support rails . the conveyor belt 78 in fig6 has an underside 80 sculpted with a drive bar 82 and laterally spaced concave indentations 84 that are deeper than the height of the drive bar and extend into the thickness of the flat belt mat to form longitudinal columns of concave indentations for receiving convex support rails . the belts shown in fig5 and 6 could be positively driven , low - tension conveyor belts or timing belts , as two examples . although the invention has been described with reference to specific versions , other versions are possible . for example , the support rails do not have to be circular over 360 ° in cross section : a semicircular cross section with the flat side down could be used . and other non - circular convex support rails could be used with non - circular mating concave indentations . as another example , belts without drive bars could be used . in that case , the indentations would be formed in other underside belt structure . so , as these few examples suggest , the scope of the invention is not meant to be limited to the exemplary versions described in detailed . | 8 |
the following description of the present invention focuses on one aspect of the present invention , which relates to patients , medical appointments , and a variety of medical service providers . however , the present invention is not limited to such an application and is applicable to any particular client , customer , type of appointment , type of scheduling , service provider , or vendor . the details of the present invention , both as to its structure and operation , can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings , in which like reference numerals refer to like parts . beginning initially with fig1 , a schematic diagram of a non - limiting implementation of the present system for a patient notification process is shown . a user computer 10 is shown . the computer 10 is understood to be used by medical office and clinic personnel when scheduling medical appointments . the computer 10 can include one or more input devices such as a keyboard 12 and mouse device 14 , as well as one or more output devices such as an electronic screen 16 . it is to be understood that the keyboard 12 and mouse device 14 can be manipulated by a person scheduling a medical appointment while the screen 16 can provide a visual display of the person &# 39 ; s actions . further , the computer 10 also has a processor 18 and a tangible computer storage medium 20 , the storage medium 20 understood to be capable of storing data including a software embodying system , which can further include all or part of the system discussed below . as shown in fig1 , the user computer 10 can communicate with a server 22 . the server 22 has a processor 24 and a storage medium 26 , the storage medium 26 understood to be capable of storing data including software embodying system , which can further include all or part of the system discussed below . it is to be understood that the computer 10 can communicate with the server 22 through any means known within the art , including communication through wireless telecommunication technology , the internet , wireless , cable , satellite , or physical electronic cable linkage , either alone or in combination . thus , it can be appreciated that when medical office and clinic personnel enter scheduling information for a medical appointment , that information can be stored either on the user computer 10 or the server 22 in non - limiting embodiments , or both in still other non - limiting embodiments . moreover , it is to be understood that the user computer 10 can be capable of accessing scheduling information regardless of whether it is stored on the computer 10 or server 22 . still in reference to fig1 , a patient personal electronic device 28 is shown . the personal electronic device 28 can be a mobile telephone or a personal computer in non - limiting embodiments . however , the personal electronic device 28 can be any device capable of electronically communicating with other electronic devices . it is to be understood that such communication can occur in any number of ways known within the art , including wireless telecommunication technology , the internet and physical electronic cable linkage in non - limiting embodiments . with the above structure in mind , operation of the system can now be understood in reference to the non - limiting flow - chart shown in fig2 and its continuation shown in fig3 , where a first example of the system that can be implemented by the present system to monitor scheduled patient appointments is shown . beginning at block 30 , the system retrieves patient information from a patient queue for a patient having a scheduled appointment . the patient queue is understood to consist of patients with scheduled appointments , the patient queue being created by the private waiting room ( pwr ) in accordance with present principles . it is to be further understood that the pwr patient queue can be created using scheduling information retrieved from any non - limiting patient scheduling system a physician &# 39 ; s office can use to schedule patient appointments . still in reference to fig2 and fig3 , the system determines whether patient information for a patient having a scheduled appointment has been retrieved from the patient queue at decision diamond 32 . if no information was retrieved because , for example , there are no patients in the patient queue , then the system reverts back to block 30 and the system can be repeated . however , if at diamond 32 the system determines that patient information has been retrieved from the patient queue , the system then moves to diamond 34 where it is determined whether the patient whose information was retrieved has been fully notified . if at diamond 34 the system determines that the patient has been fully notified , the system then moves to decision diamond 36 . it is to be understood that , in non - limiting embodiments such as the one shown in fig2 and fig3 , a patient queue removal time can be predetermined . once a patient queue removal time has been predetermined , the system can subsequently use the predetermined time to retain patient information in the patient queue even after a patient &# 39 ; s appointment time has passed or the patient has met with a physician or medical professional . thus , at diamond 36 , the system determines whether a predetermined patient queue removal time has been exceeded . if the system determines that it has not , the system reverts back to block 30 and the process can be repeated . but if the system determines that the predetermined patient queue removal time has been exceeded , the system moves to block 38 where the patient information is removed from the patient queue and can be placed in an archive list . thereafter , the system can either conclude or revert back to block 30 to repeat the process for other patients . reverting back to diamond 34 , if the system determines that a patient has not been fully notified , the system instead moves to decision diamond 40 . at diamond 40 , the system determines whether a predetermined first reminder time has been reached . if the appropriate first reminder time has not been reached , the system reverts back to block 30 and the process can repeat . if , however , the appropriate time to send a first reminder has been reached , the system moves to decision diamond 42 where the system determines whether a first reminder message has been sent . if the system determines at diamond 42 that the first reminder message has not been sent , the system moves to block 44 where a reminder message is generated . it is to be understood that the reminder message can contain temporal information relating to when a patient &# 39 ; s appointment with a physician is to occur . the system then moves to block 46 , where the reminder message is added to a message queue which can hold reminder messages generated by the pwr . after the reminder message has been added to the message queue at block 46 , the system can then move to fig6 for the system for the message sending process , which will be discussed later . however , reverting back to diamond 42 , if the system determines that a first reminder message has been sent , the system instead moves to diamond 48 . at diamond 48 , the system determines whether a predetermined second reminder time has been reached . if the second reminder time has not been reached , the system reverts back to block 30 and the process can repeat . if , however , the appropriate time to send a second reminder has been reached , the system moves to diamond 50 . at diamond 50 , the system determines whether a second reminder message has been sent . if the system determines at diamond 50 that the second reminder message has not been sent , the system moves to block 44 where a reminder message is generated . it is to be understood that the reminder message can contain temporal information relating to when a patient &# 39 ; s appointment with a physician is to occur . the system then moves to block 46 , where the reminder message is added to a message queue which can hold reminder messages generated by the pwr . after the reminder message has been added to the message queue at block 46 , the system can then move to fig6 , which provides a non - limiting example of the message sending process . still in reference to fig2 and fig3 , if the system determines at diamond 50 that a second reminder message has been sent , the system instead moves to diamond 52 . at diamond 52 , the system determines whether a predetermined third reminder time has been reached . if the third reminder time has not been reached , the system reverts back to block 30 and the process can repeat . if , however , the appropriate time to send a third reminder has been reached , the system moves to diamond 54 . at diamond 54 , the system determines whether a third reminder message has been sent . if the system determines at diamond 54 that the third reminder message has not been sent , the system moves to block 44 where a reminder message is generated . it is to be understood that the reminder message can contain temporal information relating to when a patient &# 39 ; s appointment with a physician is to occur . the system then moves to block 46 , where the reminder message is added to a message queue which can hold reminder messages generated by the pwr . after the reminder message has been added to the message queue at block 46 , the system can then move to fig6 for the system for the message sending process , which will be discussed later . alternatively , if the system determines at diamond 54 that a third reminder message has already been sent , the system instead moves to block 56 . at block 56 , the patient is determined to be fully notified and can be removed from the patient queue . it is to be understood that while sending three reminder messages is described in fig2 and fig3 , any number of reminder messages can be sent . particularly sending three reminder messages has been disclosed for illustration only . the language of fig2 and fig3 should not be construed to limit the present embodiment to a definite number of messages . now in reference to fig4 and fig5 , a second example of the system that can be implemented by the present system is shown . beginning at block 58 , the system retrieves patient information for a patient having a scheduled appointment from a patient queue . the patient queue is understood to consist of a list of patients with scheduled appointments , the patient queue being created by the pwr . it is to be further understood that pwr patient queue can be created using scheduling information retrieved from any non - limiting patient scheduling system a physician &# 39 ; s office can use to schedule patient appointments . still in reference to fig4 and fig5 , the system determines whether patient information for a patient having a scheduled appointment has been retrieved from the patient queue at decision diamond 60 . if no information was retrieved because , for example , there are no patients in the patient queue , then the system reverts back to block 58 and the system can be repeated . however , if at diamond 60 the system determines that patient information has been retrieved from the patient queue , the system then moves to diamond 62 where it is determined whether the patient whose information was retrieved has been fully notified . if at diamond 62 the system determines that the patient has been fully notified , the system then moves to decision diamond 64 . it is to be understood that , in non - limiting embodiments , a patient queue removal time can be predetermined . once a patient queue removal time has been predetermined , the system can subsequently use this time to keep patient information in the patient queue even after a patient &# 39 ; s appointment time has passed or the patient has met with a physician or medical professional . thus , at diamond 64 , the system determines whether a predetermined patient queue removal time has been exceeded . if the system determines that is has not , the system reverts back to block 58 and the process can be repeated . but if the system determines that the predetermined patient queue removal time has been exceeded , the system moves to block 66 where the patient information is removed from the patient queue and can be placed in an archive list . thereafter , the system can either conclude or revert back to block 58 to repeat the process for other patients . reverting back to diamond 62 , if the system determines that a patient has not been fully notified , the system then moves to decision diamond 68 . at diamond 68 , the system determines whether there has been a schedule change in a previous appointment affecting later scheduled appointments , i . e . an advance or delay in a second appointment occurring temporally previous to a first appointment that will affect whether the first appointment will commence at the scheduled time . if at diamond 68 the system determines that there has been a change affecting the schedule of appointments , the system then moves to block 70 . at block 70 , the system estimates the length of an advance or delay in all scheduled appointments . then the system moves to block 72 where all affected patient reminders are recalculated for the remaining patients on the schedule . the system can then revert back to block 58 . however , if at diamond 68 the system determines that there has not been a change affecting the schedule of appointments , the system instead moves to decision diamond 74 . at diamond 74 , the system determines whether a predetermined first reminder time has been reached . if the appropriate first reminder time has not been reached , the system reverts back to block 58 and the process can repeat . if , however , the appropriate time to send a first reminder has been reached , the system moves to decision diamond 78 where the system determines whether a first reminder message has been sent . if the system determines at diamond 78 that the first reminder message has not been sent , the system moves to block 80 where a reminder message is generated . it is to be understood that the reminder message can contain temporal information relating to when a patient &# 39 ; s appointment with a physician is to occur . the system thereafter moves to block 82 , where the reminder message is added to a message queue which can hold reminder messages generated by the pwr . after the reminder message has been added to the message queue at block 82 , the system can then move to fig6 , which provides a non - limiting example of the message sending process . however , reverting back to diamond 78 , if the system determines that a first reminder message has been sent , the system instead moves to diamond 84 . at diamond 84 , the system determines whether a predetermined second reminder time has been reached . if the second reminder time has not been reached , the system reverts back to block 58 and the process can repeat . if , however , the appropriate time to send a second reminder has been reached , the system moves to diamond 86 . at diamond 86 , the system determines whether a second reminder message has been sent . if the system determines at diamond 86 that the second reminder message has not been sent , the system moves to block 80 where a reminder message is generated . it is to be understood that the reminder message can contain temporal information relating to when a patient &# 39 ; s appointment with a physician is to occur . the system then moves to block 82 , where the reminder message is added to a message queue which can hold reminder messages generated by the pwr . after the reminder message has been added to the message queue at block 82 , the system can then move to fig6 for the system for the message sending process , which will be discussed later . still in reference to fig4 and fig5 , if the system determines at diamond 86 that a second reminder message has been sent , the system instead moves to diamond 88 . at diamond 88 , the system determines whether a predetermined third reminder time has been reached . if the third reminder time has not been reached , the system reverts back to block 58 and the process can repeat . if , however , the appropriate time to send a third reminder has been reached , the system moves to diamond 90 . at diamond 90 , the system determines whether a third reminder message has been sent . if the system determines at diamond 90 that the third reminder message has not been sent , the system moves to block 80 where a reminder message is generated . it is to be understood that the reminder message can contain temporal information relating to when a patient &# 39 ; s appointment with a physician is to occur . the system then moves to block 82 , where the reminder message is added to a message queue which can hold reminder messages generated by the pwr . after the reminder message has been added to the message queue at block 82 , the system can then move to fig6 for the system for the message sending process , which will be discussed below . alternatively , if the system determines at diamond 90 that a third reminder message has already been sent , the system instead moves to block 92 . at block 92 , the patient is determined to be fully notified and can be removed from the queue . it is to be understood that while sending three reminder messages are described in fig4 and fig5 , any number of reminder messages can be sent . particularly sending three reminder messages has been disclosed for illustration only . the language of fig4 and fig5 should not be construed to limit the present embodiment to a definite number of messages . moving to fig6 , the system process for sending a message from the message queue once it has been received as described in fig2 and fig3 and as described in fig4 and fig5 is shown . beginning at block 94 , a message is received into the message queue . the system then moves to block 96 where a personal electronic notification message is created from the reminder message received by the queue at block 94 . this personal electronic notification message can be generated using any acceptable electronic communication format as is known in the art and described herein . one such format is the short message service ( sms ) format , but it is to be understood that the sms format is only a suggested , non - limiting format and that other formats appropriate within the art can also be used , such as , but not limited to mobile phone software applications , including but not limited to the apple ios ™ applications and the android ™ applications . still in reference to fig6 , the system then moves from block 96 to block 98 where a personal electronic notification message is sent to the patient who is to receive notification information on a scheduled appointment . this message can be sent to the patient through any non - limiting electronic means which include , but are not limited to , sending a message to a cellular telephone or email address . after sending the message , the system then moves to decision diamond 100 where the system determines if the message was successfully sent to the patient . if at diamond 100 the system determines that the message was not successfully sent , the system reverts to block 98 and the message is sent again . if , however , at diamond 100 the system determines the message was successfully sent , the system then moves to block 102 , where the system enters the status of the notification , i . e . that a reminder message has been sent , into the pwr ( private waiting room ) system . though not shown in fig6 , it is to be understood that once the message is sent at block 98 and successfully received by the patient as determined at diamond 100 , in non - limiting embodiments the patient can electronically respond to the pwr message . particularly , this response can pertain to the patient being notified of a change to the scheduled appointment time . thus , a patient &# 39 ; s response can include information on whether the patient accepts , rejects or wishes to reschedule the medical appointment which the patient notification message has indicated would be temporally altered . now in reference to fig7 , a non - limiting exemplary schematic diagram of an implementation of the present system is shown . a front - end computer 104 ( e . g . user computer such as a medical office computer used by medical personnel ) is shown . the computer 104 has pwr software 106 . in the implementation shown in fig7 , patient scheduling information can be manually entered into the pwr software 106 by medical office personnel . the pwr software 106 can then generate a patient notification message to be sent to a patient . still in reference to fig7 , the pwr software 106 can send the patient notification message to a message scheduling system 108 . the message scheduling system 108 is understood to be capable of electronically communicating with a commercial sms system 110 to send an electronic message to a user using any appropriate messaging system known in the art and as described herein . thus , a message that is designated for sending to a patient at a designated time by the scheduling system 108 is then sent to the sms system 110 . once a message is received by the sms system 110 , the sms system 110 can then send the generated message to one or more patient electronic devices . patient mobile device 112 , mobile device 114 and mobile device 116 are electronic devices which can receive a message . the plural mobile devices 112 , 114 and 116 can receive different scheduling messages or they can all receive the same scheduling message in non - limiting embodiments . now in reference to fig8 , another non - limiting exemplary schematic diagram of an implementation of the present system is shown . a front end computer 118 , e . g . user client scheduling system computer which can be used by medical personnel , is shown . the computer 118 has a patient scheduling system 120 . the scheduling system 120 is understood to be any non - limiting patient scheduling system a physician &# 39 ; s office can use to schedule patient appointments . thus , a person such as a medical office assistant can enter patient information into the scheduling system 120 through the computer 118 . once the patient information has been received by the scheduling system 120 , the information can be sent through an hl7 ( health level 7 ) messaging standard 122 to be received by the pwr software 124 . hl7 messaging is a standard known within the art which includes a means for patient information to be exchanged between medical software applications . however , it is to be understood that there are multiple alternative appropriate ways to automatically exchange patient information that can be used in accordance with present principles , such as storing patient information in an electronic folder that can be shared by multiple software applications . however , hl7 messaging is used in the current , non - limiting example shown in fig8 . thus , the hl7 messaging standard 122 facilitates the exchange of patient information between the patient scheduling system 120 and the pwr software 124 . once patient information has been received by the private waiting room software 124 via the hl7 messaging standard 122 , the private waiting room software 124 can generate an electronic patient notification message , which the private waiting room software can then send to a message scheduling system 126 . the message scheduling system 126 is understood to be capable of electronically communicating with a commercial sms system 128 to send an electronic message to a user . thus , a message that is designated for sending to a patient at a designated time by the scheduling system 126 is then sent to the sms system 128 . once a message is received by the sms system 128 , the sms system 128 can then send the generated message to one or more patient electronic devices . patient mobile device 130 , mobile device 132 and mobile device 134 are three electronic devices which can receive a message . the plural mobile devices 130 , 132 and 134 can receive different scheduling messages or they can all receive the same scheduling message in non - limiting embodiments . moving now to fig9 , yet another non - limiting exemplary schematic diagram of an implementation of the present system is shown . a front end computer 136 , e . g . user client scheduling system computer which can be used by medical personnel , is shown . the computer 136 has a patient scheduling system 138 . the scheduling system 138 is understood to be any non - limiting patient scheduling system a physician &# 39 ; s office can use to schedule patient appointments . thus , a person such as a medical office assistant can enter patient information into the scheduling system 138 through the computer 136 . once the patient information has been received by the scheduling system 138 , the information can be sent through an hl7 ( health level 7 ) messaging standard 140 to be received by the pwr software 142 . the hl7 messaging standard 140 is understood to be substantially similar in function and configuration to the hl7 messaging standard 122 in fig8 . however , it is to be further understood that there are multiple alternative appropriate ways to automatically exchange patient information that can be used in accordance with present principles , as described in reference to fig8 . however , hl7 messaging is used in the current , non - limiting example shown in fig9 . thus , the hl7 messaging standard 140 facilitates the exchange of patient information between the patient scheduling system 138 and the pwr software 142 . once patient information has been received by the pwr software 142 via the hl7 messaging standard 140 , the pwr software 142 can then generate a patient notification message and send it to a subscription accounting system 146 on a back - end server 144 . the communication between the pwr software 142 on the computer 136 and the subscription accounting system 146 on the server 144 can be done through any electronic communication means known within the art . once patient information has been received by the subscription accounting system 146 , the accounting system 146 can then electronically record that medical office personnel are notifying a patient of scheduling - related information . thus , it is the role of the accounting system 146 to track messages sent from medical offices so that those offices can compensate the proprietors of the pwr software for sent messages . after the subscription accounting system 146 has recorded the appropriate information , the patient message that was generated by the pwr software 142 can then be sent to a message scheduling system 148 , which designates the patient notification message for sending at the appropriate time . it is to be understood that the message scheduling system 148 is capable of electronically communicating with a commercial sms system 150 to send an electronic message to a user . accordingly , the message can be sent to the sms system 150 by the message scheduling system 148 so that the patient notification message can be sent to a patient by the sms system 150 at a designated time . thus , once a message is indeed received by the sms system 150 , the sms system 150 can then send the generated message to one or more patient electronic devices . patient mobile device 152 , mobile device 154 and mobile device 156 are electronic devices which can receive a message . the plural mobile devices 152 , 154 and 156 can receive different scheduling messages or they can all receive the same scheduling message in non - limiting embodiments . concluding with fig1 , one more non - limiting exemplary schematic diagram of an implementation of the present system is shown . a front end computer 158 ( e . g . user client scheduling system computer which can be used by medical personnel ) is shown . the computer 158 has a patient scheduling system 160 . the scheduling system 160 is understood to be any non - limiting patient scheduling system a physician &# 39 ; s office can use to schedule patient appointments . thus , a person such as a medical office assistant can enter patient information into the scheduling system 160 through the computer 158 . once the patient information has been received by the scheduling system 160 , the information can be sent through an hl7 ( health level 7 ) messaging standard 162 to be received by the pwr software 164 . the hl7 messaging standard 162 is understood to be substantially similar in function and configuration to the hl7 messaging standard 122 in fig8 . however , it is to be further understood that there are multiple alternative appropriate ways to automatically exchange patient information that can be used in accordance with present principles , as described in reference to fig8 . however , hl7 messaging is used in the current , non - limiting example shown in fig1 . thus , the hl7 messaging standard 162 facilitates the exchange of patient information between the patient scheduling system 160 and the pwr software 164 . once patient information has been received by the pwr software 164 via the hl7 messaging standard 162 , the pwr software 164 can then generate a patient notification message and send it to a subscription accounting system 168 on a back - end server 166 . the communication between the pwr software 164 on the computer 158 and the subscription accounting system 168 on the server 166 can be done through any electronic communication means known within the art . once patient information has been received by the subscription accounting system 168 , the accounting system 168 can then electronically record that medical office personnel are notifying a patient of scheduling - related information . thus , it is the role of the accounting system 168 to track messages sent from medical offices so that those offices can compensate the proprietors of the pwr software for sent messages . after the subscription accounting system 168 has recorded the appropriate information , the patient message that was generated by the private waiting room software 164 can then be sent to a message scheduling system 170 , which designates the patient notification message for sending at the appropriate time . differing from fig9 , it is to be understood that in fig1 , the message scheduling system 170 is capable of electronically communicating with an sms system 172 located on the server 166 to send an electronic message rather than using a commercial sms system to send an electronic message as shown in fig7 , fig8 and fig9 . accordingly , the message can be sent to the sms system 172 by the message scheduling system 170 so that the patient notification message can be sent to a patient by the sms system 172 at a designated time . thus , once a message is received by the sms system 172 , the sms system 172 can then send the generated message to one or more patient electronic devices . patient mobile device 174 , mobile device 176 and mobile device 178 are electronic devices which can receive a message . the plural mobile devices 174 , 176 and 178 can receive different scheduling messages or they can all receive the same scheduling message in non - limiting embodiments . in reference to fig1 through fig1 , it is to be understood that while the patient notification process described above was described in the context of medical appointments , it is to be understood that the present invention can be used in many other appointment contexts not disclosed herein . for example , it could be used for legal appointments , automotive appointments , employment appointments , etc . all publications , including patent documents and scientific or other articles , referred to in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication were individually incorporated by reference . all headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading , unless so specified . absent express definitions herein and claim terms are to be given all ordinary and accustomed meanings . when the singular is referred to , the plural is intended to be included . likewise , when the plural is referred to , the singular is intended to be included . | 6 |
please refer to fig4 , which is a pole - zero plot corresponding to a transfer function on a z plane of an adaptive filter according to the present invention . in this preferred embodiment , the adaptive filter is one with a third order finite impulse response ( fir ). as shown in fig4 , the adaptive filter includes three zeros z 1 , z 2 , and z 3 individually corresponding to cosθ + jsinθ , cosθ − jsinθ , and − 0 . 8 - δz , wherein zeros z 1 and z 2 are a pair of complex conjugates symmetrical with the real axis . in addition , the adaptive filter further includes three poles p 1 , p 2 , and p 3 corresponding to the origin of the z plane . the transfer function h ( z ) of the adaptive filter is expressed as : h ( z )= h ( z ) = z - z1 z × z - z2 z × z - z3 z = z - ( cos θ + j sin θ ) z × z - ( cos θ - j sin θ ) z × z - ( - 0 . 8 - δ z ) z in this embodiment , zeros z 1 and z 2 are individually fixed values , and the fixed values are different from the conventional zeros that is produced by dynamically calculating the inputted data . in other words , when operating the claimed adaptive filter , the zeros z 1 and z 2 will not be changed with the inputted data ( such as the key shifting operation ). the remaining zero z 3 is adjustable according to the control value keyshift inputted from the user when the user activates the key shifting operation . for example , when the adaptive filter sets two zeros z 1 and z 2 individually corresponding to ±( 3π / 4 ) on the z plane , the accompaniment system provides a key shifting function to match users tone and the user can input a control value keyshift into the accompaniment system for raising or lowering the key of background music . if the inputted keyshift is positive , the key raising operation will be started , and if the inputted keyshift is negative , the key lowering operation will be started . in addition , the absolute value of the control value keyshift stands for the magnitude of key raising or lowering , so a greater absolute value of the control value keyshift means a greater impact induced by the enabled key raising or lowering . in regard to the zero z 3 , an adjustment value δz is produced by right shifting the control value keyshift 6 bits , that is to say , the adjustment value δz is obtained by dividing the control value keyshift by 2 6 . therefore , the value (− 0 . 8 - δz ) is a key shifting parameter used for adjusting the zero z 3 of the adaptive filter on the real axis . the transfer function h ( z ) of the claimed adaptive filter will be obviously changed after adjusting the position on the z plane of the zero z 3 . the frequency response corresponding to the transfer function h ( z ) is also changed , and the relationship between the movement of the zero z 3 and the frequency response of the transfer function h ( z ) is described hereinafter . please refer to fig5 , and 7 , which are frequency histograms of the transfer function h ( z ). if the user does not start the key shifting operation , the zero z 3 will correspond to 0 . 8 on the real axis , the frequency θ corresponding to the zero z 1 on the unit circle 10 of the z plane will be 3π / 4 , and the frequency θ corresponding to the zero z 2 on the unit circle 10 of the z plane will be − 3π / 4 . when the frequency is changed from 0 to π along the unit circle 10 , the adaptive filter will gradually diminish the inputted data according to the poles p 1 , p 2 , p 3 and zeros z 1 , z 2 , z 3 distributed on the z plane , and the inputted data whose frequency is ± 3π / 4 will be substantially weakened ( as shown in fig5 ). similarly , the adaptive filter will also diminish the inputted data whose frequency is π according to the poles p 1 , p 2 , p 3 and zeros z 1 , z 2 , z 3 distributed on the z plane ( as shown in fig5 ). if the user starts the key lowering operation , the control value keyshift will be negative , that is to say , the zero z 3 will correspond to − 0 . 8 - δz ( please note that δz is negative ) on the real axis , and the zero z 3 will diverge from 0 . 8 and incline to the origin on the real axis . as described above , the frequency θ corresponding to the zero z 1 on the unit circle 10 of the z plane is 3π / 4 , and the frequency θ corresponding to the zero z 2 on the unit circle 10 of the z plane is − 3π / 4 . when the frequency is changed from 0 to π along the unit circle 10 , the adaptive filter will gradually diminish the inputted data according to the poles p 1 , p 2 , p 3 and zeros z 1 , z 2 , z 3 distributed on the z plane , and the inputted data whose frequency is ± 3π / 4 will be substantially weakened ( as shown in fig6 ). similarly , the adaptive filter will also diminish the inputted data whose frequency is π according to the poles p 1 , p 2 , p 3 and zeros z 1 , z 2 , z 3 distributed on the z plane ( as shown in fig6 ). in comparisons of fig5 and 6 , the zero z 3 is distant from 1 on the real axis after adjustment , so the adaptive filter is equivalent to a low - pass filter and the diminishing effect imposed on the inputted data corresponding to the frequency π becomes smaller after adjusting the zero z 3 . because the frequency π corresponds to a high frequency , the background music will be composed of more low frequency signals after the key lowering operation . the adaptive filter can still retain some high frequency signals to keep the quality of the background music great . obviously , if the magnitude of the key lowering operation is larger , the diminishing effect imposed on the inputted data corresponding to the frequency π will be smaller and more high frequency signals will be retained . on the other hand , when the user starts the key raising operation , the control value keyshift will be positive , that is to say , the zero z 3 will correspond to − 0 . 8 - δz ( please note that δz is positive ) on the real axis , and the zero z 3 will diverge from 0 . 8 and incline to − 1 on the real axis . as mentioned above , the frequency θ corresponding to the zero z 1 on the unit circle 10 of the z plane is 3π / 4 , and the frequency θ corresponding to the zero z 2 on the unit circle 10 of the z plane is − 3π / 4 . when the frequency is changed from 0 to π along the unit circle 10 , the adaptive filter will gradually diminish the inputted data according to the poles p 1 , p 2 , p 3 and zeros z 1 , z 2 , z 3 distributed on the z plane , and the inputted data whose frequency is ± 3π / 4 will be substantially weakened ( as shown in fig7 ). similarly , the adaptive filter will also diminish the inputted data whose frequency is π according to the poles p 1 , p 2 , p 3 and zeros z 1 , z 2 , z 3 distributed on the z plane ( as shown in fig7 ). in comparison of fig5 and 7 , the zero z 3 is inclined to 1 on the real axis after adjustment , so the diminishing effect imposed on the inputted data corresponding to the frequency π becomes larger after adjusting the zero z 3 . because the frequency π corresponds to a high frequency , the interference of high frequency will worsen the quality of background music . after the user starts the key raising operation , the background music will be composed of more high frequency signals . the adaptive filter can filter out more high frequency signals ( including the high frequency noise ) to keep the quality of the background music great . obviously , if the magnitude of key raising operation is larger , the diminishing effect imposed on the inputted data corresponding to the frequency π will be also larger and more high frequency signals will be filtered out . in contrast to the prior art , the present adaptive filter is a third order filter having two fixed zeros symmetrical with the real axis and an adjustable zero on the real axis . the position of the adjustable zero can be changed in accordance with the controlling value inputted by the user , so the corresponding transfer function of the adaptive filter can be rapidly decided to control the decay of high frequency signals . when the user starts the key raising operation , the adaptive filter can diminish more high frequency signals through setting the adjustable zero , and when the user starts the key lowering operation , the adaptive filter can retain more high frequency signals through setting the adjustable zero . in conclusion , the present adaptive filter can improve the quality of background music after the key shifting operation , and can rapidly calculate the inputted data to improve the efficiency . those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention . accordingly , the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims . | 7 |
an embodiment of a transmission according to the present invention illustrated in fig1 to fig2 will be hereinafter explained . fig1 is a left side view of a bicycle b in which the transmission according to the present invention is used . the bicycle is a downhill bicycle and is used in a competition wherein players compete against time for descending an unpaved course which includes high - speed corners and jump sections in a woodland path or the like . a vehicle body frame f of the bicycle b includes a pair of left and right main frames 2 which extend rearwardly , obliquely and downwardly from a head pipe 1 , a down tube 3 which extends rearwardly , obliquely and downwardly from front end portions of both main frames 2 below the front end portions , and a saddle frame 4 which extends rearwardly from center portions of respective main frames 2 . the saddle frame 4 which supports a saddle 6 is supported on a stay 4 a which is interposed between the saddle frame 4 and the main frames 2 . the head pipe 1 steerably supports a pair of left and right front forks 5 and a front wheel wf is pivotally supported on lower end portions of the front forks 5 . hereinafter , “ up - and - down ”, “ front - and - rear ” and “ left - and - right ” are determined using the bicycle as the reference with respect to “ up - and - down ,” “ front - and - rear ” and “ left - and - right ” of the bicycle . further , the side viewing implies the viewing in the left - and - right direction . on a pivot shaft 7 which is provided to a rear portion of the left and right main frames 2 illustrated in fig1 , as shown in fig5 , front end portions of a pair of left and right swing arms 8 are tiltably and pivotally supported in a state wherein the swing arms 8 are arranged close to respective inner side surfaces of the pair of left and right main frames 2 . on rear end portions of the swing arms 8 , a rear wheel wr which is positioned between the pair of left and right main frames 8 is pivotally supported by way of an axle 9 . the pair of left and right swing arms 8 are , as shown in fig1 , connected with the pair of left and right main frames 2 by way of a suspension 10 which has a compression spring and a damper , the pair of left and right swing arms 8 are tiltable in the up - and - down direction about the pivot shaft 7 . a power transmission unit which includes a crankshaft 11 , a transmission t and a drive force transmission mechanism which transmits a drive force to the rear wheel wr is provided on the bicycle b . as shown in fig1 , below the vehicle body frame f and between rear portions of both main frames 2 and the rear portion of the down tube 3 , a crankshaft 11 and the transmission t are arranged . on a right side of the bicycle b , a mechanism which transmits the drive force from the transmission t to the rear wheel wr , that is , the drive force transmission mechanism which includes a rear wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 , a rear wheel driven sprocket wheel 16 and an endless rear wheel drive chain 17 which extend between and are wound around both sprocket wheels , is arranged on a right side of a vehicle - body - width - direction center line . a casing 20 of the transmission t , as shown in fig2 , fig3 and fig5 , includes a left casing 20 l and a right casing 20 r which are divided or split in the left - and - right direction and are merged together . outer side views of the left and right casings 20 l , 20 r are illustrated in fig2 and fig3 . the left and right casings 20 l , 20 r include a left cover 21 l and a right cover 21 r made of cfrp ( carbon fiber reinforced plastic ) which respectively incorporate inner units therein and a left reinforcing member 22 l and a right reinforcing member 22 r which reinforce the left and right covers 21 l , 21 r from the outside . here , the left cover 21 l is adhered to the inside of the left reinforcing member 22 l and the right cover 21 r is adhered to the inside of the right reinforcing member 22 r . the left and right covers 21 l , 21 r , as shown in fig8 , abut relative to each other with a sealing member 31 inserted between mating surfaces thereof and are fastened and are integrally formed by bolts 32 , 33 which are inserted into bolt holes 23 l , 23 r , 24 l , 24 r formed in outer peripheral projecting portions of the left and right reinforcing members 22 l , 22 r which sandwich the left and right covers 21 l , 21 r . also shown in fig1 along with fig2 and fig3 , by inserting the bolts 32 into three bolt holes 23 l , 23 r provided to each one of the left and right sides , the left and right reinforcing members 22 l , 22 r are merged and fastened together . on the other hand , out of another three bolt holes 24 l , 24 r provided to each one of left and right sides , two front bolt holes 24 l , 24 r are fastened together to a lower end of the down tube 3 by inserting the bolts 33 and one rear bolt hole 24 l , 24 r is fastened together to lower ends of the main frames 2 by inserting a bolt . that is , the bolt holes 24 l , 24 r have not only the function of fastening the left and right casings 20 l , 20 r by inserting the bolts 33 but also the function of mounting the transmission t to the main frames 2 and the down tube 3 of the vehicle . in lower portions of the left and right reinforcing members 22 l , 22 r of the casing 20 , as shown in fig5 , crankshaft receiving holes 25 l , 25 r are formed with the crankshaft 11 penetrating the crankshaft receiving holes 25 l , 25 r in the left - and - right direction . in addition , pivot bearing holes 26 l , 26 r are provided which allow the pivot shaft 7 to penetrate therethrough . the pivot bearing holdes 26 l , 26 r are formed above the crankshaft receiving holes 25 l , 25 r . further , as shown in fig2 , with respect to the left reinforcing member 22 l , a derailleur bearing hole 27 l for a derailleur shaft 81 which will be describe later and an inspection hole 28 l which is spaced apart from the bearing hole 27 l are formed in an upper portion thereof . on the other hand , as shown in fig3 , with respect to the right reinforcing member 22 r , a derailleur bearing hole 27 r which faces the derailleur bearing hole 27 l in an opposed manner and an inspection hole 28 r which is spaced apart from the derailleur bearing hole 27 l are formed in an upper portion thereof . further , an output bearing hole 29 is formed in a front portion of the right reinforcing member 22 r . here , the left and right inspection holes 28 l , 28 r are not arranged at positions where the left and right inspection holes 28 l , 28 r face each other in an opposed manner but are arranged at given rotational angular positions about the derailleur bearing holes 27 l , 27 r . an inner diameter of the left and right inspection holes 28 l , 28 r is slightly larger than a diameter of guide pulley support shafts 87 to facilitate the viewing of the guide pulley support shafts 87 , and is largely smaller than an outer diameter of the guide pulleys 86 . this is because that by preventing the inner diameter of the left and right inspection holes 28 l , 28 r from being excessively enlarged , the rigidity of the casing 20 can be ensured . further , as shown in fig3 , a stopper bolt hole 30 is formed in the vicinity of the derailleur bearing hole 27 r of the right reinforcing member 22 r . the above - mentioned left and right reinforcing members 22 l , 22 r are merged with the left and right covers 21 l , 21 r and , thereafter , are fastened by the bolts 32 , 33 thus constituting the casing 20 of the transmission t . the transmission t is suspended from the vehicle body frame f . as shown in fig5 , the crankshaft 11 which constitutes a pedal - type crankshaft is provided in a state wherein the crankshaft 11 penetrates the left and right crank bearing holes 25 l , 25 r of the casing 20 and has left and right end portions thereof projecting outside the casing 20 . a pair of crank arms 12 have proximal ends thereof fitted on the projecting left and right end portions of the crankshaft 11 . as shown in the drawings , pedals 39 are rotatably mounted on distal ends of the crank arms 12 . as shown in fig1 and fig5 , the bolt - like pivot shaft 7 extends by penetrating a through hole 2 c of a pivot boss 2 b which is formed on a rear portion 2 a of the main frame 2 and bushings 13 which are fitted in pivot bearing holes 26 l , 26 r formed in the left and right reinforcing members 22 l , 22 r of the casing 20 , and is fixed to a rear portion of the main frame 2 by a nut 34 which is threadedly engaged with a distal end of the bolt - like pivot shaft 7 . the respective swing arms 8 are tiltably supported on the pivot shaft 7 on the left and right outsides of the casing 20 and between the casing 20 and the rear portions of the respective main frames 2 by way of a collar 18 and a bearing 19 . fig4 is a right side view of the inside of the transmission t with a portion of the right casing 20 r taken away . fig6 is a cross - sectional developed view taken along a line vi - vi in fig4 which illustrates a portion which is relevant to the crankshaft 11 and the output shaft 14 . on a right end portion of the output shaft 14 which is accommodated in the inside of the casing 20 and projecting outwardly from an output bearing hole 29 of the right casing 20 r , the rear - wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 is fitted on . as shown in fig1 , a rear wheel drive chain 17 extends between and is wound around the rear - wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 and the rear - wheel driven sprocket wheel 16 which is formed on the rear wheel wr . the rear - wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 , the rear - wheel driven sprocket wheel 16 and the rear wheel drive chain 17 constitute the drive force transmission mechanism which drives the rear wheel wr which is a drive wheel of the vehicle . the output shaft 14 is always operated in an interlocking manner with the rear wheel wr and is rotated in the forward direction p and the backward direction q in an interlocking manner with the rear wheel wr . fig8 is a cross - sectional developed view taken along a line viii - viii in fig3 which illustrates portions relevant to the guide pulley support shaft 87 and the derailleur shaft 81 . in fig4 , 5 , 6 and 8 , the transmission t includes a transmission mechanism m 1 and a transmission changeover mechanism m 2 which are accommodated in the inside of the casing 20 . the transmission mechanism m 1 mainly includes portions which are relevant to the crankshaft 11 and the output shaft 14 shown in fig5 and fig6 , while the transmission changeover mechanism m 2 mainly includes portions which are relevant to the derailleur shaft 81 shown in an upper portion of fig8 . the transmission changeover mechanism m 2 acts on the transmission mechanism m 1 to perform the shifting to move the transmission mechanism m 1 to a desired transmission position . the transmission mechanism m 1 includes the one - way clutch 42 shown in fig7 , a slide mechanism s , a drive sprocket wheel body 40 , a transmission sprocket wheel body 50 , an endless transmission chain 58 and the output shaft 14 shown in fig6 . the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 includes a plurality of sprocket wheels 51 to 57 connected to the output shaft 14 in an overlapped manner in multiple stages with a gap therebetween in an ascending order from the left side to the right side . as shown in fig5 , the crankshaft 11 is rotatably supported on the casing 20 by way of the pair of right and left bearings 48 which are fitted in the crankshaft holes 25 l , 25 r of the left and right reinforcing members 22 l , 22 r of the casing 20 . the crank arms 12 are integrally fitted on both ends of the crankshaft 11 . as shown in fig1 , the pedals 39 are pivotally mounted on the distal ends of the crank arms 12 . the utilizing the legs of a rider , not shown in the drawing , who sits on the saddle 6 in a striding manner , the crankshaft 11 is rotatably driven in the advancing direction p . in fig6 , with respect to the crankshaft 11 , the drive sprocket wheel body 40 is arranged between both the bearings 48 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 and is mounted on the crankshaft 11 by way of the one - way clutch 42 and the slide mechanism s which are coaxially arranged with the crankshaft 11 . the drive sprocket wheel body 40 is rotatably driven by the crankshaft 11 . as shown in fig6 and 7 , the one - way clutch 42 includes a clutch inner race 42 a which is constituted of an outer peripheral portion per se which is a portion of the crankshaft 11 , a clutch outer race 42 b which is constituted of a portion of an inner cylinder 44 described later , a plurality of ratchet pawls 42 c which are engaged with engaging portions formed on an inner periphery of the clutch outer race 42 b , and a ring spring 42 d which is mounted on the clutch inner race 42 a and biases the ratchet pawls 42 c such that distal ends of the ratchet pawls 42 c are engaged with recessed portions formed in an inner peripheral surface of the clutch outer race 42 . due to an action of the one - way clutch 42 , only when the rider steps on the pedals 39 so as to rotate the crankshaft 11 in the advancing direction p which advances the vehicle , the rotational force of the crankshaft 11 is transmitted to the drive sprocket wheel 41 . further , during the advancing of the vehicle , when the rider stops stepping on the pedals 39 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 is rotated in the advancing direction p , that is , the crankshaft 11 is rotated in the retracting direction q relatively with respect to the drive sprocket wheel 41 , the transmission of the rotational force from the drive sprocket wheel 41 to the crankshaft 11 is interrupted . in fig6 , between the one - way clutch 42 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 , the slide mechanism s is provided , wherein the slide mechanism s allows the drive sprocket wheel 41 to move in the crankshaft axial direction with respect to the crankshaft 11 and , at the same time , allows the drive sprocket wheel 41 to be rotated integrally with the clutch outer 42 b of the one - way clutch 42 . the slide mechanism s includes an inner sleeve 44 , an outer sleeve 45 and a ball spline mechanism 46 . the inner sleeve 44 is a sleeve which constitutes the above - mentioned clutch outer 42 b with a right end thereof and is rotatably supported on an outer periphery of the crankshaft 11 by way of a pair of needle bearings 43 , while the outer sleeve 45 is a sleeve which is arranged radially outside the inner sleeve 44 . the ball spline mechanism 46 is a spline engagement mechanism which uses balls between an outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 44 and an inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve 45 . the drive sprocket wheel 41 and a drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 are integrally connected to the outer sleeve 45 by rivets 125 which are caulked after penetrating respective rivet holes 122 , 123 , 124 formed in the outer sleeve 45 , the drive sprocket wheel 41 , and the drive sprocket movement restricting member 121 . accordingly , the outer sleeve 45 , the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 are integrally moved along the crankshaft 11 and , at the same time , are rotated with respect to the casing 20 . a chain guide 47 is integrally mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the drive sprocket wheel 41 by rivets 49 . as shown in fig5 and 6 , the ball spline mechanism 46 which integrally rotates the slide mechanism s and the drive sprocket wheel 41 and , at the same time , allows the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the outer sleeve 45 to move in the crankshaft axial direction with respect to the inner sleeve 44 includes a plurality of pairs of accommodating grooves 46 a , 46 b having a semicircular cross section which are formed of an outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve 45 , face each other in an opposed manner in the radial direction and are directed in the crankshaft direction . rows of balls include a plurality of balls 46 c which are accommodated rotatably in respective pairs of accommodating grooves in a striding manner , and engage with the inner sleeve 44 and the outer sleeve 45 in the circumferential direction . to restrict the movable range of the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the outer sleeve 45 and , at the same time , to prevent the removal of the balls 46 c , stoppers 44 a , 44 b , 45 a , 45 b are provided to both end portions of the inner sleeve 44 and the outer sleeve 45 . as shown in fig6 , 12 and 13 , the output shaft 14 is rotatably supported by way of the pair of left and right bearings 48 which are respectively held by the left and right reinforcing members 22 l , 22 r of the casing 20 . between the left and right bearings 48 for the output shaft 14 , the multi - stage transmission sprocket wheel body 50 for the transmission includes the plurality of transmission sprocket wheels that are mounted on the output shaft 14 such that the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 is constantly integrally rotated with the output shaft 14 . in this embodiment , the above - mentioned multi - stage transmission sprocket wheel body 50 is a sprocket wheel body which includes transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 for seven types of transmission which differ in outer diameter relative to each other . seven transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 are arranged in the output shaft axial direction such that the speed is sequentially lowered from the right side to the left side from the transmission sprocket wheel 57 for the seventh speed ( maximum speed ) having the minimum outer diameter to the transmission sprocket wheel 51 for the first speed ( the minimum speed ) having the largest outer diameter and , at the same time , the transmission sprocket wheel 51 to 57 are connected to the output shaft 14 in a spline engagement on the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft 14 . the transmission chain 58 extends between and is wounded around the drive sprocket wheel body 40 and the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 so as to transmit the rotation between the crankshaft 11 and the output shaft 14 by means of the transmission chain 58 . the transmission changeover mechanism m 2 described later is a mechanism which performs the transmission by changing over the winding of the transmission chain 58 among the group of transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . that is , the transmission changeover mechanism m 2 functions to extend the transmission chain 58 between one transmission sprocket wheel which is selected out of the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 by the transmission changeover mechanism m 2 and the above - mentioned drive sprocket wheel 41 . accordingly , the output shaft 14 is rotatably driven by the crankshaft 11 with a transmission ratio which is determined by a tooth number ratio between the above - mentioned transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 . then , the power of the output shaft 14 is transmitted to the rear wheel wr by way of the rear wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 , the rear wheel drive chain 17 and the rear wheel driven sprocket wheel 16 ( see fig1 ) which are provided on the right side and outside of the casing 20 . fig8 is a cross - sectional view taken along a line viii - viii in fig3 and shows portions which are mainly relevant to the derailleur shaft 81 of the transmission mechanism m 2 . fig1 is a cross - sectional developed view taken along a line xii - xii in fig3 and is a cross - sectional developed view which is formed by adding a cross - sectional view of the output shaft 14 to the above - mentioned cross - sectional view . fig1 shows another state . in fig1 , 8 and 12 , the transmission changeover mechanism m 2 which is operated by a transmission manipulating mechanism 60 includes the derailleur 80 which has the guide pulley 86 , and a tensioner 100 which has a tensioner pulley 105 . further , as shown in fig4 , the transmission chain 58 is wound around the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the above - mentioned transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . further , during operation , the transmission chain 58 is wound around the guide pulley 86 and the tensioner pulley 105 which are arranged at a side where the transmission chain 58 is slackened . the transmission manipulating mechanism 60 shown in fig1 includes a transmission manipulating member 61 which includes a transmission lever or the like which is manipulated by the rider , a wire 62 which connects the transmission manipulating member 61 and the derailleur 80 to transmit an operation of the transmission manipulating member 61 to the derailleur 80 , and an outer tube 63 which covers the wire 62 . see fig1 and fig8 . in fig8 , the derailleur 80 includes a derailleur shaft 81 which is rotatably supported on an upper front portion of the casing 20 , a derailleur arm 82 which has a proximal end portion thereof slidably fitted on and supported on the derailleur shaft 81 in a state that the proximal end portion is turnable and movable in the axial direction , a guide pulley 86 which is rotatably supported on a distal end portion of the derailleur arm 82 , a compression coil spring 91 which pushes the derailleur arm 82 along the derailleur shaft 81 in the rightward direction , a manipulating pin 65 which constitutes a manipulating element for moving the derailleur arm 82 with respect to the derailleur shaft 81 in response to the transmission manipulation by the transmission manipulating mechanism 60 , and a balancing spring 92 which is constituted of a torsional coil spring which biases the derailleur arm 82 in the rotating direction ( see fig4 ) which is directed to the output shaft 14 against a tension of the transmission chain 58 which is applied by the tensioner pulley 105 . as shown in fig5 , 12 and 13 , the derailleur shaft 81 is rotatably supported on the casing 20 such that a center line thereof becomes parallel to a rotation center line of the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 , while the guide pulley 86 is supported on the derailleur arm 82 such that a rotation center line thereof becomes parallel to the rotation center line of the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 . more particularly as shown in fig8 , a left end portion of the derailleur shaft 81 is rotatably supported on the left reinforcing member 22 l by way of the bearing cap 68 which is fitted in the derailleur bearing hole 27 l of the left reinforcing member 22 l , while a right end portion of the derailleur shaft 81 is rotatably supported on the right reinforcing member 22 r in a state wherein the right end portion is fitted in the derailleur bearing hole 27 r of the right reinforcing member 22 r . here , an opening of the derailleur bearing hole 27 r of the right reinforcing member 22 r is closed by inserting the cap 69 therein from the outside . the bearing cap 68 is positioned and mounted such that the bearing cap 68 is inserted in the derailleur bearing hole 27 l of the left reinforcing member 22 l from the inside , the flange portion 68 a is fitted in an inner shoulder portion of the derailleur bearing hole 27 l , and a retainer ring 98 is fitted in an annular groove formed in an outer peripheral surface of the left end of the bearing cap 68 . the derailleur shaft 81 which penetrates the bearing cap 68 and is rotatably supported by the bearing cap 68 has its movement thereof in the right direction restricted such that a retainer ring 95 which is fitted in an annular groove formed in the outer peripheral surface is brought into contact with a washer 94 which is fitted on an outer peripheral surface of a projecting end portion of the derailleur shaft 81 . the leftward movement in the axial direction of the derailleur shaft 81 is restricted by a washer 93 which is fitted on a shoulder portion formed on an outer peripheral surface in the inside of the derailleur shaft 81 . accordingly , although the rotation of the derailleur shaft 81 is allowed , the movement of the derailleur shaft 81 in the axial direction is restricted . as shown in fig8 , the balancing spring 92 which is wound around the outer periphery of the derailleur shaft 81 has a right end 92 a which constitutes one end thereof engaged with a portion of the derailleur shaft 81 at a position along the washer 93 and a left end 92 b which constitutes another end engaged with the bearing cap 68 . that is , between the bearing cap 68 and the derailleur shaft 81 , the balancing spring 92 which is constituted of a torsional coil spring is interposed in the relative rotational direction . as shown in fig8 and 9 , a pair of twisted guide holes 81 a , 81 a which are gently spirally inclined in the axial direction are formed in a sleeve wall of the cylindrical derailleur shaft 81 in a center axis symmetry . as shown in fig1 , a pair of rollers 66 , 66 which are arranged on the manipulating pins 65 which penetrate both guide grooves 81 a , 81 a are respectively fitted in the guide holes 81 a , 81 a in a rotatable manner . as shown in fig9 and 10 , a ring - like roller 66 having an outer diameter of 6 mm and an inner diameter of 3 mm is rotatably pivoted on the manipulating pin 65 having a diameter of 3 mm . the roller 66 is fitted in a guide hole 81 a having a width of 6 mm or more such that the roller 66 is rotatable in the inside of the guide hole 81 a . although a twisting angle of the guide hole 81 a , an inclination angle with respect to a mother line which is parallel to the center axis line of the derailleur shaft 81 , is approximately 40 degree , when the manipulating pin 65 moves in the inside of the guide hole 81 a , the manipulating pin 65 and the roller 66 function to rotate the derailleur shaft 81 and the rotating force twists the balancing spring 92 by approximately 10 degree so that the manipulating pin 65 which is indirectly fitted in the guide hole 81 a by way of the roller 66 is turnable together with the derailleur arm 82 within a range of 30 °. as shown in fig1 , the manipulating pin 65 extends further outside than both rollers 66 , 66 and has both ends thereof fitted on proximal end portions 84 a of the second derailleur arm 84 in the derailleur arm 82 which penetrates the derailleur arm 81 and is pivotally supported in a state that the derailleur arm 82 is turnable and movable in the axial direction . a connecting hook 67 is mounted on a center portion of the manipulating pin 65 which is positioned at an intermediate position between both of these rollers 66 , 66 by way of an engagement of a u - shaped end portion . a wire 62 is inserted into the inside of the derailleur shaft 81 through a small hole formed on a center line of the derailleur shaft 81 at the center of the guide cap 64 which covers a left - end opening of the derailleur shaft 81 , and a distal end of the wire 62 is connected to one end of the connecting hook 67 . to perform the assembling steps for connecting the wire 62 to the manipulating pin 65 is , as shown in fig8 , the wire 62 is inserted into the inside of the derailleur shaft 81 through the small hole formed in the center of the guide cap 64 , the wire 62 is made to pass through the center portion , between the rollers 66 , 66 , of the manipulating pin 65 and to project from the opening of the derailleur bearing hole 27 r , and the connecting hook 67 is connected to the distal end of the wire 62 . then , the wire 62 is pulled leftward by grasping a portion of the wire 62 which is extended from the guide cap 64 so as to pull the connecting hook 67 connected to the wire 62 into the inside of the derailleur shaft 81 , and the u - shaped end portion of the connecting hook 67 is engaged with the center portion of the manipulating pin 65 thus achieving the above - mentioned assembled means . here , after assembling , the cap 69 is fitted into the opening of the derailleur bearing hole 27 r of the right reinforcing member 22 r so as to plug the opening . as shown in fig8 and 11 , on an outer surface of the bearing cap 68 , a pair of support brackets 68 b , 68 b project in an opposed manner at a position offset to one side . a guide roller 71 is rotatably mounted on the center of a support shaft 70 which has both end portions thereof supported by the support brackets 68 b , 68 b in a penetrating manner , and the center axis of the derailleur shaft 81 forms a tangent of a circumferential circle of the guide roller 71 . a wire guide member 72 is mounted in a state that the wire guide member 72 covers the periphery of the support brackets 68 b , 68 b and the guide cap 64 . the wire guide member 72 has the following construction as shown in fig1 . lower ends of side walls 72 a , 72 a which sandwich the support brackets 68 b , 68 b from outside are connected by a connecting portion 72 b , one end surface of three sides of the side walls 72 a , 72 b and the connecting portion 72 b forms a mating surface with the bearing cap 68 . as shown in fig8 , upper portions of the side walls 72 a , 72 a extend upwardly while being separated from the mating surface and are connected thus forming a wire guide portion 72 c . a guide hole 72 d is formed in the wire guide portion 72 c in the oblique upward direction . an end portion of the large - diameter outer tube 63 is fitted into an upper half portion of the guide hole 72 d , while the wire 62 penetrates a lower half portion of the guide hole 72 d having a small diameter . see fig8 . the wire guide member 72 has axial holes at positions of the side walls 72 a , 72 a which become coaxial with the pivotal mounting portions of the above - mentioned support brackets 68 b , 68 b . the support brackets 68 b , 68 b are inserted between both side walls 72 a , 72 a and mating surfaces are made to conform to an outer surface of the bearing cap 68 . the guide roller 71 is inserted into the support brackets 68 b , 68 b , with the support shaft 70 penetrating all of the side wall 72 a , the support bracket 68 b and the guide roller 71 from the outside so as to mount the wire guide member 72 on the bearing cap 68 and , at the same time , to pivotally support the guide roller 71 . as shown in fig8 , the derailleur arm 82 includes a first derailleur arm 83 and a second derailleur arm 84 . a cylindrical slide member 85 is slidably fitted on an outer periphery of the derailleur shaft 81 in a state wherein the slide member 85 performs the translation in the center axial direction and the turning . proximal end portions 83 a , 84 a of the first and second derailleur arms 83 , 84 are fitted on an outer periphery of the slide member 85 under pressure in parallel . a distal end portion 83 b of the first derailleur arm 83 and a boss portion 84 b formed on the center of a flattened cylindrical portion 84 c formed on a distal end of the second derailleur arm 84 are fastened and are integrally connected with each other due to the threaded engagement of a guide pulley support shaft 87 which constitutes a bolt while sandwiching a cylindrical collar 89 therebetween and a nut 88 . as shown in fig8 , 15 and 16 , a drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 120 which is curved in an approximately semicircular shape is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the flattened cylindrical portion 84 c of the second derailleur arm 84 in a state wherein the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 120 extends towards the distal end of the second derailleur arm 84 . the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 120 is integrally rotated with the derailleur arm 84 around the derailleur shaft 81 at selected positions between a position which is closest to the output shaft 14 , indicated by a solid line , and a position which is remotest from the output shaft 14 , indicated by a chain double - dashed line , as shown in fig4 . further , as indicated by a chain double - dashed line in fig4 , when the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 120 is in a state wherein the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 120 assumes the remotest position from the output 14 , the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 120 is formed into a shape that the inner center of an approximately semicircular arch of the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 120 is positioned at the pivot shaft 7 which penetrates the left and right casings 20 l , 20 r in the inside of the casing 20 , that is , a shape in which a radius of curvature of the approximately semicircular arch has a substantially equal value as a radius of the guide pulley 86 of the derailleur 80 . as shown in fig1 and fig1 , a cylindrical proximal portion 104 of a tensioner arm 101 of a tensioner 100 is rotatably supported on an outer periphery of the collar 89 through which the guide pulley support shaft 87 penetrates , and a pair of first and second tensioner arms 102 , 103 extend from both end portions of the cylindrical proximal portion 104 . as shown in fig8 , the guide pulley 86 is rotatably supported on an outer periphery of the cylindrical proximal portion 104 by way of needle bearings 90 . as shown in fig1 , the manipulating pin 65 which penetrates a pair of guide holes 81 a , 81 a of the derailleur shaft 81 further extends to the outside from both rollers 66 , 66 , and then penetrates the slide member 85 , and has both ends thereof fitted on the proximal end portion 84 a of the second derailleur arm 84 . further , the above - mentioned compression coil 91 is interposed between the bearing cap 68 and the proximal end portion 83 a of the first derailleur arm 83 and biases the first and second derailleur arms 83 , 84 in the right direction . as shown in fig1 and fig1 , the tensioner 100 includes the tensioner arm 101 which has the cylindrical proximal portion 104 thereof pivotally supported on the guide pulley support shaft 87 , a tensioner pulley 105 which is pivotally supported on a distal end of the tensioner arm 101 , and a tensioner spring 106 which tilts and biases the tensioner arm 101 with respect to the derailleur arm 82 . the tensioner arm 101 includes first and second tensioner arms 102 , 103 and a tensioner pulley support shaft 108 which constitutes a bolt penetrates the first and second tensioner arms 102 , 103 while sandwiching an inner race of a bearing 107 between distal end portions of the first and second tensioner arms 102 , 103 and is threadedly engaged with a nut 109 so as to fasten the first and second tensioner arms 102 , 103 . further , the tensioner pulley 105 is fitted on an outer race of the bearing 107 so as to rotatably and pivotally support the tensioner pulley 105 about the tensioner pulley support shaft 108 . here , to explain in conjunction with fig4 and 8 , projecting portions 102 a , 103 a are formed in the vicinity of the proximal portions of the first and second tensioner arms 102 , 103 with a collar 110 interposed between both projecting portions 102 a , 103 a . the projecting portions 102 a , 103 a are integrally connected with each other due to the threaded engagement of a bolt 111 and a nut 112 . as shown in fig4 and 5 , the transmission chain 58 is wound around the drive sprocket wheel 41 which is pivotally mounted on the crankshaft 11 in the clockwise direction in fig4 by way of the one - way clutch 42 and the slide mechanism s . thereafter , the transmission chain 58 is wound around the tensioner pulley 105 in the clockwise direction . the transmission chain 58 passes between the bolt 111 and the guide pulley 86 and is wound around the guide pulley 86 in the counter clockwise direction . thereafter , the transmission chain 58 is wound in the clockwise direction around any one of the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 and , thereafter , returns to the drive sprocket wheel 41 and is wound around the drive sprocket wheel 41 . a tensioner spring 106 includes a torsional coil spring , as shown in fig1 , and is accommodated in a flattened cylindrical portion 84 c formed on a distal end portion of the second derailleur arm 84 in a state wherein the tensioner spring 106 surrounds a center boss portion 84 b . one end portion 106 a of the tensioner spring 106 is engaged with the second derailleur am 84 , while another end portion 106 b of the tensioner spring 106 is engaged with the second tensioner arm 103 . due to a spring force of the tensioner spring 106 , the tensioner arm 101 is biased in the clockwise direction about the guide pulley support shaft 87 which includes a pivoting center shaft in fig4 so as to push the tensioner pulley 105 . thus , a proper amount of tension is imparted to the transmission chain 58 thus preventing the slackening of the transmission chain 58 . due to a reaction force of the spring force of the tensioner spring 106 , in fig4 , a torque in the counter clockwise direction which brings the derailleur arm 82 provided with the guide pulley 86 close to the output shaft 14 is generated . a balancing spring 92 is interposed between the bearing cap 68 and the derailleur shaft 81 and is formed of a torsional coil spring which is provided for imparting a torque to the derailleur arm 82 by way of the engagement of the guide holes 81 a , 81 a of the derailleur shaft 81 and the manipulating pin 65 . more specifically , as illustrated in fig4 , the balancing spring 92 serves to apply a balancing torque which is balanced with the counter clockwise torque which is generated by the reaction force of the spring force of the above - mentioned tensioner spring 106 . in this embodiment , a balancing torque in the clockwise direction separates the derailleur arm 82 provided with the guide pulley 86 from the output shaft 14 to the derailleur shaft 81 . due to such a construction , when the derailleur arm 82 and the guide pulley 86 are moved in the axial direction to enable the changeover of the winding of the transmission chain 58 among the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 which differ in the outer diameter in response to the transmission manipulation of the transmission manipulating mechanism m 2 , it is possible to hold a tension imparted to the transmission chain 58 to an optimum value in a following manner . along with the axial movement of the derailleur arm 82 , when the transmission chain 58 turns around the derailleur shaft 81 , the spring force of the tensioner spring 106 is increased or decreased corresponding to the increase or decrease of the spring force of the balancing spring 92 which is changed along with the tilting of the derailleur arm 82 . thus , the tension applied to the transmission chain 58 can be held at the optimum value . to explain the operation in conjunction with fig8 and 11 , a lower portion of a cylindrical portion 22 t which constitutes the derailleur bearing hole 27 l of the left reinforcing member 22 l is partially notched to expose a portion of the outer periphery of the bearing cap 68 . a screw mounting boss 22 b is formed in a bulged manner along a notched opening end surface of the cylindrical portion 22 . a projection 68 c is formed on an exposed outer peripheral surface of the bearing cap 68 which faces an end surface of the screw mounting boss 22 b . an adjusting bolt 73 , which is threaded in the direction orthogonal to the derailleur shaft 81 , penetrates the screw mounting boss 22 b with a distal end of the adjusting bolt 73 being brought into contact with a bulging portion 68 c of the bearing cap 68 . since a torque which acts on the derailleur shaft 81 due to the tension of the transmission chain 58 acts on the bearing cap 68 by way of the balancing spring 92 , the projection 68 c of the bearing cap 68 is constantly brought into pressure contact with a distal end of the adjusting bolt 73 . a nut 74 is threadedly engaged with the adjusting bolt 73 , wherein after the rotary angle of the derailleur shaft 81 is adjusted . the nut 74 is threaded with the adjusting bolt 73 and is brought into contact with the screw mounting boss 22 b . thus , the adjusting bolt 73 is fixed . as shown in fig8 , a coil spring 76 is interposed between a head portion of the stopper bolt 75 and an opening end of the stopper bolt hole 30 , wherein the stopper bolt 75 is biased rightwardly by a spring force of the coil spring 76 and the stopper bolt 75 is fixed due to the increase of a frictional force between male threads of the stopper bolt 75 and female threads of the right reinforcing member 22 r . in conjunction with fig4 , 12 and 13 , the following explanation is made with respect to a changeover movable range of the guide pulley 86 and a moving path of the guide pulley 86 within the changeover movable range which enable the changeover of winding of the transmission chain 58 which is guided by the guide pulley 86 to respective transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . the above - mentioned changeover movable range of the guide pulley 86 by the transmission manipulation of the transmission manipulation mechanism 60 is defined by a first position , see fig1 , where the derailleur arm 82 is brought into contact with the stopper bolt 75 due to the spring force of the compression coil spring 91 and a second position , see fig1 , where the manipulating pin 65 moves the derailleur arm 82 leftwardly so that the derailleur arm 82 is brought into contact with a washer 93 which constitutes a stopper . with respect to the above - mentioned changeover movable range , the axial directional range of the derailleur shaft 81 is set such that the guide pulley 86 assumes the axial directional positions equal to those of the transmission sprocket wheel 57 having the minimum outer diameter and the transmission sprocket wheel 51 having the maximum outer diameter which are transmission sprocket wheels positioned at both axial end portions of the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 . the axial directional range of the derailleur shaft 81 is determined by the position of the stopper bolt 75 at the above - mentioned first position and the axial directional position of the washer 93 at the above - mentioned second position . on the other hand , a rotation movable range about the derailleur shaft is set such that the guide pulley 86 occupies positions where the guide pulley 86 is radially and outwardly spaced apart by given distances from these transmission sprocket wheels 57 , 51 corresponding to the transmission sprocket wheel 57 having the minimum outer diameter and the transmission sprocket wheel 51 having the maximum outer diameter . see fig4 . the derailleur shaft 81 is supported on the casing 20 in a state wherein the derailleur shaft 81 is rotatable with respect to the casing 20 and the axial directional movement thereof is interrupted . accordingly , with respect to the rotational range of the derailleur shaft 81 , the rotary positions of the derailleur shaft 81 are determined based on the balancing position where a shape of a spiral guide hole 81 a which is gently inclined , a torque ta which acts on the derailleur shaft 81 by way of the manipulating pin 65 due to the spring force of the tensioner spring 106 which acts on the derailleur arm 82 , and a balancing torque tb which is generated by the spring force of the balancing spring 92 and acts on the derailleur shaft 81 balance with each other . accordingly , the shape of the spiral guide hole 81 a of the derailleur shaft 81 is , in view of the above - mentioned balancing of the torques , preliminarily designed such that the derailleur arm 82 is turned to respective given turning positions corresponding to respective axial positions which correspond to the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . the irregularities exist with respect to both - end engaging positions of the balancing spring 92 immediately after assembling . thus , an initial load of the balancing spring 92 does not agree with a given value . accordingly , the initial adjustment is necessary and an adjustment method thereof is explained hereinafter . the above - mentioned inspection hole 28 l formed in the left casing 20 l is provided at a position where the guide pulley support shaft 87 of the guide pulley 86 and the center axis of the inspection hole 28 l are coaxially aligned with each other when , as shown in fig1 , the derailleur arm 82 is positioned at an axial directional position which corresponds to the first - speed , minimum transmission ratio , with the transmission sprocket wheel 51 having the largest outer diameter and is also accurately positioned at given turning position , see chain double - dashed line in fig4 . accordingly , provided that the axial directional position and turning position of the derailleur arm 82 are set to the given relationship , when the transmission ratio is set to a minimum value by manipulating the transmission manipulating member 61 of the transmission manipulating mechanism 60 , it is assumed that the guide pulley support shaft 87 can be viewed with naked eyes by visually checking the inspection hole 28 l of the left casing 20 l . as mentioned previously , when the adjusting bolt 73 is rotated and is advanced , the bearing cap 68 and the left end 92 b of the balancing spring 92 are turned in one direction or the reverse direction about the derailleur shaft 81 , and the balancing spring 92 is reeled in or reeled out so that the initial load of the balancing spring 92 is increased or decreased whereby the torque tb which acts on the derailleur shaft 81 by way of the balancing spring 92 is changed as mentioned above . the initial rotary angle of the derailleur shaft 81 is adjusted under the balancing of the torque tb and the torque ta which acts on the derailleur shaft 81 due to the tension of the transmission chain 58 , whereby the derailleur arm 82 is turned by way of the manipulating pin 65 due to the rotation of the derailleur shaft 81 . accordingly , by setting the transmission ratio to the minimum value by manipulating the transmission manipulating member 61 after assembling , the threaded engagement state of the adjusting bolt 73 is adjusted by visually checking the inspection hole 28 l of the left casing 20 l . see fig2 . when the adjusting bolt 73 is rotatably manipulated , the derailleur arm 82 is turned simultaneously with the guide pulley support shaft 87 . thus , the adjusting bolt 73 is rotatably manipulated such that the guide pulley support shaft 87 can be viewed through the inspection hole 28 l by visual checking the inspection hole 28 l . a state in which the adjustment is completed is shown in fig1 and is indicated by a chain double - dashed line in fig4 . in this manner , provided that the initial adjustment of the rotational angle of the derailleur shaft 81 is properly performed when the transmission ratio is at a minimum , since the shape of the guide hole 81 a of the derailleur shaft 81 is preliminarily designed by taking the balancing of the torque into consideration , the rotational angles of the derailleur shaft 81 at respective other transmission ratios can be automatically set to given angles , respectively . thus , it is possible to turn the derailleur arm 82 and the guide pulley 86 to respective turning positions corresponding to respective axial positions which correspond to the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . after completion of the initial adjustment , the cap 96 is fitted in the inspection hole 28 l to plug the inspection hole 28 l . as described above , by performing the rotational manipulation of the adjusting bolt 73 such that the guide pulley support shaft 87 can be observed with the naked eyes while visually checking the inspection hole 28 l , it is possible to accurately and simply set the axial directional position and the turning direction of the derailleur arm 82 to given positions . next , the slide restricting structure of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 is explained . fig1 is a cross - sectional developed view taken along a line xiv - xiv in fig4 . that is , fig1 is a developed view of a cross - section including the crankshaft 11 , the guide pulley support shaft 87 and the derailleur shaft 81 . fig1 is a right side view of the above - mentioned second derailleur arm 84 and fig1 is a cross - sectional view taken along a line xvi - xvi in fig1 . as shown in fig1 , a drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is curved in an arcuate shape and extends from an outer peripheral portion of the flattened cylindrical portion 84 c . the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is a member which restricts the slide movement of the drive sprocket wheel 41 and is integrally formed with the second derailleur arm 84 . the derailleur arm 82 is rotated together with the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 about the derailleur shaft 81 in response to the transmission manipulation and assumes selected positions between a position , indicated by a solid line , where the derailleur arm 82 is arranged closest to the output shaft and a position , indicated by an imaginary line , where the derailleur arm 82 is arranged remotest from the output shaft as viewed from the right side in the axial direction of the output shaft . in the state wherein the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 assumes the position where the member 120 is remotest from the output shaft 14 , the pivot shaft 7 assumes a state in which the pivot shaft 7 is positioned at the inner center of an arch of the drive sprocket position setting member 120 . in a lower half portion of fig1 , the crankshaft 11 is provided with the drive sprocket wheel body 40 of the transmission mechanism m 1 , wherein the drive sprocket wheel body 40 includes the one - way clutch 42 , the slide mechanism s , the drive sprocket wheel 41 , the transmission chain removal preventing chain guides 47 , and the drive sprocket movement restricting member 121 which restricts the movement of the drive sprocket wheel . as mentioned previously , the above - mentioned chain guides 47 are mounted on both sides of a tip portion of the drive sprocket wheel 41 using rivets 49 . fig1 is a right side view of the above - mentioned drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 and fig1 is a cross - sectional view taken along a line xviii - xviii in fig1 . using rivets 125 which penetrate a rivet hole 122 formed in a flange portion 45 c of the outer sleeve 45 , a rivet hole 123 formed in the drive sprocket wheel 41 and a rivet hole 124 formed in the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 , the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 is integrally mounted on a right side of the above - mentioned drive sprocket wheel 41 concentrically with the drive sprocket wheel . as shown in fig4 , in a side view , the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is positioned to be overlapped with the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 between a distal end of a curved portion to an approximately intermediate portion of the arch . the distal end of the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is arranged at an approximately intermediate portion of a line which connects the crankshaft 11 and the guide pulley support shaft 87 of the derailleur 80 . the alignment mechanism of the transmission chain is hereinafter explained . as illustrated in fig4 , in a path of the transmission chain extends and is wound around the reel - out side of the transmission sprocket wheel and the reel - in side of the above - mentioned drive sprocket wheel with a chain guide member 130 which aligns the transmission chain being provided . fig1 is a right side view showing only members which are relevant to the transmission chain alignment in the inside of the casing 20 for indicating the relative positional relationship among the above - mentioned transmission sprocket wheel body 50 , the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the chain guide member 130 . fig2 is a side view of the above - mentioned chain guide member 130 , and fig2 is an upper plan view of the chain guide member 130 . the above - mentioned chain guide member 130 is made of synthetic resin and includes an upper guide portion 131 which is arranged above the chain path , a lower guide portion 132 which is arranged below the chain path , and a vertical connecting portion 133 which connects the above - mentioned both guide portions . the upper guide portion 131 constitutes an upper movement restricting member of the transmission chain 58 and the lower guide portion 132 is a lower movement restricting member of the transmission chain 58 , wherein the above - mentioned members are integrally connected by the vertical connecting portion 133 to constitute a single part . two bolt holes 134 are formed in the vertical connecting portion 133 . as shown in fig2 , the chain guide member 130 is fixed to the left reinforcing member 22 l of the casing 20 l by way of bolts 137 which are inserted into these bolt holes 134 . the chain guide member 130 is , as shown in fig4 and 19 , arranged at a middle portion between the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 , as viewed in a side view , the above - mentioned upper guide portion 131 is provided at a position where the upper guide portion 131 is overlapped to the multi - stage transmission sprocket wheels 50 . transmission - chain - delivering - side surfaces of the upper and lower guide members 131 , 132 are arranged parallel to each other as viewed in the transmission chain moving direction and are formed to have a width sufficient to allow the transmission chain 58 to pass between the upper and lower guide portion 131 , 132 . as shown in fig2 , an oblique comb - teeth - like portion 135 is formed on a distal end of the upper guide member 131 on a transmission - sprocket - wheel - body 50 side . the respective comb teeth are inserted into gaps formed between tips of respective transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . at the time of changing over the transmission chain , the transmission chain 58 is surely removed from any one of the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 with which the transmission chain 58 being meshed and the transmission chain 58 being returned in the direction toward the drive sprocket wheel 41 . as shown in fig2 , on a drive - sprocket - wheel side of the chain guide member 130 , a throat portion 136 which narrowly restricts the vertical position of the passing transmission chain 58 is provided . this throat portion 136 is a portion which narrows a vertical width of the transmission chain path . next , the manner of operation and advantageous effects of the embodiment having the above - mentioned constitution are hereinafter explained . as indicated by the solid line in fig4 and as shown in fig5 , 8 and 12 , in a state wherein the transmission sprocket wheel 57 is selected as a operating sprocket wheel among the group of the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 by the derailleur 80 having the derailleur arm 82 provided at the above - mentioned first position , that is , when the seventh - speed position is selected as the transmission position , due to the crankshaft 11 which is rotated in the advancing direction p as the rider turns the pedals 12 , the drive sprocket wheel 41 is rotatably driven in the advancing direction p by way of the one - way clutch 42 and the slide mechanism s . due to the drive sprocket wheel 41 which is rotatably driven in the advancing direction p , the transmission sprocket wheel 57 , the output shaft 14 and the rear wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 are rotatably driven at the high - speed - side maximum transmission ratio which is determined by both sprocket wheels 41 , 57 by way of the transmission chain 58 . the power of the crankshaft 11 , which is rotatably driven by the rider , is transmitted to the output shaft 14 by way of the drive sprocket wheel 41 , the transmission chain 58 and the transmission sprocket wheel 57 . thus , the power of the output shaft 14 is transmitted to the rear wheel wr by way of the above - mentioned drive force transmission mechanism whereby the bicycle b travels at the seventh - speed position . to change over the transmission position from the above - mentioned state which assumes the seventh - speed position using the derailleur 80 , when the transmission manipulating member 61 is manipulated to select the low - speed - side transmission sprocket wheel , for example , the transmission sprocket wheel 51 as the operating sprocket wheel , due to the wire 62 which is moved leftwardly in the derailleur axial direction in fig1 , the manipulating pin 65 which is guided by the guide hole 81 a is moved toward a left - side peripheral portion 61 g of the guide hole 81 a . here , the derailleur arm 82 and the guide pulley 86 which are integrally moved with the manipulating pin 65 are moved on the derailleur shaft 81 leftwardly along the axis in fig1 . at the same time , the derailleur arm 82 and the guide pulley 86 are rotated in the clockwise direction about the derailleur shaft 81 in fig4 . at a point in time when the derailleur arm 82 comes into contact with the washer 93 ( see fig1 ), the alignment mechanism assumes the first - speed position which is the transmission position indicated by a chain double - dashed line in fig4 . here , a state of the pin 61 p is indicated by a chain double - dashed line in fig1 . thereafter , the winding of the transmission chain 58 which is moved leftwardly in fig1 together with the guide pulley 86 is changed over from the transmission sprocket wheel 57 to the transmission sprocket wheel 51 , sequentially , by way of the sprocket wheels 56 to 52 halfway . thus , the transmission sprocket wheel 51 is drivably connected with the drive sprocket wheel 41 by way of the transmission chain 58 as shown in fig1 . the drive sprocket wheel 41 , which is movable in the crankshaft axial direction by the slide mechanism s shown in fig5 and 6 , is moved in the axial direction of the crankshaft 11 due to a crankshaft - axial - directional component of tension of the transmission chain 58 and assumes a position indicated by a chain double - dashed line in fig1 . further , the tensioner pulley 105 assumes a position where the tensioner pulley 105 imparts a proper amount of tension to the transmission chain 58 using the tensioner spring 106 . see a chain double - dashed line in fig4 . further , when the wire 62 is slackened by manipulating the transmission manipulating member 61 and any one of the high - speed - side transmission sprocket wheels 52 to 57 is selected which exhibit a higher speed than the transmission sprocket wheel 51 is selected as the operating sprocket wheel , the derailleur arm 82 is moved rightwardly due to the spring force of the compression coil spring 91 . at the same time , the guide pulley 86 selects any one of the high - speed - side transmission sprocket wheels 52 to 57 and the winding of the transmission chain 58 is changed over to the above - mentioned selected operating sprocket wheel . also in this case , along with the movement of the derailleur arm 82 , the drive sprocket wheel 41 is moved to the position which corresponds to the new transmission position in the crankshaft axial direction by way of the transmission chain 58 . thereafter , the bicycle b travels with the transmission ratio at the new transmission position . in short , in changing over the transmission position , when the transmission manipulating member 61 is manipulated , the derailleur arm 82 , and the guide pulley 86 , the tensioner pulley 105 are moved to the desired transmission positions . thereafter , the operating sprocket wheel selected from the group of sprocket wheels 51 to 57 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 on the crankshaft are connected with each other by way of the transmission chain 58 by means of the derailleur 80 . due to the crankshaft - axial directional component of the tension of the transmission chain 58 , the drive sprocket wheel 41 is moved along the crankshaft and assumes the position which corresponds to the above - mentioned selected operating sprocket wheel . the wire 62 which is inserted into the guide hole 72 d of the wire guide member 72 is wound around the guide roller 71 and is inserted into the inside of the derailleur shaft 81 from the small hole formed in the guide cap 64 . accordingly , irrespective of the direction that the wire 62 is inserted into the guide hole 72 d from the outside , the wire 62 which is once inserted into the guide hole 72 d is surely rightly wound around the guide roller 71 orthogonal to the support shaft 70 , and is inserted into the derailleur shaft 81 while being accurately aligned with the center axis of the derailleur shaft 81 whereby the wire 62 can be smoothly advanced and retracted . due to the advancing and retracting of the wire 62 bought about by the manipulation of the transmission manipulating member 61 , the manipulating pin 65 is moved in the inside of the derailleur shaft 81 in the axial direction together with the rollers 66 , 66 by way of the connecting hook 67 . since the pair of rollers 66 , 66 which are pivotally supported on the manipulating pin 65 are respectively rotatably fitted in the guide holes 81 a , 81 a formed in the derailleur shaft 81 , due to the movement of the manipulating pin 65 in the axial direction , the manipulating pin 65 per se is turned by being guided by the guide holes 81 a , 81 a . at the same time , the derailleur arm 82 and the guide pulley 86 can be turned integrally with the manipulating pin 65 with respect to the derailleur shaft 81 and can be moved in the axial direction simultaneously . since the manipulating pin 65 is fitted in the guide holes 81 a , 81 a by way of the rollers 66 , 66 , when the manipulating pin 65 is moved while being guided by the guide holes 81 a , 81 a , the rollers 66 , 66 roll in the directions opposite to each other . thus , the frictional resistance is largely reduced thus making the movement of the manipulating pin 65 smooth whereby the transmission operation can be performed smoothly . since the derailleur shaft 81 is not fixed to the casing 20 and is configured to be rotatable and biased by the balancing spring 92 , even when an excessive torque acts on the derailleur shaft 81 from the manipulating pin 65 by way of the derailleur arm 82 , the derailleur shaft 81 is rotated so that the excessive torque is alleviated . since the torque which acts on the derailleur shaft 81 due to the tension of the transmission chain 58 acts on the bearing cap 68 by way of the balancing spring 92 , the projection 68 c of the bearing cap 68 is constantly pushed to the distal end of the adjusting bolt 73 . accordingly , when the adjusting bolt 73 is advanced or retracted due to the rotation of the adjusting bolt 73 , the bearing cap 68 is rotated about the center axis of the derailleur shaft 81 by way of the projection 68 c of the bearing cap 68 which is fitted in the derailleur bearing hole 27 l . the rotation of the bearing cap 68 rotates the derailleur shaft 81 by way of the balancing spring 92 so as to adjust the rotating angle of the derailleur shaft 81 . the adjustment of the rotating angle of the derailleur shaft 81 is performed by visually checking the inspection hole 28 l formed in the left casing 20 l in a state that the derailleur arm 82 is arranged closest to the left casing 20 l as shown in fig1 when the transmission ratio is a minimum . accordingly , the user can easily observe the guide pulley support shaft 87 and can easily adjust the guide pulley support shaft 87 . further , in this embodiment , when the stopper bolt 75 is threadedly engaged with the stopper bolt hole 30 ( see fig3 ) which is formed in the vicinity of the derailleur bearing hole 27 r formed in the above - mentioned right reinforcing member 22 r , the distal end of the stopper bolt 75 which is threadedly engaged in parallel to the derailleur shaft 81 projects into the inside of the casing 20 and can come into contact with the proximal end portion 84 a of the second derailleur arm 84 . see fig8 . more specifically , based on a threaded engagement amount of the stopper bolt 75 , it is possible to adjust a rightward movable limit of the derailleur arm 82 . further , since the inspection hole 28 r is formed in the above - mentioned right casing 20 r , when the derailleur arm 82 is accurately positioned at the axial position corresponding to the transmission sprocket wheel 57 of the seventh - speed ( maximum transmission ratio ) having the minimum outer diameter and at the given turning position as shown in fig1 , it is possible to make the guide pulley support shaft 87 of the guide pulley 86 and the center axis coaxially aligned with each other . see a chain double - dashed line in fig3 . accordingly , as shown in fig3 , it is possible to adjust the threaded engagement state of the stopper bolt 75 while visually checking the inspection hole 28 r formed in the right casing 20 r such that the rotational angle of the derailleur arm 82 is stopped at a given angle when the transmission ratio is set to a maximum value by manipulating the transmission manipulating member 61 after the above - mentioned adjustment . when the stopper bolt 75 is advanced or retracted due to the rotational manipulation thereof , it is possible to move the derailleur arm 82 which is biased by the compression coil spring 91 in the axial direction . due to this axial movement of the derailleur arm 82 , the derailleur arm 82 is guided and turned in the guide hole 81 a formed in the derailleur shaft 81 by way of the manipulating pin 65 . thus , it is possible to perform the adjustment of the rotating angle by visually checking the inspection hole 28 r . in this manner , it is possible to accurately set the axial position of the derailleur arm 82 when the transmission ratio is set to the maximum value by restricting the axial position using the stopper bolt 75 . after completion of this setting , the cap 97 is fitted into the inspection hole 28 r to plug the inspection hole 28 r . due to the manipulation of the transmission manipulating member 61 described above , it is possible to perform an adjustment such that the derailleur arm 82 and the guide pulley 86 are , respectively , turned to the given turning positions corresponding to the respective axial positions corresponding to the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . thus , the transmission operation can be smoothly performed . more specifically , when the transmission manipulating member 61 is manipulated and the manipulating pin 65 which is connected to the wire 62 is moved in the axial direction to perform the changeover of the winding of the transmission chain 58 to the low speed ( or the high speed ) side , the manipulating pin 65 is guided by the guide hole 81 a formed in the derailleur shaft 81 whose rotational angle is determined by the balancing of the torque and is turned together with the derailleur arm 82 and , at the same time , is moved in the axial direction . accordingly , the transmission chain 58 which is guided by the guide pulley 86 which moves along with the derailleur arm 82 is wound around the transmission sprocket wheel which is alternatively selected out of the group of the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 in response to the transmission position whereby the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the above - mentioned transmission sprocket wheel are drivably connected with each other by the transmission chain 58 . as described above , the adjustment of the derailleur shaft 81 and the setting of the axial position of the derailleur arm 82 can be performed from the outside without disassembling the casing 20 after assembling the transmission t to the frame f . thus , the assembling of the transmission t is facilitated . further , since the inspection holes 28 l , 28 r are plugged with the caps 96 , 97 , the inside of the casing 20 is hermetically sealed . thus , the alignment mechanism hardly receives any disturbance . here , the inspection holes 28 l , 28 r , which constitute inspection windows formed in the casing 20 , may be formed by fitting a transparent member made of glass or the like therein . in this case , it is possible to maintain the sealing performance and , at the same time , it is no longer necessary to perform an operation to remove and fit the cap each time . the bicycle b on which the transmission of the present invention is mounted is a downhill bicycle which is used in a competition in which players compete against time spent for descending an unpaved course which includes high - speed corners and jump sections in a woodland path or the like . accordingly , when the bicycle b turns a sharp curve laterally , the transmission chain 58 which is wound around the drive sprocket wheel body 40 and the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 receives a centrifugal force in the direction opposite to the direction that the bicycle b turns . thus , the transmission chain 58 is liable to be removed from the teeth of the drive sprocket wheel 41 of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 in the centrifugal direction . alternatively , the bicycle b is vigorously jolted vertically due to the unevenness of a traveling surface at the time of traveling . thus , the transmission chain 58 is liable to be removed from the drive sprocket wheel 41 . however , as shown in fig5 and 14 , the chain guides 47 are integrally formed on both sides of the outer peripheral portion of the drive sprocket wheel 41 . thus , it is possible to preliminarily prevent the transmission chain 58 from being removed from the drive sprocket wheel 41 due to the chain guides 47 . further , due to the tension of the transmission chain 58 which is wound around the drive sprocket wheel 41 , the drive sprocket wheel body 40 receives a confining force which prevents the movement of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 in the axial direction of the crankshaft 11 . in this case , when the centrifugal force , which is generated when the bicycle b travels the sharp curve , is large , there may be a case wherein the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the outer sleeve 45 which constitute axially movable portions of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 may move in the centrifugal force direction by overcoming the confining force . however , even in such a case , as shown in fig1 , the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is integrally formed with the derailleur arm 82 whose axial position is set by the derailleur 80 , the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 is integrally mounted on the right side of the drive sprocket wheel 41 , and the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is positioned between the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 . accordingly , when the drive sprocket wheel 41 , the outer sleeve 45 and the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 which constitute the movable portions of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 are made to move leftwardly , for example , due to the above - mentioned centrifugal force , and the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 is brought into contact with the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 . thus , the leftward movement of the movable portions of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 is obstructed . further , when the movable portions of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 are made to move rightwardly due to the above - mentioned centrifugal force , the chain guide members 47 which are integrally formed with the drive sprocket wheel 41 are brought into contact with the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 . thus , the rightward movement of the movable portions of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 is obstructed . due to the slide restriction structure which includes the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 and the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 , the axial position of the drive sprocket wheel 41 is constantly restricted within the given range with respect to the guide pulley 86 and the tensioner pulley 105 . thus , the transmission chain 58 is returned along the rotational surfaces of the drive sprocket wheel 41 , and the tensioner pulley 105 and the given sprocket of the transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . thus , the transmission chain 58 is stably meshed with these sprocket wheels . as a result , it is possible to surely prevent the removal of the transmission chain 58 from these sprocket wheels and , at the same time , the transmission chain 58 can be smoothly returned whereby the high transmission efficiency is obtained . thereafter , drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 which is branched from the outer peripheral portion of the flattened cylindrical portion 84 c to the radial direction is curved in the clockwise direction in fig4 . thus , even when the derailleur arm 82 of the derailleur 80 is tilted in a wide range as indicated by a solid line and a chain double - dashed line in fig4 corresponding to the change of the radii of the transmission sprocket wheel 51 having the maximum diameter and transmission sprocket wheel 57 having the minimum diameter , there is no possibility that the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 collides with the pivot shaft 7 . further , since the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is curved as mentioned above , there exists no substantial difference between the engagement state of the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the ring - like drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 in a state indicated by the solid line in fig4 where the derailleur arm 82 is substantially directed to the crankshaft 11 which constitutes the center of rotation of the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the engagement state of the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the ring - like drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 in a state where the derailleur arm 82 is indicated by the chain double - dashed line in fig4 . as a result , the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 can maintain a fixed contact state with respect to the drive sprocket wheel 41 and the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 . further , since the outer peripheral portion 126 of the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 is formed in a circular ring shape , the contact state of the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 with respect to the drive sprocket wheel position setting member 120 is fixed . still further , since the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 has an inversely v - shaped connecting portion 127 which extends from the ring - like outer peripheral portion 126 to the center direction integrally formed thereon , the drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member 121 can be made light - weighted . in the bicycle b which mounts the transmission t thereon , the rotational force of the crankshaft 11 in the normal direction p which is generated by rotating the pedals 12 rotatably drives the crankshaft 11 , the drive sprocket wheel 41 , the transmission chain 58 , the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 , the output shaft 14 , the rear wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 , the rear wheel drive chain 17 , the rear wheel driven sprocket wheel 16 , and the rear wheel wr in this order . thus , the rear wheel wr is driven and the bicycle b is advanced . in this case , the one - way clutch 42 is provided relative to the drive force transmission path and the one - way clutch 42 is arranged between the crankshaft 11 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 . thus , when the crankshaft 41 is rotated in the reverse direction , the reverse rotation of the crankshaft 11 is not transmitted to the drive sprocket wheel 41 and succeeding parts in the above - mentioned order . when the crankshaft 11 is reversely rotated or stopped during the traveling of the bicycle , the bicycle advances with inertia . more particularly in descending an inclined ground , the bicycle continues the advancing . thus , the rotation of the rear wheel wr of the bicycle is continued . at this point of time , the rotation of the rear wheel wr of the bicycle is directly transmitted to the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 in the following order of the rear wheel wr , the rear wheel driven sprocket wheel 16 , the rear wheel drive chain 17 , the rear wheel drive sprocket wheel 15 , the output shaft 14 and the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 . the transmission chain 58 extends between and is wound around the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 , wherein the drive sprocket wheel 41 which does not yet receive the drive force from the crankshaft 11 is in a state wherein the drive sprocket wheel 41 is passively rotatable and the tension is applied to the transmission chain 58 due to the balance between the tensioner spring 106 of the chain tensioner 100 and the balancing spring 92 . however , when the traveling road is undulated at a small pitch or when the rider strongly steps on the pedals 39 and , thereafter , rapidly stops the stepping of the pedals 39 , as shown in fig1 , the transmission chain 58 is pushed into the reel - in side of the drive sprocket wheel body 40 from the lower reel - out side of the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 . thus , the transmission chain 58 is deflected or slackened thus giving rise to a case wherein the meshing of the drive sprocket wheel 41 with the reel - in side of the drive sprocket wheel 41 cannot be performed smoothly . the chain guide member 130 is provided for preventing such a seizure of the transmission chain 58 . in the transmission t which includes the chain guide member 130 of this embodiment , as shown in fig1 , it is possible to allow the transmission chain 58 which is slackened on the transmission - sprocket - wheel - body - 50 side of the chain guide member 130 to be aligned in a straight line at the throat portion 136 and to smoothly enter the drive sprocket wheel 41 . accordingly , when the bicycle descends an unpaved course such as high - speed corners , jump sections and the like arranged in woodland or the like , the bicycle b repeats the violent up - and - down movement . thus , the vibration attributed to the inertial in the up - and - down direction is imparted . in the bicycle on which the chain guide member is mounted , even when the violent up - and - down movement takes place in the state in which the transmission chain 58 is deflected or slackened in the above - mentioned manner , it is possible to prevent the entrance of the drive sprocket wheel from being clogged with the transmission chain 58 due to the inertial vibration of the transmission chain in the up - and - down direction and to avoid the possibility that the transmission chain 58 is seized in the drive sprocket wheel 41 . as shown in fig2 , the chain guide member 130 is fixed to the left reinforcing member 22 l of the casing 20 l using bolts 137 which are inserted into the bolt holes 134 and the chain guide member 130 is made of synthetic resin . thus , the chain guide member 130 can be manufactured at a low cost and is light - weighted . the chain guide member 130 is , as shown in fig4 and 19 , arranged between the transmission sprocket wheel body 50 and the drive sprocket wheel 41 . the transmission - chain - delivering - side surfaces of the upper and lower guide members 131 , 132 are arranged parallel to each other as viewed in the transfer chain moving direction and are formed to have a sufficient width . thus , when the transmission chain 58 is moved in the axial direction of the output shaft at the time of changing over the winding of the transmission chain 58 , it is possible to smoothly guide the transmission chain 58 . as shown in fig2 , the oblique comb - teeth - like portion 135 is formed on the distal end of the upper guide member 131 on the transmission - sprocket - wheel - body - 50 side and the respective comb teeth are inserted into gaps formed between the respective overlapped transmission sprocket wheels 51 to 57 . accordingly , even at the time of changing over the winding of the transmission chain , it is possible to ensure the restriction of the upward movement of the transmission chain 58 . thus , the transmission chain 58 can be smoothly returned in the direction toward the drive sprocket wheel 41 . as shown in fig2 , on the drive - sprocket - wheel side of the chain guide member 130 , the throat portion 136 which narrowly restricts the vertical position of the passing transmission chain 58 is provided . the transmission chain which is delivered from the throat portion can arrive at the tip position of the drive sprocket wheel 41 in a tangential manner . the invention being thus described , it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways . such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention , and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims . | 5 |
[ 0040 ] fig1 is a schematic external view illustrating a voice recognition calorie control apparatus constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . fig2 is a block diagram illustrating the voice recognition calorie control apparatus in fig1 . as best seen in fig1 the calorie control apparatus 1 comprises a touch panel type lcd module 2 acting as both display and input means , and a power switch 3 for turning the apparatus on and off . in addition a hole 5 is formed in the calorie control apparatus 1 for transmitting a voice to a microphone 4 ( see fig2 ) mounted therein . a touch pen 6 is also provided for entering the data by making contact to the touch panel type lcd module 2 after pulling out of the calorie control apparatus 1 . the calorie control apparatus 1 further includes a storage portion 7 for containing the touch pen 6 when it is not used , and a cover 8 for protecting the touch panel type lcd 2 . the cover 8 is mounted to the calorie control apparatus 1 via a hinged portion 9 thereof for freely opening and closing the apparatus . the cover 8 fully covers the calorie control apparatus 1 when it is at closed position . as best seen in fig2 the calorie control apparatus 1 includes the microphone 4 for receiving the voice signal and converting it into an electrical voice signal . a voice input unit 10 is included in the apparatus 1 for converting the electrical voice signal from the microphone 4 from an analogue form into a digital form . this digital voice signal is then fed to a voice recognition unit 11 for determining which of the food names substantially matches to the digital voice signal fed thereto . an arithmetic and control unit 12 consisting of a cpu or a microcomputer is included for conducting calorie calculation and for controlling other units in the apparatus 1 . in addition a rom 13 is provided for storing the different information such as the voice signals for the foods as well as the calories and nutritive substances for the foods . a memory unit 14 is provided for storing a history for the foods ingested for every day as well as a personal data entered as the initial setting . finally the touch panel type lcd module 2 as described above is included in the apparatus 1 that has both an input function and a display function acting under the instructions from the cpu 12 . now an operation of the calorie control apparatus 1 having the configuration as described above will be described in more detail with reference to flow charts in fig3 to 6 and to lcd screen views in fig7 ( a )- 7 ( f ) and 8 ( a )- 8 ( b ). it is noted in the present description that the term “ key ” means a key that is displayed on the touch panel type lcd module 2 and that is operated by making contact thereto with the touch pen 6 . [ 0043 ] fig3 is a main flow chart for the calorie control apparatus 1 . referring to fig3 a person who desires to conduct the calorie control pushes the power switch 3 to activate the power source for the apparatus 1 so that it becomes operated . then the cpu 12 determines whether the initial setting of the memory 14 has been done or not ( step s 1 ). if not , the procedure automatically enters the initial setting mode . in the initial setting mode the setting of date and time is initially performed to set the current date and the current time ( step s 2 ). then the target calorie intake is entered . in this connection , if a physician designates a certain calorie intake for a day , the designated value is entered for the target calorie intake . after the setting , a normal initial screen is displayed ( step s 3 ). if the initial setting has been done in step s 1 or after completion of the initial setting in steps s 2 and s 3 the normal initial screen as shown in fig7 ( a ) is displayed on the lcd module 2 ( step s 4 ). while displaying the initial screen a check is made to see whether the setting key is depressed or not , in other words , whether the data already set is going to be changed or not ( step s 5 ). if so , the procedure proceeds to step s 2 for the setting mode , but if not , it proceeds to the next step ( step s 6 ). in this step s 6 a check is made to determine whether a graphic display key on the initial screen in fig7 ( a ) is depressed or not . if so , the procedure proceeds to step s 7 to enter a graphic display mode , as described below . but , if not , a check is made to determine whether a food input key is depressed or not ( step s 8 ). if so , the procedure enters a food name input mode . but , if not , the procedure returns to step s 4 to continue the display of initial screen as shown in fig7 ( a ). in the food name input mode , a message indicating that a voice input is possible is initially displayed , as shown in fig7 ( b ) ( step s 9 ). then a check is made to see whether a pen input key is depressed or not , in other words , whether a change to a pen touch input is going on or not ( step s 10 ). if so , the procedure enters a pen touch input mode ( step s 11 ), as described below , but if not , it enters a voice input mode ( step s 12 ). after completion of the food name input operation , a message indicating that the input operation has been done is displayed , together with the total calorie value for that day ( step s 13 ). then a check is made to see whether the graphic display key is depressed or not ( step s 14 ). if so , the procedure enters the graphic display mode . finally a check is made to see whether the power switch 3 is depressed or not . if so , the power supply for the apparatus is turned off to terminate all the operations . but , if not , the procedure returns to step s 9 for entering the food name again . now the voice input mode of operation will be described in more detail . in the voice input mode the voice recognition process is used to select the name of food ingested from among a group of food names stored in the rom 13 . any suitable voice recognition technique already known in the art can be used in the present invention . such technique has been used in various fields such as telephones , personal computers , car navigation systems and the like . therefore , no detailed description for the voice recognition technique itself will be made , but the general description therefor enough to understand the present invention will be made hereunder . the voice recognition is , for instance , effected in the following manner . at first , a voice input is picked up by the microphone for converting into an electrical signal . in this connection , it is preferred that a close - talking microphone or a compact directional microphone is used for the microphone in order not to pick up the surrounding noise . it is not necessary to strictly define the type of microphone , here , because of the possibility of removing any noise by the software processing in the cpu 12 . the voice signal input through the microphone is then fed to a frequency analyzer by which it is divided into a plurality of frames each having duration of a few milliseconds to a few tens milliseconds . a spectrum is calculated for each of the frames . a fast fourier transformation is used for the spectrum analysis . the spectrum thus derived is then converted into a parameter based on the auditory sensation area , and the noise removal process is also applied thereto . then a time change pattern of the spectrum is compared to a voice element model expressing a time series of a voice parameter in a voice element recognition unit . the result of voice element recognition is then compared to a word model in a word recognition unit to calculate a degree of matching therebetween . the result of the word recognition is used to select a combination of words that matches to a language model . now the voice input mode of operation will be described in more detail with reference to the flow chart in fig4 . in the voice input mode the display screen as shown in fig7 ( b ) is displayed on the lcd 2 ( step s 21 ). a person who desires to control the calorie intake speaks the name of food that he ingested toward the microphone 4 mounted in the hole 5 . in this example it is assumed that the person speaks “ curry ”. the voice signal input through the microphone 4 is fed to the voice input unit 10 by which it is converted from an analogue form into a digital form . the digital voice signal is then fed to the voice recognition unit 11 for determining which of the voice signals indicating the food names stored in the rom 13 substantially matches to the digital voice signal ( step s 24 ). if the voice recognition is successful , a series of food names are sequentially displayed on the lcd 2 , beginning with that having the highest degree of matching to the voice signal “ curry ”, as shown in fig7 ( d ) ( step s 24 ). while watching the lcd 2 , the person can select the food name that he spoke with the touch pen 6 if it is displayed on the lcd 2 . on the other hand , if the person can find no food name that he spoke on the lcd 2 , it is determined in step s 23 that the voice recognition is unsuccessful , and such fact is displayed on the lcd 2 ( step s 25 ). then a check is made to confirm the number of times the voice recognition is unsuccessful ( step s 26 ). if the number of times is less than three , the procedure returns to step s 21 for prompting the person to conduct the voice input again . but , if the number of times is not less than three , it is determined that there is no possibility of getting the successful voice recognition even if the voice input of the food name is further continued . then a message for recommending the person to switch to manual pen touch input mode is displayed on the lcd 2 ( step s 27 ), and the voice input mode is terminated . alternatively , switching to the manual pen touch input mode may be done during sequential display of the food names in step s 24 if they include no intended food name . therefore a check is made to see whether the pen input key is depressed or not ( step s 28 ). if so , the procedure enters the pen touch input mode ( step s 29 ). if the sequential display of the food names as shown in fig7 ( d ) includes the intended food name that the person desires to input then the person selects that food name and depresses a “ determination ” key ( step s 30 ). the selection of the food name and the operation of the determination key can be done with the touch pen 6 , but they may optionally be done with the voice signal . after the selection of the food name in such manner the weight and calorie for that food for one person ( 100 %) is displayed , as shown in fig7 ( e ) ( step s 31 ). while the calorie for one particular food is displayed , as shown , it is possible to alter the amount of intake displayed . more particularly , at first , the food for one person is defined as 100 % and the weight and calorie therefor are displayed on the screen . however , in view of the fact that the amount of intake usually varies for every meal , the percentage , weight and calorie values can be altered accordingly by use of a ten - key on the lcd 2 . if the calorie for the food ingested is known the calorie value displayed can directly be replaced therewith . the alteration of the value can be carried out in such manner that the person selects the item that he desires to alter , and then , enters the new value with the ten - key . if a value is altered other items associated therewith are automatically altered ( step s 32 ). then a check is made to see whether the determination key is depressed or not ( step s 33 ). if not , the procedure returns to step s 31 . but , if so , the food is registered as ingested . more particularly the food name , the date and the amount of food ingested are stored in the memory unit 14 ( step s 34 ). then the voice input mode is terminated . now the pen touch input mode of operation will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart in fig5 . in the pen touch input mode , the japanese syllabary ( japanese characters ), “ ” to “ ” are displayed on the screen , as shown in fig7 ( f ) ( step s 41 ). in such condition the person enters the food name one character by one character with the touch pen 6 ( step s 42 ). each time one character is entered a check is made to see whether the determination key is depressed or not , in other words , whether the food name has been entered or not ( step s 43 ). the japanese syllabary ( japanese character ) continue to be displayed until the input operation is terminated . when depressing the determination key the list of the food names associated with the food name entered is displayed ( step s 44 ). in this example , assuming that “ curry ” is entered as the food name with the touch pen , the list of the food names as shown in fig7 ( d ) is displayed . while displaying the list of the food names , the person selects the food name that he desires to input if it is included in the list , and depress the determination key ( step s 45 ). after selection of the food name the weight and calorie for that food for one person ( 100 %) is displayed , as shown in fig7 ( e ) ( step s 46 ). although the calorie for one particular food is displayed , as shown , it is possible to alter the amount of intake displayed . more particularly , at first , the food for one person is defined as 100 % and the weight and calorie therefor are displayed on the screen . however , in view of the fact that the amount of intake usually varies for every meal , the percentage , weight and calorie values can be altered accordingly by use of the ten - key on the lcd 2 . if the calorie for the food ingested is known the calorie value displayed can directly be replaced therewith . the alteration of the value can be carried out in such manner that the person selects the item that he desires to alter , and then , enters the new value with the ten - key . if a value is altered other items associated therewith are automatically altered ( step s 47 ). then a check is made to see whether the determination key is depressed or not ( step s 48 ). if not , the procedure returns to step s 46 . but , if so , the food is registered as ingested . more particularly the food name , the date and the amount of food ingested are stored in the memory unit 14 ( step s 49 ). then the pen touch input mode is terminated . now the graphic display mode of operation will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart in fig6 . in the graphic display mode the calorie intake for each of the days during a week is graphically displayed on the screen , as shown in fig8 ( a ) ( step s 51 ). in such condition a check is made to see whether any bar on any particular day in the bar graph is touched with the touch pen or not ( step s 52 ). if the bar on the day of “ yesterday ” is touched or selected with the touch pen then the data for the foods ingested in that day is displayed ( step s 53 ). when depressing an “ arrow ” mark the data for the foods displayed is scrolled so that all the data for the food ingested can be seen . if the person remembers that he did not enter the data for some food that he ingested in that day then he can additionally enter such data . accordingly a check is made to see whether an “ addition ” key is depressed or not ( step s 54 ). if so , the procedure enters the food name input mode . in this connection a check is made to see whether the pen input key is depressed or not ( step s 55 ). if so , the procedure enters the pen input mode ( step s 56 ). but , if not , it enters the voice input mode ( step s 57 ). after completion of entering the data for the food in either input mode the procedure returns to step s 53 for displaying the food data for the particular day , as shown in fig8 ( b ). if the answer of step s 54 is “ no ” and the answer of step s 58 is “ yes ” then the procedure returns to step s 51 for displaying the bar graph showing the calorie intake for each of the days during a week , as shown in fig8 ( a ). while displaying the bar graph , as shown in fig8 ( a ), depressing a “ return ” key ( step s 59 ) terminates the graphic display mode . alternatively the calorie control apparatus may be configured in such manner that the list of the food names is displayed on the basis of the result of the voice recognition unit 11 and the history of foods ingested in the past as stored in the memory unit 14 . in such case , a minor change in operation is required especially at step s 24 in the voice input mode . in particular the food names having higher degree of matching are sequentially displayed , as described earlier , but they are re - displayed in the different order based upon how many times were the foods ingested previously , as stored in the memory unit 14 . that is to say , the name of food having highest number of times it was ingested in the past is displayed on the top position of the screen . in addition the calorie control apparatus may include a voice output unit for providing a guide function . more particularly a voice signal produced by an acoustic synthesizer is output through the voice output unit , for example , a speaker for prompting the person to perform an operation . for instance , a voice message “ please speak ” may be produced in step s 21 , “ your voice failed to be recognized ” may be produced in step s 25 , and “ please select the food ” may be produced in step s 24 . furthermore the voice signal , as it is recognized , may directly be output in step s 23 . according to such configuration it becomes very easy to operate the apparatus because of the possibility of inputting the food name in interactive manner . thus far described is the one embodiment of the calorie control apparatus according to the present invention in which the food name is entered by using both the voice input operation and the pen touch input operation . in another embodiment the voice input operation may be used alone . in view of the convenience for a user , however , it is preferable to use the pen touch input operation as well . in the embodiment as described above , the direct input of the food name by the pen touch input has been described , as used for the manual input means when the voice recognition is impossible . in addition thereto , the present invention may include other input means already known in the art , such as a character recognition method in which a character written on a touch panel with a pen is recognized ; an input method in which a cross - key is used for selecting a food name in a food name list ; and an input method as disclosed in japanese patent application laid - open no . 11 - 211549 . the cover of the calorie control apparatus may be molded from a transparent material . in such case if the calorie control apparatus is kept on with the transparent cover closed when a user takes a meal then the user can confirm the previous calorie control data while taking a meal . at this time because of the touch panel type lcd module covered with the transparent cover there is no possibility of making dirty of the calorie control apparatus even in taking a meal . as described earlier the calorie control apparatus has the hole formed on the side surface for transmitting the voice signal to the microphone mounted therein . such hole , together with the transparent cover , makes possible for the user to input the voice signal for food data while seeing the display screen covered with the transparent cover . if desired the user may open the cover to input the data with the pen . in this case , again , because of the touch panel type lcd module covered with the transparent cover there is no possibility of making dirty of the calorie control apparatus . furthermore because the apparatus is enclosed by the cover during the time it not used or it is carried by the user the touch panel type lcd module is protected by the cover so that there is no possibility of any erroneous operation occurred . in the embodiment as described above , the microcomputer has been described , as used for the voice recognition process unit . however , the present invention is not limited to such unit , but it also covers the use of dsp ( digital signal processing ). the dsp is such processor that is designed for the purpose of fast processing the digital signal . unlike the microcomputer ( or microprocessor ), the dps includes a hardware multiplier capable of executing a fast multiplication and addition operation , and has an addressing mode suitable for filtering and fft ( data delay function ). therefore the dsp makes possible the concurrent operations of multiplication and addition ; addressing ; and operation of data for multiplication and addition in a shorter machine cycle . in the embodiment as described above the calorie control has been configured in such manner that the total calorie for each of the foods is controlled . however , the present invention is not limited to such configuration , but it may be embodied in another form wherein the calorie control is conducted for each of the food groups . correspondingly the calorie intake for each of the food groups may be graphically displayed . in the embodiment as described above an error message “ your voice failed to be recognized ” has been produced when the voice recognition is impossible . however , the present invention is not limited to such message , but many other messages may be produced depending on the circumstances . for instance , a message “ please speak more loudly ” may be produced when the voice signal is small in amplitude . on the contrary , “ please speak more quietly ” may be produced when the voice signal is larger . in addition , “ please speak more slowly ” may be produced when the spectrum of the voice signal is small . further , “ please speak in more quiet place ” may be produced when the noise other than the true voice is present . accordingly it becomes possible for a user to more easily and reliably input his voice signal . it is apparent from the foregoing that the calorie control apparatus with voice recognition according to the present invention obviates the need of direct contact with user &# 39 ; s hands because of the voice input capability . this is effective in that there is no possibility of making dirty of the apparatus with user &# 39 ; s hands that may not be clean after the user took a meal . in addition , because of the voice input achievable immediately after taking a meal , even an aged person suffering from slips of memory can reduce any defective matters such as forgetting of the input operation itself and misunderstanding of the amount of intake . the calorie control apparatus with voice recognition according to the present invention is configured in such manner that as soon as a user speaks a food name the relevant food names are selected from among those stored in the memory unit . such configuration can solve the problems in the prior art . in particular it can significantly reduce the time and labor required for inputting the name of the food ingested by searching for it from among the great number of food names in the list . therefore it makes possible to continue the calorie control by using the calorie control apparatus of the present invention , that was likely to be discontinued with the prior art apparatus . as described earlier , according to the present invention , the particular food name may selected from among the food names stored in the memory unit on the basis of the result of the voice recognition unit and the history of the foods ingested previously as stored in the memory unit . in such case the food that was ingested more frequently is displayed at upper position in the list , even a plurality of food names having the same degree of matching present . such configuration is very convenience for a user to easily operate the apparatus . in general the voice recognition technique has not yet reached such reliable level that it can identify the input voice signal in the same manner as the typical contact type switch . however , by configuring the apparatus to have both the voice input and the manual input , either one of them may be used depending upon the circumstances where the apparatus is used . for instance , when it is difficult to use the voice input due to the noisy and crowded circumstances and when the user is present in the public area where he must keep quiet then the manual input may usefully be used . in case of the manual pen touch input , the voice input or the touch pen may be used to enter the name of food ingested . therefore there is no need for a user to touch the control apparatus with his hand , which makes no possibility of making dirty of the apparatus . | 6 |
fig1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an embodiment of a liquid feed apparatus of the present invention . in this drawing , reference numerals 1 , 2 and 3 are liquid storage tanks for storing different kinds of liquids , and examples of the different kinds of liquids include , for example , fuels for automobiles , such as high - octane gasoline , regular gasoline and light oil , and various kinds of engine oils . these storage tanks 1 , 2 and 3 containing different kinds of liquids a , b and c are put on a load cell 4 as one weighing means . the load cell 4 is situated on a base member b . the lower ends of pipes 5a , 5b and 5c are opened in the storage tanks 1 , 2 and 3 . furthermore , the pipe 5a is connected to a common pipe 5 via change - over valves 6a and 6b , and the pipe 5b is connected to the common pipe 5 via the change - over valves 6a and 6b , and the pipe 5c is connected to the common pipe 5 via the change - over valve 6b . in the common pipe 5 , a normally / reversely rotatable pump 8 which can be driven by a motor 7 is provided , and a liquid feed nozzle 10 is connected to the common pipe 5 via a hose 22 . in the drawing , reference numeral 9 is a relief valve disposed to the pump 8 , and numeral 11 is a vacuum breaker disposed in the vicinity of the liquid feed nozzle 10 . this vacuum breaker functions as an inlet of an air flow when the liquid in the common pipe 5 is returned to the tank . the tanks , 1 , 2 and 3 , the pipes 5 , 5a , 5b and 5c , the pump 8 and the like are accommodated in a case ( not shown ), and a control panel 23 provided with a display 12 for displaying a liquid feed amount , liquid kind selection switches 14a , 14b and 14c , a liquid feed switch 15 and a stop switch 16 is attached to the front surface of the case . in the case , a control device 13 using a microcomputer or the like is disposed , and the load cell 4 , the liquid kind selection switches 14a , 14b and 14c , the liquid feed switch 15 and the stop switch 16 are connected to the input side of the control device 13 . furthermore , the change - over valves 6a , 6b , the motor 7 and the display 12 are connected to the output side of the control device 13 . the control device 13 is provided with a valve control means 13a , a liquid feed control means 13b and a liquid feed amount display control means 13c . the valve control means 13a receives a signal from the liquid kind selection switch 14a , 14b or 14c to change the change - over valves 6a and 6b so that the common pipe 5 may be connected to the liquid storage tank 1 , 2 or 3 of the selected liquid , and returns the change - over valves 6a and 6b to an original state , after the liquid feed has been completed and the liquid in the common pipe 5 has been returned to the storage tank . the liquid feed control means 13b receives a signal from the liquid feed switch 15 to normally rotate the driving motor 7 for the reversible pump 8 , and receives a signal from the stop switch 16 to reversely rotate the driving motor 7 for the reversible pump 8 and to thereby return the liquid in the common pipe 5 to the tank 1 , 2 or 3 . the liquid feed display control means 13c sets the liquid feed amount to zero when an amount of the pumped liquid obtained by subtracting a certain amount from a liquid amount measured by the weighing means 4 on receiving a signal from the liquid feed switch 15 ( i . e ., an amount of the 1 i quid with which the common pipe 5 is filled ) is detected , divides the subsequent subtracted amount by a specific gravity of the liquid in the concerned liquid storage tank 1 , 2 or 3 to convert the subtracted amount into a liquid feed amount , outputs this liquid feed amount as a liquid feed amount display signal to the display 12 , and fixes the liquid feed amount display signal at the time of the receipt of the signal from the stop switch 16 . the operation of the first embodiment is now explained in reference to a flow chart in fig2 . the feed of the liquid , i . e . a fuel oil such as gasoline or an oil such as engine oil is carried out as follows . in the first place , the liquid kind selection switch 14a , 14b or 14c of a desired liquid ( a step a , k or l ), for example , a liquid a in the tank 1 is selected ( the step a ). as the liquid a in the tank 1 is selected and the switch 14a is depressed , a flow channel is formed between the pipes 5a , 5 and the liquid feed nozzle 10 without outputting any signal to the change - over valves 6a , 6b . then , the liquid feed switch 15 is pushed ( a step b ) to reset the last liquid feed amount to zero , and an output from the load cell 4 is taken in to detect the total weight w 1 of the tanks 1 , 2 and 3 before the start of the liquid feed ( a step c ). then , a driving signal i s input to the motor 7 to normally rotate the pump 8 ( a step d ). when the liquid feed nozzle 10 is manually operated so as to be opened for fuelling to , for instance , a fuel tank of an automobile , the liquid drawn up from the tank 1 by the pump 8 is forwarded to the liquid feed nozzle 10 through the empty pipes 5a , 5 and the hose 22 . during this operation , the detection of the total weight of the tanks 1 2 and 3 by the load cell 4 is continued , and if a weight w 3 obtained by subtracting the total weight w 2 after the start of the liquid feed from the total weight w 1 before the start reaches a predetermined amount ( e . g ., 500 g ) beforehand set as the weight of the liquid with which the empty pipes 5a , 5 and the hose 22 are filled ( a step e ), it is judged that the empty pipes 5a , 5 and the hose 22 are filled with the liquid . after the empty pipes 5a , 5 and the hose 22 have been filled with the liquid in this manner , a change of the weight measured by the load cell 4 is divided by the specific gravity of the liquid a to convert the same into a liquid amount , and this liquid amount is then displayed as the liquid feed amount on the display 12 ( a step f ). when the feed of the liquid has been brought to an end , the nozzle valve 10 is closed and the stop switch 16 is then pushed ( a step g ), whereby the display of the liquid feed amount displayed on the display 12 is fixed and the motor 7 is simultaneously reversely rotated to reversely rotate the pump 8 ( a step h ). as a result , the liquid a remaining in the pipes 5a , 5 and the hose 22 is returned to the tank 1 , and when a certain time beforehand set as a time taken to return all of the liquid a in the pipes 5a and 5 and the hose 22 to the tank 1 , for example , 5 seconds have passed ( a step i ) the motor 7 is stopped ( a step j ). if the liquid b was selected ( the step k ), the change - over valve 6a has been changed ( a step m ), or if the liquid c was selected ( the step l ), the change - over valve 6b has been changed ( a step n ). therefore , in this step j , these change - over valves 6a and 6b are returned to the original state . in returning the liquid in the pipes 5a , 5 and the hose 22 to the tank 1 , the vacuum breaker 11 operates , whereby air is introduced into the common pipe 5 . in consequence , the remaining liquid in the pipes and hose is securely returned to the tank 1 , and the amount of the returned liquid is added to the stock amount of the liquid in the tank . with reference to fig3 the second embodiment of the liquid feed apparatus of the present invention is explained hereinafter . in fig3 the same members as in fig1 are represented by the same numbers , and portions of the second embodiment which are different from the first embodiment shown in fig1 will be described hereinafter , but the explanation of the same portions will be omitted . in this embodiment , the common pipe 5 is provided with a plurality of switching valves 20a , 20b and 20c and a normally opened atmosphere release valve 21 , and these switching valves are connected to the nozzle 10 via the hoses 22a , 22b and 22c . furthermore , a valve control means 13a &# 39 ; of the control device 13 controls opening and closing of the switching valves 20a , 20b and 20c and the atmosphere release valve 21 in addition to the change - over valves 6a and 6b . that is , the control means 13a &# 39 ; receives a signal from the liquid kind selection switch 14a , 14b or 14c to change the change - over valves 6a and 6b so that the common pipe 5 may be connected to the liquid storage tank 1 , 2 or 3 of the selected liquid , closes the atmosphere release valve 21 and opens the switching valve 20a , 20b or 20c of the selected liquid at a time when air in the common pie 5 is released through the atmosphere release valve 21 and the common pipe 5 is filled with the liquid , closes the previously opened switching valve 20a , 20b or 20c and opens the atmosphere release valve 21 at a time when the feed of the liquid has been terminated , and returns the change - over valves 6a and 6b to the original state after the liquid in the common pipe 5 has been returned to the liquid storage tank 1 , 2 or 3 . now reference will be made to operation of the second embodiment in reference to a flow chart in fig4 . the feed of the liquid , i . e . a fuel oil as gasoline or an oil such as engine oil is carried out as follows . in the first place , the liquid kind selection switch 14a , 14b or 14c of the desired liquid ( a step a , k or l ), for example , a liquid a in the tank 1 is selected ( the step a ). as the liquid a in the tank 1 is selected , a flow channel is formed between the pipe 5a and the common pipe 5 without outputting any signal to the change - over valves 6a and 6b . then , the liquid feed switch 15 is pushed ( a step b ) to reset the liquid feed amount to zero , and an output from the load cell 4 is taken in to detect the total weight w 1 of the tanks 1 , 2 and 3 before the start of the liquid feed ( a step c ). then , a driving signal is input to the motor 7 to normally rotate the pump 8 ( a step d ). hence the liquid drawn up from the tank 1 by the pump 8 is forwarded to the atmosphere release valve 21 through the empty pipes 5a , 5 . during this operation , the detection of the total weight of the tanks 1 , 2 and 3 by the load cell 4 is continued , and if a weight w 3 &# 39 ; obtained by subtracting the total weight w 2 after the start of the liquid feed from the total weight w 1 before the start reaches a predetermined amount ( e . g ., 300 g ) beforehand set as the weight of the liquid with which the pipes 5a , 5 are filled ( a step e ), it is judged that the empty pipes 5a , 5 are filled with the liquid . as a result , the atmosphere release valve 21 is closed , and the switching valve 20a of the selected liquid a is then opened ( a step fo ). when the nozzle valve 10 is manually opened , the feed of the liquid is commenced . a change of the weight measured by the load cell 4 is converted into a liquid amount , and this liquid amount is then displayed as the liquid feed amount on the display 12 ( a step f ). when the feed of the liquid has been brought to an end , the nozzle valve 10 is closed and the stop switch 16 is then pushed ( a step g ), whereby the previously opened switching valve 20a is closed and the atmosphere release valve 21 is opened ( a step ho ). simultaneously , the display of the liquid feed amount displayed on the display 12 is fixed , and the motor 7 is reversely rotated to reversely rotate the pump 8 ( a step h ). as a result , the liquid a remaining in the pipes 5a , 5 is returned to the tank 1 , and when a certain time beforehand set as a time taken to return all of the liquid a in the pipes 5a , 5 to the tank 1 , for example , 3 seconds have passed ( a step i ), the motor 7 is stopped ( a step j ). if the liquid b was selected ( the step k ), the change - over valve 6a has been changed ( a step m ), or if the liquid c was selected ( the step l ), the change - over valve 6b has been changed ( a step n ). therefore , in this step j , these change - over valves 6a and 6b are returned to the original state . when the common pipe 5 is filled with the liquid and when the liquid in the common pipe 5 is returned to the tank , the atmosphere release valve 21 is opened , so that the contents of the common pipe can be smoothly replaced . as understood from the foregoing , after the liquid in the pipe has been returned to the tank , 1 , 2 or 3 to empty the pipe , all of the liquid feed operations are then brought to an end . therefore , even if the same common pipe 5 and pump 8 are used next time to feed another liquid , the previously fed liquid is not mixed with the other liquid . in addition , the amount of the liquid with which the empty pipes 5 and 5a , 5b or 5c is filled at the time of liquid feed start is not displayed as the amount of the fed liquid on the display 12 , and therefore it can be prevented to give trouble to a customer . moreover , in the second embodiment , the atmosphere release valve is provided , and after the common pipe has been filled with the liquid , one of the switching valves is opened . therefore , air is prevented from jetting from the nozzle valve 10 . fig5 shows a third embodiment of the invention which is particularly useful as an oil changer for automobile . the apparatus of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the apparatus shown in fig3 except for that a waste oil discharging system is additionally provided thereto . the system includes a waste oil tank 30 into which the lower end of a discharge pipe 31 is opened , an oil scavenging pump 32 provided in the pipe 31 and driven by a motor 33 , a valve 34 connected to the end of the pipe 31 , and a liquid drawing / liquid feeding nozzle 35 connected to the valve 34 via a drainage hose 36 and also connected to the valve 21 via a feed hose 37 . the valve 34 is controlled by the valve control means 13a &# 34 ;. the motor 33 is connected to the liquid feed control means 13b &# 39 ; so that , when a liquid drawing / liquid feeding switch 38 arranged in the control panel 23 is depressed and the liquid feed switch 15 is also depressed , the liquid feed control means 13b &# 39 ; lets the valve control means 13a &# 34 ; open the valve 34 and close the valve 21 and also issues a signal for energizing the pump motor 33 and , when the stop switch 16 is depressed after completion of waste oil drainage , the control means 13b &# 39 ; lets the valve control means 13 &# 34 ; a close the valve 34 and open the valve 21 and also issues a signal for deenergizing the pump motor 33 . now in operation of the oil changer as referred to above referring to fig5 first of all , the nozzle 35 is taken into an oil pan of an automobile and then the switch 38 is pressed down so that the valve control means 13a &# 34 ; receives a signal from the control means 13b &# 39 ; and issues a signal by which the valve 21 is closed and the valve 34 is opened , and then the liquid feed switch 15 is depressed so that the control means 13b &# 39 ; drives the pump motor 33 to let the pump 32 draw the waste oil out of the oil pan and introduce the waste oil into the oil tank 30 . after completion of the drainage , the stop switch 16 is pressed down so that the control means 3lb &# 39 ; stops the pump motor 33 and lets the valve control means 13a &# 34 ; issue a signal for closing the valve 34 and another signal for opening the valve 21 . then the feeding operation of fresh oil is commenced by selecting either one of the liquid kind selection switch 14a , 14b or 14c at a customer &# 39 ; s request . the subsequent operation is conducted like that explained by referring to fig3 and 4 , but the feeding of the fresh oil is carried out through the valve 21 then opened , the feed hose 37 and the nozzle 35 then remaining taken into the oil pan . during this feeding operation , the valves 20a , 20b and 20care kept closing so that the fresh oil from the common pipe 5 is prevented from flowing through these valves . | 6 |
the following description shows an arrangement in accordance with this invention to attain the above - stated objects with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which : fig2 shows an example of one embodiment of the invention . fig3 shows , by way of example , an analog voltage storage circuit usable for the same embodiment . fig4 shows , also by way of example , a digital voltage storage circuit usable for the same embodiment . fig5 shows another example of an embodiment of the invention . referring to fig2 the circuit elements 1 through 13 are arranged and function in the same manner as those indicated by the same reference numerals as those in fig1 and , therefore , do not require further description here . the embodiment is provided with an automatic / manual selection switch 16 which is at the stop device 2 to permit selection of manual operation or to serve as correcting means . an interlocking switch 14 closes when the automatic / manual selection switch 16 is set at an automatic aperture control position and opens when the selection switch 16 is set at a manual aperture control position . a voltage storage circuit 15 , which serves as fixing means or memory means , applies a dc voltage from the integration circuit 7 to the gain control amplifier circuit 6 when the interlocking switch 14 is closed and thus forms an automatic gain control system . the automatic gain control system stabilizes the output level of the gain control amplifier circuit 6 and stores the dc voltage produced from the integration circuit 7 immediately before switch - over between an automatic aperture control mode and a manual aperture control mode when the interlocking switch 14 is opened . this stored voltage is applfied to the gain control amplifier circuit 6 keeping the gain thereof stable and keeping the output level of the gain control amplifier circuit 6 at a constant level . with the automatic / manual selection switch 16 shifting to the manual position , the stop device 2 is set into a manual aperture control mode to permit manual setting of the aperture thereof at a desired aperture value . the interlocking switch 14 opens the instant the automatic / manual selection switch 16 is shifted to the manual position . then , the voltage storage circuit 15 stores and holds the dc voltage from the integration circuit 7 obtained immediately before the position of the interlocking switch 14 switches . referring to fig3 the analog type voltage storage circuit is arranged as follows : the dc voltage from the integration circuit 7 is supplied to an input terminal 31 . the analog storage circuit comprises a differential amplifier 32 ; the above - stated interlocking switch 14 ; a capacitor c which stores and holds the output voltage of the differential amplifier 32 ; a mosfet 35 ; a current source ; and an output terminal 37 for applying the voltage held at the gain control circuit 6 . part of the output from the output terminal 37 is fed back to the differential amplifier 32 . with the interlocking switch 14 closed , the dc voltage from the integration circuit 7 is applied via the input terminal 31 to the non - inversion input terminal of the differential amplifier 32 . the output of the differential amplifier 32 is supplied via the interlocking switch 14 to the gate of the mosfet 35 after it has been stored and held at the capacitor c . the output of the mosfet 35 is supplied via the output terminal 37 to the gain control amplifier circuit 6 . meanwhile , part of the output of the mosfet 35 is fully fed back to the inversion input terminal of the differential amplifier 32 . again referring to fig2 when the interlocking switch 14 opens , the dc voltage obtained from the integration circuit 7 immediately before the position of the interlocking switch 14 is shifted is stored and held at the capacitor c of fig3 . the stored voltage then flows as a leak current via the gate of the mosfet 35 . however , since the value of this leak current is very small , the voltage with which the capacitor c is charged is held over a long period of time . after that , the stored voltage is applied from the output terminal 37 to the gain control amplifier circuit 6 to keep the gain of the circuit 6 at a constant value . therefore , even when the photographer adjusts the aperture a desired value by setting the stop device 2 into the manual aperture control mode , the brightness of a picture can be adjusted as desired without hindrance by the automatic gain control system . referring now to fig4 the digital voltage storage circuit is arranged as follows : the digital voltage storage circuit is provided with an input terminal 41 which receives the dc voltage from the integration circuit 7 ; an ad converter 42 ; and a digital voltage storage 43 which is composed of a semiconductor memory . the digital voltage storage 43 stores digital signals coming from the ad converter 42 , one after another , and produces signals one after another , to a da converter 44 which is disposed at a stage ensuing the storage 43 . when the automatic / manual selection switch 16 is shifted to the manual aperture control position , an instruction signal is supplied to the storage 43 . then , in response to this signal , a dc voltage which is received and converted into a digital signal when the instruction signal is received is stored by the storage 43 . this stored signal is then converted by the da converter 44 into an analog signal . the analog signal thus obtained is applied via an output terminal 45 to the gain control amplifier circuit 6 to keep the gain of the gain control amplifier circuit 6 at a constant value . a modification of the embodiment of this invention , which is shown in fig2 is arranged as shown in fig5 . in fig5 the circuit elements which are indicated by the same reference numerals as those corresponding parts of fig2 are arranged and function in the same manner as described above and therefore require no further description . the modification includes a resistor 18 which is connected between the reference voltage source 12 and a circuit ground . a slider 17 which slides over the resistor 18 is connected to the non - inversion input terminal of the comparator 11 . the slider 17 has its position shifted based on the degree to which a dial 20 , which will be described later , is turned . in the automatic aperture control mode , the slider 17 is fixed in a predetermined position ; the automatic light quantity control system alc operates amplifying the deviation voltage from the comparator 11 by the aperture control amplifier 13 in such a way as to keep the output of the pre - amplifier 4 at a constant level ; and the amplified deviation voltage is applied to the stop device 2 to carry out automatic aperture control in the same manner as has been described in the foregoing with reference to fig2 . the modification further includes the operation dial 20 which serves as operation means or correction means ; a click spring 21 which engages a groove 22 provided in the dial 20 ; and an index 23 . the automatic aperture control mode is selected when a mark &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; is adjusted to the index 23 . the aperture can be manually opened when a part marked &# 34 ; m +&# 34 ; of the dial 20 is set at the index 23 and manually stopped down when a part marked &# 34 ; m -&# 34 ; of the dial 20 is set at the index 23 . the parts &# 34 ; m +&# 34 ; and &# 34 ; m -&# 34 ; are provided for the purpose of manually adjusting an exposure or an exposure for a back - light shot . in obtaining the manual aperture control mode , the operation dial 20 , which is disposed on the outside of the image sensing device , moves the slider 17 by releasing , through the click spring 21 , the slider 17 from the above locked and fixed condition in the predetermined position . following the release of the operation dial 20 , the interlocking switch 14 is opened . the dc voltage , which is obtained from the integration circuit 7 at the time when the position of the interlocking switch 14 is shifted , is stored . then , the gain of the gain control amplifier circuit 6 is kept stable with the stored dc voltage applied to the circuit 6 . the value of the deviation voltage from the comparator 11 is changed by adjusting the position of the slider 17 relative to the resistor 18 . the deviation voltage is then amplified by the aperture control amplifier 13 . the amplified voltage thus obtained is applied to the automatic aperture control arrangement provided within the stop device 2 to change the aperture of the automatic stop device 2 . the level of the picture signal from the pre - amplifier 4 thus can be controlled by adjusting the position of the slider 17 in this manner . the arrangement of the embodiment described above is of course applicable to any of image sensing devices of single - tube , two - tube and three - tube types and also to an image sensing device using a solid - state image sensor . in accordance with this invention , as described in the foregoing , the gain of the automatic gain control system is arranged to be fixed and unvarying when the image sensing device is shifted from an automatic aperture control mode to a manual aperture control mode . in the manual aperture control mode , therefore , the aperture can be manually adjusted as desired and the brightness level of the image can be changed as desired without any restriction by the automatic gain control system , so that the manual aperture control can be fully effected on the image sensing device . in the embodiment described , the control operations of the exposure control system and the gain control system are performed by feeding back the signal level of the image sensing means respectively . however , it is also possible to include some additional control means for stabilizing the signal level through feedback control . in that instant , while at least one feedback control system is being corrected by some operation means or the like , the control states of other feedback control systems must be fixed and kept unvarying . further , in the embodiment given , the gain control system is arranged to be fixed when the exposure control system is corrected . however , this arrangement may be conversely made to fix the exposure control system when the gain control system is corrected . | 7 |
referring to the drawings , fig1 and 2 depict a preferred form of a shape retention tissue expander 100 which is composed of an outer envelope 101 having a generally hemispherical shape after complete inflation having a means for inflating and thus pressurizing the envelope . that inflation means is shown in the form of injection button 102 of conventional design having a self - sealing hollow dome 103 of , for example , biocompatible silicone elastomer mounted to a flat base 104 to permit inflation by addition of fluid such as isotonic saline solution into the interior region 200 of envelope 101 . a hypodermic needle is used to introduce fluid into the hollow region beneath dome 103 . it travels through the center 1005 of tube 105 which can be of a biocompatible silicone elastomer up to attachment point 106 by which tube 105 is sealed such as by means of a silicone adhesive to the surface of envelope 101 such that the center 1005 of tube 106 is in communication with the interior region 200 of envelope 101 . similarly , the second envelope 201 , which after inflation forms an annular resilient base surrounding the lower portion 112 of envelope 101 , also contains a separate injection button 107 having a hollow dome 108 attached to a flat base 109 such that fluid injected through dome 108 travels through the center of tube 110 up to attachment point 111 by which tube 110 passes through envelopes 101 and 201 and is in sealing communication with the interior region 202 of envelope 201 . one example of an injection button that can be used is found in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 190 , 040 to schulte ( issued feb . 26 , 1980 ). in alternative embodiments , one or both of the above remote inflation means could be mounted directly on the envelope and an injection button of the type described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 428 , 364 to bartolo ( issued jan . 31 , 1984 ) could be used . interior region 202 of envelope 201 is shown as containing a fluid which is preferably an isotonic saline solution although other biocompatible fluids which will remain under pressure within each envelope , such as a silicone gel , could also be used . region 200 would also contain a fluid when inflated as shown in fig1 and 2 , but the fluid has been omitted from the figures for the purposes of clarity . envelopes 101 and 201 are preferably constructed of a biocompatible silicone elastomer such as one of the medical grade silicone elastomers commonly used in the manufacture of mammary implants or tissue expanders ( e . g ., those which are available from dow corning corporation , midland , mich . 48640 ), but could be manufactured of any other biocompatible elastomer material such as a polyurethane material . envelope 201 is employed to provide an annular resilient base for the lower portion 112 of the expander 100 , but need not have a circular cross - section as shown in fig2 . likewise , envelope 201 may be formed separate and apart from envelope 101 as shown in fig2 or may be integral with the lower portion 112 of envelope 101 . envelope 201 may also be affixed to the exterior rather than the interior of the lower portion 112 of envelope 101 . to insure that the lower portion of expander 100 remains opposite the tissue to be expanded so that the tapering upper portion of the hemispherical pocket is ultimately formed away from the body in the tissue being expanded , lower portion 112 can contain an external means such as fixation tabs 113 and 114 ( further containing corresponding opposing tabs -- not shown ) attached to the bottom of portion 112 for suturing or ingrowth to underlying tissue . similarly , the attachment means could take the form of a conventional polyester tissue ingrowth material or a backing situated across the bottom of lower portion 112 of expander 100 in place of fixation tabs . having described the tissue expander , the manner in which it can be used will now be described with reference to fig3 - 5 . in fig3 a sectional side view of deflated shape retention tissue expander 300 ( of the same type as that shown in fig1 and 2 ) having outer envelope 301 of biocompatible silicone elastomer and hollow interior region 302 has been implanted beneath the tissue 303 to be expanded ( e . g ., at the site where a female breast had been previously removed ) according to operative techniques familiar to those skilled in the art of implantation of tissue expanders . the lower portion of expander 300 containing inner envelope 304 of biocompatible silicone elastomer with hollow interior region 305 surrounds the lower portion of envelope 301 to form an annular base after inflation of envelope 304 is completed . fixation tabs 306 and 307 are sutured to underlying tissue 308 ( e . g ., fascia on the chest wall where expander 300 is being used in post mastectomy reconstructive surgery ). expander 300 contains an inflation button 309 having a self - sealing dome 310 and a flat base 311 which forms a hollow interior region 312 which is in sealing communication with interior region 302 of envelope 301 by means of the hollow center 313 of tube 314 . a metal needle stop 315 is fixed to base 311 to prevent a hypodermic needle from passing completely through button 309 . similarly , envelope 304 is inflated by means of injection button 316 having a self - sealing dome 317 and a flat base 318 which forms a hollow interior region 319 which is in sealing communication with interior region 305 of envelope 304 by means of the hollow center 321 of tube 320 . a metal needle stop 322 is fixed to base 319 to prevent a hypodermic needle from passing completely through button 316 . inflation buttons 309 and 316 are also implanted beneath tissue 303 at some distance from the expander 300 . tubes 314 and 320 may each contain check valves or disconnecting fittings along the tube of the type described in the radovan , et al . patent to enable one or both injection buttons to be removed if desired at some point after inflation of the expander 300 has begun . in practicing the method of this invention , syringe 400 is filled with isotonic saline and hypodermic needle 401 is passed through skin 303 and through dome 317 to accomplish the gradual inflation of envelope 304 with the saline solution over a period of several days to several weeks . during inflation , tissue 303 is stretched laterally in the direction of arrows 402 until the envelope 304 is pressurized to an adequate extent to form a resilient base which will resist forces by the surrounding tissue and any fibrous contractile tissue which may form around expander 300 . the same level of pressurization upon inflation as was described in my &# 39 ; 401 patent described above can be employed in this application to inflate the envelope forming the resilient base : at least about 5 grams per square centimeter . upon complete inflation , as shown in fig4 skin 303 has stretched laterally in the direction of arrows 402 and has also raised away from underlying tissue 308 to form a disk - shaped , generally flat pocket . upon complete inflation of envelope 304 , envelope 301 is inflated gradually over a period of several weeks in accordance with accepted tissue expansion techniques to avoid necrosis of the skin being expanded . as shown in fig5 syringe 400 is filled with isotonic saline solution to enter region 302 of envelope 301 until envelope 301 is fully inflated and develops a generally hemispherical pocket . upon full inflation , expander 300 is surgically removed and a conventional mammary prosthesis of a preselected size suited to match the size of the pocket developed is implanted in the pocket remaining upon removal of expander 303 to complete the method of the present invention . while the invention has been described with reference to post mastectomy reconstruction procedures , other modifications and variations of the expander and method of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon an examination of the above specification and drawings . therefore , other variations of the present invention may be made which fall within the scope of the appended claims even though such variations were not specifically discussed above . | 0 |
in fig1 , the important elements of the device according to the present invention are shown . a glow plug 100 is connected in series with a current measuring device 120 and a switching device 110 , between the two terminals of a voltage supply . in the depicted exemplary embodiment , for each glow plug there is provided one current measuring device 120 and one switching device 110 . an embodiment of the device according to the present invention can also be designed such that a common switching device and / or a common current measuring device is provided for a plurality of glow plugs of an internal combustion engine , or for all glow plugs of an internal combustion engine . the depicted specific embodiment , in which each glow plug is allocated one current measuring device 120 and one switching device 110 , offers the advantage that the glow plug can be controlled individually and the current flowing through the glow plug can be evaluated . if a plurality of glow plugs are combined to form a group , or if all glow plugs are controlled in common via a switching device or the current is evaluated in common , this offers the advantage that expensive elements such as the switching device can be omitted , resulting in a significant savings in cost . however , this has the disadvantage that only a common controlling or a common evaluation of the current of some or all glow plugs is then possible . in addition , a control unit 130 is provided that , in addition to other components not shown , includes an evaluation unit 133 and a control unit 135 . control unit 135 controls switching device 110 in order to supply a desired amount of energy to the glow plug . evaluation unit 133 evaluates the voltage dropped at current measuring device 120 in order to determine the current flowing through the glow plug . current measuring device 120 is preferably fashioned as an ohmic resistance . in addition to the controlling of the glow plug provided in normal operation of the glow plug , in order to shorten the ignition delay when the internal combustion engine is started it is provided that in certain operating states of the internal combustion engine the glow plugs are controlled so as to prevent a cooling of the combustion chambers . according to the present invention , it was recognized that in longer overrun operation , during which no fuel is injected , the internal combustion engine cools . as soon as the internal combustion engine has been in overrun operation for a longer period of time , i . e . between 2 and 3 minutes , an increased emission of smoke occurs when gas is then given , i . e . when fuel is injected . this happens for example when the vehicle is driven downhill for a longer period of time , and no fuel is injected , and subsequently the driver gives the vehicle gas in order to accelerate the vehicle on a flat stretch or uphill , or to keep the speed constant . here , it was recognized that this effect is due essentially to a cooling of the piston walls . this preferably takes place in a period of time of 2 to 3 minutes after the termination of the injection . the cooling of the complete engine block , including the coolant water , takes place only after a later point in time , i . e . after about 15 minutes . according to the present invention , this cooling can be counteracted as follows : as soon as a corresponding operating state is recognized , a pre - application of current is made to the glow plugs in order to bring them to a low temperature level , so that these pre - temperature - regulated glow plugs can be brought to the required glow temperature within a very short time by applying an increased operating voltage . the pre - temperature regulation is realized such that the glow plugs can be brought to the maximum glow temperature within a time span that is significantly less than half a second . normally , the internal combustion engine , in particular the piston walls , warms up within a time span of 2 to 3 seconds . after this time period , the cylinder inner walls are correspondingly temperature - regulated by the combustion , and no smoke emissions then take place . after this time has elapsed , the glow process can then be terminated or reduced to a significantly lower current level . fig2 shows the various states of such a process . in a first step , the program sequence is initiated . in a second state 2 , it is determined whether a glow process is introduced . this state 2 is shown in detail in fig3 a and 3 b . in a first step 100 , exhaust gas temperature ta is determined . in a second step 110 , based on exhaust gas temperature ta a parameter p is determined . the following query 120 checks whether this parameter p is greater than a threshold value sp . if this is not the case , step 100 takes place again . if this is the case , the sequence moves to state 3 . in this specific embodiment , based on the exhaust gas temperature , and possibly on other quantities , a parameter p is determined that represents a measure of how much the cylinder walls have cooled . if this parameter p exceeds a particular threshold value sp , the process moves to state 3 . this transition to the third state can also take place in the manner according to the specific embodiment shown in fig3 b . in a first step 150 , it is checked whether the fuel quantity qk that is injected into the internal combustion engine assumes the value zero . if this is the case , in step 160 a time counter z 1 is set to zero . the subsequent query 170 checks whether time counter z 1 is greater than a time threshold sz 1 . if this is the case , in step 180 the process moves to state 3 . that is , if in state 2 it is recognized that no fuel was metered for a period of time longer than time span sz 1 , the process moves to state 3 . alternatively to the query whether the metered fuel quantity assumes the value zero , it can also be provided to monitor whether a fuel quantity is metered that is less than a minimum value . the pre - conditioning of the glow plug takes place in state 3 ; i . e ., it is charged with a low current so that it reaches a particular temperature . on the basis of this temperature , the glow plug can be heated very quickly to the final temperature . standardly , the glow plug is heated to a temperature of about 600 ° to 700 °. state 3 is shown in detail in fig4 . in a first step 300 , a time counter z 3 is set to zero . subsequently , in step 310 , the current is determined that has to flow through the glow plug for the pre - conditioning . this current value with which the conditioning takes place is specified dependent on various operating parameters . such parameters include for example the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine , the external temperature , and / or the exhaust gas temperature ta . the following query 320 checks whether the value of counter z 3 is greater than a threshold value sz 3 . if this is the case , in step 330 the process returns to state 2 . if this is not the case , query 330 checks whether fuel quantity qk is greater than zero . if query 330 finds that the fuel quantity is greater than zero , i . e . fuel is again being metered , in step 340 the process moves into state 4 . if the fuel quantity is still less than zero or less than a minimum value , step 310 is repeated . during the pre - conditioning in state 3 , the glow plug is pre - charged with a particular current value that is dimensioned such that the glow plug heats to approximately 600 ° to 700 °. this current value is prespecified dependent on the operating state of the internal combustion engine , in particular the engine rotational speed , the external temperature , and / or the exhaust gas temperature . if this state lasts longer than a time threshold sz 3 , the process moves to state 2 . as soon as it is recognized that fuel is being metered , the process moves into state 4 . in state 4 , also called pushing , the glow plug is supplied with enough energy that it reaches its maximum temperature as quickly as possible . this also takes place only for a particular time duration sz 4 . the corresponding procedure is shown in detail in fig5 . in a first step 400 , a time counter sz 4 is set to zero . subsequently , in step 410 , the current 14 that flows in this state is specified dependent on the state of the internal combustion engine and / or on the state of the glow plugs . here , inter alia , the energy already supplied to the glow plug is taken into account . subsequently , in step 420 it is checked whether time counter z 4 has exceeded a threshold value sz 4 . if this is not the case , step 410 is repeated . otherwise , in step 430 the process moves to state 5 . in state 5 , the glow plug is operated with nominal voltage . this takes place for a particular time duration sz 5 . the corresponding procedure is shown in fig6 . in a first step 500 , a time counter z 5 is set to zero . subsequently , in step 510 the current value 15 is specified . the subsequent query 520 checks whether time duration sz 5 has been exceeded . if this is not the case , step 510 is repeated . otherwise , in step 530 the transition to state 2 takes place . according to the present invention , it is provided that in a state of the internal combustion engine in which there is the danger that the combustion chamber will cool , the glow plugs are supplied with current according to a predetermined schema . in a first phase , the glow plugs are pre - conditioned so that they reach a particular temperature from which the final temperature of the glow plugs is reached rapidly . when overrun operation ends , i . e . fuel is again injected , the glow plugs are supplied with current in such a way that they reach their maximum temperature as quickly as possible so that the combustion chambers are quickly heated . after the elapsing of a particular time , the glow plugs are operated for a further period of time with nominal voltage . that is , in this time phase they are operated in such a way that they maintain their temperature . thus , according to the present invention it is provided that in overrun operation a glow process takes place that is similar to the one that takes place when the internal combustion engine is started . differing from the starting of the internal combustion engine , there takes place a relatively long pre - glowing phase in which the glow plugs are pre - conditioned , such that the actual glowing process is introduced as soon as the overrun phase ends . the actual glowing process is structured similarly to a normal glowing process . there , at first a high level of energy is supplied to the glow plugs and subsequently a lower level of energy is supplied , so that the glow plugs quickly reach their temperature and the temperature is then maintained . the longer pre - glowing process is possible because the internal combustion engine and the generator are operated , so that sufficient energy is available . | 5 |
the detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended only as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments . each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments . the illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed . similarly , any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps , or combinations of steps , in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result . in the following description , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure . it will be apparent to one skilled in the art , however , that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details . in some instances , well - known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily various aspects of the present disclosure . furthermore , it will be appreciated the embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any of the features described herein . turning now to fig3 , there is illustrated a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for generating a reorganized transport datastream . in the first method step s 10 , the new positions for the first atsc - transport data packets assigned with data for stationary receivers within the first portions of the atsc - m / h - transport datastream provided for the transmission of first atsc - transport data packets are determined . one example of the structure of the transport datastream is shown in fig1 . since the transport buffers ( transport buffers tb 1 , tb 2 , . . . , tb n ) associated in each case with the individual programs and / or data types , which are referred to below as first buffers ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) and are shown in fig2 , provide a relatively small buffer capacity ( 512 bytes ) on the basis of the mpeg - 2 - buffer model according to iso / iec 13818 - 1 , and the first data rate , at which the first buffers ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) are filled in each case with first atsc - transport data packets of a given program and / or data type , is faster than the second data rate , at which the first atsc - transport data packets are read out from the respective first buffers ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ), an overflow of the first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) associated with the respective program and / or data type can easily occur in the case of first transport data packets of the same program and / or of the same data type positioned close together within the atsc - m / h - transport datastream . to prevent this , in one embodiment of the present invention , the first atsc - transport data packets associated in each case with one program and / or data type which contain data for stationary receivers are displaced respectively into new positions within the atsc - m / h - transport datastream which each provide a given minimum spacing distance from one another . according to equation ( 1 ), the minimum spacing distance is obtained from the ratio of the first data rate to the second data rate . in this manner , the number of the first atsc - transport data packets which are stored in the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) per unit of time , is smaller than or equal to the number of the first atsc - transport data packets which are removed from the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) per unit of time , and the buffer assignment of the respective first data buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) remains either constant or decreases . the first data rate , at which a respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) is filled with first atsc - transport data packets , is obtained from the worst - case ( worst - case ), if the first atsc - transport data packets of the atsc - m / h - transport datastream are completely stored within a single first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) over a given time portion , and corresponds to the data rate of the atsc - m / h - transport datastream , namely 19 . 39 mbit / s . the second data rate , at which the first atsc - transport data packets are read out from the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ), is obtained , for example , on the basis of the mpeg - 2 - buffer model according to iso / iec 13818 - 1 at 2 mbit / s . accordingly , a value of 19 . 39 mbit / s / 2 mbit / s = 10 atsc - transport data packets should be set as the minimum spacing distance between two new positions for two first atsc - transport data packets of the same program and / or of the same data type to be newly inserted in each case successively into the atsc - m / h - transport datastream . in a second embodiment of the present invention , for every available new position in the first portion of the atsc - m / h - transport datastream , the buffer assignment resulting in the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) is calculated on the basis of the mpeg - 2 - buffer model according to iso / iec 13818 - 1 and compared with the buffer capacity of the first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ). if the calculated buffer assignment is smaller than the buffer capacity of the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ), the respective buffered first atsc - transport data packet can be displaced into the associated new position in the atsc - m / h - transport datastream . otherwise , the associated buffer assignment in the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) is once again calculated and compared with the buffer capacity of the first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) for the next available new position within the atsc - m / h - transport datastream the current buffer assignment of the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) to be calculated , which is referred to below as currbuffass and relates to the currently investigated position within the atsc - m / h - transport datastream , which is referred to as currpos , is obtained according to equation ( 2 ) from the previously calculated buffer assignment of the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) which is referred to below as prevbuffass , and relates to the position within the atsc - m / h - transport datastream last occupied with an atsc - transport data packet of the same program and / or of the same data type , which is referred to below as prevpos , with the addition of the intervening inflow of first atsc - transport data packets of the same program and / or of the same data type into the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ), which is referred to as inflow , and with the deduction of the intervening outflow of first atsc - transport data packets of the same program and / or of the same data type from the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ), which is referred to as outflow . the inflow of first atsc - transport data packets of the same program and / or of the same data type into the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) between the current newly positioned and the previously newly positioned first atsc - transport data packets in the atsc - m / h - transport datastream of the same program and / or of the same data type corresponds to the data volume of precisely one first atsc - transport data packet and amounts to 188 bytes . the outflow is obtained from the second data rate , at which the first atsc - transport data packets are read out from respective first buffers ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ), multiplied by the time interval between two first atsc - transport data packets of the same program and / or of the same data type newly positioned in succession within the reorganized atsc - m / h transport datastream . this time interval is obtained from the difference between the current position to be calculated and the previously calculated position currpos - prevpos multiplied by the data volume of a first atsc - transport data packet , namely 188 bytes , and divided by the first data rate , at which the respective first buffer ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) is written with a first atsc - transport data packet . the outflow is therefore obtained according to equation ( 3 ). the current buffer assignment to be calculated of the respective first buffer is obtained by substituting the relationship for the outflow according to equation ( 3 ) into equation ( 2 ), and the relationship in equation ( 4 ) is obtained . since the multiplex buffers ( multiplex buffers ( mb 1 , mb 2 , . . . , mb n in fig2 )) connected downstream of the respective transport buffers ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ) and referred to below as second buffers ( 3 1 , 3 2 , . . . , 3 n ) in which audio data are buffered , are significantly smaller than the second buffers ( 3 1 , 3 2 , . . . , 3 n ) in which video data are buffered , the probability of emptying the respective second buffer in the second buffers ( 3 1 , 3 2 , . . . , 3 n ) filled with audio data is greater than in the second buffers ( 3 1 , 3 2 , . . . , 3 n ) filled with video data , if the first atsc - transport data packets assigned with audio data are displaced too far within the atsc - m / h - transport datastream . in order to prevent an emptying of the second buffers ( 3 1 , 3 2 , . . . , 3 n ) filled with audio data , in calculating the new positions for the first atsc - transport data packets to be displaced into the reorganized atsc - m / h - transport datastream , the first atsc - transport data packets assigned with audio data should be planned into the individual first portions of the atsc - m / h - transport datastream with primary priority , and the first atsc - transport data packets assigned with video data should be planned into the individual first portions of the atsc - m / h - transport datastream with secondary priority . first atsc - transport data packets assigned with data other than audio / video data should also be taken into consideration during the planning into the individual portions of the atsc - m / h - transport datastream with a priority corresponding to their associated buffer capacity . in the next method step s 20 , the first atsc - transport data packets of the original atsc - m / h - transport datastream associated respectively with the individual programs and / or data types according to the first line in fig1 are displaced to the respective new positions in the reorganized atsc - m / h - transport datastream calculated in the previous method step s 10 according to the second line in fig1 . in the method step s 30 , the second atsc - transport data packets assigned with tv program data for mobile receivers , which are typically supplied as a datastream with ip / udp protocol , are inserted according to the third line in fig1 into the second portions of the reorganized atsc - m / h - transport datastream provided for the transmission of second atsc - transport data packets . finally , via a switch 1 , the individual first atsc - transport data packets are subdivided corresponding to their association with a given program and / or data type into the signal paths associated with the respective program and / or data type with the associated first buffers ( 2 1 , 2 2 , . . . , 2 n ), second buffers ( 3 1 , 3 2 , . . . , 3 n ) and coders ( 4 1 , 4 2 , . . . , 4 n ). the principles , representative embodiments , and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description . however , aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed . it should therefore be appreciated that embodiments described herein can also be used with other buffer models alongside the mpeg - 2 - buffer model according to iso / iec 13818 - 1 . further , the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive . it will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others , and equivalents employed , without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure . accordingly , it is expressly intended that all such variations , changes , and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter . | 7 |
unless otherwise noted , identical or functionally identical elements and signals are assigned the same reference characters in the figures . referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first , particularly , to fig2 thereof , there is shown a bus signal hold cell 2 that is connected to a bus line 1 by its primary input / output i / o . the input / output i / o can be driven bidirectionally ; i . e ., data can be read from the bus , and data of the bus signal hold cell 2 can be written onto the bus line 1 . the bus signal hold cell 2 includes two drivers 3 , 4 that are realized as inverters . the output of each driver 3 , 4 controls the input of the respective other driver 3 , 4 . the input of the first driver 3 is connected to the bus line 1 via the input / output i / o . the output of the second driver 4 is connected to the bus line 1 via the input / output i / o . in the present exemplary embodiment , the first driver 3 has a higher drive power than the second , recessive driver 4 . the second inverter could also be realized as a high - impedance - switchable inverter . the drive power of the second , recessive driver 4 is dimensioned such that it is less than the drive power of the weakest subscriber connected to the bus line 1 . this guarantees that , in case one of the subscribers connected to the bus line 1 wants to transmit data , this driver 4 exhibits recessive behavior and allows the data transmission of the subscriber . it would also be possible to increase the drive power of the first and / or second driver 3 , 4 or to make this adjustable . the bus signal hold cell 2 inventively includes an additional serial data input tdi , via which a test signal di can be appplied into the bus signal hold cell 2 . the additional data input tdi is coupled with the input of the first driver 3 in this case . a multiplexer configuration 5 is arranged between the input of the driver 3 and the data input tdi , as well as between the input of the driver 3 and the input / output i / o . a control input te is provided for controlling the multiplexer configuration 5 , via which the multiplexer configuration 5 can be charged with a control signal en . the bus signal hold cell 2 has two operating modes : a normal mode and a test mode . in the normal mode , the multiplexer 5 is controlled such that a bus signal in is input to the inverter 3 . in the test mode , on the other hand , the test signal di is switched onto the inverter via the data input tdi . [ 0061 ] fig3 represents a circuit diagram of a development of the bus signal hold cell 2 . as compared to the bus signal hold cell 2 in fig2 here the bus signal hold cell 2 additionally includes a serial data output tdo . the condition of the bus signal hold cell 2 can be read via the data output tdo at any time . for instance , in the normal mode the condition of the bus signal hold cell 2 can be determined via the data output tdo . in addition , in the test mode , the data response do can be read that results from a data signal input to the data input tdi . [ 0062 ] fig4 shows a circuit diagram of a particular development of the bus signal hold cell shown in fig3 . the bus signal hold cell in fig4 includes a shift register arrangement , which , in the present exemplary embodiment , is realized as two scan flip - flops or latches 10 , 11 configured in series . the input of the first latch 10 is connected to the additional data input tdi , whereas the output of the first latch 10 controls the first input of the in - series second latch 11 . the output of the second latch 11 is connected to the additional data output tdo and to an input of the multiplexer 5 . each latch 10 , 11 includes a first inverter 12 , 13 in its signal path and a second inverter 3 , 14 in its feedback path . a respective multiplexer 15 , 16 is connected to the input of one of the inverters 12 , 13 . the output signal of the feedback inverter 3 , 14 and the latch input signal are applied to the inputs of the multiplexers 15 , 16 , respectively . the multiplexers 15 , 16 are controlled via a clock signal ck 0 , ck 1 . the test cycle , i . e . the clock of the control signals ck 0 , ck 1 which are applied via the control inputs 17 , 18 , can be derived from the system clock of the integrated circuit in connection with the control signal en of the bus signal hold cell . in a particularly advantageous development , the feedback inverter 3 of the latch 11 on the output side is simultaneously the first inverter 3 of the bus signal hold cell 2 . the output signal d 0 of the output - side latch 11 or a bus signal in can thus be supplied to this inverter via the multiplexer 5 . only two latches 10 , 11 are provided in this exemplary embodiment , though a greater or lesser number of latches 10 , 11 can be provided , depending on the application . beyond this , the shift register arrangement could be realized as any arrangement . [ 0066 ] fig5 is a circuit diagram of a development of the bus signal hold cell 2 which has been simplified compared to that in fig4 . the bus signal hold cell is furnished with two standard scan flip - flops 10 , 11 in series , which are interposed between the data input tdi and the data output tdo . the output of the multiplexer 5 is connected to the in - series flip - flops 10 , 11 . one input of the multiplexer 5 is connected to the data input tdi and another input of the multiplexer 5 is connected , via the input / output i / o and the inverter 3 , to the bus line 1 . the output of the multiplexer 5 is connected to the first flip - flop 10 , whereby the multiplexer output signal can be fed to the input / output i / o , and thus to the bus line 1 via the feedback branch and via the inverter 4 simultaneously . the bus signal hold cell according to fig4 and 5 supports the testing of the bus lines of a scan - based integrated circuit wherein an automatic test pattern generation ( atpg ) is utilized . [ 0068 ] fig6 is a block circuit diagram representing an advantageous application of a number of the inventive bus signal hold cells 2 for testing highly complex bus systems . the bus system shown in fig6 includes a bus 20 with five bus lines 1 and bus signal cells 2 that are allocated to these bus lines 1 . the bus signal hold cells 2 are represented as blocks , but they can be realized according to any of the embodiments shown in fig2 to 4 . the bus signal hold cells 2 are connected to a bus line 1 via their primary input / output i / o , respectively . beyond this , each bus signal hold cell 2 is connected to another bus line 1 ( advantageously a neighboring line ) via the additional data input tdi . fig6 thus represents a bus system whose bus lines 1 are interconnected into a single signal line using the inventive bus signal hold cells 2 . so coupled , the bus lines 1 and the bus signal hold cells 2 produce a single contiguous unidirectionally operable signal line having an input 21 to which test data can be applied and having a test response that can be read at an output 22 . the functioning of the inventive bus signal hold cells — that is to say , the bus system which is equipped with bus signals hold cells 2 of this type — will now be described in detail : the inventive method can be implemented to enable the testing of bus lines using bus signal hold cells 2 . this is accomplished using a control or synchronization signal en . via the control signal en , the bus signal hold cell 2 is switched into test mode . all other signal sources that can write data onto the bus line , for instance subscribers which are connected to the bus line , are deactivated . using the additional data input tdi , a strictly prescribed test value ( test signal di ) can then be inserted into the bus signal hold cell 2 and thus written onto the allocated bus line 1 . using the additional data output tdo , the bus condition can be observed in test mode . the bus signal hold cells 2 store the present condition on the bus line 1 , i . e . at the bus signal hold cell 2 , at a defined time . to this end , a test signal di which is to be observed is written onto a bus line 1 . the bus signal hold cell 2 stores this item of test data di , preferably in a latch . the test data di is forwarded to the additional output tdo of the bus signal hold cell 2 and can then be compared to the expected test response . the bus signal hold cell can be configured such that it loses its sequential behavior and lays a combinatorial signal path between the primary bus terminal and the additional data output . alternatively , the bus signal hold cell can also be configured in such a way that it loses its sequential behavior and lays a combinatorial path between the additional data input and the primary bus terminal . the test patterns are written into a test pattern source having an output that is connected to the bus line . this test pattern source can be the output of a macromodule , the output of a bus signal hold cell in test control mode , or an externally generated test signal . the test pattern source writes the test pattern onto the bus line . the test patterns that are written onto the bus are stored in the bus signal hold cells . the test response signals are compared to the expected values that are expected . this can be accomplished in that the test pattern is read from the circuit serially , forwarded to a data output via multiplexers , compressed into a signature , or forwarded to an additional bus line that is to be tested . the comparison occurs via a bus signal hold cell , a macromodule or a signal output of the integrated circuit . the macromodule must be constructed in such a way that it generates the appropriate test patterns itself . in the case of a bus structure , the above described test can also be performed in parallel fashion . for testing a plurality of bus lines of a bus , the above described methods can be appropriately combined . this can occur as follows : the bus signal hold cells are so arranged that one or more serial signal lines emerge , which connect different bus lines to one another in the test mode . the signal path of a signal line can advantageously contain storage elements , macromodules , or combinatorial elements . the circuit is so configured that an item of test data is applied at the input of the serial signal line or lines . all other subscribers which are connected to the bus lines and can write onto the bus lines in normal mode are deactivated in test mode . the test data which is coupled in on the input side is forwarded by the interconnected bus lines . at the output of the serial signal line , the test response signal , i . e . its signal value , the time delay and / or the signal shape , can be observed . for purposes of testing macromodules , a plurality of macromodules are interconnected by bus lines as follows : the macromodules are so constructed that bus signal hold cells are placed at their data inputs and outputs . a test sequence control appropriately configures the macromodules in the test mode . for the testing of the buses / bus lines between the macromodules , the bus signal hold cells are active and all other drivers that are connected to the buses / bus lines are inactive . the bus lines can be tested by the above described testing methods . for the testing of a macromodule , the bus signal hold cells are configured as test data sources at their data inputs and as test data sinks at their data outputs . all other signal sources at the data inputs are deactivated . in sum , by providing a new bus signal hold cell that includes an additional data input and / or data output , the testability , i . e . the controllability and observability , can be significantly enhanced . the present invention has been laid out in a manner that best illustrates the principle of the invention and its practical application , however , the invention can of course be modified by the expert in many ways . | 6 |
fig1 illustrates the body 1 and case 26 of the first assembly with a standard medicine cartridge c partially inserted in a cavity 8 in the body , and the plug 45 and plunger 56 of the second assembly oriented for movement axially to complete assembly of the device . fig2 shows the device fully assembled with a needle cap 42 ( note fig8 b ) removed to expose the needle , and fig3 shows the device after use with the protector case 26 in the forward ( guarded ) position ready for disposal . referring to those figures and particularly to the detailed drawings of fig4 a , 4b , 4c , and 4d , the body 1 of the first assembly has two elongated side rails 2 with a finger grip collar 3 integrally molded at one end of the side rails 2 , and an end wall 4 , needle hub support vanes 5 , and needle hub 6 integrally molded at the opposite end of the side rails . the side rails 2 have interior concave surfaces 7 which conform to the outer diameter of a standard glass medicine cartridge c ( fig1 and 13 ) and form a cartridge cavity 8 . the outer edges of the side rails define a rectangular cross - section 28 ( see fig8 c ) over which the protector case 26 is positioned . a circular opening 9 is provided through the finger grip collar 3 to permit passage of the cartridge c during loading of the cartridge into the cavity 8 of the body 1 . within the collar 3 are two tapered grooves 10 ( fig4 d ) running axially along the interior surfaces of the collar 3 . at the anterior end of these grooves are located two tapered pockets 11 which extend radially outward through the finger grip collar 3 to form two notches 12 . these pockets 11 are shaped to receive the ends of the two locking fingers 51 ( fig9 ) on the plug 45 when the second assembly is assembled to the first assembly as will be described subsequently . the notches 12 provide easy orientation of the plug 45 for proper assembly to the body . the finger grip collar 3 has a forward finger grip ring 13 extending radially outward at the forward end of the collar 3 to permit the body 1 to be gripped by the fingers of the user during aspiration ( which involves rearward thrust on the plunger 56 and resultant rearward thrust on the body 1 ). at the opposite end of the body 1 , the end wall 4 forms the attachment between the two side rails 2 and provides the forward surface of the cartridge cavity 8 . on the forward surface of the end wall 4 , the four needle hub support vanes 5 are attached and extend radially outward from a core opening 14 and axially forward where they attach to the needle hub 6 . the needle hub support vanes 5 have forward edges 17 ( see fig4 a ) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 1 . these edges 17 interact with the needle cap 42 ( fig7 ) with the forward edges 17 engaging an interior bore 44a of the needle cap 42 to secure the cap 42 to the body 1 . to further secure the needle cap 42 to the needle hub support vanes 5 there is a small radial protrusion 18 on the forward end of each edge 17 which has an interference fit with an interior bore 44a of the needle cap 42 . the structure of the end wall 4 , support vanes 5 , and needle hub 6 are configured to facilitate cooling of the mold core during molding of the body and minimization of the plastic volume in this area to improve heat transfer and manufacturing cycle times . the needle hub 6 has a circular opening 19 extending through the hub 6 . this opening 19 forms an adhesive pocket which extends axially into the hub from the end away from the body . the needle n ( fig6 ) is attached so that it extends through the circular opening 19 with the interior end of the needle extending past the end wall 4 and into the cartridge cavity 8 to penetrate the forward end of the cartridge c as is known in the art . as an alternative , the hub 6 can be modified and have external threads to accommodate the present standard needle . this also involves modification of the end of the case 26 to accommodate the modified hub 6 . turning now to the other end of the body 1 , rear detent pockets 21 are located on the outer edges of the side rails 2 , adjacent to the forward end of the finger grip ring 13 . these pockets 21 accept detents 31 ( fig5 c ) of the protector case 26 when the protector case is in the rearward ( unguarded ) position ( see fig2 ). similarly formed forward detent pockets 22 ( note fig4 b , 4c ) are located on the outer edges of the side rails 2 at a distance from the rear detent pockets 21 such that , when the protector case detents 31 are engaged in the forward detent pockets 22 , the forward end of the protector case covers the outward end of the needle as shown in fig3 . the rear detent pockets 21 have front surfaces 23 which are angled from the plane normal to the axis of the body to permit the detents 31 on the protector case 26 to be readily disengaged from the rear detent pockets 21 by sliding the protector case 26 forward . the forward detent pockets 22 have rear surfaces 24 that are inclined at approximately 10 degrees from the plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the body 1 such that the outer edges of the rear surfaces 24 are closer to the needle end of the syringe body than are the inner edges . these rear surfaces 24 interact with the rear surfaces 31a of the detents 31 to prevent the protector case 26 from being moved in a rearward direction when the protector case detents 31 are engaged in the forward detent pockets 22 . the end wall 4 includes stop tabs 25 ( fig4 a ) which protrude from the top and bottom of the body 1 and interact with the ends of the windows 35 ( fig1 - 3 and 5b - 5c ) in the top and bottom of the protector case 26 to limit the travel of the protector case 26 in the forward direction ( note fig2 b and 8d ). referring now to fig5 a , 5b , 5c , 5d , and 8c , the protector case 26 comprises a tubular envelope with a rectangular internal cross - section which conforms to the rectangular external cross - section 28 of the body 1 as seen in fig8 c . the protector case has an open rear end 29 ( fig5 a , 5c , and 5d ) with a pair of detent arms 30 and detents 31 integrally molded into the side wails 30a . assembly tabs 32 with tapered inner edges 33 are integrally molded into the top and bottom walls 30b to facilitate the assembly of the protector case 26 over the stop tabs 25 ( fig4 a ) on the body 1 . the detents 31 have sloped forward surfaces 34 ( see fig5 d ) which interact with the sloped forward surfaces 23 of the rear detent pockets 21 ( fig4 d ) of the body 1 to disengage the detents 31 from the rear detent pockets 21 of the body 1 when the protector case 26 is slid forward . two elongated windows 35 are provided in the top and bottom walls 30b of the protector case 26 such that when the protector case 26 is in the rearward ( unguarded ) position as seen in fig2 the forward edges 35a of the windows 35 are in close proximity to the forward surfaces of the stop tabs 25 and when the protector case 26 is in the forward ( guarded ) position as seen in fig3 the rearward edges 35b of the windows 35 engage the rearward surfaces of the stop tabs 25 so that further forward motion of the protector case 26 is prevented by the engagement of the stop tabs 25 and rearward window edges 35b . the forward end of the protector case is formed into a cone 37 which transitions from the rectangular section of the protector case 26 which covers the side rail area 2 of the body 1 to a smaller diameter 38 which covers the needle support vanes 5 ( fig4 a ). the forward end of the case 37 terminates in a collar 37a ( fig5 a ) to a sleeve 37b . the sleeve 37b has a smaller diameter than the edges 17 of the needle support vanes 5 . the sleeve 37b has four slots 38a which permit the sleeve 37b to be drawn over the hub 6 with the edges 17 protruding through the slots 38a in the sleeve 37b . the sleeve 37b terminates in a solid annular ring 37c which ties the four segments of the sleeve together forming a stronger structure . this arrangement permits the cap 42 to be attached directly to the edges 17 of the body 1 while still enabling the end of the protector case 26 to have a small diameter 38 . this arrangement also permits the needle cap 42 to be attached to the body 1 rather than the protector case 26 so as to prevent inadvertent actuation of the protector case 26 when the needle cap 42 is removed . the protector case 26 has an actuator ring 39 molded to the protector case 26 in the area between the rear edges 35b of the windows 35 and the forward end of the detent arms 30 . the ring 39 extends radially outward from the outer surface of the protector case 26 with the outer edges preferably defining an octagonal shape as best seen in fig5 d . the needle n shown in fig6 is in the form of a standard metal cannula having a hollow passageway through its length for the passage of fluids . the forward end is sharpened to permit penetration of the patient &# 39 ; s tissue and the rear end is sharpened to permit penetration of the rubber membrane on the forward end of the medicine cartridge c in a conventional manner . the needle n is affixed to the needle hub 6 by adhesive during the manufacturing process . alternatively , the hub 6 of the body 1 can be threaded to receive a standard needle . the needle cap 42 as shown in fig7 a , 7b , and 7c has a tapered section 40 with a ring 41 on its rear end . the tapered section 40 is closed at the forward end and has axial ribs 43 on its exterior surface . the ring 41 extends radially from the longitudinal axis and facilitates stripping and indexing in the manufacturing process . the inside surface 44a of the cap 42 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cap 42 for a distance approximately equal to the length of the forward edges 17 ( fig4 a ) of the needle support vanes 5 . at the forward end of the forward edges there are slight protrusions 18 which have an interference fit with the inside surface 44a of the cap 42 . these protrusions enhance the attachment of the needle cap 42 to the needle hub support vanes 5 . on the rear end of the interior surface 44a there is a raised ring 44 of slightly smaller diameter which has an interference fit with the forward edges 17 ( fig4 a ) of the needle hub support vanes 5 . this ring 44 enhances the attachment of the cap 42 to the needle hub support vanes 5 and also assists in stripping the molds in the manufacturing process . these components are assembled into the first assembly as shown in fig8 b and 8d and are shipped to the end - user with the protector case 26 in the rearward position as shown and the needle cap 42 in place over the needle . fig8 a particularly shows how the detents 31 of the protector case 26 fit within the detent pockets 21 of the body 1 . referring to fig9 a , 9b , 9c , and 9d , the plug 45 is shown and has an inner sleeve 45a with a cylindrical opening 46 passing through it . on the interior walls of the opening 46 there are two indentations 54 to receive protrusions 59 ( see fig1 a and 10b ) on the plunger 56 to position the plunger 56 in the plug 45 during handling , packaging and shipping . an outer flared section 45b is molded to the forward end of the sleeve 45a at a face 47 and forms a rear finger grip 48 . the outer edge 49 of this rear finger grip 48 is in the form of an octagonal section 49 which , in conjunction with the protector case actuation ring 39 , which preferably has four or eight sides ( octagonal as shown ), and rectangular protector case section 26 , substantially prevents rolling of the syringe when placed on a flat surface . locking fingers 51 are molded to the face 47 of the plug 45 and extend axially forward . locking detents 52 are located at the ends of the locking fingers 51 . at the face end of each locking finger 51 is a base section 53 which is of a form and shape required to fill the notches 12 ( fig4 c and 4d ) in the finger grip collar 3 of the body 1 so that , when the plug 45 and body 1 are assembled , the finger grip area 48a ( see fig2 ) has a smooth , comfortable surface . the outer surfaces of the locking fingers 51 and locking detents 52 are equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the plug 45 which maintains more uniform wall thickness in the mating sections 10 , 11 , and 12 of the finger grip collar 3 of the body 1 . referring to fig1 a and 10b , the plunger 56 has an elongated column 56a of substantially cruciform or &# 34 ;+&# 34 ; cross section with a thumb ring 57 on the rearward end and an end cap 58 on the forward end . the thumb ring 57 has a flat surface 57a on the rearward end to facilitate striking the plunger 56 when setting the harpoon 60 in the cartridge c . a circular boss 57b is located at the joint between the plunger column 56a and the thumb ring 57 to strengthen the plunger and facilitate handling during assembly . two protrusions 59 are located on the edges of the elongated column 56a near the forward end near the end cap 58 . these protrusions 59 interact with the indentations 54 ( fig9 d ) in the bore 49 of the plug 45 to position the plunger 56 in the plug 45 during handling , packaging and shipping . these protrusions 59 also interact with the face 47 of the plug 45 after setting the harpoon to prevent the plunger 56 from being retracted far enough to pull the rubber stopper 70 out of the cartridge c during aspiration . on the forward end of the plunger 56 there is a harpoon 60 integrally molded to the end cap 58 . the harpoon 60 has four barbs 61 extending radially from the axis of the harpoon 60 and plunger 56 . molding the harpoon 56 directly to the plunger 56 results in a simpler mold for the plunger 56 , eliminates the cost of a separate harpoon part , and eliminates the cost of assembly of the harpoon to the plunger . although the plug 45 can be designed with threads to engage similar threads on the body 1 , the locking finger 51 arrangement is preferred . these fingers 51 are flexible so that the plug 45 and body 1 can be quickly and easily assembled by pushing the finger 51 end of the plug into the opening 9 ( note fig4 d ) of the body 1 . the finger 51 structure also is simpler and cheaper to mold . a threaded connector between the plug 45 and body 1 would allow the two to be easily separated , which is undesirable ; whereas , with the presently described construction with fingers 51 , the two are not at all easy to separate . when the fingers 51 are snapped in place in the body 1 and subsequently the plunger 56 is pushed forward to push the harpoon 60 into the rubber stopper 70 of the cartridge c , it is very difficult to then remove the plug 45 from the body 1 because the plunger column 56a is positioned between and bears against the fingers 51 preventing them from flexing inward to thereby prevent the locking detents 52 from disengaging from the finger grip ring 13 on body 1 . this provides an important safety feature as can be appreciated . furthermore , the protrusions 59 ( note fig1 a and 10b ) on the plunger column 56a preferably have a slightly larger diameter than the hole 46 in the plug 45 ( fig9 b ) to prevent the plunger 56 from being easily pulled out of the plug 45 . if the plunger 56 is retracted from the plug 45 the harpoon 60 pulls the rubber stopper 70 of the cartridge c back between the fingers 51 and thus it would be necessary for the user to compress both the cartridge stopper 70 and the fingers 51 of the plug 45 in order to get the plug 45 loose from the body 1 . the plug 45 and plunger 56 are assembled into the second assembly , as shown in fig1 a and 11b , and are shipped in this form with the first assembly . after use the entire syringe assembly , including the needle n , is disposed of . except for the needle , all of the above described components are injection molded using conventional techniques . the materials preferably used are plastics of the type used for sterilizable medical devices such as polypropylene , polycarbonate , styrene butadiene . another advantage , in addition to simplifying manufacture and providing a readily disposable syringe , in molding the syringe components ( other than the needle ) from plastic is that if the syringe components contact the skin of the patient , the syringe does not feel cold to the touch as with conventional metal aspirating dental syringes . furthermore , and of particular importance , is the fact that the syringe components can be molded from a colored plastic or otherwise colored and , significantly , can be molded of a color which is the same as or similar to the color of surgical gloves ( typically an ivory or almost or substantially white color ). by providing this particular color , at least for the portions seen by a patient ( i . e ., the ring 57 , plunger 56 and the plug 45 ), the color of the syringe blends into the color of the glove and becomes essentially an extension of the practitioner &# 39 ; s hand and therefore appears to be less obtrusive or threatening to the patient . also , any other color can be provided as desired , particularly in the event the color of surgical gloves is changed from the standard substantially white or ivory . the syringe device of the present invention is assembled at the manufacturing facility into the two sub - assemblies as shown in fig8 b and 11a . these sub - assemblies are placed together and sealed in a suitable container which provides a microbial barrier . the packaged devices are then sterilized by gamma radiation , or in any other recognized manner , and shipped to the end user either directly or through a distribution chain . immediately prior to use , the container is opened and the body sub - assembly shown in fig8 b is removed . the cartridge c of fig1 containing the selected medication is next inserted into the cartridge cavity 8 as seen in fig8 b . the plug assembly of fig1 is then removed and the locking fingers 51 are aligned with the notches 12 ( see fig4 d and 8d ) in the finger grip ring 3 of the body 1 . the plug 45 is pushed forward until the detents 52 of the locking fingers 51 engage the forward wall of the finger grip ring 13 of the body 1 . as the locking fingers 51 move forward , the front ends of the locking fingers 51 push against the rear surface of the cartridge c forcing the cartridge forward over the rear end ( see fig8 d ) of the needle n which penetrates the standard rubber seal on the forward end of the cartridge c in a conventional manner . the plunger 56 can then be forced sharply forward by striking the finger ring 57 with the palm of the hand of the user or against a hard surface in a conventional manner . this imbeds the harpoon 60 in the rubber stopper 70 with the barbs 61 engaged in the stopper 70 . the needle cap 42 can then be removed and the needle n inserted into the patient . the rubber stopper 70 of the cartridge c is then moved rearward by retracting the finger ring 57 of the plunger 56 to draw body fluid into the cartridge c ( aspiration ) in the usual way to determine if the needle n has penetrated a blood vessel and , if not , the plunger 56 is pushed forward to discharge the medication contained in the cartridge c into the patient . after injection , the needle n is retracted from the patient . as the syringe is withdrawn the protector case 26 may be grasped with the free hand of the user and held as the syringe is moved away from the patient thus sliding the protector case 26 forward over the needle n and into the guarded position as shown in fig3 . alternatively , the protector case 26 may be operated with one hand by moving the index and middle fingers forward between the rear of the protector case actuator ring 39 and the front of the finger grip ring 13 moving the thumb rearward in the ring 57 thereby drawing the body 1 rearward into the protector case 26 . as the protector case 26 slides forward , the detents 31 engage the forward detent pockets 22 preventing subsequent rearward movement of the protector case 26 . the stop tabs 25 and rear edges 35b of the windows 35 provide a positive stop when moving the protector case 26 forward to cover the needle n . the entire device is then disposed of without further exposure of the needle or other action required . the improvements which are the particular subject of the present invention are : a modified configuration of the plunger 56 which includes the molding of the harpoon 60 as an integral part of the plunger which eliminates a separate part , simplifies the mold configuration for the plunger , and eliminates a step in the assembly process . a new design for the molded harpoon 60 which increases the force required to pull the plunger free of the rubber stopper 70 thus reducing the incidence of inadvertent release of the stopper 70 during aspiration . addition of protrusions 59 on the vanes 56a of the plunger 56 and undercuts 54 in the bore of the plug 45 which interact to create an improved method of positioning the plunger relative to the plug in the second assembly . positioning the protrusions 59 on the vanes 56a relative to the harpoon tip 60 to provide an interaction between the protrusions and the forward wall of the plug 45 at the exit of the bore 46 through the plug to prevent the plunger 56 from being easily retracted beyond the point of interference thus substantially reducing the likelihood of the rubber piston of the medicine cartridge c being pulled free of the cartridge during the aspiration process . addition of an annular ring 38 to the distal end of the protector case 26 to strengthen the structure without affecting the feature which permits the needle cap 42 to be attached to the body 1 rather than the protector case 26 so as to prevent inadvertent actuation of the protector case 26 when the needle cap 42 is removed . modification to the angle and shape of the detents 31 on the protector case 26 and the detent pockets 22 on the body 1 to reduce the force necessary to release the detents from the rear pockets and slide the protector case forward over the needle . while embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described , various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention , and all such modifications and equivalents are intended to be covered . | 0 |
fig3 shows a first example of a magnetiser 20 that embodies the invention . this embodiment is a central body - type arrangement similar to the conventional magnetising assembly shown in fig1 . the magnetiser 20 comprises a central body ( i . e . base member ) 21 of ferromagnetic material ( e . g . mild steel ), with annular driving magnets 22 fixed around each end . the directions of magnetisation ( dom ) of the magnets 22 at each end are opposite to each other , as indicated by respective arrows 31 , 32 . each driving magnet is enclosed in a housing comprising top plate 25 and end plate 26 . the housing provides protection for the driving magnet and structural support for the elements that are mounted on each magnet . a ferromagnetic mounting plate 24 is fixed on each driving magnet 22 to receive a respective ferromagnetic flux coupler 23 , e . g . comprising flexible mild steel bristles . the flux couplers 23 are arranged to couple the flux from the driving magnets 22 into a pipe wall and provide suspension for the device in the pipe . the top plate 25 is ferromagnetic to permit the magnetic field from its driving magnet to be transferred through to the flux coupler 23 . to prevent shorting of the magnet 22 , the side plate 26 is made of a non - magnetic material . the magnetiser functions in the same way as described above with respect to fig1 . the main difference is the presence of an additional annular magnet 27 mounted on the central body 21 between the annular driving magnets 22 and magnetised in the axial direction ( parallel to the axis of the central body 21 , as indicated by arrow 33 ). this additional magnet , hereinafter referred to as a flux enhancing magnet , provides an additional source of magnetic flux in the circuit . this additional tube - shaped magnet 27 may appear counterintuitive because one might expect it to be short circuited by the central mild steel body 21 . however , finite element modelling of the magnetic potential shows that the presence of the driving magnets 22 at each end of the flux enhancing magnet 27 act to inhibit this effect and prevent the flux turning back on itself down the central body 21 . the flux enhancing magnet 27 not only provides additional magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit also helps to block flux leaking back onto the body due from the driving magnets 22 . in conventional arrangements , this leakage is coupled through the air ; in the invention it is blocked by locating the flux enhancing magnet 27 such that it covers the edge of the driving magnet . in other words , the edge of the driving magnets extending parallel to their direction of magnetisation are bounded by the flux enhancing magnet . overall , the new arrangement provides an increase in the magnet flux output of the device . each of the driving magnets 22 has two component pieces . as there are high demagnetising fields close to the inside corner of the flux enhancing magnet 27 at the junction with the central body 21 , the driving magnets may comprise an interface portion at this position that has a higher coercivity that a main portion located under the flux couplers . the higher coercivity interface portion may reduce or overcome any demagnetisation losses . the two piece configuration may provide an optimised balance between magnetic strength ( i . e . maximising the flux density available to drive the magnetic circuit ) and resistance to demagnetisation , which can indirectly influence magnetic strength by retaining tighter control over the directions of magnetisation . the higher coercivity material ( which may not be as magnetically strong as the main portion ) may act as a buffer to absorb any demagnetising effects without being demagnetised itself . in other embodiment , a single material may be used which exhibits both the desired magnetic strength and resistance to demagnetisation . the flux enhancing magnet 27 is covered by a thin protective sheath 28 . the sheath is made of a non - magnetic material . the sheath may protect and magnetically isolate the magnet 27 from sensing components ( not shown ) that may be mounted thereon . as the permanent magnets 22 , 27 may generally be made from brittle material , they may not be suitable for use as structural components , hence the presence of the housing and protective sheath . the material for these structures must be carefully selected to ensure good magnetic connectivity between the magnets and the pipe wall couplers , but must be made of non - magnetic material along the sides to prevent magnetic shorting . fig4 shows a contour plot of lines of magnetic potential for the first embodiment inside a pipe . when compared with the plot shown in fig2 , it may be seen that the presence of the flux enhancing magnet acts to supplement and push the flux through the adjacent steel components . the magnetic potential plot shown in fig4 serves to show the flux lines or distribution of magnetic potential . fig5 illustrates quantitatively the superiority of the invention . fig5 is a graphical representation of the axial component of field in the pipe wall for a conventional magnetiser without a flux enhancing magnet ( dotted line ) and a magnetiser with a flux enhancing magnet according to the invention ( solid line ). the vertical axis represents field magnitude ( in arbitrary units ) and the horizontal axis represents the distance along the pipe . a peak in the field magnitude occurs between the flux couplers , where mfl sensors may be located . fig5 shows that in the peak region , the field is increased by the order of 200 %. such an improvement in field allows increased confidence of pipe wall saturation and more confident and accurate inspection . the two schemes being compared have the same axial length , same central body diameters , and same outer diameter across the radial magnets . the only difference is the inclusion of the blocking magnet . the principles of the invention discussed above can be applied to other embodiments , which are discussed below . fig6 is cross - section view through a central body - type magnetiser 40 that is a second embodiment of the invention . components in fig6 which perform the same function as those in fig3 are given the same reference numbers . in this embodiment , the central body 21 tapers , i . e . exhibits a conical shape , underneath the driving magnets 22 . the driving magnets 22 ( specifically the main part of each driving magnet ) are fitted to the tapered body . as a result , the radial thickness of the driving magnets increase towards their respective end plates 26 . the purpose of this thickening is to increase the magneto - motive force of the assembly in this region and contribute to an additional increase in the pipe wall field . fig7 is cross - section view through a central body - type magnetiser 42 that is a third embodiment of the invention . components in fig7 which perform the same function as those in fig3 are given the same reference numbers . in this embodiment , the flux enhancing magnet 37 includes a recess 38 formed in its outer surface . in other words , the outer diameter of the flux enhancing magnet 37 is reduced over its central section . the purpose of this thinning may be to accommodate sensors and / or other inspection electronics on the tool . fem may be used to find a configuration where the recess is of a suitable size for receiving sensors or the like yet the flux enhancing magnet still confers an adequate increase in field strength . fig8 is cross - section view through another central body - type magnetiser 44 that is a fourth embodiment of the invention . components in fig8 which perform the same function as those in fig3 are given the same reference numbers . in this embodiment , the flux enhancing magnet 47 comprises two spatially separated magnetic modules . each module is located within the magnetic circuit in a region immediately adjacent to a respective driving magnet 22 . the edges of the driving magnets 22 are thus still covered by the flux enhancing magnet 47 to prevent flux leakage . to facilitate magnetic communication between the modules , the central body 21 may include a thickened band between the modules that acts as a link portion providing magnetic communication therebetween . the outer surface of the link portion may be set back from the outer surface of the modules to provide a recess 38 for the same purpose as discussed above . fem may be used to find a configuration ( specifically an axial length ) for the modules which provides a magneto - motive force to confer an adequate increase in field strength . the embodiments described with respect to fig3 , 6 , 7 and 8 are based on a central body design . however , the same principles may be applied to a segmented magnetiser . fig9 shows a perspective view of a segmented magnetiser 50 that is another embodiment of the invention . in the segmented arrangement , the cylindrical symmetry of the central body arrangement is interrupted because the body is divided into a plurality of discrete segments 48 . the magnetiser 50 may still exhibit rotational symmetry about a tool axis around which the segments 48 are arranged . each segment 48 comprises a ferromagnetic base member 51 ( e . g . a backing bar ) extending parallel to the tool axis . to approximate to the central body arrangement , each segment 48 has a pair of driving magnets 52 ( not visible in fig9 ) mounted at each end of the base member 51 and having a direction magnetisation extending radially with respect to the tool axis and in opposite senses to each other . similar to the embodiments discussed above , a ferromagnetic mounting plate 54 is fixed on each driving magnet 52 ( or on a structural support shell ( not shown ) enclosing the magnet . a flux coupler 53 is mounted on each mounting plate . a protective coating 58 covers the flux enhancing magnet and / or base member 51 in the region between the flux couplers 53 . the three - dimensional perspective view in fig9 conceals some details of the embodiment , so a single magnetiser segment with the flux couplers 53 removed is shown in fig1 . here the driving magnets 52 are shown embedded within structural enclosures 56 , mounted on the base member 51 , a single backing bar . a flux enhancing magnet 57 is mounted between the driving magnets 52 , also embedded in an enclosure that provides structural support , e . g . at the axial ends and along the sides of the segment . the assembly illustrated in fig1 also shows mounting holes 59 formed in the enclosure 56 and slots 60 formed within the body of the flux enhancing magnet that are used to attach the segment to the tool and to other components , such as flux couplers , sensors and external electronics . the robustness of the magnetic circuit is demonstrated in this segmented embodiment by the fact that the interruptions to the flux path , e . g . caused by physical separation of the magnets by the thickness of the enclosure walls , do not substantially affect the operation of or benefits afforded by the invention . fig1 shows the invention applied to a transverse type magnetiser , i . e . in which the pipe wall is magnetised in a circumferential direction relative to a tool axis as opposed to the axial magnetic field imparted by the preceding embodiments . fig1 is a cross - sectional view through a transverse - type magnetiser 70 located inside a pipe wall 78 . in this embodiment , the transverse - type magnetiser 70 incorporates a quadrupole arrangement , but the same principles are applicable to a dipole arrangement or any other multi - pole arrangement . the transverse - type magnetiser 70 has a central body ( base member ) 71 ; the view is fig1 is down the body axis . four driving magnets 72 are mounted on the body 71 at spatially separated locations . the driving magnets 72 are radially polarised , with the adjacent magnets polarised in the opposite sense to each other , as indicated by respective arrows 79 , 80 . a top plate 75 is fixed to each driving magnet to protect it and provide structural support for a ferromagnetic mounting plate 74 , on which is mounted a flexible flux coupler 73 . these elements have corresponding functions to like named parts on the longitudinal arrangements discussed above . a flux enhancing magnet 77 is mounted on the body 71 in between each respective pair of driving magnets 72 . each flux enhancing magnets is polarised in a circumferential sense in the same direction as flux in the body due to the magnetic circuit generated by the driving magnets 72 . a protective coating 76 covers the flux enhancing magnets 77 between each pair of adjacent flux couplers 73 . | 7 |
next will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating a facsimile transmitter , to which a preferred embodiment of the invention is applied . in fig1 a scanner 1 scans the document to be transmitted , and generates analog video signals including halftones . an analog - to - digital ( a / d ) converter 2 converts the analog video signals from the scanner 1 , by an ordered dither method , into first digital video signals s01 each consisting of a sequence of &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; bits . the first digital video signals s01 from the a / d converter 2 , is temporarily stored in a buffer memory 3 , and then supplied as video signals s11 to a preprocessing circuit 4 , a first transition bit detection circuit 5a and a one - line buffer 9 . the buffer memory 3 , absorbs the difference in signal processing speed between the circuits on its input and output sides and , has a capacity to store the equivalent of several lines of video signals . the preprocessing circuit 4 converts short run - length digital video signals , corresponding to a photograph or a mesh - point image , into second digital video signals having greater run - lengths . this preprocessing circuit 4 uses the logic converter circuit described in the u . s . pat . no . 4 , 475 , 127 , which is incorporated herein by reference . first and second transition bit detection circuits 5a and 6a respectively differentiate signals s11 and s41 supplied from the buffer memory 3 and the preprocessing circuit 4 . circuits 5a and 6a detect the transition points from &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; and from &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, and generates pulses indicating changes in bit . first and second counters 5b and 6b count , line by line , the pulses from the transition bit detection circuits 5a and 6a , respectively , and thereby count the numbers of runs per line . each counter is reset , upon counting of each line , by a reset pulse s17 supplied from a controller 10 . a comparator 7 compares the counts of the first and second counters 5b and 6b line by line , and supplies a signal indicating which of the two counts is smaller . in response to the output signal of the comparator 7 , a selector 11 selects line by line the signals from either of the one - line buffers 8 or 9 . thus the selector 11 is controlled by the comparator 7 to select , from the input and output signals of the preprocessing circuit 4 , whichever have a smaller number of transition points per line . in specific terms , when the count of the second counter 6b is smaller than the count of the first counter 5b , the selector 11 selects the output of the one - line buffer 8 , and when the count of the first counter 5b is smaller than that of the second counter 6b , the selector 11 selects the output of the one - line buffer 9 . this preferential selection of the signals with fewer transition points per line contributes to raising the compression efficiency of run - length encoding . a one - line equivalent of signals selected by the selector 11 is run - length encoded by an encoding circuit 12 using the modified huffman ( mh ) encoding method . the output of the encoding circuit 12 is supplied to a tag inserting circuit 13 . the tag inserting circuit 13 , as will be later described in more detail , inserts at the end of a one - line equivalent of encoded data a tag code for identifying which of the outputs of the one - line buffers 8 and 9 has been selected by the selector 11 . in this embodiment , known circuits described in the u . s . pat . no . 4 , 475 , 127 are used as the a / d converter 2 and the preprocessing circuit 4 . the a / d converter 2 includes a circuit which converts the analog video signals from the scanner 1 into the digital video signals after sampling the analog video signals pixel by pixel ( bit by bit ) and includes a circuit for generating threshold data which indicate the thresholds of an n - by - n dither matrix . the thresholds of the n - by - n dither matrix are periodically arranged in the main scan and subscan directions . the threshold data of each scan are repetitively generated in n - bit cycles in the main scan and subscan directions . the a / d converter 2 further compares the digital video signals and the threshold data , and generates binary signals of &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; according to the result of comparison . these binary signals are applied to the buffer memory 3 as first digital signals s01 . in fig2 the preprocessing circuit 4 converts the bit sequence of a first digital video signal received from the buffer memory 3 into a bit sequence which is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; when the sum of the bit sequence before conversion and ( n - 1 ) signals produced by delaying this bit sequence by 1 , 2 , . . . , ( n - 1 ) bits is an even number , or which is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; when the sum is an odd number . the circuits to delay the bit sequence by 1 , 2 , . . . , ( n - 1 ) are registers 41 to 43 , and the sums of the delayed signals and the input signal are calculated by exclusive or circuits 44 to 46 . reference symbols s12 and s17 respectively denote pulses for shifting to the registers 41 to 43 and a reset pulse . as revealed in the u . s . pat . no . 4 , 475 , 127 , the preprocessing circuit 4 converts video signals repeated in periods shorter than n into signals of great run - lengths . however , it has no such effect on video signals having large white parts , such as video signals whose periods are longer than n . preprocessing circuit 4 but is highly likely to rather shorten the run - lengths . the facsimile transmitter of fig1 however , can achieve a higher compression efficiency because it selectively encodes such video signals , among the input and output video signals of the preprocessing circuit 4 , as having a smaller number of runs . fig3 is a flow chart showing the operating sequence of the controller 10 ( fig1 ). first , the controller 10 monitors a buffer - memory - read - ready signal s13 supplied from an interface built into the buffer memory 3 , and waits until the buffer memory 3 becomes ready to read ( step 21 ). when it becomes ready to read , i . e . video data of not less one line have been accumulated in the buffer memory 3 , the controller 10 turns on a one - line transmit - demand signal s16 vis - a - vis the buffer memory 3 ( step 22 ). buffer memory monitors a one - line transmit - response signal s15 from the buffer memory 3 ( step 23 ). when the one - line transmit - response signal s15 is on , the first and second counters 5b and 6b are counting the numbers of transition points per line . the preprocessing circuit 4 supplies a one - line equivalent of signals to the one - line buffer 8 . another one - line equivalent of signals from the buffer memory 3 are accumulated in the one - line buffer 9 . moreover , when the one - line transmit - response signal s15 is turned on , the controller 10 turns on a one - line encoding - demand signal s18 vis - a - vis the encoding circuit 12 ( step 24 ). having received the one - line encoding - demand signal in the on state , the encoding circuit 12 reads out video signals via the selector 11 by sending a video data read clock s120 to the buffers 8 and 9 . before sending the video data read clock s120 , a selection instruction signal s70 is sent to the selector 11 from the comparator 7 . the smaller number of transition points is selected as the output of the selector 11 . the selection instruction signal s70 is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; when the count of the first counter 5b is smaller than the count of the second counter 6b , or is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; in the reverse case . then , the controller 10 monitors a one - line encoding completion signal s19 , and waits until it is turned on ( step 25 ). the tag inserting circuit 13 inserts the information of the selection instruction signal s70 as a predetermined single tag bit following the leading eql ( end of line ) of the run - length code , and sends out a tag - inserted video signal s111 . when the one - line encoding completion signal s19 is turned on , it means the completion of run - length encoding of a one - line equivalent . the controller 10 , monitoring a buffer memory empty signal s14 ( step 26 ), will execute the same sequence of line processing as above described on the next line if the buffer memory 3 is not empty ( contains data ). the tag - inserted video signal from the tag inserting circuit 13 is sent out to the communication line by way of a known transmission control section and a modem . fig4 is a block diagram illustrating a decoder for decoder the tag - inserted video signal s111 sent from the facsimile transmitter of fig1 . referring to fig4 a tag detecting circuit 31 , separates the single tag bit following the eql . at the same time , circuit 31 determines whether the tag bit is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; and , outputs &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; if the tag bit is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, or &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; if the tag bit is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, as a select signal 70 &# 39 ;. a decoding circuit 32 decodes , line by line , encoded signals s31 which are received from the tag detecting circuit 31 , and sends out video signals s32 . a postprocessing circuit 33 processes signals in a way which is exactly the reverse of the way that the preprocessing circuit was used in the facsimile transmitter of fig1 . its output video signals s33 are supplied to a selector 34 . the selector 34 selects a video signals s33 when the select signal s70 &# 39 ; is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; or a video signal s32 when the select signal s70 &# 39 ; is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;. video signals selected by the selector 34 are temporarily accumulated in a buffer memory 35 . the video signals accumulated in this buffer memory 35 are the same as the video signals accumulated in the buffer memory 3 of fig1 . the output of the buffer memory 35 is outputted line by line to the recording circuit ( not shown ) of a facsimile unit and recorded on recording paper . a controller 36 controls the decoding timing of the decoding circuit 32 and the writing into and reading out of the buffer memory 35 . if the facsimile transmitter of fig1 and the decoder of fig4 are connected , the selector 34 of the decoder will select output video signals s33 of the postprocessing circuit 33 when the selector 11 of the transmitter has selected the second digital video signals from the preprocessing circuit 4 . or , selector 34 will select video signals s32 when the selector 11 has selected video signals which have passed through the preprocessing circuit 4 . therefore , the recording circuit faithfully reproduces the photographic part and characters of the document scanned by the scanner 1 . the applications of the present invention are not limited to the preferred embodiment . for instance , although the logic converter described in the u . s . pat . no . 4 , 475 , 127 is used as the preprocessing circuit 4 in fig1 any other suitable circuit can be used in its place only if it can extend the run lengths of input video signals by inverting some of the codes of a bit sequence of a prescribed pattern among the first digital video signals from the a / d converter 2 . further , although the facsimile transmitter of fig1 uses the buffer memory 3 , this buffer memory 3 can be dispensed with if the scanning speed of the scanner 1 and the output timing of analog video signals are properly controlled . the selector 4 in the decoder of fig4 which selects the output of either the postprocessing circuit 33 or the decoding circuit 32 , could choose between the inputs of the buffer memory 35 and the postprocessing circuit 33 as the destination of the output of the decoding circuit 32 . | 7 |
this invention is a vaso - occlusive device comprising one or more vaso - occlusive helical coils which are formed by winding a wire into a first helix ; the first helix is then wound into a secondary form . the secondary form may be held or restrained within a tubular body such as a catheter or introducer into a shape which approximates the shape of the interior of that tubular body . the secondary form is one which , when ejected or pushed from the delivery catheter has a plurality of turns at least one substantially conical portion adjacent to a central cylindrical portion having a diameter approximating the larger end of the conical end . preferably the device has opposing conical ends separated by a cylindrical coil section . fig1 shows the most basic variation of ( 100 ) of the basic inventive device . in particular , vaso - occlusive device ( 100 ), has a generally cylindrical section ( 102 ) also known as the mid - section ( 102 ) made up of a number of turns ( 103 ) helically wound of a primary coil which in turn was helically wound from a wire . the end section ( 104 ) has a large end which continues on from the primary winding of central section ( 102 ) and creates a taper in section ( 104 ) and the taper becomes smaller and smaller as the axis of the coil proceeds . the coil may have a pitch ( 105 ) which is fairly loose , that is to say , that the distance between windings in the secondary shape are at least equal to the diameter of the primary coil making up those helical windings . this &# 34 ; looseness &# 34 ; prevents the coil from forming a fixed or pipe - like mass so readily after it has been placed within the human body . this looseness also creates a secondary shape having a fairly large mass in the vasculature which decreases the length of the coil placed within the catheter so to decrease the amount of friction encountered when deploying the coil . a tightly wound coil producing the same deployed coil volume may not be deployable because they simply refuse to be pushed through the catheter using normal pushing techniques . the loose wind discussed here is desirable but not required . the angle of the coil ( 106 ) may be virtually any value between 10 ° and approaching 90 °. indeed in some variations of the invention which may be considered to be variations having non - conic ends , the end section need only be a spirally wound disk . the material used in constructing a vaso - occlusive member may be any of a wide variety of materials ; preferably , the material chosen is a wire of a radio - opaque material such as a metal or polymer . suitable metals and alloys for the wire making up the device ( 100 ) include the platinum group metals , especially platinum , rhodium , palladium , rhenium , and other bio - compatible metals such as tungsten , gold , silver , tantalum , and alloys of these metals . these metals have significant radio - opacity and their alloys may be tailored to accomplish an appropriate blend of flexibility and stiffness . highly preferred for this service is a platinum / tungsten alloy . the wire may also be of any of a wide variety of stainless steels if some sacrifice of radio - opacity may be tolerated . very desirable materials of construction , from a mechanical point of view , are materials which maintain their shape despite being subjected to high stress . certain &# 34 ; super elastic alloys &# 34 ; include nickel / titanium alloys ( 48 - 58 atomic % nickel and optionally containing modest amounts of iron ); copper / zinc alloys ( 38 - 42 % zinc ); copper / zinc alloys containing 1 - 10 % by weight of beryllium , silicon , tin , aluminum , or gallium ; or nickel / aluminum alloys ( 36 - 38 atomic % aluminum ). particularly preferred are the alloys described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 174 , 851 ; 3 , 351 , 463 ; and 3 , 753 , 700 . especially preferred are the super elastic nickel titanium alloys , particularly known as &# 34 ; nitinol &# 34 ;. these nickel titanium alloys are very sturdy alloys which will tolerate significant flexing without plastic deformation even when used as a very small diameter wire . if a super elastic alloy such as nitinol is used in the device , the diameter of the coil wire may be significantly smaller than that used when the relatively more ductile platinum or platinum / tungsten alloy is used as the material of construction . the coils may be of radiolucent fibers or polymers ( or metallic threads or wires coated with radiolucent or radio - opaque polymers ) such as dacron ( polyethylene terephthalate or pet ), polyglycolic acid , polylactic acid , fluoropolymers such polytetrafluoroethylene , or nylon ( polyamide ), or even silk or cotton . should a polymer be used as a major component of the vaso - occlusive member , it is desirably filled with some amount of a known radio - opaque material such as powdered tantalum , powdered tungsten , bismuth oxide , barium sulfate , and the like . the coil material is first wound into a primary coil form . the primary coil is typically linear after it has been wound and heat treated . generally speaking , when the device ( 100 ) is formed of a metallic coil and that coil is a platinum alloy or a super elastic alloy such as nitinol , the diameter of the wire used in the production of the coil will be in the range of 0 . 0005 and 0 . 006 inches . the wire of such diameter is typically then wound into a primary coil having a primary diameter of between 0 . 005 and 0 . 025 inches . for most neurovascular indications , the preferable diameter is between 0 . 010 and 0 . 018 inches the axial length of the primary coil will usually fall in the range of 0 . 5 to 100 cm . more usually 2 . 4 to 40 cm . depending on usage , the primary coil may well have 10 to 75 turns per centimeter , preferably 10 to 40 turns per centimeter . all of the dimensions here are provided only as guidelines and are not critical to the invention . however , only dimensions suitable for use in occluding sites within the human body are included in the scope of this invention . the overall diameter of the device as deployed is generally between 3 and 25 millimeters with a range between 3 and 12 millimeters much more common . if this device is used within an aneurysm in the cranial vasculature , these shapes may be treated using devices having those diameters . of course , such diameters are not a critical aspect of the invention . fig2 shows another variation of the inventive device ( 200 ). in this variation , the center section ( 202 ) is two or more times the length of the axial length of the conical end sections ( 204 , 206 ). the variation ( 200 ) also obviously has two opposing ends or sections ( 204 , 206 ) which are helically wound and have an overall conical shape which is smallest at the opposing extremities of the device . we have found that in some instances , it is desirable to provide a short &# 34 ; tail &# 34 ; such as ( 208 ) on the end of the coil which last exits the delivery catheter . this tail ( 208 ) prevents the secondary coil turn from hanging in the catheter mouth since the last portion of the device seen by the catheter is straight . the wire in this instance is continuous throughout each of the sections of the device . fig3 shows another variation ( 300 ) of the inventive device . in this variation , the central section ( 302 ) is quite short in axial length and has but little more than one turn of the coil in the secondary shape within central section ( 302 ). terminal conical section ( 304 ) is , perhaps , three times the axial length of center section ( 302 ). the opposing end section ( 306 ) is also quite short in axial length . the angle of the cone in this variation is found in conical end ( 306 ) can approach 90 degrees . also contemplated in this invention is the attachment of various fibrous materials to the inventive device for the purpose of adding thrombogenicity to the resulting assembly . a wide variety of fibrous materials have been used in adding to the thrombogenicity of such coils . including in this group are such well known materials as dacron ( polyethylene terephthalate ), polyethylene , polypropylene , silk , nylon , and cotton . the fibrous materials may be added in a variety of ways , fig4 shows a cross section of the device shown in fig3 and it shows that the fibrous materials ( 308 ) found therein are looped around in such a way that they are continuous from end to end and generally may be tied to the end of the coil . another variation is had by tying the tuft or wrapping the tuft through the turns of the primary coil . tufts may be tied at multiple sites throughout the coil to provide a vast area of embolus forming sites . fig5 shows a close up of a primary coil ( 310 ) having a number of tufts ( 312 ) passing through the primary turns of the coil and merely being held in place by turns of the coil itself . the primary coil may be covered by a fibrous braid such as is shown in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 382 , 259 , issued jan . 17 , 1995 , to phelps and van . as was noted above , many vaso - occlusive coils are held in place before deployment in a variety of different ways so to provide a c ontrol on the site and time of their deployment . variations of the invention include the use of electrolytic detachment joints such as is shown in fig6 and mechanical detachment joints such as is shown in fig7 . specifically , the electrolytic joint shown in fig6 is described in significant detail in patent such as u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 122 , 136 and 5 , 354 , 295 , both to guglielmi discussed above . in these variations , an insulated pusher ( 402 ) is attached to the vaso - occlusive coil ( 404 ) via an electrolytically erodible joint ( 406 ). a direct current is applied to pusher ( 402 ). the current path is , in part , through joint ( 406 ) into the ionic medium surrounding the coil upon deployment . such ionic medium is , in the vasculature , blood or saline solution passing through the deploying catheter . joint ( 406 ) erodes and allows vaso - occlusive device ( 406 ) to remain in the body . vaso - occlusive device ( 406 ) may be any of the devices described above with respect to this invention . similarly , fig7 shows a mechanically detachable assembly ( 410 ) partially housed within a deployment catheter ( 412 ). the vaso - occlusive device itself ( 414 ) has an end clasp ( 416 ) which engages a similar end clasp ( 418 ) forming the end of pusher ( 420 ). when pusher ( 420 ) is forwarded distally so that both clasp ( 416 ) and clasp ( 418 ) are exterior to catheter ( 412 ), the vaso - occlusive device ( 415 ) with its attached clasp ( 416 ) is free to stay at the chosen site within the human body . again , vaso - occlusive portion ( 414 ) may be any of the devices described above in relation to this invention . in summary , the manner in which this device is employed or deployed may be found in a variety of other prior publications . in particular , the reader is directed to ritchart et al ., discussed above . modification of the above - described variations of carrying out the invention that would be apparent to those of skill in the fields of medical device design generally , and vaso - occlusive devices specifically , are tended to be within the scope of the following claims . | 0 |
polyamide synthesized using 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine as aromatic diamine monomer has two trifluoromethyl groups which are substituted on each of the two phenyl rings at the ortho position to the biphenyl linkage of benzidine . the free rotation of the biphenyl linkage is inhibited due to steric hindrance caused by the two trifluoromethyl groups thereby increasing the rigidity of polymer chains . further , the bulky structure of the trfluoromethyl group inhibits the polymer chain packing , which results in the increase of the fractional free volume of the polymer . the increased polymer chain rigidity resulting from the interference of the free rotation of the biphenyl linkage enhances the permeation selectivity of the membranes made of the polymer , whereas the increase of the fractional free volume of the polymer due to the restricted polymer chain packing enhances the permeability of the polymer membranes . the present invention is based on such findings . according to one aspect of the present invention , there is provided fluid separation membranes prepared from polyamides having the repeating unit represented by the formula : ## str2 ## where r is an aliphatic or aromatic organic group derived from dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic halide . examples of suitable r substituents in the above formula ( i ) may include aliphatics containing more than 2 carbon atoms , such as adipic acid , cycloaliphatics containing more than 4 carbon atoms , such as 1 , 4 - cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid , monocyclic aromatics , such as isophthalic acid , poly - cyclic aromatics , such as 1 , 5 - naphthalene dicarboxylic acid , alkyl - substituted aromatics , such as 4 - methylisophthalic acid , halo - substituted aromatics , such as 4 - bromoisophthalic acid , and the like . as mentioned above , 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine ( tfmb ) is employed as an aromatic diamine for preparing polyamides . 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluromethyl ) benzidine generally is prepared by coupling 2 - bromo - 5 - nitrobenzotrifluoride obtained from the nitration of2 - bromobenzotrifuoride to synthesize 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluromethyl )- 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- dinitro - 1 , 1 &# 39 ;- biphenyl , which is then reduced to prepare 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluromethyl ) benzidine . examples of the dicarboxylic acid employed in the present invention include , but are not limited to , specifically isophthalic acid , terephthalic acid , 4 - methyl isophthalic acid , 4 - bromoisophthalic acid , 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- bis ( benzoic acid ), 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- methylene bis ( benzoic acid ), 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- propylidene bis ( benzoic acid ), 4 , 4 &# 39 ;-( 2 - isopropylidene ) bis ( benzoic acid ), 4 , 4 &# 39 ;-( hexafluoroisopropylidene ) bis ( benzoic acid ), diphenyl ether 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- dicarboxylic acid , diphenyl sulfone 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- dicarboxylic acid , 2 , 6 - pyridine dicarboxylic acid , diphenyl suiphide 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- dicarboxylic acid , 1 , 5 - naphthalene dicarboxylic acid ,, 1 , 4 - cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid , 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- bis ( anisic acid ), 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- bis ( o - toluic acid ), succinic acid , glutaric acid , adipic acid , pymellic acid , suberic acid , sebacic acid and the like . the dicarboxylic acid monomers are employed alone or as a mixtures of two or more in either dicarboxylic acid type or dicarboxylic halide type of which the carboxylic radical is halogenated , wherein such monomers are employed alone or in mixtures of two or more . the polyamide separation membrane of the present invention is generally prepared by polymerizing 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine with various type of dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic halide . the synthesized polyamide is dissolved in a suitable solvent to prepare a polymer solution , which is then cast into a proper shape such as a film or tubular shape . a homogenous thin film of polyamide according to the present invention is prepared by casting the solution of polyamide dissolved in a solvent such as n - methyl - 2 - pyrollidone ( nmp ), n , n - dimethylformamide ( dmf ), n , n - dimethylacetamide ( dmac ), tetrahydrofuran ( thf ), 1 , 4 - dioxane , methylene chloride , chloroform , and the like . any known techniques may be employed to cast the solution . preferably , the film is cast by means of a doctor knife . the thin film itself can be used as a separation membrane , as well as in form of a composite membrane layed on a support . when a thin film itself is used as a separation membrane , the polymer solution is cast onto a support , such as a glass plate , a metal plate , etc . to form a flat film , and then dried by evaporating the solvent under an atmosphere in the absence of dust , and finally the produced film is stripped from the casting support . alternatively , the polymer solution is spun in the form of a hollow fiber and the solvent is evaporated and dried under the same condition for the above flat film to obtain a separation membrane which is used as it is . furthermore , the flat film produced by the above method may be used as a composite membrane laminated onto non - woven fabric , woven fabric , inorganic film or other polymer film . the composite membrane may be prepared by applying the polymer solution which is prepared by the same method for the preparation of the homogeneous thin film , on non - woven or woven fabrics and inorganic film in form of a flat sheet , a hollow fiber or tube and then drying under the same condition as for the homogeneous thin film , wherein the application of the polymer solution may be carried out by any known method in this art . the advantageous selective fluid , especially gas , permeation property of the polyamide membrane according to the invention results from the structural configuration of the polyamide at the molecular level , rather than the macroscopic shape of the membrane . according to the invention , a polymer solution of polyamide dissolved in a solvent , such as n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone at 5 to 30 % by weight is cast on a glass plate with a thickness of 50 to 500 microns using a doctor knife , and dried in a drier maintained at 50 ° to 200 ° c ., particularly 80 ° to 120 ° c . for 5 to 24 hours in the absence of dust . the dried thin film is then stripped from the support , treated in a vacuum oven maintained at 20 ° to 250 ° c ., preferably 100 ° to 200 ° c ., for 4 to 96 hours to remove the residual solvent completely out of the film . the resulting separation membrane is measured for its permeation property to gas . the permeation property of a separation membrane is determined by permeability and permeation selectivity . permeability , represented by p ( gas ), for example p ( o 2 ) for oxygen permeability , is defined as the degree which a permeating molecule passes through a separation membrane and is expressed in unit of barrer . p ( gas ) barrer != v · l /( a · t · p ) ( 10 cm 3 ( stp ) cm )/( cm 2 sec cmhg )! v represents a volume of gas after passing through the separation membrane at standard pressure and temperature , t represents the time interval of measuring the volume of gas which has passed through the separation membrane , and when a fluid comprising various components passes through a separation membrane , the permeability of each component varies according to the property of the separation membrane . when a two - component mixture passes through a separation membrane , the ratio of the permeability of the faster component to that of the slower component is defined as permeation selectivity . for example , in case of an oxygen - nitrogen mixture , the permeation selectivity for o 2 / n 2 is expressed as α ( o 2 / n 2 ), indicating the ratio between the permeability of the two gases , that is , p ( o 2 )/ p ( n 2 ). the permeability of a separation membrane to a gas is measured according to a low - pressure , constant - volume method . a flat sheet separation membrane is fixed by a means for holding the separation membrane which is comprised of an upper and lower part made of stainless steel . gas at a gauge pressure of around 760 mmhg is introduced over the separation membrane . the effective area of the separation membrane contacting with gas is 14 cm 2 . the lower part of the separation membrane is connected with a gas collector made of stainless steel , which is in turn connected to a gas chromatography column and vacuum pump through a 6 - way selection valve . the measurement of gas permeability is accomplished by evacuation of the upper and lower parts of the separation membrane using the vacuum pump such that the pressure therein is below 0 . 1 mmhg in order to completely remove remaining gas , and then shutting off the vacuum pump , and introducing the gas to be measured to the upper part of separation membrane . the gas then passes through the separation membrane while contacting the membrane and the permeating gas is gathered in the gas collector which is connected to the lower part of the separation membrane , whereby the pressure in the gas collector is raised . the increase in pressure in the collector is determined by means of a pressure transducer , and the gas permeability is determined from the rate of increase in pressure against time for a given period of time . for permeation of a gas mixture , the separation membrane is fixed with a holder having an inlet and outlet for gas in the upper part and gas mixture flows through the inlet and outlet . the rate at which the gas mixture is introduced is adjusted such that the volume of the gas after permeating the separation membrane for a given time is up to 1 % of the volume of the gas which entered the upper part of the membrane . the composition of gas which passes through the separation membrane and gathered in the collector below the membrane is analyzed by gas chromatography which is connected by a 6 - way selection valve . the present invention will be illustrated in greater detail by way of the following examples . the examples are presented for illustrative purpose only and should not be construed as limiting the invention , which is properly delineated in the claims . polyamide was synthesized from 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine ( pfmb ) according to the low - temperature solution polymerization using tertiary amine with alkali metal salt added , which is a typical polymerization method of aramid . 100 ml of n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone was added to a 250 ml round - bottom flask equipped with a stirring device followed by 2 . 5 g of calcium chloride . the temperature was allowed to rise to 50 ° c . while stirring . after the calcium chloride had been dissolved completely , the resulting solution was cooled to room temperature , and 3 . 0 g of 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine and then 2 . 4 ml of pyrridine were added . to the polymerization solution cooled to - 5 ° c . was added 4 . 0 g of 4 , 4 &# 39 ;-( hexafluoroisopropylidene ) bis ( benzoylchloride ) ( hpbc ) at once while stirring vigorously , and thereafter mild agitation was continued for 2 hours at - 5 ° c . to complete polymerization . the resultant polymerization solution was added dropwise to 500 ml of methanol to precipitate the polyamide , which was filtered , washed with methanol and then dried in a vacuum oven . the resulting pfmb / hpbc polyamide was dissolved in n , n - dimethylacetamide at a concentration of 5 % by weight to produce a polymer casting solution of polyamide . the polymer solution prepared as above was cast on a glass plate using a doctor knife with 0 . 4 mm of clearance and dried by evaporating the solvent for 24 hours under nitrogen purge in an oven kept at 80 ° c . the dried separation membrane was stripped from the glass plate , held in a vacuum oven at 200 ° c . for 24 hours to remove the residual solvent to give final separation membrane having 0 . 02 mm of thickness . this separation membrane was measured for gas permeability at 20 ° c . the result is shown in table 1 below . table 1______________________________________ permeabilityex . no . gas tem . (° c .) ( barrer ) ______________________________________1 he 20 1402 co . sub . 2 20 50 . 93 o . sub . 2 20 22 . 64 n . sub . 2 20 4 . 35 ch . sub . 4 20 3 . 7______________________________________ polyamides were prepared following the same procedures with example 1 , by polycondensing 5 : 5 mixtures ( by mole ) of 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine ( pfmb ) and each of the compounds as listed in table 2 below , respectively . the resulting polyamides were dissolved in n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone ( nmp ) at a concentration of 5 % by weight to produce polymer casting solutions of polyamide . the solutions were cast , post - treated and dried following the same procedures as in example 1 . the amount of dicarboxyl chloride used in condensation polymerization and the thickness of the separation membranes prepared are shown in table 2 . these separation membranes were measured for the gas permeability with an oxygen / nitrogen mixture ( 21 : 79 by volume ) at a room temperature . the results are shown in table 2 . table 2______________________________________ thickness of separationex . dicarboxylic chloride membrane tem . p ( o . sub . 2 ) p ( o . sub . 2 )/ no . ( weight ) ( mm ) (° c .) ( barrer ) p ( n . sub . 2 ) ______________________________________6 isophthalic chloride 0 . 019 25 1 . 9 5 . 9 ( 1 . 9 g ) 7 terephathalic chloride 0 . 019 25 1 . 7 6 . 3 ( 1 . 9 g ) 8 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- methylene 0 . 020 23 9 . 4 5 . 2 bis ( benzoic acid ) chloride ( 2 . 8 g ) 9 4 , 4 &# 39 ;-( hexavluoro 0 . 020 21 18 . 7 4 . 6 isopropylidene ) bis ( benzoic acid ) chloride ( 4 . 0 g ) 10 diphenyl ether 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- 0 . 022 25 4 . 8 5 . 4 dicarboxylic chloride ( 2 . 8 g ) 11 isophthalic 0 . 019 25 1 . 9 6 . 0 acid / terephthalic acid chloride mixture ( 5 : 5 by mole ) ( 1 . 9 g ) ______________________________________ | 1 |
referring to the drawings in detail , wherein like numerals indicate like elements , there is shown in fig1 a stabilized saturated reactor 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention . reactor 10 comprises a toroidal core 12 . torroidal core 12 may comprise spirally wound magnetic steel strips . alternatively , the core may be made of molded or ground ferrites . the toroidal core 12 has an annular end face 14 . circumferentially spaced slots 16 are machined into the end face 14 . each slot 16 lies in a plane which extends in a substantially radial direction with respect to the central axis 18 of the core 12 . the slots 16 are extremely narrow relative to the cross - sectional dimensions of height h and width w of the core . see fig2 . it is important that the slots 16 be relatively narrow and that the width of the slots be substantially less than the cross - sectional dimensions of the core to minimize magnetic fringing effects . a winding 20 is wrapped around the core 12 . see fig1 . the winding is not seated in any of the slots 16 as the slots are too narrow to accept the winding . the winding carries relatively high amplitude alternating voltages and currents . in use , the winding 20 is connected to an ac source which drives the core 12 deep into saturation . flux densities of approximately 20 k lines are typically produced in the core 12 . the depth d of each slot 16 is chosen to prevent saturation of the volume 21 of the core 12 located between the slots 16 . the depth d may vary but , typically , the depth is less than one - half the height of the core . the unsaturated portion of the core 12 should be sufficiently large to attain substantial stabilization of the reactor 10 under normal operating conditions . under such conditions , the portion 22 of the core 12 lying below the depth d of the slots 16 will be saturated . the unsaturated and saturated portions 21 and 22 of the core 12 are surrounded by the common winding 20 . the unsaturated portion 21 is equivalent to a linear choke . the saturated portion 22 is equivalent to an unstabilized saturated reactor core . the reactor 10 , then , will be equivalent to a series connection of a linear choke and saturated reactor . the overall effect produced by the reactor 10 , therefore , will be that of a stabilized saturated reactor . the rms voltage - current characteristic of the reactor 10 for varying numbers of the slots 16 is shown in fig3 . curve c corresponds to an unslotted toroidal saturated reactor driven at 60 hz . the core of the saturated reactor was wound of 3 inch wide by 0 . 004 inch thick magnetic strip . the id of the toroid was 3 inches and the od was 4 inches . the core was not provided with any slots . the winding is comprised of 67 turns of # 10 magnet wire . the slope of the saturated portion of the curve c is approximately 19 . 2 . the same toroidal core was provided with 4 slots circumferentially spaced 90 ° apart . each of the slots had a depth of 1 3 / 16 inches and a width of 5 / 32 inch at the end face of the core and a width of 1 / 8 inch at the bottom of the slot . this produced a voltage - current curve a having a much more gradual rate of change at the knee . the same core was also provided with 8 slots circumferentially spaced 45 ° apart . this produced a voltage - current curve b having a slope of approximately 12 . 8 in the saturated range . thus , the circumferentially spaced slots in the end face of the core produced marked stabilization of the saturated reactor . at the lower ranges of saturation , the core reactance is due to the diversion of magnetic flux from the unsaturated section of the core to the saturated section . at these ranges of saturation , the saturated portion of the core retains a fair degree of magnetic permeability . the diversion of flux to the saturated section does not appear to be objectionable . if necessary , however , the magnetic effects of the saturated and unsaturated portions of the reactor can be separated by constructing the stabilized saturated reactor 10 &# 39 ; as shown in fig4 . a toroidal core 12 &# 39 ; is provided with plural circumferentially spaced slots 16 &# 39 ; machined into its end face 14 &# 39 ;. the core 12 &# 39 ; may be wound of steel strips or it may be made of molded or ground ferrites . the other end face 24 of the core 12 &# 39 ; is provided with circumferentially spaced slots designated 26 . the slots 16 &# 39 ; and the slots 26 are preferably equal in number , depth and width and are circumferentially spaced at equal intervals along the end faces 14 &# 39 ; and 24 of the toroidal core . the slots 16 &# 39 ; and the slots 26 are staggered circumferentially with respect to each other by the distance s . the portion of the core connecting the slots 16 &# 39 ; and the slots 26 maintains the mechanical strength of the core . thus , the core 10 &# 39 ; is a unitary structure and requires no mechanical connecting elements such as compression bolts and wedging devices . the core 10 &# 39 ; is combined with an unslotted saturated reactor core 28 under a common winding 20 &# 39 ; to provide a stabilized saturated reactor 10 &# 39 ; equivalent to the stabilized saturated reactor 10 shown in fig1 . preferably , the cores 12 &# 39 ; and 28 are spaced apart by a distance x which is approximately 4 times the width of the slots 16 &# 39 ;, 26 to minimize magnetic leakage between the cores . the circumferential stagger distance s should be as small as possible while ensuring good mechanical integrity of the core 12 &# 39 ;. preferably , the depth of the slots 16 &# 39 ; and the slots 26 is approximately one - half the height h &# 39 ; of the core 12 &# 39 ;. see fig5 . this provides the effect of a core slotted completely through its cross - section while maintaining the unitary mechanical structure of the core . the slots 16 &# 39 ; and 26 should be relatively narrow . the width of the slots should be substantially less than the cross - sectional dimensions of the toroidal core 12 &# 39 ; for the reasons already enumerated in connection with the reactor 10 shown in fig1 . for slots approximately 1 / 8 inch in width , a stagger distance s of approximately 1 / 8 inch has been found to provide adequate mechanical integrity of the core using conventional magnetic steels . the core 12 &# 39 ; shown in fig6 may also be used apart from core 28 to provide a linear reactor 30 . see fig6 . the core 12 &# 39 ; is surrounded by a winding 20 &# 34 ;. in use , the winding 20 &# 34 ; is driven off an ac line . the linear reactor 30 can be used as an ac choke in any suitable application . the reactance of the reactor 30 is given by the equation : where n is the number of turns of the winding 20 &# 34 ;, h &# 39 ; is the height of the toroidal core , w &# 39 ; is the width of the torodial core , g is the slot width , n is the number of slots per end face and e is a magnetic fringing factor . it can be shown that the magnetic fringing factor e is given by : the slot with g should be substantially less than the cross - sectional dimensions h &# 39 ; and w &# 39 ; of the toroidal core to minimize the magnetic fringing factor e . an advantage of the invention is that it is relatively simple to manufacture . the reactor cores can be spirally wound of magnetic strips and the slots can be easily machined into the end faces of the core . the cores can , alternatively , be made of molded or ground ferrites . the cores are preferably toroidal in shape , although the invention covers cores of any shape having slots formed therein as described above . mechanical coupling devices are entirely eliminated . manufacture is simple , rapid and inexpensive . a single unitary mechanical structure of good strength is attained . the width of the slots should be kept substantially less than the cross - sectional dimensions of the core to minimize fringing . the core winding is wrapped around the end faces of the core but cannot enter the relatively narrow slots . this structure ensures reliable , effective stabilization of the saturated reactor under normal operating conditions . the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and , accordingly , reference should be made to the appended claims , rather than to the foregoing specification , as indicating the scope of the invention . | 7 |
suitably , the couplers of the invention contain a ballast of formula ( i ): ## str3 ## wherein l is a divalent linking group connecting the ballast containing group to the ring ; m is 0 to 5 , n is 0 to 4 , each r &# 39 ; is independently a substituent and each r &# 34 ; is independently r &# 39 ; or hydrogen . suitably r &# 39 ; may be a substituent group known in the art which typically promotes solubility , diffusion resistance , dye hue , or dye stability of the dye formed upon reaction of the coupler with the oxidized color developing agent . preferably it can be , halogen or an aliphatic residue including a straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl or alkynyl group , a heterocycle , an aralkyl group , a cycloalkyl group or a cycloalkenyl group . the aliphatic residue may be substituted with a substituent bonded through an oxygen atom , a nitrogen atom , a sulfur atom or a carbonyl group , a hydroxy group , an amino group , a nitro group , a carboxy group , an amido group , cyano or halogen . most preferably they are hydrogen , an alkyl group , an aryl group , a carbonamido group , a sulfonamido group , a sulfone group , a thio group , a sulfoxide group , a ureido group or a multicyclic group . the linking group l is a divalent group . suitably , l may be an alkylene , arylene , or alkylphenylene of typically from 1 to 20 carbon atoms . an embodiment of the invention is a photographic element comprising a support bearing at least one photographic silver halide emulsion layer and a dye - forming bicyclic pyrazolo coupler wherein the dye - forming coupler contains a ballast of formula ( i ). a typical coupler as described is represented by the formula ( ii ): ## str4 ## wherein the variables are as described above ; r is a fully substituted carbon atom which is preferably t - butyl , t - pentyl , or t - octyl , and is most preferably t - butyl ; z a , z b and z c are independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted methine group , ═ n --, ═ c -- or -- nh --, provided that one of either the z a - z b bond or the z b - z c bond is a double bond and the other is a single bond , and when the z b - z c bond is a carbon - carbon double bond , it may form part of an aromatic ring , and wherein at least one of z a , z b and z c represents a methine group connected with the ballast . a preferred coupler according to the invention is represented by formula ( iii ) ## str5 ## wherein the variables are as described above . specific examples of couplers useful in the elements of the invention are ## str6 ## examples of substituent groups for r &# 39 ; include : an alkyl group which may be straight or branched , and which may be substituted , such as methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , n - butyl , t - butyl , trifluoromethyl , tridecyl or 3 -( 2 , 4 - di - t - amylphenoxy ) propyl ; an alkoxy group which may be substituted , such as methoxy or ethoxy ; an alkylthio group which may be substituted , such as methylthio or octylthio ; an aryl group , an aryloxy group or an arylthio group , each of which may be substituted , such as phenyl , 4 - t - butylphenyl , 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylphenyl , phenoxy , 2 - methylphenoxy , phenylthio or 2 - butoxy - 5 - t - octylphenylthio ; a heterocyclic group , a heterocyclic oxy group or a heterocyclic thio group , each of which may be substituted and which contain a 3 to 7 membered heterocyclic ring composed of carbon atoms and at least one hetero atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen , nitrogen and sulfur , such as 2 - furyl , 2 - thienyl , 2 - benzimidazolyloxy or 2 - benzothiazolyl ; cyano ; an acyloxy group which may be substituted , such as acetoxy or hexadecanoyloxy ; a carbamoyloxy group which may be substituted , such as n - phenylcarbamoyloxy or n - ethylcarbamoyloxy ; a silyloxy group which may be substituted , such as trimethylsilyloxy ; a sulfonyloxy group which may be substituted , such as dodecylsulfonyloxy ; an acylamino group which may be substituted , such as acetamido or benzamido ; an anilino group which may be substituted , such as phenylanilino or 2 - chloroanilino ; an ureido group which may be substituted , such as phenylureido or methylureido ; an imido group which may be substituted , such as n - succinimido or 3 - benzylhydantoinyl ; a sulfamoylamino group which may be substituted , such as n , n - dipropyl - sulfamoylamino or n - methyl - n - decylsulfamoylamino . additional examples of substituent groups include : a carbamoylamino group which may be substituted , such as n - butylcarbamoylamino or n , n - dimethyl - carbamoylamino ; an alkoxycarbonylamino group which may be substituted , such as methoxycarbonylamino or tetradecyloxycarbonylamino ; an aryloxycarbonylamino group which may be substituted , such as phenoxycaronylamino or 2 , 4 - di - t - butylphenoxycarbonylamino ; a sulfonamido group which may be substituted , such as methanesulfonamido or hexadecanesulfonamido ; a carbamoyl group which may be substituted , such as n - ethylcarbamoyl or n , n - dibutylcarbamoyl ; an acyl group which may be substituted , such as acetyl or ( 2 , 4 - di - t - amylphenoxy ) acetyl ; a sulfamoyl group which may be substituted such as n - ethylsulfamoyl or n , n - dipropylsulfamoyl ; a sulfonyl group which may be substituted , such as methanesulfonyl or octanesulfonyl ; a sulfinyl group which may be substituted , such as octanesulfinyl or dodecylsulfinyl ; an alkoxycarbonyl group which may be substituted , such as methoxycarbonyl or butyloxycarbonyl ; an aryloxycarbonyl group which may be substituted , such as phenyloxycarbonyl or 3 - pentadecyloxycarbonyl ; an alkenyl group carbon atoms which may be substituted ; a carboxyl group which may be substituted ; a sulfo group which may be substituted ; hydroxyl ; an amino group which may be substituted ; or a carbonamido group which may be substituted . substituents for the above substituted groups include halogen , an alkyl group , an aryl group , an aryloxy group , a heterocyclic or a heterocyclic oxy group , cyano , an alkoxy group , an acyloxy group , a carbamoyloxy group , a silyloxy group , a sulfonyloxy group , an acylamino group , an anilino group , a ureido group , an imido group , a sulfonylamino group , a carbamoylamino group , an alkylthio group , an arylthio group , a heterocyclic thio group , an alkoxycarbonylamino group , an aryloxycarbonylamino group , a sulfonamido group , a carbamoyl group , an acyl group , a sulfamoyl group , a sulfonyl group , a sulfinyl group , an alkoxycarbonyl group , an aryloxycarbonyl group , an alkenyl group , a carboxyl group , a sulfo group , hydroxyl , an amino group or a carbonamido group . generally , the above groups and substituents thereof which contain an alkyl group may include an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms . the above groups and substituents thereof which contain an aryl group may include an aryl group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms , and the above groups and substituents which contain an alkenyl group may include an alkenyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms . the bicyclic pyrazolo contains in the coupling position , represented by x in formulae ( ii ) and ( iii ), hydrogen or a coupling - off group also known as a leaving group . coupling - off groups are known to those skilled in the art . such groups can determine the equivalency of the coupler , can modify the reactivity of the coupler , or can advantageously affect the layer in which the coupler is coated or other layers in the element by performing , after release from the coupler , such functions as development inhibition , development acceleration , bleach inhibition , bleach acceleration , color correction , and the like . representative classes of coupling - off groups include halogen , particularly chlorine , bromine , or fluorine , alkoxy , aryloxy , heterocyclyloxy , heterocyclic , such as hydantoin and pyrazolo groups , sulfonyloxy , acyloxy , carbonamido , imido , acyl , heterocyclylimido , thiocyano , alkylthio , arylthio , heterocyclylthio , sulfonamido , phosphonyloxy and arylazo . they are described in , for example , u . s . pat . nos . 2 , 355 , 169 ; 3 , 227 , 551 ; 3 , 432 , 521 ; 3 , 476 , 563 ; 3 , 617 , 291 ; 3 , 880 , 661 ; 4 , 052 , 212 and 4 , 134 , 766 ; and in u . k . patents and published application numbers 1 , 466 , 728 ; 1 , 531 , 927 ; 1 , 533 , 039 ; 2 , 006 , 755a and 2 , 017 , 704a ; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . examples of specific coupling - off groups are cl , f , br , -- scn , -- och 3 , -- oc 6 h 5 , -- och 2 c (═ o ) nhch 2 ch 2 oh , -- och 2 c (═ o ) nhch 2 ch 2 och 3 , -- och 2 c (═ o ) nhch 2 ch 2 oc (═ o ) och 3 , -- nhso 2 ch 3 , -- oc (═ o ) c 6 h 5 , -- nhc (═ o ) c 6 h 5 , oso 2 ch 3 , -- p (═ o )( oc 2 h 5 ) 2 , -- s ( ch 2 ) 2 co 2 h , ## str7 ## preferably , the coupling - off group is h or halogen , and more preferably , h or cl . the l group links one of the aryloxy groups to the bicyclic pyrazolo core . suitable l groups include the following : ## str8 ## wherein : t is an integer of 1 - 6 ; u is 0 , 1 or 2 ; each r a may be the same or different and represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent ; and ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group ( for example , a 1 , 4 - phenylene group , a 1 , 3 - phenylene group , etc . representative ar groups include the following : ## str9 ## preferably , each r a is independently hydrogen or lower alkyl . generally , a ballast group is an organic radical of such size and configuration as to confer on the coupler molecule sufficient bulk to render the coupler substantially non - diffusible from the layer in which it is coated in a photographic element . thus , the combination of groups l , r , r &# 39 ; and r &# 34 ; from the formula are chosen to meet this criteria , as can be determined by one skilled in the art . bicyclic pyrazolo couplers as described can be used in ways and for purposes that such couplers have been used in the photographic art . typically , the coupler is incorporated in a silver halide emulsion and the emulsion coated on a support to form part of a photographic element . alternatively , the coupler can be incorporated at a location adjacent to the silver halide emulsion where , during development , the coupler will be in reactive association with development products such as oxidized color developing agent . thus , as used herein , the term &# 34 ; associated &# 34 ; signifies that the coupler is in the silver halide emulsion layer or in an adjacent location where , during processing , the coupler is capable of reacting with silver halide development products . the photographic elements can be single color elements or multicolor elements . multicolor elements contain dye image - forming units sensitive to each of the three primary regions of the spectrum . each unit can comprise a single emulsion layer or of multiple emulsion layers sensitive to a given region of the spectrum . the layers of the element , including the layers of the image - forming units , can be arranged in various orders as known in the art . in a alternative format , the emulsions sensitive to each of the three primary regions of the spectrum can be disposed as a single segmented layer . a typical multicolor photographic element comprises a support bearing a cyan dye image - forming unit comprising at least one red - sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith at least one cyan dye - forming coupler , a magenta dye image - forming unit comprising at least one green - sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith at least one magenta dye - forming coupler , and a yellow dye image - forming unit comprising at least one blue - sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith at least one yellow dye - forming coupler , at least one of the couplers in the element being a coupler of this invention . the element can contain additional layers , such as filter layers , interlayers , overcoat layers , subbing layers , and the like . the magenta coupler of the invention may be used to replace all or part of the magenta layer image coupler or may be added to one or more of the other layers in a color negative photographic element comprising a support bearing the following layers from top to bottom : ( 2 ) a two - coat yellow pack with a fast yellow layer containing &# 34 ; coupler 1 &# 34 ;: benzoic acid , 4 - chloro - 3 -(( 2 -( 4 - ethoxy - 2 , 5 - dioxo - 3 -( phenylmethyl )- 1 - imidazolidinyl )- 3 -( 4 - methoxyphenyl )- 1 , 3 - dioxopropyl ) amino )-, dodecyl ester and a slow yellow layer containing the same compound together with &# 34 ; coupler 2 &# 34 ;: propanoic acid , 2 - 5 - 4 - 2 - 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy ! acetyl ! amino !- 5 - ( 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4 , 4 - heptafluoro - 1 - oxobutyl ) amino !- 4 - hydroxyphenoxy !- 2 , 3 - dihydroxy - 6 - ( propylamino ) carbonyl ! phenyl ! thio !- 1 , 3 , 4 - thiadiazol - 2 - yl ! thio !-, methyl est and &# 34 ; coupler 3 &# 34 ;: 1 -(( dodecyloxy ) carbonyl ) ethyl ( 3 - chloro - 4 -(( 3 -( 2 - chloro - 4 -(( 1 - tridecanoylethoxy ) carbonyl ) anilino )- 3 - oxo - 2 -(( 4 )( 5 )( 6 )-( phenoxycarbonyl )- 1h - benzotriazol - 1 - yl ) propanoyl ) amino )) benzoate ; ( 4 ) a triple - coat magenta pack with a fast magenta layer containing &# 34 ; coupler 4 &# 34 ;: benzamide , 3 -(( 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- 1 - oxobutyl ) amino )- n -( 4 , 5 - dihydro - 5 - oxo - 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorophenyl )- 1h - pyrazol - 3 - yl )-, &# 34 ; coupler 5 &# 34 ;: benzamide , 3 -(( 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- 1 - oxobutyl ) amino )- n -( 4 &# 39 ;, 5 &# 39 ;- dihydro - 5 &# 39 ;- oxo - 1 &# 39 ;-( 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorophenyl )( 1 , 4 &# 39 ;- bi - 1h - pyrazol )- 3 &# 39 ;- yl )-, &# 34 ; coupler 6 &# 34 ;: carbamic acid , ( 6 -((( 3 -( dodecyloxy ) propyl ) amino ) carbonyl )- 5 - hydroxy - 1 - naphthalenyl )-, 2 - methylpropyl ester , &# 34 ; coupler 7 &# 34 ;: acetic acid , (( 2 -(( 3 -((( 3 -( dodecyloxy ) propyl ) amino ) carbonyl )- 4 - hydroxy - 8 -((( 2 - methylpropoxy ) carbonyl ) amino )- 1 - naphthalenyl ) oxy ) ethyl ) thio )-, and &# 34 ; coupler 8 &# 34 ; benzamide , 3 -(( 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- 1 - oxobutyl ) amino )- n -( 4 , 5 - dihydro - 4 -(( 4 - methoxyphenyl ) azo )- 5 - oxo - 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorophenyl )- 1h - pyrazol - 3 - yl )-; a mid - magenta layer and a slow magenta layer each containing &# 34 ; coupler 9 &# 34 ;: 2 - propenoic acid , butyl ester , styrene , 2 : 1 : 1 polymer with ( n 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorophenyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - 5 - oxo - 1h - pyrazol - 3 - yl !- 2 - methyl - 2 - propenamide ) 2 and &# 34 ; coupler 10 &# 34 ;: tetradecanamide , n -( 4 - chloro - 3 -(( 4 -(( 4 -(( 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 1 - oxopropyl ) amino ) phenyl ) azo )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - 5 - oxo - 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorophenyl )- 1h - pyrazol - 3 - yl ) amino ) phenyl )-, in addition to couplers 3 and 8 ; ( 6 ) a triple - coat cyan pack with a fast cyan layer containing couplers 6 and 7 ; a mid - cyan containing coupler 6 and &# 34 ; coupler 11 &# 34 ;: 2 , 7 - naphthalenedisulfonic acid , 5 -( acetylamino )- 3 -(( 4 -( 2 -(( 3 -((( 3 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy ) propyl ) amino ) carbonyl )- 4 - hydroxy - 1 - naphthalenyl ) oxy ) ethoxy ) phenyl ) azo )- 4 - hydroxy -, disodium salt ; and a slow cyan layer containing couplers 2 and 6 ; in a color paper format , the magenta coupler of the invention may suitably be used to replace all or a part of the magenta coupler in a photographic element such as one comprising a support bearing the following from top to bottom : ( 2 ) a cyan layer containing &# 34 ; coupler 1 &# 34 ;: butanamide , 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- n -( 3 , 5 - dichloro - 2 - hydroxy - 4 - methylphenyl )-, &# 34 ; coupler 2 &# 34 ;: acetamide , 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- n -( 3 , 5 - dichloro - 2 - hydroxy - 4 -, and uv stabilizers : phenol , 2 -( 5 - chloro - 2h - benzotriazol - 2 - yl )- 4 , 6 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl )-; phenol , 2 -( 2h - benzotriazol - 2 - yl )- 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl )-; phenol , 2 -( 2h - benzotriazol - 2 - yl )- 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl )- 6 -( 1 - methylpropyl )-; and phenol , 2 -( 2h - benzotriazol - 2 - yl )- 4 , 6 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl )- and a poly ( t - butylacrylamide ) dye stabilizer ; ( 4 ) a magenta layer containing &# 34 ; coupler 3 &# 34 ;: octanamide , 2 - 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy !- n - 2 -( 7 - chloro - 6 - methyl - 1h - pyrazolo 1 , 5 - b ! 1 , 2 , 4 ! triazol - 2 - yl ) propyl !- together with 1 , 1 &# 39 ;- spirobi ( 1h - indene ), 2 , 2 &# 39 ;, 3 , 3 &# 39 ;- tetrahydro - 3 , 3 , 3 &# 39 ;, 3 &# 39 ;- tetramethyl - 5 , 5 &# 39 ;, 6 , 6 &# 39 ;- tetrapropoxy -; in a reversal medium , the magenta coupler of the invention could be used to replace all or part of the magenta coupler in a photographic element such as one comprising a support and bearing the following layers from top to bottom : ( 3 ) a triple - coat yellow layer pack with a fast yellow layer containing &# 34 ; coupler 1 &# 34 ;: benzoic acid , 4 -( 1 -((( 2 - chloro - 5 -(( dodecylsulfonyl ) amino ) phenyl ) amino ) carbonyl )- 3 , 3 - dimethyl - 2 - oxobutoxy )-, 1 - methylethyl ester ; a mid yellow layer containing coupler 1 and &# 34 ; coupler 2 &# 34 ;: benzoic acid , 4 - chloro - 3 - 2 - 4 - ethoxy - 2 , 5 - dioxo - 3 -( phenylmethyl )- 1 - imidazolidinyl !- 4 , 4 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - dioxopentyl ! amino !-, dodecylester ; and a slow yellow layer also containing coupler 2 ; ( 7 ) a triple - coated magenta pack with a fast magenta layer containing &# 34 ; coupler 3 &# 34 ;: 2 - propenoic acid , butyl ester , polymer with n - 1 -( 2 , 5 - dichlorophenyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - 5 - oxo - 1h - pyrazol - 3 - yl !- 2 - methyl - 2 - propenamide ; &# 34 ; coupler 4 &# 34 ;: benzamide , 3 -(( 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- 1 - oxobutyl ) amino )- n -( 4 , 5 - dihydro - 5 - oxo - 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorophenyl )- 1h - pyrazol - 3 - yl )-; and &# 34 ; coupler 5 &# 34 ;: benzamide , 3 -((( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy ) acetyl ) amino )- n -( 4 , 5 - dihydro - 5 - oxo - 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorophenyl )- 1h - pyrazol - 3 - yl )-; and containing the stabilizer 1 , 1 &# 39 ;- spirobi ( 1h - indene ), 2 , 2 &# 39 ;, 3 , 3 &# 39 ;- tetrahydro - 3 , 3 , 3 &# 39 ;, 3 &# 39 ;- tetramethyl - 5 , 5 &# 39 ;, 6 , 6 &# 39 ;- tetrapropoxy -; and in the slow magenta layer couplers 4 and 5 with the same stabilizer ; ( 8 ) one or more interlayers possibly including fine - grained nonsensitized silver halide ; ( 9 ) a triple - coated cyan pack with a fast cyan layer containing &# 34 ; coupler 6 &# 34 ;: tetradecanamide , 2 -( 2 - cyanophenoxy )- n -( 4 -(( 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4 , 4 - heptafluoro - 1 - oxobutyl ) amino )- 3 - hydroxyphenyl )-; a mid cyan containing &# 34 ; coupler 7 &# 34 ;: butanamide , n -( 4 -(( 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- 1 - oxobutyl ) amino )- 2 - hydroxyphenyl )- 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4 , 4 - heptafluoro - and &# 34 ; coupler 8 &# 34 ;: hexanamide , 2 -( 2 , 4 - bis ( 1 , 1 - dimethylpropyl ) phenoxy )- n -( 4 -(( 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4 , 4 - heptafluoro - 1 - oxobutyl ) amino )- 3 - hydroxyphenyl )-; ( 10 ) one or more interlayers possibly including fine - grained nonsensitized silver halide ; and if desired , the photographic element can be used in conjunction with an applied magnetic layer as described in research disclosure , november 1992 , item 34390 published by kenneth mason publications , ltd ., dudley annex , 12a north street , emsworth , hampshire p010 7dq , england . in the following discussion of suitable materials for use in the emulsions and elements of this invention , reference will be made to research disclosure , december 1989 , item no . 308119 , available as described above which will be identified hereafter by the term &# 34 ; research disclosure .&# 34 ; the contents of the research disclosure , including the patents and publications referenced therein , are incorporated herein by reference , and the sections hereafter referred to are sections of the research disclosure . the silver halide emulsions employed in the elements of this invention can be either negative - working or positive - working . suitable emulsions and their preparation as well as methods of chemical and spectral sensitization are described in sections i through iv . color materials and development modifiers are described in sections v and xxi . vehicles are described in section ix , and various additives such as brighteners , antifoggants , stabilizers , light absorbing and scattering materials , hardeners , coating aids , plasticizers , lubricants and matting agents are described , for example , in sections v , vi , viii , x , xi , xii , and xvi . manufacturing methods are described in sections xiv and xv , other layers and supports in sections xiii and xvii , processing methods and agents in sections xix and xx , and exposure alternatives in section xviii . with negative working silver halide a negative image can be formed . optionally positive ( or reversal ) image can be formed . the coupler described herein may be used in combination with other classes of image couplers such as 3 - acylamino - and 3 - anilino - 5 - pyrazolones and heterocyclic couplers ( e . g . pyrazoloazoles ) such as those described in ep 285 , 274 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 540 , 654 ; ep 119 , 860 , or with other 5 - pyrazolone couplers containing different ballasts or coupling - off groups such as those described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 301 , 235 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 853 , 319 and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 351 , 897 . the coupler may also be used in association with yellow or cyan colored couplers ( e . g . to adjust levels of interlayer correction ) and with masking couplers such as those described in ep 213 . 490 ; japanese published application 58 - 172 , 647 ; u . s . pat . no . 2 , 983 , 608 ; german application de 2 , 706 , 117c ; u . k . patent 1 , 530 , 272 ; japanese application a - 113935 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 070 , 191 and german application de 2 , 643 , 965 . the masking couplers may be shifted or blocked . coupling - off groups are well known in the art . such groups can determine the equivalency of the coupler , i . e ., whether it is a 2 - equivalent or a 4 - equivalent coupler , or modify the reactivity of the coupler . such groups can advantageously affect the layer in which the coupler is coated , or other layers in the photographic recording material , by performing , after release from the coupler , functions such as dye formation , development acceleration or inhibition , bleach acceleration or inhibition , electron transfer facilitation , color correction and the like . representative classes of coupling - off groups include chloro , alkoxy , aryloxy , heteroyloxy , sulfonyloxy , acyloxy , acyl , heterocyclyl , sulfonamido , mercaptotetrazole , mercaptopropionic acid , phosphonyloxy anylthio , and arylazo . these coupling - off groups are described in the art , for example , in u . s . pat . nos . 2 , 455 , 169 , 3 , 227 , 551 , 3 , 432 , 521 , 3 , 476 , 563 , 3 , 617 , 291 , 3 , 880 , 661 , 4 , 052 , 212 and 4 , 134 , 766 ; and in u . k . patents and published application nos . 1 , 466 , 728 , 1 , 531 , 927 , 1 , 533 , 039 , 2 , 006 , 755a and 2 , 017 , 704a , the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . the magenta coupler described herein may be used in combination with other classes of magenta image couplers such as 3 - acylamino - 5 - pyrazolones and heterocyclic couplers ( e . g . pyrazoloazoles ) such as those described in ep 285 , 274 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 540 , 654 ; ep 119 , 860 , or with other 5 - pyrazolone couplers containing different ballasts or coupling - off groups such as those described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 301 , 235 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 853 , 319 and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 351 , 897 . the coupler may also be used in association with yellow or cyan colored couplers ( e . g . to adjust levels of interlayer correction ) and with masking couplers such as those described in ep 213 . 490 ; japanese published application 58 - 172 , 647 ; u . s . pat . no . 2 , 983 , 608 ; german application de 2 , 706 , 117c ; u . k . patent 1 , 530 , 272 ; japanese application a - 113935 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 070 , 191 and german application de 2 , 643 , 965 . the masking couplers may be shifted or blocked . the couplers may also be used in association with materials that accelerate or otherwise modify the processing steps e . g . of bleaching or fixing to improve the quality of the image . bleach accelerators described in ep 193 , 389 ; ep 301 , 477 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 163 , 669 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 865 , 956 ; and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 923 , 784 are particularly useful . also contemplated is use of the coupler in association with nucleating agents , development accelerators or their precursors ( uk patent 2 , 097 , 140 ; u . k . patent 2 , 131 , 188 ); electron transfer agents ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 859 , 578 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 912 , 025 ); antifogging and anti color - mixing agents such as derivatives of hydroquinones , aminophenols , amines , gallic acid ; catechol ; ascorbic acid ; hydrazides ; sulfonamidophenols ; and non color - forming couplers . the couplers may also be used in combination with filter dye layers comprising colloidal silver sol or yellow and / or magenta filter dyes , either as oil - in - water dispersions , latex dispersions or as solid particle dispersions . additionally , they may be used with &# 34 ; smearing &# 34 ; couplers ( e . g . as described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 366 , 237 ; ep 96 , 570 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 420 , 556 ; and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 543 , 323 .) also , the couplers may be blocked or coated in protected form as described , for example , in japanese application 61 / 258 , 249 or u . s . pat . no . 5 , 019 , 492 . the coupler may further be used in combination with image - modifying compounds such as &# 34 ; developer inhibitor - releasing &# 34 ; compounds ( dir &# 39 ; s ). dir &# 39 ; s useful in conjunction with the couplers of the invention are known in the art and examples are described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 137 , 578 ; 3 , 148 , 022 ; 3 , 148 , 062 ; 3 , 227 , 554 ; 3 , 384 , 657 ; 3 , 379 , 529 ; 3 , 615 , 506 ; 3 , 617 , 291 ; 3 , 620 , 746 ; 3 , 701 , 783 ; 3 , 733 , 201 ; 4 , 049 , 455 ; 4 , 095 , 984 ; 4 , 126 , 459 ; 4 , 149 , 886 ; 4 , 150 , 228 ; 4 , 211 , 562 ; 4 , 248 , 962 ; 4 , 259 , 437 ; 4 , 362 , 878 ; 4 , 409 , 323 ; 4 , 477 , 563 ; 4 , 782 , 012 ; 4 , 962 , 018 ; 4 , 500 , 634 ; 4 , 579 , 816 ; 4 , 607 , 004 ; 4 , 618 , 571 ; 4 , 678 , 739 ; 4 , 746 , 600 ; 4 , 746 , 601 ; 4 , 791 , 049 ; 4 , 857 , 447 ; 4 , 865 , 959 ; 4 , 880 , 342 ; 4 , 886 , 736 ; 4 , 937 , 179 ; 4 , 946 , 767 ; 4 , 948 , 716 ; 4 , 952 , 485 ; 4 , 956 , 269 ; 4 , 959 , 299 ; 4 , 966 , 835 ; 4 , 985 , 336 as well as in patent publications gb 1 , 560 , 240 ; gb 2 , 007 , 662 ; gb 2 , 032 , 914 ; gb 2 , 099 , 167 ; de 2 , 842 , 063 , de 2 , 937 , 127 ; de 3 , 636 , 824 ; de 3 , 644 , 416 as well as the following european patent publications : 272 , 573 ; 335 , 319 ; 336 , 411 ; 346 , 899 ; 362 , 870 ; 365 , 252 ; 365 , 346 ; 373 , 382 ; 376 , 212 ; 377 , 463 ; 378 , 236 ; 384 , 670 ; 396 , 486 ; 401 , 612 ; 401 , 613 . such compounds are also disclosed in &# 34 ; developer - inhibitor - releasing ( dir ) couplers for color photography ,&# 34 ; c . r . barr , j . r . thirtle and p . w . vittum in photoaraphic science and engineering , vol . 13 , p . 174 ( 1969 ), incorporated herein by reference . generally , the developer inhibitor - releasing ( dir ) couplers include a coupler moiety and an inhibitor coupling - off moiety ( in ). the inhibitor - releasing couplers may be of the time - delayed type ( diar couplers ) which also include a timing moiety or chemical switch which produces a delayed release of inhibitor . examples of typical inhibitor moieties are : oxazoles , thiazoles , diazoles , triazoles , oxadiazoles , thiadiazoles , oxathiazoles , thiatriazoles , benzotriazoles , tetrazoles , benzimidazoles , indazoles , isoindazoles , mercaptotetrazoles , selenotetrazoles , mercaptobenzothiazoles , selenobenzothiazoles , mercaptobenzoxazoles , selenobenzoxazoles , mercaptobenzimidazoles , selenobenzimidazoles , benzodiazoles , mercaptooxazoles , mercaptothiadiazoles , mercaptothiazoles , mercaptotriazoles , mercaptooxadiazoles , mercaptodiazoles , mercaptooxathiazoles , telleurotetrazoles or benzisodiazoles . in a preferred embodiment , the inhibitor moiety or group is selected from the following formulas : ## str10 ## wherein r i is selected from the group consisting of straight and branched alkyls of from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms , benzyl and phenyl groups and said groups containing at least one alkoxy substituent ; r ii , is selected from r i and -- sr i ; r iii is a straight or branched alkyl group of from 1 to about 5 carbon atoms and m is from 1 to 3 ; and r iv is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , halogens and alkoxy , phenyl and carbonamido groups , -- coor v and -- nhcoor v wherein r v is selected from substituted and unsubstituted alkyl and aryl groups . although it is typical that the coupler moiety included in the developer inhibitor - releasing coupler forms an image dye corresponding to the layer in which it is located , it may also form a different color as one associated with a different film layer . it may also be useful that the coupler moiety included in the developer inhibitor - releasing coupler forms colorless products and / or products that wash out of the photographic material during processing ( so - called &# 34 ; universal &# 34 ; couplers ). as mentioned , the developer inhibitor - releasing coupler may include a timing group which produces the time - delayed release of the inhibitor group such as groups utilizing the cleavage reaction of a hemiacetal ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 146 , 396 , japanese applications 60 - 249148 ; 60 - 249149 ); groups using an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 248 , 962 ); groups utilizing an electron transfer reaction along a conjugated system ( u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 409 , 323 ; 4 , 421 , 845 ; japanese applications 57 - 188035 ; 58 - 98728 ; 58 - 209736 ; 58 - 209738 ) groups utilizing ester hydrolysis ( german patent application ( ols ) no . 2 , 626 , 315 ; groups utilizing the cleavage of imino ketals ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 546 , 073 ); groups that function as a coupler or reducing agent after the coupler reaction ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 438 , 193 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 618 , 571 ) and groups that combine the features describe above . it is typical that the timing group or moiety is of one of the formulas : ## str11 ## wherein in is the inhibitor moiety , z is selected from the group consisting of nitro , cyano , alkylsulfonyl ; sulfamoyl (-- so 2 nr 2 ); and sulfonamido (-- nrso 2 r ) groups ; n is 0 or 1 ; and r vi is selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted alkyl and phenyl groups . the oxygen atom of each timing group is bonded to the coupling - off position of the respective coupler moiety of the diar . suitable developer inhibitor - releasing couplers for use in the present invention include , but are not limited to , the following : ## str12 ## it is also contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be employed to obtain reflection color prints as described in research disclosure , november 1979 , item 18716 , available from kenneth mason publications , ltd , dudley annex , 12a north street , emsworth , hampshire p0101 7dq , england , incorporated herein by reference . materials of the invention may be coated on ph adjusted support as described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 917 , 994 ; with epoxy solvents ( ep 0 164 961 ); with nickel complex stabilizers ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 346 , 165 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 540 , 653 and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 906 , 559 for example ); with ballasted chelating agents such as those in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 994 , 359 to reduce sensitivity to polyvalent cations such as calcium ; and with stain reducing compounds such as described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 068 , 171 and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 096 , 805 . other compounds useful in combination with the invention are disclosed in japanese published applications 83 - 09 , 959 ; 83 - 62 , 586 ; 90 - 072 , 629 , 90 - 072 , 630 ; 90 - 072 , 632 ; 90 - 072 , 633 ; 90 - 072 , 634 ; 90 - 077 , 822 ; 90 - 078 , 229 ; 90 - 078 , 230 ; 90 - 079 , 336 ; 90 - 079 , 338 ; 90 - 079 , 690 ; 90 - 079 , 691 ; 90 - 080 , 487 ; 90 - 080 , 489 ; 90 - 080 , 490 ; 90 - 080 , 491 ; 90 - 080 , 492 ; 90 - 080 , 494 ; 90 - 085 , 928 ; 90 - 086 , 669 ; 90 - 086 , 670 ; 90 - 087 , 361 ; 90 - 087 , 362 ; 90 - 087 , 363 ; 90 - 087 , 364 ; 90 - 088 , 096 ; 90 - 088 , 097 ; 90 - 093 , 662 ; 90 - 093 , 663 ; 90 - 093 , 664 ; 90 - 093 , 665 ; 90 - 093 , 666 ; 90 - 093 , 668 ; 90 - 094 , 055 ; 90 - 094 , 056 ; 90 - 101 , 937 ; 90 - 103 , 409 ; 90 - 151 , 577 . especially useful in this invention are tabular grain silver halide emulsions . specifically contemplated tabular grain emulsions are those in which greater than 50 percent of the total projected area of the emulsion grains are accounted for by tabular grains having a thickness of less than 0 . 3 micron ( 0 . 5 micron for blue sensitive emulsion ) and an average tabularity ( t ) of greater than 25 ( preferably greater than 100 ), where the term &# 34 ; tabularity &# 34 ; is employed in its art recognized usage as ecd is the average equivalent circular diameter of the tabular grains in microns and the average useful ecd of photographic emulsions can range up to about 10 microns , although in practice emulsion ecd &# 39 ; s seldom exceed about 4 microns . since both photographic speed and granularity increase with increasing ecd &# 39 ; s , it is generally preferred to employ the smallest tabular grain ecd &# 39 ; s compatible with achieving aim speed requirements . emulsion tabularity increases markedly with reductions in tabular grain thickness . it is generally preferred that aim tabular grain projected areas be satisfied by thin ( t & lt ; 0 . 2 micron ) tabular grains . to achieve the lowest levels of granularity it is preferred that aim tabular grain projected areas be satisfied with ultrathin ( t & lt ; 0 . 06 micron ) tabular grains . tabular grain thicknesses typically range down to about 0 . 02 micron . however , still lower tabular grain thicknesses are contemplated . for example , daubendiek et al u . s . pat . no . 4 , 672 , 027 reports a 3 mole percent iodide tabular grain silver bromoiodide emulsion having a grain thickness of 0 . 017 micron . as noted above tabular grains of less than the specified thickness account for at least 50 percent of the total grain projected area of the emulsion . to maximize the advantages of high tabularity it is generally preferred that tabular grains satisfying the stated thickness criterion account for the highest conveniently attainable percentage of the total grain projected area of the emulsion . for example , in preferred emulsions tabular grains satisfying the stated thickness criteria above account for at least 70 percent of the total grain projected area . in the highest performance tabular grain emulsions tabular grains satisfying the thickness criteria above account for at least 90 percent of total grain projected area . suitable tabular grain emulsions can be selected from among a variety of conventional teachings , such as those of the following : research disclosure , item 22534 , january 1983 , published by kenneth mason publications , ltd ., emsworth , hampshire p010 7dd , england ; u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 439 , 520 ; 4 , 414 , 310 ; 4 , 433 , 048 ; 4 , 643 , 966 ; 4 , 647 , 528 ; 4 , 665 , 012 ; 4 , 672 , 027 ; 4 , 678 , 745 ; 4 , 693 , 964 ; 4 , 713 , 320 ; 4 , 722 , 886 ; 4 , 755 , 456 ; 4 , 775 , 617 ; 4 , 797 , 354 ; 4 , 801 , 522 ; 4 , 806 , 461 ; 4 , 835 , 095 ; 4 , 853 , 322 ; 4 , 914 , 014 ; 4 , 962 , 015 ; 4 , 985 , 350 ; 5 , 061 , 069 and 5 , 061 , 616 . the emulsions can be surface - sensitive emulsions , i . e ., emulsions that form latent images primarily on the surfaces of the silver halide grains , or internal latent images predominantly in the interior of the silver halide grains . the emulsions can be negative - working emulsions , such as surface - sensitive emulsions or unfogged internal latent image - forming emulsions , or direct - positive emulsions of the unfogged , internal latent image - forming type , which are positive - working when development is conducted with uniform light exposure or in the presence of a nucleating agent . photographic elements can be exposed to actinic radiation , typically in the visible region of the spectrum , to form a latent image and then processed to form a visible dye image . processing to form a visible dye image includes the step of contacting the element with a color developing agent to reduce developable silver halide and oxidize the color developing agent . oxidized color developing agent in turn reacts with the coupler to yield a dye . with negative - working silver halide , the processing step described above provides a negative image . the described elements can be processed in the known c - 41 color process as described in , for example , the british journal of photography annual of 1982 , pages 209 - 211 and 1988 , pages 191 - 198 or in known processes for processing color photographic papers , such as the known ra - 4 process of eastman kodak company . the described elements are optionally processed in the known color processes for processing color print papers , such as the processes described in the british journal of photography annual of 1988 , pages 198 - 199 . to provide a positive ( or reversal ) image , the color development step can be preceded by development with a non - chromogenic developing agent to develop exposed silver halide , but not form dye , and then uniformly fogging the element to render unexposed silver halide , but not form dye , and then uniformly fogging the element to render unexposed silver halide developable . alternatively , a direct positive emulsion can be employed to obtain a positive image . development is followed by the conventional steps of bleaching , fixing , or bleach - fixing , to remove silver or silver halide , washing , and drying . suitable stabilizers for the photographic elements of this invention include the following : ## str13 ## couplers of the invention are prepared by general methods of synthesis described in the art , such as in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 540 , 654 , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 091 , 297 , and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 110 , 941 . an illustrative scheme is as follows : ## str14 ## an example of synthesis of a coupler as described is as follows : ## str15 ## the coupler amine was prepared . a mixture of 477 . 30 g ( 1 . 26 mol ) of coupler nitro - compound ( 6 ), 150 g of pre - reduced and washed raney cobalt in 7 liters of dry thf at room temperature was subjected to hydrogenation under 500 psi of hydrogen . after the reduction , the catalyst was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield a solid . the crude material was purified by recrystallization from acetonitrile ( 4 . 50 l ) to yield 402 g ( 92 %) of a light brown solid . all the analytical data confirmed the assigned structure . coupler m - 1 was then prepared . a stirred mixture of 5 . 36 g ( 15 . 4 mmol ) of coupler amine ( 7 ) and 2 . 10 g ( 17 . 3 mmol ) of n , n - dimethylaniline in 55 ml of thf was cooled to about 0 ° c ., followed by the addition of 6 . 69 g ( 16 . 9 mmol ) of the ballast acid chloride in 10 ml of thf over a period of 15 minutes . the reaction was allowed to warm up to room temperature and stirred for 30 minutes . the reaction was complete , as evidenced by thin layer chromatography analysis ( eluent : ch 2 cl 2 / ch 3 co 2 c 2 h 5 / ch 3 oh : 10 / 10 / 3 .) the reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of ice water containing 5 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid . the organic material was extracted with ether ( 3 × 80 ml .) the combined organic extracts wee washed with water , dried over anhydrous mgso 4 , and concentrated in vacuo to yield 11 . 10 g ( 100 %) of a solid . the coupler was purified by column chromatography ( silica gel , eluted with 50 % ch 2 cl 2 / heptane ) to afford 7 . 8 g ( 71 %) of the desired target ( m - 1 .) all analytical data confirmed the assigned structure . dispersions of the coupler were prepared in the following manner . the quantities of each component are found in table i . in one vessel , the coupler , coupler solvent ( tritolyl phosphate , mixed isomers ), and ethyl acetate were combined and warmed to dissolve . in a second vessel , the gelatin , alkanol xc ™ ( e . i . dupont co .) and water were combined and warmed to about 40 ° c . the two mixtures were mixed together and passed three times through a gaulin colloid mill . the ethyl acetate was removed by evaporation and water was added to restore the original weight after milling . table i__________________________________________________________________________ alkanol - coupler ethyl 12 . 5 % xc gramsdispersion coupler solvent acetate gelatin ( 10 %) ofnumbercoupler number grams grams grams grams grams water__________________________________________________________________________1 m - 1 ( invention ) 0 . 876 1 . 752 2 . 628 19 . 38 2 . 33 11 . 782 m - 2 ( invention ) 0 . 973 1 . 946 2 . 919 19 . 38 2 . 33 11 . 203 c - 1 ( comparative ) 0 . 824 1 . 236 2 . 472 19 . 38 2 . 33 12 . 104 c - 2 ( comparative ) 0 . 846 1 . 699 2 . 538 19 . 38 2 . 33 11 . 96__________________________________________________________________________comparative coupler c - 1 : ## str16 ## comparative coupler c - 2 : ## str17 ## the photographic elements were prepared by coating the following layers the photographic elements were given stepwise exposures to green light and processed as follows at 35 ° c . : magenta dyes were formed upon processing . the following photographic characteristics were determined : d max ( the maximum density to green light ; lamba - max ( the wavelength of peak absorption at a density of 1 . 0 ); and the bandwidth ( the width of the absorption spectrum in nanometers at the mid - height of the peak density ). these values for each example are tabulated in table ii . table ii______________________________________ex - dis - ample persion lambda - num - num - coupler d . sub . max max bandwidthber ber number value value ( nanometers ) ______________________________________1 1 m - 1 ( invention ) 2 . 45 548 902 2 m - 2 ( invention ) 2 . 42 549 923 3 c - 1 2 . 28 542 106 ( comparative ) 4 4 c - 1 2 . 34 545 107 ( comparative ) ______________________________________ additional coatings prepared and processed as described above were illuminated by simulated daylight at 50 klux for periods of 2 , 4 and 6 weeks . the green densities were monitored and the time in weeks required for 30 % density loss from an initial density of 1 . 0 ( t30 ) was calculated . these data are found in table iii . table iii______________________________________example number dispersion coupler number t30 ( weeks ) ______________________________________5 1 m - 1 ( invention ) 2 . 486 2 m - 2 ( invention ) 2 . 637 3 c - 1 ( comparative ) 0 . 728 4 c - 2 ( comparative ) 0 . 60______________________________________ the data in the tables ii and iii confirm that the couplers of the present invention yield a higher maximum of color density dmax than the corresponding 6 - methyl analogues . in addition , the couplers in the present invention provide better image - dye light stability over the comparative couplers ( with 6 - methyl ), and they provide magenta image - dye of excellent hue . the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof , but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention . | 6 |
aspects of the invention provide a software programmable verification tool having a built - in self - test ( bist ) module for testing and debugging multiple memory modules in an embedded device under test ( dut ). the invention provides a software programmable bist that may be capable of testing , for example , embedded single - port or dual - port embedded on - chip memories at any speed up to a maximum tolerated speed for the memory device . advantageously , the software programmable bist , may remove some design complexities from a device level to a software level . software programmability also enables flexible test pattern generation during testing and consequently improves fault coverage of the bist . accordingly , since the bist enables software programmability , it provides a flexible platform for system development and integration . [ 0024 ] fig1 a is a high - level block diagram 100 of a software programmable verification tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . referring to fig1 a , there is shown a software programmable verification tool 102 and an embedded memory 104 . in one embodiment of the invention , the software programmable verification tool 102 may be remotely located from the embedded memory 104 . in another embodiment of the invention , the software programmable verification tool 102 may be collated with the embedded memory 104 in a common embedded system such as a core . [ 0025 ] fig1 b is a high - level block diagram 110 illustrating the software programmable verification tool 102 of fig1 a located remotely from the embedded memory 104 . referring to fig1 b , the software programmable verification tool 102 may be part of a host system or a test fixture . for example , the host system may be a personal computer ( pc ) 106 or an embedded system tool ( est ). in this regard , the host pc 106 may be configured as a host processor for the software programmable verification tool 102 . the pc 106 may be coupled to the embedded memory 104 via , for example , a connector or socket adapted to communicate suitable signals , for example , clock , address , data and control signals , between the software programmable verification tool 102 and the embedded memory 102 . [ 0026 ] fig1 c is a high - level block diagram 120 illustrating the software programmable verification tool 102 of fig1 co - located with the embedded memory 104 . referring to fig1 a , the software programmable verification tool 102 may be part of an embedded system such as a soc 108 . in this regard , the software programmable verification tool may be arranged so that it is embedded within the fabric or core of the soc 108 . in this arrangement , the signals such as clock , address , data and control of the software programmable verification tool 102 may be coupled directly to the embedded memory 104 on chip . various external pins on the soc 108 may be adapted to provide certain signals off - chip . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , the various embodiments of the software verification tool in fig1 b and fig1 c may include a built - in self - test ( bist ) module . fig2 is a block diagram of an exemplary bist module 202 coupled to a memory 204 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . the memory 204 may include various memories 204 a , 204 b , . . . , 204 n in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . referring to fig2 the bist module 202 may include a shift register 206 , a decoder 208 , a counter 210 , a first synchronizer 212 , a second synchronizer 214 , a bist logic block 216 , an internal register 218 , a comparator 220 , a row logic block 222 , a delay block 224 , first multiplexer ( mux ) 226 and a plurality of multiplexers 230 a , 230 b , . . . , 230 n . the bist module 202 may be adapted to test and debug , for example , custom single or dual port static memories at operational speed or at speeds lower than operational speed . advantageously , the bist module 202 may be adapted to test and debug multiple memories sequentially or in parallel . sequential testing methodology may provide reduced on - chip area for fabrication , while parallel testing methodology may provide reduced test time . the shift register 206 in bist module 202 may be a sequential register that may be adapted to receive serially shifted test commands and / or data . various portions of the shift register 206 may be coupled to counter 210 , decoder 208 and the bist logic block . an input signal ( sdata_in ) containing an instruction including a test command and / or associated data may be serially shifted into the shift register 206 . an output signal ( sdata_out ) may be provided to shift data out of the shift register 206 . a bist enable signal ( bist_en ) and a data clock signal ( data_clk ) may control certain operations of the shift register 206 , for example the shifting of data into and out of the shift register 206 . the decoder 208 may be coupled to the shift register 206 . accordingly , the decoder 208 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the sdata_in signal and decode at least a portion of the received sdata_in signal that may be serially shifted into the shift register 206 . the portion of the serial data that the decoder 208 may receive may contain at least one command or instruction to be executed by the bist module 202 . the bist logic block 206 may be coupled to at least the decoder 208 and the counter 210 . additional inputs to the bist logic block 206 may include , but are not limited to a clock signal ( clk ) and a reset signal ( rst ). the system clock signal ( clk ) may be provided by a host system application and may be adapted to control various functions of the bist module 202 . the reset signal ( rst ) may also be provided by the host system application and may be adapted to reset various components of the bist module 202 to a known state . the bist logic block 206 may contain suitable circuitry and logic that may be configured to generate signals such as data , address , control , and timing signals . for example , bist logic block 216 may be configured to generate a done signal which may serve as an input to the first synchronizer 212 . the bist logic block 216 may also be configured to produce an output signal that may be provided as an input to the comparator 220 . the counter 210 may be coupled to the shift register 206 and may be adapted to monitor the commands being shifted into the shift register 206 . in this regard , the counter 210 may count the number of consecutive executions of a command during a single test period . an output signal generated by the counter 210 may be provided as an input to the bist logic block 210 . additional inputs to the counter 210 may include , but are not limited to , a system clock signal ( clk ) and a reset signal ( rst ). the system clock signal ( clk ) and the reset signal ( rst ) may be provided by the host system application and may be adapted to reset the counter 210 to a known state . the first synchronizer 212 may be configured to synchronize the bist_done signal ( bist_done ) from the system clock to the data clock signal ( data_clk ). the data clock signal ( data_clk ) may be adapted as an input to the shift register 206 and the bist_done signal may be generated by the bist logic block 210 . the bist logic block 210 may be configured to generate the bist_done signal , for example , at the end of completion of a specified test and / or operation . the synchronized output signal generated by the synchronizer 212 may include a done_sync signal . in one embodiment of the invention , upon synchronization of the done_sync signal , whenever the done_synch is set to a logic one ( 1 ) or goes high , the shift register 206 may be overwritten with at least a portion of the contents of the internal register 218 . in this regard , data results for any test may be loaded from the internal register 218 into the shift register 206 . the result data may subsequently be shifted out of the shift register 206 whenever the bist_en signal is set to a logic zero ( 0 ) or pulled low . the second synchronizer 214 may be configured to synchronize the system clock signal clk and the bist_en signal , which may be an input to the shift register 206 . a resulting synchronized signal bist_en_sync may be provided as an input to the bist logic block 216 . the delay block 224 may be configured to introduce a delay in the bist_en_sync signal , thereby generating a bist_active signal . the bist_active signal may be coupled as an input select to the muxes 230 a , 230 b , . . . , 230 n . at least a portion of the i / o pins of the shift register may be coupled to the bist logic block 216 . for example , portions of the shift register 206 that may correspond to one or more addresses and / or one or more data may be coupled to corresponding address and data inputs of the bist logic block 216 . to support the stop on error mode of operation , a stop - on - error signal may be coupled to the bist logic block 216 . the bist logic block 216 may be adapted to generate various data and control signals , some of which may be coupled to the muxes 230 a , 230 b , . . . , 230 n as data input and / or select signals . exemplary control signals generated by the bist logic block 216 may include , but are not limited to , address , data , write enable ( we ), chip enable ( ce ), bist ( bi ) and sub - word writeable ( sw ) signals . in one aspect of the invention , the bist module 202 may be configured so that the write enable ( we ), chip enable ( ce ), and software enable ( sw ) signals are active low signals , although the invention is not limited in the regard . one or more of the signals generated by the bist logic block 216 may control operations , such as , enabling one or more of the muxes 230 a , 230 b , . . . , 230 n to select one or more memory modules to be tested , which may include writing to and reading from the memory modules . decoder 228 and mux 226 may be adapted to control the reading and writing of data to and from any one or more of the memory modules 204 a , 204 b , . . . , 204 n . a memory select signal ( mem_sel ) may be coupled to the decoder 228 and mux 226 to enable the contents of an appropriate memory 204 a , 204 b , . . . , 204 n to be loaded into the comparator 220 . the chip enable bit from the bist logic block 216 may be provided as an input to the decoder 228 in order to select an appropriate one of the memory modules in memory 204 to be tested . the comparator 220 may be coupled to the bist logic block 216 via an expected data signal ( expected_data ). comparator 220 may also be coupled to an output of mux 226 to receive the ram data output signal ( rdata_o ) from mux 226 . the comparator 220 may be adapted to include suitable circuitry and / or logic that may compare the expected data signal ( expected_data ) received from the bist logic block 216 with corresponding ram output data signal ( rdata_o ) signal from mux 226 . in this regard , the actual test result data or ram data output rdata_o1 , rdata_o2 , . . . , rdata_on read from memory modules 204 a , 204 b , . . . , 204 n respectively , may be selected by mux 226 using a chip enable signal ( ce ) coupled to decoder 228 and a memory select signal ( mem_sel ) coupled to the mux 226 and supplied to the comparator 220 . the comparator 220 may generate various output signals that may indicate a status and / or information pertaining to a test . for example , the comparator 220 may generate a ram data out ( rdata_o ) signal to indicate the actual data read from a location in memory , an expected data signal ( expected_data ) which may indicate the data that was written to the memory , and an error_address signal indicating an address of a location in memory where an error occurred . the rdata_o signal , the expected_data signal and the error_address signals may be communicated to the internal register 218 where they may set one or more bits in specified memory locations and / or registers . a row logic block 222 may be adapted to execute various row - redundancy algorithms based on data received from the comparator 220 . an output error signal from comparator 220 may be coupled to an input of a row logic block 222 . in one embodiment of the invention , the row logic block 222 may be adapted to generate one or more of a failing address location n signal ( fail_loc_n ), a failing column signal ( fail_col ), and a pass / fail signal ( pass_fail ). the fail_loc_n signal , the fail_col signal and the pass_fail signals may be communicated to the internal register 218 where they may set one or more bits in specified memory locations and / or registers . in another aspect of the invention , the comparator 220 may be adapted to generate a col_fail signal that may be utilized to indicate the results of testing various columns of the memory module under test . in this regard , the comparator 220 may be configured to generate a rdata_o signal and an expected_data signal . the rdata_o signal may represent results read from one or more memory locations and the expected_data signal may represent corresponding results that were expected from the one or more memory location that were tested . the rdata_o and the expected_data signals and be adapted to set one or more corresponding rdata_o and / or expected_data bits in the internal register 218 . accordingly , one or more bits representing each of the rdata_o bits and the expected data bits may be accumulated and an xor operation executed on a the accumulated rdata_o and expected_data bits . the col_fail signal may represent the cumulative results of the xor operation on a column - by - column basis for the accumulated rdata_o and expected_data bits . logic one ( 1 ) at the end of testing a column may represent a column failure . [ 0040 ] fig3 is a block diagram 300 illustrating an exemplary parameterization for an input to the shift register 206 of the bist module of fig2 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . referring to fig3 the shift register 306 may be arranged so that a first portion 302 of the shift register 306 may contain a command to be executed by the bist module 202 ( fig2 ). in one embodiment of the invention , the first portion 302 of the shift register 306 may contain a total of 3 bits , thereby providing 2 3 or eight ( 8 ) possible commands that may be decoded by the decoder 208 ( fig2 ) and provided to the bist logic block 216 for processing . a second portion 304 of the shift register 306 immediately successive to the first portion 302 may contain a counter value that may be utilized by the counter 210 ( fig2 ). the second portion 304 of the shift register 306 may contain a total of 4 bits , thereby providing 24 or sixteen ( 16 ) possible count values that may be utilized by the counter 210 . a third portion 308 of the shift register 306 immediately successive to the second portion 304 may contain a first address value that may be decoded by decoder 208 and provided to the bist logic block 216 for processing . the third portion 308 of the shift register 306 may contain a total of m bits , thereby providing the possibility of addressing 2 m memory locations of the memory 204 . a fourth portion 310 of the shift register 306 immediately successive to the third portion 308 may contain a first data value that may be decoded by decoder 208 and provided to the bist logic block 216 for processing . the fourth portion 310 of the shift register 306 may contain a total of n bits , thereby providing the possibility of writing or reading a 2 n - bits wide word to a location of the memory 204 . the bit size of the command , counter , first address and second address are for illustrative purposes and the invention is not limited in this regard . additionally , the exact positioning of the command , counter , first address and second address may be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention . in this regard , the command could be followed by the first data , followed by the counter , which may be followed by the first address . furthermore , there may be more than one address fields , for example a second address , a third address , a fourth address and so on . similarly , there may be more than one data fields , for example a second data , a third data , a fourth data and so on . [ 0043 ] fig4 is an exemplary timing diagram 400 that may be utilized to shift data in and out of the shift register 206 of the bist module 202 of fig2 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . referring to fig4 there is shown clock signals for a data clock ( data_clk ) signal 402 , a data input signal ( sdata_in ) 404 , a data output signal ( sdata_out ) 406 and a bist enable signal ( bist_en ) 408 . in accordance with one embodiment of the invention , the shift register may be active whenever the bist_en signal 408 is low . accordingly , data may be shifted in and out of the shift register 206 whenever the bist_en signal 408 is low . whenever the bist_en signal 408 is high , data shifting may be suspended and the bist logic block 216 may become active . in this regard , whenever the bist_en signal 408 is high , memory testing by the bist module 202 may proceed . the bist module 202 may be configured to operate at the same frequency as the system clock ( clk ). advantageously , this may permit the bist to test a memory under test at operational speeds . in one aspect of the invention , the clk and data_clk signals may be adapted to be independent signals and in this regard , the clk and data_clk signals may not require synchronization . generally , in operation , the bist module 202 may be controlled by a test software application that may be configured to run , for example on a host system such as a pc . under control of the test software application , data may be shifted into the shift register 206 with the sdata_in signal and shifted out of the shift register 206 with the sdata_out signal . the speed at which data may be shifted in and shifted out of the shift register 206 may be controlled by the test application software application , through for example , the data_clk signal . the data shifted out of the shift register may contain results of any testing done on a dut by the bist module 202 . in one aspect of the invention , the host application software may be adapted so that the bist_en signal may be an active low signal . however , the invention is not limited in this regard . in this case , while the bist_en remains at a logic zero ( 0 ) or low , data may be shifted into the shift register 206 via the sdata_in signal . upon completion of shifting data into the shift register 206 , the bist_en signal may be changed to a logic one ( 1 ) or high . when this happens , the bist logic block 216 may subsequently be activated and testing may begin . in another aspect of the invention , whenever the done signal is a logic one ( 1 ) or high , the bist_en signal may be transitioned to a logic zero ( 0 ) or low in order to initiate the completion a full test cycle . upon completion of the actual testing , data , which may include test results stored during testing , may be shifted out of the shift register 206 at a rate of data_clk . the data may include information such as an address of a memory location where and error occurred , the expected data ( expected_data ), the ram data ( rdata_o ), the location of the failing columns ( col_fail ), whether the test was a success or a failure ( pass / fail ) and information such as fuse repair information . simultaneously , the host software application may shift new data into the shift register 206 in order to initiate a subsequent test cycle . a done signal generated by the bist logic block 216 may be set to a logic one ( 1 ) or high to represent the completion of testing of a dut such as a memory module . the first synchronizer 212 may receive the done signal and synchronize the done signal with the data clock signal ( data_clk ) to generate a done_sync signal . the done_sync signal may be utilized to initiate or signify the beginning of testing of a subsequent memory module or signify the end of testing of a memory as appropriate . the bist module 202 may be adapted to include at least two modes of operation , namely , a normal mode and a stop - on - error mode . in accordance with one aspect of the invention , in the stop - on - error mode , the bist module 202 may be adapted to stop testing on the occurrence of a first error , or a predefined amount of errors . in the stop - on - error mode , whenever the bist module 202 may be configured to report error data belonging to at least a first memory location of memory module 202 where an error occurred . in this regard , the stop - on - error mode may be notably suitable for a debugging operation rather than a pass / fail analysis . the stop - on - error mode may be controlled by the stop on error signal ( fig2 ). in the normal mode of operation , the bist module 202 may be adapted to continue testing the at least a portion of the memory module despite the occurrence of one or more errors or failures . an output signal , for example a pass / fail signal , from the comparator 220 may be configured to set a bit in the internal register 218 , which may subsequently be read by the host application software . in one embodiment of the invention , the pass fail bit in the internal register 218 may be set to a logic one ( 1 ) or high to indicate that the memory module under test is un - repairable . while the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope . therefore , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed , but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims . accordingly , the present invention may be realized in hardware , software , or a combination of hardware and software . the present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system , or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems . any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited . a typical combination of hardware and software may be a general - purpose computer system with a computer program that , when being loaded and executed , controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein . the present invention also may be embedded in a computer program product , which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein , and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods . computer program in the present context means any expression , in any language , code or notation , of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following : a ) conversion to another language , code or notation ; b ) reproduction in a different material form . notwithstanding , the invention and its inventive arrangements disclosed herein may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof . accordingly , reference should be made to the following claims , rather than to the foregoing specification , as indicating the scope of the invention . in this regard , the description above is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way , except as set forth in the following claims . while the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope . therefore , it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed , but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims . | 6 |
in the preferred form , the collaborative linking system is applied in a web - based e - commerce context . in such a context , a first class of users includes “ providers ”, having members that include a plurality of retailers , service providers , restaurants , and so on . for the most part , in the preferred embodiment , a provider may be any type of entity found in a typical yellow pages phone book , for example . a second class of users includes “ consumers ”, having members that include individuals , businesses , and so on . preferably , providers and consumers interact with the collaborative linking system via any of a variety of wired or wireless types of computers ( e . g ., workstations , personal computers ( pcs ), cellular telephones , pagers , electronic personal organizers , web enabled televisions , or other types of electronic devices ). members of each class ( i . e ., providers and consumers ) may be grouped into subclasses based on additional criteria . sub classifying may be either independent , relationship - based or some combination thereof . an example of relationship - based sub classifying is a hierarchical approach , but subclasses may be related in some other manner . in contrast , if a subclass is independent , it has no particular relationship to any other subclass within its class . generally , a provider seeks to be linked to consumers in search of the provider &# 39 ; s products or services . similarly , a consumer seeks to be linked to providers that provide the products or services that the consumer desires . in some situations a provider may be a consumer , for example , in a business - to - business transaction . fig1 - 10b depict the entities and relationships of the preferred embodiment of the collaborative linking system . the collaborative linking system of the preferred embodiment implements a structure that defines a first level of criteria for linking providers and consumers . in an e - commerce context , recognition that most people shop in their immediate vicinity for many products and services , such as for perishables , items or services they need in a relatively short time , and items they prefer to inspect before purchasing , leads to a preference for a geography - based framework or structure . therefore , consumers and providers are linked , at a first level , in relation to a predetermined geographic region . for the most part , the provider &# 39 ; s choice of geographic preference is more or less static , over a period of time , because of the general “ bricks and mortar ” aspect of providing products and services from a physical location . on the other hand , the consumer has greater physical mobility , so the collaborative linking system provides the capability to allow the consumer to dynamically specify his current geographic point of interest . as an architectural implementation , a plurality of content servers and associated content databases are linked together under the general management of a control center and made accessible via the internet and web , as shown in fig1 a - 16 . additionally , third party databases , information sources ( and related functional code ), functionality , networks , and systems may be linked to , or imported into , the collaborative linking system , such as databases including directory listings , maps , sic codes , zip codes , telephone exchange numbers , directions for how to get from one place to another , credit information , financial account information and so forth . the content servers and databases are defined according to a geographic region , within the larger geography - based framework . each provider maps its provider information into those geographical content servers and databases ( i . e ., “ business places ”) that correspond to that provider &# 39 ; s consumer base and / or that provider &# 39 ; s storefront locations . a consumer searching for a particular product or service dynamically chooses a geographic region within which to search , that is , the consumer chooses a certain one or more content servers and databases . preferably the content servers are physically located proximate to or within the geographic region that they serve . this geography - based architecture imposed on providers and consumers provides at least two performance benefits . first , if the consumer is searching a content server and database that is in or near his geographic location , transmission times between the consumer and the content server will be relatively short , due to fewer relays in the transmission path , among other things . second , the server &# 39 ; s response time ( to the consumer &# 39 ; s search request ) will be relatively short , since the content database being searched contains only the data for that geographic region . also , the more refined the consumer &# 39 ; s search , the faster the search results are presented . of course , in other embodiments , a geography - based structure need not be imposed ; the choice of structure is made in light of several considerations and will vary depending on the application for which the collaborative linking system is used . generally , the structure is chosen to enhance or optimize performance . in other architectures , content servers and databases may be dynamically allocated as a function of the availability of system resources . a geographic region may be defined in any of a variety of manners , such as , for example , by postal codes , by telephone area codes and exchanges , by a circle defined by longitude and latitude values , by a set of points each with a longitude and latitude value , by governmental census tracks identifiers , or by a set of other geographic regions ( places ). the provider information ( or data ) may include information relating to the provider &# 39 ; s location ( e . g ., the store &# 39 ; s address ), store hours , products and services offered and current promotions . the product information may include make , model , features , price , and quantity on hand . additionally , providers may be rated and consumers may search for providers meeting a certain minimum rating threshold , for a given product of service . while a user is most likely to inquire about providers in his geographic region , the user may optionally expand his search to include adjacent geographic regions or to search in remote geographic regions . additionally , consumers may generally be willing to travel farther within their general geographic area for some products than for others . for example , the geographic region ( or business place ) for auto dealerships may be larger ( in the consumer &# 39 ; s mind ) than the geographic region for pizza parlors . thus , a provider may wish to list a particular place of business ( e . g ., an auto dealership ) in multiple surrounding areas . using the internet and web as a communications network , a consumer may seamlessly transition between business places , expand or contract a search , or change the product / service being searched . in a broad context , the collaborative linking system is implemented for a large group of business places ( i . e ., towns ), wherein each business place includes a plurality of businesses ( or providers ) offering products and services . a combination of business places may form a higher level business place . for example , a large geographic region may be the united states (“ u . s .”), which may include a plurality of separate business places ( or geographic sub - regions ). a provider that has a presence ( e . g ., store or franchise ) in many locations throughout the u . s . may then pick and choose within which business places to advertise each store . presumably , the provider advertises in those regions where the provider has a physical presence . additionally , a provider may pick and choose within which business places certain products will be promoted . for example , a department store provider may , in the month of january , promote snow scrapers in massachusetts and sun glasses in florida , but not vice versa . however , if the provider is a mail order business with no traditional storefronts , that provider may chose to advertise only in business places having consumers that have demonstrated a demand for the provider &# 39 ; s mail order products or may advertise in all business places . in the preferred embodiment , the collaborative linking system includes the control center , having access to the control servers and control databases . the control center accomplishes the system administration , management , maintenance , modifications , upgrades , and so forth of the collaborative linking system , as well as establishing the basic framework of the system . the control center provides a mechanism for the storage and subsequent mapping of provider data into business places ( i . e ., business place content servers and databases ) and administration of links to third parties ( e . g ., provider web sites or third party databases or services ). although , third parties need not link to the collaborative linking system through the control center ; they may link to a proximate content server . in the preferred embodiment , providers seeking to offer promotions ( e . g ., advertise sales or distribute coupons ), derive or collect consumer information or derive other benefits beyond a static listing from the collaborative linking system are referred to as “ syndicators ”, and derive such benefits by establishing an account that is managed through the control center . other providers may simply have their static information ( e . g ., non - promotional information ) provided to consumers . the collaborative linking system provides a mechanism for providers to use consumer information to tailor or otherwise influence their marketing approach . for example , geographically related consumer information may be added into the system , such as average household income , number of homeowners , political and religious affiliations and other census information , and so on for a geographic region . additionally , other consumer related information ( e . g ., number of “ hits ”, consumer preferences , and consumer activity patterns ) may be collected by the system , as part of consumer &# 39 ; s use of the collaborative linking system . this information may then be used by providers in determining which products and specials are to be offered in a given geographic region , which types of ads are most effective , and which ads are most effective relative to the time of day , among other things . use of this information may be by overt provider selection , or as an automated function of the application of automated filters . for example , a kitchen appliance company may only promote certain appliances in the towns where the company has a distributor and where new home construction is higher than 5 %. once a town &# 39 ; s new home sales drop below 5 %, the collaborative linking system may automatically cease promotions on those appliances in that town . in the preferred embodiment , the collaborative linking system user interface is comprised of at least three user - type interfaces : a system administrator user interface ( saui ), a provider user interface ( pui ), and a consumer user interface ( cui ). that is , the saui includes a plurality of displays useful by system administrator personnel for monitoring , data gathering , troubleshooting , analyzing , modifying , upgrading , configuring , enhancing , testing , and otherwise operating and maintaining the collaborative linking systems and the information thereon . the saui may also be used for billing and account management purposes . also , the saui may be used to add , modify , and delete provider and consumer data and to establish and maintain links to third party systems and databases . access to certain aspects of the collaborative linking system for system administration purposes may vary as a function of predetermined user privileges . for the most part , system administration is conducted via the control center . the pui allows a provider to access information related to that provider on the collaborative linking system . in the preferred form , the collaborative linking system databases are populated with relatively static provider data within a geographic context for substantially each provider in a selected business place . as previously discussed , such relatively static provider data typically includes a provider name , address , and telephone number ( which may collectively be referred to as a “ listing ”). such information is entered into the system via the saui or by the provider via the pui . using the pui , a provider may “ register ” with or establish an account on the collaborative linking system and subsequently view , add , delete , or modify its provider data . registered providers are required to logon to the collaborative linking system in order to interact with their provider data . using the pui , for example , a provider may define promotional specials , change or update provider data and view statistical information related to their listing and specials . appendix a ( and its figures ), attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety , describes an embodiment of the pui . for the consumer , the collaborative linking system cui provides , preferably , a hierarchical , link or text - based search approach to finding providers relative to a chosen geographical region , as a first level criterion . decreasing recall and increasing accuracy of results is achieved with the addition of subsequent criteria by the consumer , as indicated in the cui screen prints of fig1 - 24 . in the preferred embodiment , the consumer interacts with the collaborative linking system via a standard web browser . the consumer may directly access a business place web site , associated with a particular business place ( e . g ., the town of wellesley , mass .) to find providers in that business place . additionally , the consumer may broaden the search to include other business places or migrate to other business places . as a function of the user &# 39 ; s search , the collaborative linking system generates and displays within the cui provider information and data , and may additionally provide information about companion providers or promotions . for example , if a consumer searches for pizza places in wellesley , mass ., the cui may provide a list of all pizza places in that town . additionally , the user interface may provide indications of specials or promotions offered by certain providers ( e . g ., icons , conspicuous text , and / or sound messages ). also , as a function of the consumer &# 39 ; s search , companion specials or promotions may also be included within the cui , for example , a promotion by a local convenience store on soft drinks . additionally , provider specials and promotions may provide virtual links to the provider &# 39 ; s own internet pages . additionally , a consumer &# 39 ; s interests or other consumer information may be registered with the collaborative linking system . in such a case , a consumer may be linked ( or matched ) with providers as part of an “ opt - in ” service , as a function of a synergy between the consumer and the providers . for example , the consumer &# 39 ; s interests may correspond to one or more provider &# 39 ; s offers ; consequently , the consumers and providers are linked by the collaborative linking system . preferably , the collaborative linking system maintains the anonymity of the consumer with respect to the provider when linking the two . further aspects of this service may be better understood and appreciated in the context of the embodiment described in appendix b attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art , the various uis may vary , depending on the type of computer or electronic device with which they are to be used . for example , the cui for a pc may differ from the cui for a cell phone , and so on . additionally , the various uis may be defined in other manners without departing from the present invention . the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof . for example , mapping of provider information may be dynamically accomplished and editable . also , automated filters may be applied to effect the dynamic mapping of provider information . additionally , third party databases may be linked into the collaborative linking system and used by providers to select consumers or by consumers to select providers . in other embodiments , the definition of the geographic regions may vary as a function of the product or service being searched , rather than be relatively statically defined . the present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive , the scope of the invention being indicated by appending claims rather than by the foregoing description , and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein . | 8 |
fig1 illustrates a shoe distribution center 101 for providing shoes to a plurality of customers 103 . as seen in this figure , the customers 103 can communicate with the distribution center 101 using one or more of a variety of remote communication channels , so that the customers 103 do not have to be physically present at the distribution center 101 . customer 103 a , for example , may order shoes from the distribution center 101 by a parcel service 105 , such as the u . s . postal service , united parcel service ( ups ), federal express , or any other suitable parcel service . customer 103 b may submit an order for footwear to the distribution center 101 using a telephone service 107 . as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art , the telephone service may be an ordinary pstn telephone service , a wireless telephone service , or any combination thereof . further , the customer 103 b may submit the order using voice instructions ( either to a person or to a recording device ), or transmit written ordering instructions using a facsimile machine . some customers , such as customer 103 c , may order footwear from the distribution center 101 via an electronic communication network 109 . perhaps the most well known example of such an electronic communication network 109 that may be used to order footwear from the distribution center 101 is the internet , but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other network arrangements , such as intranets , local area networks , or other types of wide area networks may also be employed by customer 103 c to order footwear from the footwear distribution center 101 . with this arrangement , the footwear distribution center 101 may provide the customer with one or more pages written in a markup language , such as the hypertext markup language ( html ) or the extensible markup language ( xml ) ( i . e ., a website ). the pages may , for example , display various footwear models currently available from the distribution center 101 , along with ordering information instructing the customer 103 c on the procedure to order footwear from the distribution center 101 . the pages may also include one or more interactive questionnaires requesting ordering information from the customer 103 c . such information will typically include the customer &# 39 ; s shipping address , billing information , and the footwear model desired by the customer . the questionnaires will also request the customer 103 c to directly or indirectly specify the last used to manufacture the footwear , as will be explained in detail below . using a computer with a software program for viewing the pages ( i . e ., a browser ), the customer 103 c can then select and order a particular model of footwear from the distribution center 101 by responding to the questionnaires over the communication network 109 . other customers , such as customer 103 d , may instead order footwear from the distribution center 101 through an electronic mail service 111 . of course , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic mail service 111 can be implemented using an electronic communication network 109 as described above . the electronic mail service 111 may also be implemented using , for example , a direct communication connection with the distribution center 101 through a telephone call to the distribution center using a modem . still other customers may use another communication channel that permits a customer to remotely order footwear from the footwear distribution center 101 . in fact , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various embodiments of the invention may be implemented using any combination of desired remote communication channels . it will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the information used to order footwear may be obtained from any suitable source . as noted above , for example , a customer 103 c may view ordering information provided on html pages through the communications network 109 . alternately , a customer may obtain ordering information through print advertisements , catalogs , television , or any other suitable source . the ordering information may include , for example , the footwear models available at the distribution center 101 , the color schemes available for each model , price , or other characteristics of the footwear . further , the ordering information may include customizing information , such as names or images that are available to be custom - applied to the footwear being ordered . turning now to the footwear distribution center 101 , the center 101 includes a footwear order - receiving unit 113 , which receives the footwear orders from customers 103 provided through the remote communication channels , and a footwear supply unit 115 , which supplies footwear according to the customers &# 39 ; orders . more particularly , the footwear supply unit 115 includes a footwear inventory 117 containing one or more models of footwear in a variety of sizes , and a footwear manufacturing unit 121 . the footwear manufacturing unit 121 has a last inventory 121 containing a plurality of lasts in different sizes , and a heating unit 123 for heating the lasts to modify footwear from the footwear inventory 117 , as will be explained in detail below . as previously noted , the footwear order - receiving unit 113 receives the footwear orders from customers 103 . the order - receiving unit 113 may include a number of different components , depending upon the remote communication channels supported by the distribution center 101 . for example , if the distribution center 101 communicates with customers 103 through an electronic communication network 109 ( such as the internet ), then the receiving unit 113 may be include fully automated components for processing a customer &# 39 ; s order . these components of the receiving unit 113 may be embodied , for example , by a server computer that receives footwear orders from the customer 103 c and relays those orders on to the footwear supply unit 115 . similarly , if the footwear distribution center 101 supports remote communication with customers 103 through a telephone service 107 , the order receiving unit 113 may include a fully automated voice menu system that allows customer 103 b to order footwear using a telephone handset keypad or voice instructions in response to a series of audible prompts . if the operation of the footwear supply unit 115 is fully automated , then the customer 113 may order footwear without human intervention . if the distribution center 101 supports communication channels that require a human interpretation of messages , then the order - receiving unit 113 will include human personnel . for example , with some embodiments of the footwear distribution center 101 , the order - receiving unit 113 includes an operator to receive and understand voice instructions from a customer 103 b over the telephone system 107 . if the distribution center 101 receives written communications from customers 103 via a parcel system 105 or electronic mail system 111 , then the order receiving unit 113 will include human readers to read and interpret footwear orders conveyed in the mail messages from the customers 103 . referring back to the footwear supply unit 115 , the footwear inventory 117 contains at least one model of footwear in a variety of sizes . as is known in the art , each pair of footwear is formed using a last , which defines the shape of the footwear . additionally , the interior of each pair of footwear incorporates a moldable fit - component that allows each shoe to be remolded to lengths and widths differing from its original length and width . the last inventory 121 then includes a number of heatable lasts or mold cores that can be used to remold the length and width of the footwear in footwear inventory 117 to the length and width of the heatable last . in this manner , the shape of each piece of footwear in the footwear supply unit 115 can be resized using a last from the last inventory 121 . preferably , the footwear inventory 117 includes the model of footwear in intermediate size increments . the last inventory 121 then includes lasts for molding footwear to length and width sizes that are not represented in the inventory 117 . with one embodiment of the invention , for example , the footwear inventory 117 includes at least one style of stock shoes in relatively small size increments ( e . g ., standard half sizes ) over a wide range of lengths . thus , the stock shoes may range from length size 6 to size 14 , and in full size increments for length sizes between 14 and 20 . the stock shoes all have the same width ( e . g ., size “ c ”), or have one or more different widths for each length . the last inventory 121 then includes lasts for each desired length and width size increment ( e . g ., each ¼ length size increment for lengths ranging from size 6 to 13½ and each ½ length size increment for lengths ranging from size 13½ to 20 , and each width increment for width sizes d , e and ee ). the features and operation of such a footwear supply unit 115 are described in more detail in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 714 , 098 and 5 , 879 , 725 to daniel r . potter , which were incorporated entirely herein by reference above . with this arrangement , the footwear supply unit 115 can thus produce footwear in a variety of desired sizes by using a specific last size . for example , with the above embodiment , if a customer ordered a particular model of shoes with a length of size 8½ and a width of size “ c ,” the footwear inventory 117 already includes footwear manufactured with a last of that shape . thus , the footwear supply unit 115 could supply the ordered shoes directly out of the footwear inventory 117 . on the other hand , if a customer ordered a particular model of shoes with a length of size 8¼ and a width of size “ e ,” the footwear supply unit 115 could supply the shoes by reforming stock shoes ( from the footwear inventory 117 ) with a last of size 8¼ and a width of size “ e ” ( from the last inventory 121 ). with some embodiments of the invention , the lasts in the last inventory 121 have the same overall shape as the lasts used to make the stock shoes in the footwear inventory 117 . by using the same last ( that is , the same last shape ) to both initially construct shoes in the footwear inventory 117 and subsequently modify these shoes , a customer may easily determine a properly fitting shoe size for a particular model of shoe . for example , a customer may know that , with a last of shape a , a properly fitting shoe will have a length of size 8¼ and a width of size “ e ,” whereas , with a last of shape b , a properly fitting shoe will a length of size 8½ and a width of size “ c .” if the lasts in the last inventory 121 and the lasts used to make the stock shoes in the footwear inventory 117 both include lasts of the same shape ( for example , lasts of shape b ), by specifying a particular last ( that is , by specifying a last of a particular shape and size ), a customer can confidently order custom - fitted footwear that will fit properly . thus , with the above example , the customer will know that , when ordering a shoe constructed with the last of shape b , to order footwear with a length of size 8½ and a width of size “ c ,” rather than a length of size 8¼ and a width of size “ e .” of course , other embodiments of the invention may employ differently shaped lasts to construct the footwear in footwear inventory 117 than are stored in last inventory 121 . with these embodiments , the footwear inventor 117 , may , for example , keep a greater number of lasts with smaller size increments in the last inventory 121 than the previously described embodiments . thus , the last inventory 121 may include lasts for each ¼ size increment from size 6 to 13½ and each ½ length size increment for lengths ranging from size 13½ to 20 , and each width increment for width sizes d , e and ee . with these embodiments , if a customer orders a shoe manufactured with a particular last , the footwear supply unit 115 will be able to modify a stock shoe from the footwear inventory 117 with the desired last from the last inventor 121 , even if the stock shoe had originally been manufactured with a differently shaped last . with some embodiments of the invention , the footwear supply unit 115 may include footwear constructed with differently shaped lasts , while the last inventory 121 may include a variety of differently shaped lasts . for these embodiments , a last identifier can be used to uniquely identify each last employed to manufacture each item of footwear in the footwear inventory 117 . the last identifier can also be used to uniquely identify each last in the last inventory 121 . with this arrangement , a last identifier will identify a particular last by its overall shape , length , width , and any other relevant size information . identifying each last with a unique last identifier allows a customer 103 to order footwear constructed with a specific last that will ensure that the footwear will fit properly . for example , the customer may specify that a particular last from the last inventory 121 to be used to reform the size of a shoe in the footwear inventory 117 . alternately , the customer may order existing footwear from the footwear inventory 117 based upon the last that was used to manufacture the footwear . a variety of different formats may be employed for the last identifier . for example , the last identifier may be a single alphanumeric value that uniquely identifies a last . thus , the number “ 128 . 255 ” may identify a last of a particular shape indicated by the number “ 12 ,” having a length of size 8¼ , and a width of size “ e ” ( the fifth letter in the alphabet ). alternately , the last identifier may be made up of a number of discrete portions , each corresponding to a particular characteristic of a last . thus , the same last discussed in the previous example may be identified by the last identifier “ last 12 , length 8¼ , width e .” still further , if the same last shape is used to manufacture every size of a particular model of footwear , then that model of footwear can be used to inherently identify the last shape as part of the last identifier . for example , if every size of a footwear model “ air potter ” is originally constructed or reformed with the last of the particular shape indicated in the previous examples by the number “ 12 ,” then the last identifier may be “ air potter , length 8½ width e .” of course , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other formats can be used to uniquely identify a last . the operation of the distribution center 101 will now be described with reference to the method illustrated in fig2 . first , in step 201 , the order - receiving unit 113 receives an order 301 for footwear from a customer 103 . as noted above , the order 301 may be received using any remote communication channel supported by the distribution center 101 , including channels using a parcel system 105 , a telephone system 107 , an electronic communication network 109 ( for example , the internet ), an electronic mail system 111 , or any other suitable remote communication channel . with some embodiments of the invention , the order 301 includes the ordering information shown in fig3 a . more particularly , the footwear order 301 includes a footwear model selection 303 , designating the particular model of footwear from the footwear inventory 117 desired by the customer 103 . the footwear model selection 303 may include , for example , the model type and a desired color scheme . the order 301 also includes a last identifier 305 to uniquely identify the last by which the customer 103 wishes to have the ordered shoes manufactured . the last identifier 305 identifies both the last shape and the last size , as noted above . still further , the order may contain additional relevant information , such as , for example , a name , initials or an image to be custom - applied to the ordered footwear . as also previously noted , with other embodiments of the invention the footwear model may inherently identify a single last shape . with these embodiments , the order 301 will include footwear model and size information , as shown in fig3 b . that is , the order 301 will include the footwear model selection 303 , length size information 307 , and width size information 309 . this information together defines the particular last size and shape used to construct the ordered footwear . in step 203 , the distribution center 101 determines if the footwear inventory 117 includes the footwear specified in the order 301 . more particularly , the distribution center 101 determines if the footwear inventory 117 contains footwear that has already been manufactured with the last specified in the order 301 . it should be noted that this determination may be made by the order - receiving unit 117 upon receiving an order 301 from a customer 103 , or by the footwear supply unit 115 after receiving a customer &# 39 ; s order 301 relayed by the order - receiving unit 117 . if the footwear is in the footwear inventory 117 , then the distribution center 101 provides the footwear to the customer 103 directly from the footwear inventory 117 in step 207 . if the footwear specified in the order 301 is not a size carried in the footwear inventory 117 , then , in step 205 , the footwear is manufactured in the footwear supply unit 115 using the last identified in the order 301 . that is , the last specified in the order 301 is selected from the last inventory 121 , and used to modify the size of footwear already included in the footwear inventory 117 . as noted above , this operation is discussed in detail in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 714 , 098 and 5 , 879 , 725 to daniel r . potter , which were incorporated entirely herein by reference above . once the footwear has been remolded to comply with the customer &# 39 ; s order , then the distribution center 101 provides the footwear to the customer 103 in step 207 . it should be noted that the distribution center 101 can provide the ordered footwear to the customer 103 in step 207 using any suitable shipping method . for example , the distribution center 101 can mail the custom - fitted footwear directly to an address provided by the customer through a parcel service , such as the u . s . postal service , federal express , or united parcel service . alternately , the distribution center 101 can ship the ordered footwear to a retail store , such as a store associated with the shoes &# 39 ; manufacturer . the customer 103 can then pick up the ordered footwear in person from retail store . the customer 103 may select the appropriate retail store from a list of available retail stores , or may simply allow the distribution center 101 to determine the closest retail store to the customer . of course , still other techniques for shipping the ordered footwear to the customer will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art . by using the distribution center 101 described above , a customer 103 need only identify a particular last that the customer knows will provide properly fitting footwear to confidently obtain custom - fitted footwear . as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art , a customer can determine which particular last or lasts that will provide properly fitting footwear in a variety of ways . a customer 103 may , for example , initially try on a variety of footwear to identify a particular last that , when used to manufacture a shoe , offers the best fit for the customer . after trying on a variety of footwear once to determine a suitable last , the customer need not try on footwear again , but may instead simply order footwear made with the particular last . alternately , the customer 103 may employ a measurement process , such as a digital scan of the customer &# 39 ; s feet , to determine an appropriate last that will provide the customer with properly fitting shoes . regardless of the method of identifying the lasts that will provide custom - fitting footwear , once the customer 103 has identified the lasts , the customer 103 can employ the distribution center 101 to order footwear by referring to that last . yet another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in fig4 . in this figure , the distribution center 101 includes a customer / last database 125 . as shown in fig5 , this customer / last database 125 includes a table associating each customer 103 with at least one last that will provide the customer with custom fitting shoes . for example , in the table , the customer 103 a is associated with the last specified by the last identifier 128 . 255 . thus , the database 125 contains one or more records , with each record having a customer field identifying a customer and at least one last field identifying a last that will provide the customer with custom fitting footwear . with the customer / last database 125 , the customer can omit providing a last identifier when ordering footwear . instead , the customer need only identify himself or herself . the distribution center 101 can then use the customer / last database 125 to identify a particular last that will provide custom - fitted footwear for that customer , and manufacture the ordered footwear using the last corresponding to the customer . thus , with this embodiment , the customer &# 39 ; s order 301 may include only the footwear model selection 303 and the customer identification 311 as shown in fig3 c . as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art , the customer / last database 125 may be implemented using a software database , a written or printed table , or any other suitable medium for storing customer identity and last information . in addition to storing customer identity and last information , the customer / last database 125 may also store any other type of information that may be useful to the customer or a shoe manufacturer associated with the distribution center 101 . for example , for customers who are growing children , the customer / last database 125 may further store the age of the customer . this will allow the shoe manufacturer associated with the distribution center 101 to compile information for foot morphology studies regarding growth patterns , sizing information for specific age groups , and other footwear related projects . of course , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that more than one last can provide a customer with custom - fitting footwear . thus , with some embodiments of the invention , a customer may identify two or more lasts that will provide him or her with properly fitting footwear . the customer / last database 125 can then associate each last with that customer , and the distribution center 101 can determine which last to use when manufacturing shoes for the customer . for example , the customer may identify a first last that provides the customer properly fitting footwear when used to construct ( or remold ) hiking boots , and another , second last that provides the customer with properly fitting footwear when used to construct ( or remold ) basketball shoes . if the customer orders basketball shoes , the distribution center 101 will determine that the shoes should be remolded using the second last rather than the first last . alternately , the customer can specify which of the suitable lasts should be used to construct or remold ordered footwear . in addition , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a customer 103 can specify different lasts for the left and right shoes in a pair of footwear . for example , a customer may find that a shoe manufactured with a particular shape or size of last best fits his or her left foot , while a shoe manufactured with another shape or size of last best fits his or her right foot . accordingly , various embodiments of the invention may allow a customer 103 to order footwear manufactured with different lasts used to manufacture the left and right shoes . still further , with various embodiments of the invention , the customer / last database 125 can associate different lasts with a customer &# 39 ; s left and right feet . while the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention , those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims . | 6 |
the disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements . it should be noted that references to “ an ” or “ one ” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment , and such references mean “ at least one ”. referring to fig1 , an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment is shown . the electronic device includes a chassis 10 , a tray 20 , and a locking module 80 . the chassis 10 includes a base plate 12 and two side plates 14 . the two side plates 14 are perpendicular to the base plate 12 and connected to two opposite sides of the base plate 12 . at least one limiting standoff 141 protrudes from an inner surface of each of the two side plates 14 . the limiting standoff 141 is adjacent to the base plate 12 and adjacent to a front side edge of the side plate 14 . referring to fig2 , the tray 20 includes a base plate 22 and two side plates 24 . the two side plates 24 are perpendicular to the base plate 22 . the distance between the two side plates 24 of the tray 20 is substantially the same as the distance between the two side plates 14 of the chassis 10 . an l - shaped connecting border 26 interconnects the base plate 22 and each of the two side plates 24 . an opening 261 is defined at the front side of the connecting border 26 . a securing hole 221 is defined in the base plate 22 of the tray 20 . two securing posts 222 protrude upwardly from the base plate 22 of the tray 20 . the securing hole 221 is located between the opening 261 and the two securing posts 222 . the securing hole 221 and the two securing posts 222 are arranged in a line perpendicular to the side plate 24 . two blocking pieces 223 are punched out of the base plate 22 . the two blocking pieces are located behind the two securing posts 222 . one of the two blocking pieces 223 is perpendicular to the side plate 24 and the other one of the blocking pieces 223 is slanted to the side plate 24 . two l - shaped hook pieces 224 obliquely extend from the base plate 22 . the two hook pieces 224 are arranged in a line parallel to the side plate 24 and have the same orientation . two buckling pieces 225 , a first limiting piece 226 , and a second limiting piece 227 are also punched out of the base plate 22 . the two buckling pieces 225 are located at two opposite sides of an anterior one of the two hook pieces 224 . each of the two buckling pieces 225 defines an opening 2251 . the first limiting piece 226 is located in front of the right securing post 222 and perpendicular to the side plate 24 . the second limiting piece 227 is located at the front right side of the right buckling piece 225 and is perpendicular to the first limiting piece 226 . referring to fig3 , the locking module 80 includes a securing member 30 , a pivotable member 40 , a driving member 50 , a resisting member 60 , and a resilient member 70 . the pivotable member 40 includes a horizontal main body 41 , an extending portion 42 , and a securing portion 43 . the extending portion 42 extends laterally from one end of the main body 41 and the securing portion 43 extends from the other end of the main body 41 . the securing portion 43 defines a securing hole 431 . the securing portion 43 includes a first resisting tab 433 and a second resisting tab 435 . a u - shaped cutout 437 is defined between the first resisting tab 433 and the second resisting tab 435 . an l - shaped cutout 44 is defined at the exterior side of the joint portion of the main body 41 and the extending portion 42 . the driving member 50 includes a securing piece 52 and a resilient arm 54 . the resilient arm 54 extends from the securing piece 52 . two mounting holes 521 are defined in a securing post 222 responding to the securing piece 52 . the securing piece 52 is rectangular . the resilient arm 54 extends from a corner of the securing piece 52 . a resisting portion 541 is located on a free distal end of the resilient arm 54 . the resisting portion 541 forms a loop . the driving member 50 is made from resilient materials and is elastically deformable . the resilient member 70 includes a main body 72 and a resilient lever 74 . the resilient lever 74 extends from the main body 72 . the main body 72 includes a mounting piece 721 and two securing arms 723 . the two securing arms 723 are arranged at two opposite sides of the mounting piece 721 . the two securing arms 723 are symmetrical . a gap is defined between the mounting piece 721 and each of the two securing arms 723 . the mounting piece 721 defines a securing opening 7211 and a cutout 7213 . the cutout 7213 is defined at an end of the mounting piece 721 . the cutout 7213 is u - shaped . the width of the cutout 7213 and the width of the securing opening 7211 are substantially equal to the width of the hook piece 224 . a hook portion 7231 protrudes outwardly from an end of each of the two securing arms 723 . the hook portion 7231 extends through the opening 2251 of the buckling piece 225 of the tray 20 . the resilient lever 74 includes a horizontal shaft 741 , a connecting shaft 742 , and an acting shaft 743 . the horizontal shaft 741 extends laterally from a corner of the main body 72 . the connecting shaft 742 extends from the horizontal shaft 741 and is connected to the acting shaft 743 . the connecting shaft 742 includes an l - shaped bent portion which enhances the resilience of the connecting shaft 742 . the acting shaft 743 is perpendicular to the horizontal shaft 741 . a resisting piece 745 protrudes from a free end of the acting shaft 743 . the resisting piece 745 defines two mounting holes 7451 . the resisting member 60 defines two mounting holes 61 corresponding to the two mounting holes 7451 of the resisting piece 745 . two mounting members 90 are inserted into the two mounting holes 7451 of the resisting piece 745 and the two mounting holes 61 of the resisting member 60 , thereby mounting the resisting member 60 to the resisting piece 745 . the thickness of the resisting member 60 and the thickness of the resisting piece 745 are substantially equal to the thickness of the pivotable member 40 . referring to fig4 and 5 , in assembly , the tray 20 is slid along the base plate 12 of the chassis 10 and is moved into the chassis 10 . the two side plates 24 of the tray 20 contact the inner surfaces of the two side plates 14 of the chassis 10 . the limiting standoff 141 of the chassis 10 is inserted into the opening 261 of the tray 20 . the securing hole 431 of the pivotable member 40 is aligned with the securing hole 221 of the tray 20 . the securing member 30 is inserted into the securing hole 431 of the pivotable member 40 and the securing hole 221 of the tray 20 , thereby mounting the pivotable member 40 to the base plate 22 of the tray 20 . the securing post 222 of the tray 20 is aligned with and inserted into the mounting hole 521 of the driving member 50 . the driving member 50 is mounted to the base plate 22 of the tray 20 by riveting or other means . the resisting member 60 is secured to the resisting piece 745 of the resilient member 70 by the mounting member 90 . the rear one of the buckling pieces 224 is received in the securing opening 7211 of the resilient member 70 . the resilient member 70 is moved forward until the rear one of the two buckling pieces 224 is engaged with the securing opening 7211 and the anterior one of the two buckling pieces 224 is engaged with the cutout 7213 of the resilient member 70 . the hook portions 7231 of the two securing arms 723 are engaged with the openings 2251 of the two buckling pieces 225 . the resilient member 70 is secured to the base plate 22 of the tray 20 . thus , the locking module 80 is secured to the base plate 22 of the tray 20 . when the locking module 80 is in a locked position as shown in fig4 , the first resisting tab 433 and the second resisting tab 435 are inserted into the opening 261 of the tray 20 . the limiting standoff 141 of the chassis 10 is received in the cutout 437 of the pivotable member 40 and abuts the front side edge of the first resisting tab 433 . the extending portion 42 of the pivotable member 40 is located between the main body 72 of the resilient member 70 and the resilient lever 74 . the resisting piece 745 of the resilient member 74 and the resisting member 60 are engaged with the cutout 44 of the pivotable member 40 , thereby preventing the pivotable member from rotating clockwise . the first limiting piece 226 abuts the interior side of the main body 41 of the pivotable member 40 , thereby preventing the pivotable member from rotating anticlockwise . the securing portion 43 of the pivotable member 40 abuts the resisting portion 541 of the driving member 50 . the resilient arm 54 of the driving member 50 is elastically deformed and moved backwards . the resilient arm 54 of the driving member 50 abuts the two blocking pieces 223 of the tray 20 . thus , the limiting standoff 141 of the chassis 10 prevents the first resisting tab of the pivotable member 40 from moving forward , thereby preventing the tray 20 from moving out of the chassis 10 . referring to fig5 , when pulling the tray 20 out of the chassis 10 , the resisting member 60 is biased to the right and the acting shaft 743 of the resilient lever 74 of the resilient member 70 is deformed to the right . the pivotable member 40 is disengaged from the resisting member 60 and the resisting piece 745 . the resilient arm 54 of the driving member 50 recovers and allows the pivotable member 40 to rotate clockwise . the first resisting tab 433 of the pivotable member 40 is rotated to a position in which the first resisting tab 433 does not interfere with the limiting standoff 141 . then , the tray 20 is able to be pulled out of the chassis 10 . it is to be understood , however , that even though numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description of embodiments , together with details of the structures and functions of the embodiments , the disclosure is illustrative only and changes may be made in detail , especially in the matters of shape , size , and arrangement of parts within the principles of the disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed . | 7 |
referring first to fig1 which illustrates the concept of the present invention , the curve in line a of the drawing shows the vertical accelerations measured in a vehicle moving over track sections i - ii and ii - iii . the numerals in line b indicate the absolute changes in acceleration indicated by the curve in line a , line c indicating the sum of these absolute acceleration changes in the two track sections . analogous curves , values and sums for the acceleration in a horizontal plane are given in lines d , e and f . the approximate vector sums of the sums are given in lines g and f ( for the accelerations in two mutually perpendicular planes ). line h indicates the actual speeds of the vehicle in the two track sections in kilometers per hour . line j gives the ratio of the squares of a comparison speed of 100 km / hr and the actual speeds , multiplied by the vector sum of line g . totalling the two parameters of line j , the value in line k reflects the sum of the acceleration changes in track section i - iii , based on a comparison speed of 100 km / h . if as shown in line l , the experimentally obtained standard or normal parameter for a speed of 100 km / h is 50 for track section i - iii , the track condition given in line m is reflected by the ratio of the actual value 56 to the standard value 50 , i . e . 56 : 50 = 1 . 12 . in other words , the track condition in track section i - iii deviates from the standard condition by 12 % and , therefore , requires correction . in the illustrated example , the vector sums are given only approximately for track sections i - ii and ii - iii . if computers are used , exact vector sums may readily be obtained even for very small track sections , for instance for lengths of a yard or less . the invention may also be practiced without reference to the speed of the measuring car traveling over the track section whose condition is to be ascertained . if the incorrect position of the track or the individual track rails is considered as a succession of curves of the same mathematical function , for instance as circular arcs , the acceleration f in each arc is determined by the equation wherein v is the vehicle speed and h is the radius of arc . in closely adjacent track points i and ii , the respective accelerations will be the change in the acceleration between two closely adjacent points is equal to the difference of the accelerations : ## equ1 ## if the ordinate or height of the arc h is measured at the point of division of a chord having the length a + b meters ( see fig4 ), h = ( 500ab / ii ) millimeters . if it is desired to measure not h but h i , the equation is ## equ2 ## or ## equ3 ## making ## equ4 ## thus , ## equ5 ## therefore , as seen in fig4 only the difference between the ordinates h i and h ii positioned in space need be measured , and the proportional acceleration changes may be readily derived therefrom . fig2 shows a schematic side view of a surveying apparatus with two measuring bogies 4 and 5 which move on a track 3 which is curved in a vertical plane , the two bogies being held at a constant distance by a coupling rod k . two axles 1 and 2 of the measuring bogies 4 , 5 are positioned approximately at the height of the point of gravity of conventional railroad cars . centrally between the ridigly spaced bogies , the two axles of the bogies are spaced by distance v which is proportional to the difference of the heights of the arcs of the curved track beneath the bogies . fig3 shows the same surveying apparatus in achematic top view , the track shown to be curved also in a horizontal plane . thus , there is also a distance w between the two axles 1 and 2 which is proportional to the difference of the heights of the arcs in the horizontal plane of the track . in the geometrical projection of fig4 there is shown the geometrical relationship between ordinate h and h i . points e 1 and e 2 are the end points of axles 1 and 2 at the midpoint of the distance between the two measuring bogies . the distance h i - h ii constitutes the vector sum of the parameters w and v . fig5 shows the apparatus of fig2 and 3 in a schematic front view to illustrate this relationship . the horizontal component w and the vertical component v may also be obtained by using a pendulum or a gyroscope , and the horizontal and vertical differences of acceleration may be determined by vectors , may be totalled continuously as the surveying apparatus moves over the track section , and the results may be compared continuously with a standard or norm to obtain an accurate picture of the track condition . this condition may also be obtained by reading the results of a track surveying bogie which measures the vertical heights of the arc l and r , respectively , of the left and right track rail as well as the horizontal height of the arc of the outer track rail in a curve . in this calculation , it is assumed that the position of the track rails projected into a horizontal and into a vertical plane is a succession of curves of the same mathematical function , for instance successive circular arcs . characteristic values of these arcs or the changes in these values are measured , for instance changes in the radius of the arcs , and the accelerations and / or changes in the acceleration in a horizontal and / or vertical direction are derived therefrom . the change in acceleration has been indicated above by the following equation : ## equ6 ## if the height of the arc h is measured at the midpoint of a chord which is a meters long , ## equ7 ## and , accordingly , ## equ8 ## the acceleration change f i - f ii is thus derived from the change in the height of the arc . the horizontal acceleration changes are obtained in changes of the horizontal curvature of the track with ## equ9 ## an error in the superelevation produces a horizontal movement of the point of gravity . a sinuous error thus produces a sinuous movement of the point of gravity . centrifugal accelerations in a horizontal direction of the following magnitude are exerted upon the point of gravity : ## equ10 ## the vertical acceleration changes for the point of gravity are ## equ11 ## the differences between the heights of the arc are measured in a conventional manner , their vector sums are determined , and these sums are compared with a comparison norm . fig6 illustrates an apparatus for inductively measuring the distance . as shown , the end points e 1 and e 2 of the axles 1 and 2 of the two measuring bogies carry respective plates 6 and 6 &# 39 ; whereon there are mounted windings 7 and 7 &# 39 ;, respectively , which preferably extend radially , as seen in the front view of fig6 a . plate 6 is fixedly mounted on its &# 39 ; axle while plate 6 &# 39 ; is axially movable towards and away from the axially fixed plate . plate 6 &# 39 ; is universally mounted on ball - and - socket joint 9 and biased against plate 6 by helical spring 8 . both plates are coated with an insulating film 10 for gliding contact between the plates . the winding 7 is in circuit with a source 11 of alternating current . the power lines emanating from winding 7 cut across winding 7 &# 39 ; and there produce an induction current whose potential is measured by voltmeter 12 . when the two plates are moved in relation to each other , the portions of the contacting surfaces are changed correspondingly , thus changing the induction current which , therefore , becomes a measure varying with the relative positions of the end points of the measuring bogie axles . the plates 6 , 6 &# 39 ; may also be constituted as condensers , in which case the films 10 form the dielectric . the circuit for such an arrangement is shown in fig7 wherein the plates 6 , 6 &# 39 ; form the condenser in circuit with a source 13 of alternating current of high frequency . when the two plates are moved in relation to each other , the ammeter 14 will indicate the electrical current corresponding to the varying areas of contact between the two plates . it is also possible to mount on bogies 4 and 5 , as well as on axles 1 and 2 , accelerometers . the difference in the indicated values produces a measure of the track condition dependent on the measuring speed . fig8 and 10 illustrate , by way of example , other apparatus mounted on the axle ends of the measuring bogies of determining their position relative to each other . fig8 illustrates mechanical measuring of the vertical distance between the ends e 4 and e 5 of the two bogies . pulleys 16 and 17 are respectively mounted on the ends of the bogies , and a wire or rope 15 is trained over these pulleys and , if desired , an additional guide roller 18 , one end of the wire or rope being fixedly anchored to one bogie end , i . e ., e 4 , while the other end of the wire or rope is attached to spring 19 on the other bogie to keep the wire or rope tensioned . the wire or rope moves a recording stylus 20 which records a curve 22 indicating the vertical distances v on a paper band 21 or like record carrier . a like arrangement for the horzontal produces a record of the horizontal distances w . fig9 and 10 are examples wherein the axle ends e 1 and e 2 carry plates 6a and 6b &# 39 ;. the plates carry electrical measuring instruments indicating the varying distances between the axle ends . in the illustrated embodiment , the instruments are windings receiving cores axially moving therethrough , the vertical distances being measured by instrument 23 and the horizontal distances by instrument 24 . if the minor error derived from mutual rotation of the plates in respect of each other is neglected , the two instruments produce the components v and w indicating the varying distances of the axle ends . since the various electrical measuring instruments are well known , the drawing has not been encumbered with showing the current sources , circuits , amplifiers , etc . fig1 shows an embodiment wherein the magnitude of the distance between the axle ends e 4 and e 5 is measured . the axle ends have respective brackets 25 and 26 rotatably mounted therein . an electrical measuring instrument 27 is mounted between the two brackets . furthermore , a mechanical guide 28 , which consists of two telescoping tubes , is also mounted between the brackets to protect the electrical measuring instrument 27 from all transverse forces . the mechanical guide is connected to the brackets by universal joints 29 , 29 to enable even minor relative movements of the axles to be read by the electrical measuring instrument . it is desirable to make it possible for an individual in charge of a track maintenance operation to determine the condition of a track section . therefore , it is quite useful to provide an apparatus for carrying out the invention which may be readily transported . such an apparatus may include instruments which may be mounted on conventional railway cars or measuring bogies for cooperation so as to produce the desired values . such instruments may be mounted , for instance , at the ends of railway cars which are coupled together in a train so that the relative position of the car ends may be measured as the train passes over a track section whose condition is to be surveyed . fig1 illustrates such an arrangement by way of example . the instruments more fully described and illustrated in fig6 and 6a are mounted on a carrier 32 which may be carried by shoulder straps 30 . set screws 31 on the carrier are adjusted to mount the instruments properly on the ends of cars 4 &# 39 ; and 5 &# 39 ;. the carrier housings hold the circuitry and meters which record the readings . a transportable instrument may also be mounted on any point of a railway car at the height of the point or gravity of the car and may be provided with an accelerometer of any suitable structure and adjusted to a predetermined frequency . preferably , the accelerometer will measure acceleration in the horizontal as well as the vertical plane . the adjusted accelerometer will record no acceleration in track sections whose grade and / or superelevation meets the norm but will indicate acceleration changes only at track points departing from the norm . the recorded acceleration changes are amplified and the amplified signals are fed to a device which totals them for the track section to provide the desired comparison - value . other modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the present teaching without departing from the scope of this invention . | 1 |
in embodiments , there is illustrated a system comprising a sap host operating system residing on a computer system ; and an abap program on the sap host operating system configured to detect one or more printers interfaced with the sap for printing on the printer and printer feature options available through the printer and to generate a graphical interface comprising one or more device type drivers including feature options available for each of the printers . in one embodiment , there is described a sap abap utility program designed to configure , create and assign the device type on a sap host operating system . the configuration tool allows for one or more of media selection , print mode selection ( simplex , duplex ), output tray selection , various stapling modes , colored fonts , logo and signature fonts , rotated fonts , omr and micr fonts , barcodes and printer resident forms . in such embodiment , the sap abap program may be imported for execution . when executed , a user interface , such as a user graphical interface , is provided to allow a user to configure parameters which are necessary to run printing systems connected to the sap host operating system with enhanced functionality and productivity . other functionalities can be configured by means of the user interface generated herein . using the user interface , in such embodiment a user can make selections of features without any knowledge of the postscript description language . for example , in respect of postscript based device types , one can alter behavior with respect to font selection , scalability of fonts to different sizes and conforming document layout of prints between different device types . further , the media type selection may be both by tray selection or automatic by comparison of requested print to media size ( this may enhance productivity in terms of printer capacity , as well as avoid selection of the wrong media by direct tray selection ). through print job initialization of sapscript and / or list formats , changes can be made to print mode ( simplex , duplex ), media selection ( type of stock ), stapling and orientation of the print . selection can also relate to document attributes on a page level , including print mode ( simplex , duplex ), media selection and orientation . there may also be integration of the intelligent barcode utility (“ ibu ”) of the sap application ( virtually any barcode can be used by any sap application ), or ocr - a , ocr - b and micr fonts . selections through the graphical user interface may also relate to colored fonts , signature fonts or logo fonts . colored fonts may be derived from the printer &# 39 ; s standard fonts , with postscript macros being supplied to convert a “ black ” font into a “ colored ” font . that is , the color itself , the font base type and the sap name of the new font object may be selected by the user interface program signature , and / or logo fonts may be created from tiff images and installed on the printing system , with the device type providing the mechanisms to dynamically access the font . the computer architecture upon which the sap operating system , and the sap abap utility program for device drivers , runs may be a software - oriented multi - tier client / server architecture . one such multi - tier client / server architecture is shown in fig1 . as shown , the application logic level 25 is uncoupled from the presentation level 30 and database level 10 . application level 25 interfaces with printer 15 and electrostatographic copier / printer 20 . as such , tasks are distributed in the client / server environment . while a sap r / 3 system may be as set forth in fig1 , as would be understood , it is also possible to have a sap r / 3 single - system configuration wherein the presentation , application and database servers execute under the same system , such as a unix system . the client / server architecture may also be associated with , for example , openvms , windows nt , and as / 400 . when the system is operationally connected with more than one printer , the user interface may provide options for each of the printers , which may comprise , for example , an ascii and / or ebcdic printer . in a further embodiment , there is disclosed a computer - readable medium containing abap instructions for generating for one or more printers operationally associated with a sap computer system for graphical user interface comprising one or more device type drivers including feature options of each of the one or more printers ; detecting the printers interfaced with the sap computer system ; determining the device type requirements of the printer ( s ) for printing on one or more printers ; determining the feature options available on one or more printers ; and generating a graphical user interface comprising one or more device type drivers including feature options of each of the one or more printers . the printers detected by the foregoing systems described and computer - readable medium may be any printer type , including a liquid ink jet printer , electrostatographic printer , solid ink jet printer , xerographic printer , offset printer , etc . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments , it will be appreciated that variations of the above - disclosed and other features and functions , or alternatives thereof , may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications . also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives , modifications , variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims . | 6 |
as shown in fig1 and 2 , a masking element according to the invention takes the form of an endless length 2 of foam web having a generally elliptical cross - section . on the lower surface of the web 2 is applied an adhesive coating 4 , which as can be seen from fig2 extends around substantially half the peripheral surface of the web 2 . a typical height of the section shown in fig2 is 15 mm , and a typical breadth is 20 mm . these are preferred minimum values for webs made from polyether foam which is particularly suitable , but other plastics foams can also be satisfactory . similarly , a typical minimum outside diameter for a masking element of the kind shown in fig1 is 95 mm , which enables the element to isolate an area of around 70 cm 2 . the foam web forming the mask element shown in fig1 and 2 is as noted above , preferably a plastics foam . typically , it can be a foam made in accordance with our published european patent specification no . 0384626 , with pressure welded seams 6 defining either lateral side of the web section . forming the element in this way makes it particularly suitable for batch production , in which a plurality of elements can be simultaneously stamped out of a sheet of foam material , broadly as illustrated in fig3 . in fig3 five concentric elements are shown formed in a sheet 8 of foam material . the webs 2a , 2b and 2c of radially adjacent elements are separated from one another by pressure welded seams 6a and 6b . the seams are tearable , but as shown the sheet 8 remains intact under normal handling conditions . when one of the elements is required , its respective seams are torn to separate it from the remainder of the sheet . the sheet 8 shown in fig3 may have a layer 4 of adhesive ( not shown ) coated thereon prior to it being stamped to identify the respective masking elements . after stamping , and as shown in fig2 . the material contracts around the body of each web 2 resulting in the adhesive coating 4 extending around either side of the web . it will be appreciated that an adhesive coating of this form may be applied to both surfaces of the foam 8 , to result in a web likewise having two adhesive coatings . the adhesive coatings need not be of the same aggressive strength . reference is directed to our co - pending application filed today in respect of an invention relating to the use of strips similar to the web 2 described herein with two adhesive coatings . release liners can also be applied to the sheet 8 to facilitate handling not only of the sheet , but also of the masking elements formed therein . if desired , the release liners can be cut into separate rings , or perforated to permit easy separation . fig4 and 5 illustrate the use of a masking element according to the invention . fig4 shows the front section of a car hood 10 , most of which is to be re - painted . an emblem 12 is mounted on the hood 10 , and as the paintwork around the emblem 12 does not require re - painting , this area of the hood is to be isolated from the remainder . to achieve this , an endless element 14 according to the invention is mounted on the hood 10 to surround the emblem 12 . this is shown more clearly in fig5 . as shown in fig5 the web 2 of the element 14 is secured to the hood 10 by the adhesive layer 4 . in this embodiment , an adhesive coating 16 is also formed on the opposite surface of the web 2 , and a sheet 18 of paper or other suitable material is laid thereover and attached to the web 2 by the adhesive 16 to protect the emblem and its immediate surroundings . alternatively of course , an adhesive coating can be separately applied to the web 2 or the sheet 18 could be formed with an adhesive coating of its own suitable for securing the sheet to the uncoated exposed surface of the web 2 . the sheet 18 can be cut to size before or after attachment to the element 14 . in some embodiments of the invention , the element 14 can be provided with a masking sheet already attached . generally though , elements according to the invention will be provided without such sheets , and usually in a batch as illustrated in fig3 . this will permit the element to be used to mask an enclosed area as illustrated in fig4 and 5 , or to surround such an enclosed area while leaving it exposed for treatment . in the latter application , any sheet of material applied will extend outwards from the element rather than inwards . elements according to the invention have particular benefit in effecting paint repairs . the use of a foam web facilitates the achievement of a soft edge between painted and unpainted areas . however , the elements are also useful in applying other surface treatments such as coating , plating and phosphorizing . | 8 |
referring now to the drawings in greater detail , fig1 illustrates a typical rural mailbox 10 supported above the ground surface on a support post 12 . the mailbox includes sides 14 , a rear or end surface 16 , a top or roof 18 and a movable door or closure 20 at the end opposite the rear end 16 . door 20 is typically pivotally mounted , in this case at the bottom of the mailbox such that it swings outwardly and downwardly , and includes a latch member 22 at the upper end for retaining the door in its closed position . the bottom of the mailbox 24 is typically formed from a wooden board over which the sheet metal sides , end and door closures are fitted as shown in the drawings . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the mailbox signaling device 30 of the present invention may be mounted either on the rear or back surface 16 of the mailbox or on one of the side surfaces 14 thereof . in either case , the structure of the device , which is typically provided in kit form and installed by the individual owner of the mailbox , remains the same with the various elements merely being positioned differently along the side or back . signaling device 30 includes a signaling member 32 having an elongated bar or stem 34 on one end of which is secured a circular disc 36 preferably painted with high visibility orange or red paint to facilitate viewing . signaling member 32 is pivotally secured at the end opposite disc 36 by a pivot member 37 secured through the back or side surface of the mailbox into the wooden base 24 as is best seen in fig1 , 4 and 6 . preferably , the pivot member is a u - shaped member having the legs of the u embedded in the bottom 24 through the side or rear portion . stem 34 includes an aperture 38 therethrough adjacent the end opposite the disc 36 through which is received the upper leg 39 of the pivot member before it is secured into the base 24 . the signaling member , therefore , can pivot or rotate about leg 39 in aperture 38 in a radius equivalent to the distance from aperture 38 to the end of the disc as will be seen from either fig1 or 2 . the lower leg 40 of pivot member 37 extends beyond the side edge of the bar or stem and provides a stop or limit which engages the side surface of the bar or stem as it is rotated towards the vertical position . leg 40 limits the vertical pivotal movement of the signaling member and prevents it from pivoting over center or over vertical . this is important especially when the signaling device is mounted as shown in fig1 if the box is closely adjacent another mailbox including a similar signal . without the lower leg 40 preventing over - vertical pivoting , the signaling member 32 could fall to the right in fig1 and trigger the accidental release of the adjacent signaling member even through the mailbox door on the adjacent box had not been opened , and no mail had been delivered . control of the pivotal movement of the signaling member 32 from its raised , nearly vertical position ( as shown in solid in fig1 and 2 ) to its fallen or down position ( shown in phantom in fig1 and 2 ) is obtained via an elongated , flexible connector member or control cord and a securing means which releases that cord upon opening of the door 20 . as shown in either fig1 or 2 , connector member or control card 42 is secured to an aperture 44 adjacent disc 36 at the upper end of the signal member 32 . the control cord , which is preferably flexible , wear resistant and formed typically from a woven fabric material , extends from the signaling member through an aperture 46 formed in the rear surface of the mailbox and into the interior of the mailbox . it extends through the interior to a releasable connection at the inside surface of the door closure 20 . the releasable connection preferably includes a bracket 48 secured to the inside surface of door 20 via a bolt , adhesive or other securing means . bracket 48 includes a rod - like projection 50 extending first outwardly away from the inside door surface and then downwardly toward the pivot axis of the door . the end of the flexible connector 42 includes a rigid , ring - like washer or other loop member 52 secured to the end thereto . as the door closure is swung to its closed position , the operator of the signal pulls the cord toward the door such that the signaling member is raised to its upper , visible position with at least a portion of the stem 34 and the disc 36 being visible above the top or roof 18 of the mailbox . the ring - like washer 52 is slipped over the downwardly extending projection 50 as the door is closed , and the door is secured closed with latch 22 . pivoting of the signaling member 32 beyond the vertical is prevented by contact between the side edge of the stem 34 and lower leg 40 which also prevents a strong wind from blowing the signaling member over the vertical . if desired , a spring 54 ( fig6 ) may be inserted over leg 39 between the side surface 14 of the mailbox and the inside surface of stem 34 to bias the stem outwardly and resiliently against the closed end of the u - shaped pivot member 37 . such spring exerts a bias on the signaling member thereby maintaining the control cord or connecting member 42 taut when ring 52 is slidably inserted over projection 50 . as the door is opened as shown in fig3 ring member 52 slides downwardly off the projection 50 releasing the control cord which then slides through aperture 46 and allows signaling member 32 to pivot downwardly in its pivot arc . of course , other types of release members can be used to release cord 42 when door 20 is opened . a rest member 56 is screwed into the wooden base 24 through side 14 somewhere along the radius of the arc through which the signaling member falls . member 56 provides a support for the signaling member in its lowered position and includes a vertically upwardly extending portion or flange 58 which prevents the stem of the signaling member from being moved laterally off the support in its lowered position . in order to prevent a large impact force from being exerted by the signaling member as it falls against rest member 56 , an abutment member comprising a rigid ring or washer 60 is tied or secured at a precise position along the control cord 42 as shown in fig1 and 2 . in the raised position of the signaling member , abutment ring 60 is positioned within the interior of the mailbox intermediate the end 16 and door 20 . however , as the signaling member is released as described above by the sliding of ring 52 off projection 50 as the door is opened , the sliding movement of control cord 42 through aperture 46 brings the ring 60 into abutment with the inside rear surface of the mailbox . the ring 60 is located to make such contact immediately prior to the contact between stem 34 and rest member 56 which lessens the impact force and prevents the stem from bouncing on the rigid support 56 and thereby prevents damage to the apparatus . ring 60 is secured along cord 46 by tying on either side or around and through its central aperture so that the ring cannot move from its predetermined position along the cord . preferably , aperture 46 is rounded to prevent fraying or wearing of the control member 42 during repeated operation of the signal . further , slidable release members including bracket 50 and release ring 52 are preferably formed from metallic materials to resist wear . it will be understood that the corner of the mailbox around which the cord 42 extends at least as shown in fig2 is also rounded to prevent wear . accordingly , since the cord extends through the interior of the mailbox and the release means are sheltered within the box , repeated operation even in severe and winter conditions is assured making the device extremely reliable . the control cord 42 has a length and strength sufficient such that , in the raised position , the stem extends substantially above the roof of the box with disc 36 painted in high visibility paint and being easily visible by the owner of the mailbox . since the stem 34 has a substantial length , the radius through which the signal swings is quite large making the lowered or down position of the signal also substantially easy to distinguish from the raised position . accordingly , the device is highly visible . the abutment member 60 on the control cord prevents damage from repeated operation due to the contact of the signaling member 32 with the support 56 for its lowered position . further , pivot 37 being substantially u - shaped , prevents undesired pivoting of member 32 over vertical and also prevents accidental triggering of signaling devices on adjacent boxes . when assembled , the control cord is typically positioned along one side of the interior of the box so that insertion of large packages and mail is not obstructed . moreover , the release bracket 48 is typically secured toward the lower portion of the door with aperture 46 being a larger distance above the bottom of the box than the bracket 48 . aperture 44 in stem 34 is yet a further distance above the bottom at least when the signal is in its raised position . accordingly , the control cord extends on an upward incline in the preferred embodiment from the release bracket 48 through aperture 46 to the securement point adjacent the top or upper end of the signaling member when member 32 is raised . also aperture 46 is located intermediate pivot 37 and attachment point 44 on stem 34 . these positions facilitate the leverage of the operator of the device when the signal is pulled to its raised position and ring 52 is secured over the bracket projection 50 . the device is preferably sold in kit form including the signaling member 32 , a sufficient length of control cord 42 , pivot member 37 releasing securing bracket 48 and attachment means therefor , rest member 56 , and abutment member 60 . spring 54 may also be included . the elements are thereafter assembled by the purchaser on his own mailbox either in the rear position as shown in fig1 or the side position as shown in fig2 to provide the reliable , simply operated mailbox signal described above . should door 20 be , in fact , pivoted around an axis at the top of the mailbox , the projection on securing bracket 48 would be oppositely positioned , that is , upwardly so that upward pivoting of the door or opening would likewise release ring 52 to allow downward movement of the mailbox signal to indicate that the door had been opened . thus , in either case , the securing bracket 48 is positioned a short distance from the pivot axis of the door with the projection 50 having its free end extending toward that pivot axis so that it points toward the control cord for release in the open position . while several forms of the invention have been shown and described , other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art . therefore , it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes , and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow . | 8 |
first , typical modes of the present invention as disclosed herein will be outlined below . 1 . a method for manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device , comprising the steps of : ( a ) setting to a molding die a lead frame having a plurality of unit device regions and with a semiconductor chip being fixed in each of the unit device regions , and sealing the semiconductor chip with sealing resin to form a resin sealing body in each of the unit device regions , each of the unit device regions comprising ( i ) a generally quadrangular die pad with the semiconductor chip fixed thereto , ( ii ) a plurality of leads extending from the exterior of each side of the die pad so as to form a plane almost flush with a bottom of the resin sealing body and projecting from each of the side faces of the resin sealing body , ( iii ) a tie bar for coupling the vicinities of outer end portions of the leads , and ( iv ) lead - to - lead resin projecting portions each filling between adjacent ones of the leads and projecting from the side faces of the resin sealing body ; ( b ), after the step ( a ), radiating laser light to the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions in each of the unit device regions to remove the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions ; ( c ), after the step ( b ), forming solder layers over exposed surfaces respectively of the leads in each of the unit device regions ; and ( d ), after the step ( c ), cutting the external end portions of the leads in each of the unit device regions , thereby separating the leads and the tie - bar from each other and cutting and separating the resin sealing body from the lead frame . 2 . a method according to the above 1 , wherein , in the step ( b ), the laser light is radiated also to the leads to remove resin burrs formed over the leads . 3 . a method according to the above 1 or 2 , further comprising the step of ( e ), after the step ( b ) and before the step ( c ), performing electrolysis for surfaces of the leads in an aqueous solution using the leads as cathodes . 4 . a method according to the above 3 , further comprising the step of , after the step ( e ) and before the step ( c ), performing a water jet treatment for the surfaces of the leads . 5 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 4 , wherein the sealing in the step ( a ) is performed by transfer molding . 6 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 5 , wherein the laser light is near infrared light . 7 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 6 , wherein the laser light is emitted from a yag laser . 8 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 7 , wherein the wavelength of the laser light is 1064 nm . 9 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 8 , wherein the total number of the leads projecting from the resin sealing body in each of the unit device regions is in the range of 20 to 150 . 10 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 8 , wherein the total number of the leads projecting from the resin sealing body in each of the unit device regions is in the range of 40 to 150 . 11 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 8 , wherein the total number of the leads projecting from the resin sealing body in each of the unit device regions is in the range of 50 to 150 . 12 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 11 , wherein the length of projection of each of the leads is in the range of 0 . 1 to 0 . 5 mm . 13 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 11 , wherein the length of projection of each of the leads is in the range of 0 . 2 to 0 . 4 mm . 14 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 13 , wherein the pitch of the leads is in the range of 0 . 2 to 0 . 8 mm . 15 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 14 , wherein the thickness of the resin sealing body is in the range of 0 . 3 to 1 . 2 mm . 16 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 15 , wherein the width of the resin sealing body is in the range of 3 to 10 mm . 17 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 16 , wherein the material of a main portion of the lead frame contains copper as a principal component . 18 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 17 , wherein the lead frame has a thick portion of 0 . 1 to 0 . 3 mm in thickness . 19 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 18 , wherein the solder layers are free of lead . 20 . a method according to any of the above 1 to 19 , wherein the sealing resin is free of halogen . 1 . an embodiment of the present invention may be described divided into plural sections where required for the sake of convenience , but unless otherwise mentioned , it is to be understood that the divided sections are not independent of each other , but configure portions of a single example , or one is a partial detail of the other or is a modification of part or the whole of the other . as to similar portions , repetition thereof is omitted in principle . constituent elements in an embodiment are not essential unless otherwise mentioned and except in the case where they are limited theoretically to specified numbers thereof , and , further , except in the case where they are clearly essential contextually . 2 . likewise , in the description of an embodiment or the like , as to “ x comprising a ” or the like with respect to material and composition , selection of any other element than a as one of the principal constituent elements is not excluded unless otherwise mentioned and except in the case where an opposite answer is evident contextually . for example , by the above description is meant “ x including a as a principal component ” when viewed from the standpoint of the component . for example , “ silicon member ” is not limited to pure silicon , but it goes without saying that the silicon member in question covers sige alloy , other multi - element alloys containing silicon as a principal component , as well as those containing silicon and other additives . further , as to “ copper ,” “ gold ,” “ epoxy resin ” and “ tin ,” no limitation is made to respective pure materials unless otherwise mentioned and except in the case where it is evident that limitation is made thereto . by those materials are meant materials containing them as principal constituent elements . 3 . likewise , although suitable examples will be shown as to figure , position and attribute , it goes without saying that no strict limitation is made to those examples unless otherwise mentioned and except in the case where it is evident contextually that limitation is made thereto . 4 . when reference is made to a specific numerical value or quantity , a numeral value larger or smaller than the specific numerical value will also do unless otherwise mentioned and except in that case where limitation is made to the specific numerical value theoretically , further , except in the case where a negative answer is evident contextually . 5 . by the term “ wafer ” is usually meant a single crystal silicon wafer with semiconductor integrated circuit devices ( also true of semiconductor devices and electronic devices ) formed thereon . but it goes without saying that the “ wafer ” in question covers an epitaxial wafer and composite wafers , e . g ., a combination of an insulating substrate such as soi substrate or lcd glass substrate and a semiconductor layer . individual semiconductor devices divided from the wafer are designated “ semiconductor chips ” or merely “ chips .” in the present invention , a semiconductor as a substrate mainly indicates a silicon - based semiconductor , but may be a gaas semiconductor or any other compound semiconductor . 6 . as to the definition of the qfn type plastic package as referred to herein , it will be described concretely in a detailed section 1 in the following embodiment . an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in more detail . in the accompanying drawings , the same or similar portions are identified by the same or similar symbols or reference numerals , and explanations thereof will not be repeated in principle . 1 . explanation of a package structure , etc . of a semiconductor integrated circuit device manufactured by a semiconductor integrated circuit device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention ( mainly fig1 to 3 and 28 ): fig1 is a package top view showing an example of a qfn type package structure of a semiconductor integrated circuit device manufactured by a semiconductor integrated circuit device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention . fig2 is a package bottom view showing an example of the package structure of the semiconductor integrated circuit device manufactured by the method of the embodiment . fig3 is a package sectional view corresponding to the section x - x ′ in fig1 and 2 ( also corresponding substantially to the section x - x ′ in fig5 ). fig2 is an entire perspective view of a package for explaining problems involved in a conventional qfn type package structure . with reference to these figures , a description will be given below about a package structure , etc . of a semiconductor integrated circuit device manufactured by a semiconductor integrated circuit device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention . a description will be given first about a qfn type plastic package . the qfn type plastic package is similar to qfp ( quad flat package ). in the qfn type plastic package , however , as shown in fig2 , a large number of leads 4 are projecting about 0 . 1 to 0 . 5 mm from the bottom ends of the side faces 2 d which correspond to the sides of a package upper surface 2 a , with lead - to - lead spaces being sealed by resin projecting portions 54 . accordingly , there accrues an advantage that packaging area can be saved in comparison with the qfp having leads extending relatively long from the package side faces . however , in a state in which the side faces of the leads 4 are almost covered with resin , it is impossible to effect solder reflow packaging to a satisfactory extent . in this connection there has been adopted a measure such that the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 are scraped off mechanically , allowing the side faces of the leads 4 to be exposed partially or wholly . therefore , the following description is now provided about the qfn type plastic package with the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 removed by a suitable method . reference will first be made to the package upper surface . as shown in fig1 , the upper surface 2 a of the package is in a generally quadrangular shape ( substantially square in the illustrated example ). although the upper surface is octagonal because there are chamfered corners 2 c , the size of each chamfered corner 2 c is small as compared with the package diameter , so the upper surface can basically be regarded as a quadrangular shape ( square or rectangle ). the leads 4 are projected , for example , 0 . 3 mm or so from the bottom ends of the side faces 2 d which correspond to the sides respectively of the package upper surface 2 a . from the bottom ends of the chamfered corners 2 c there project bumpers 7 for visual inspection in cooling and packaging . the following description is now provided about a package lower surface . as shown in fig2 , a lower surface 3 b of a die pad is exposed for heat dissipation to a central part of a package lower surface 2 b . the shape of the die pad lower surface 3 b is substantially the same as the planar shape of the package . in the illustrated example it is substantially square ( generally a quadrangular shape , including a rectangular shape ), having four sides 3 d . suspending leads 9 ( leads for suspending the die pad ) are partially exposed near the bumpers 7 . a description will now be given about the section x - x ′ in fig1 and 2 . as shown in fig3 , a back surface 1 b of a semiconductor chip 1 is fixed through , for example , a silver paste layer ( daf will do ) to an upper surface 3 a of the die pad 3 which is located centrally of the package resin sealing body 2 . leads 4 are projected from bottom ends of side faces 2 d of the resin sealing body 2 . bonding pads formed on an upper surface 1 a of the semiconductor chip 1 and inner ends of the leads are coupled together through gold wires 6 containing gold as a principal component . it is bus bars 5 that are seen between the leads 4 and the die pad 3 . one feature of the qfn type plastic package as compared with qfp is that lower surfaces 4 b of the leads 4 and a lower surface 2 b of the sealing body 2 are almost flush with each other and that the leads 4 project from the bottom ends of the side faces 2 d of the sealing body 2 substantially rectilinearly up to external ends of the leads 4 . according to this manufacturing method , the lower surface of the lead frame coincides with that of the package and therefore the lower surface 3 b of the die pad configures a central part of the package lower surface 2 b . for example , basic dimensions of the package are as follows . lead thickness is about 0 . 2 mm ( a suitable range is 0 . 1 to 0 . 3 mm ), lead pitch is about 0 . 5 mm ( a suitable range is 0 . 2 to 0 . 8 mm ), lead projection length ( l in fig2 ) is about 0 . 3 mm ( a suitable range is 0 . 1 mm to 0 . 5 mm , more preferably 0 . 2 to 0 . 4 mm ), package width ( sealing body width ) is about 8 mm ( a suitable range is 3 to 10 mm ), package thickness ( sealing body thickness ) is about 0 . 8 mm ( a suitable range is 0 . 3 to 1 . 2 ), and the number of leads ( pins ) is about 64 ( a useful application range is about 20 to 150 , but preferably 40 or more , more preferably 50 or more ). 2 . explanation of the structure of a lead frame used in the method of the embodiment ( mainly fig4 to 7 ): fig4 is an enlarged top view of a unit device region in a lead frame used in the method of the embodiment . fig5 is an enlarged perspective top view of a unit device region in the lead frame during execution ( before a resin sealing body separating process ) of the method of the embodiment . fig6 is an enlarged top view of nine unit device regions in the lead frame used in the method of the embodiment . fig7 is an entire top view of the lead frame used in the method of the embodiment . with reference to these figures , a description will now be given about the structure of the lead frame used in the method of the embodiment . the material of the lead frame is , for example , a cupreous material containing copper as a principal component and also containing tin and nickel . it may be a zr - added cupreous material , an iron - added cupreous material , or any other cupreous material . the lead frame is patterned by etching . etching may be substituted for by punching , but etching is superior in the accuracy of fine patterning and is effective , for example , in its combination with half - etching . first , an entire structure of the lead frame 12 will be described with reference to fig7 . in a so - called multi - device lead frame , as shown in fig7 , unit device regions 8 are arranged in a matrix shape . in both - side frame portions 12 c of the lead frame 12 there are formed guide pin holes 26 ( or pilot holes ) for feed . between adjacent unit device region columns arranged in the longitudinal direction there are formed slits 19 for absorbing warp . apertures 17 and 18 to be used for removing unnecessary resin , in runner and gate portions in the sealing process , for example , are formed in boundary portions between adjacent unit device regions 8 . next , a more detailed description will be given about the interior of each unit device region 8 . as shown in fig4 , centrally located is the die pad 3 and it is the suspending leads 9 that are fixed to the bumpers 7 located at peripheral positions . anti - warp slits 16 are provided at the peripheral portion to prevent warping of the die pad 3 . the suspending leads 9 also function to hold the bus bars 5 . the whole of the bus bars 5 and half - etched portions 15 of the suspending leads 9 are half - etched from the back surface side . ( as to the bus bars 5 it is intended to cover their lower surfaces with resin . half - etching inner ends of the leads 4 and lower portions of the die pad peripheral edge is effective in preventing dislodgment .) for improving the wire bondability , bonding metal layers 14 containing , for example , silver as a principal component are formed , for example , by plating respectively on inner end portions of upper surfaces of the leads 4 . the leads 4 are coupled together by a tie bar 11 in the vicinity of their outer ends 4 d . a linear aperture row 13 is provided between the tie bar 11 and the lead frame body . dash - double dot lines indicate a projection pattern of a punching die 21 for separating the tie bar portion from the sealing body . likewise , a broken line at each corner indicates a projection pattern of a punching die 22 for separating the associated bumper 7 from the surrounding lead frame body . next , a description will be given about a relation among the semiconductor chip , sealing body , bonding wires and a cutting portion in the internal structure of each of the unit device regions 8 . as shown in fig5 , the semiconductor chip 1 is attached to the central part of the die pad 3 . a large number of bonding pads on the semiconductor chip and most of the leads 4 ( silver - plated portions ) are coupled together through bonding wires . a portion of the leads and bus bars 5 are also coupled together through bonding wires . a boundary of the resin sealing body 2 ( serving also as a boundary of a mold cavity ) is indicated by a dotted line . on the other hand , a broken line 24 indicates a cutting portion for separating the resin sealing body 2 from the lead frame body . a gate portion for the injection of resin is indicated at an arrow 25 . 3 . explanation of a processing flow in the method of the embodiment ( mainly fig8 to 27 ): fig8 is an entire top view of the lead frame during execution ( during die bonding ) of the method of the embodiment . fig9 is an entire top view of the lead frame during execution ( a sealing process is completed ) of the method of the embodiment . fig1 is a planar circuit layout diagram showing an example of a semiconductor chip used in the method of the embodiment . fig1 is a main process block flow diagram in the method of the embodiment . fig1 is a top view of one element process ( sealing process ) in the method of the embodiment ( in this top view an upper die is removed for easier understanding ). fig1 is a sectional view of a molding die and a device corresponding to the section a - a ′ in fig1 . fig1 is a sectional view of the molding die and the device corresponding to the section b - b ′ in fig1 . fig1 is a sectional view of the molding die and the device corresponding to the section c - c ′ in fig1 . fig1 is a partial enlarged top view of a unit device region in the lead frame during execution ( the sealing process is completed ) of the method of the embodiment . fig1 is a partial front view of the lead frame for explaining the state of processing performed in one element process ( a lead - to - lead resin projection removing process using a laser ) in the method of the embodiment . fig1 is a sectional view of a device corresponding to the section d - d ′ in fig1 . fig1 is a partial front view of the lead frame for explaining the state of processing performed in one element process ( an electrolytic residual resin removing process ) in the method of the embodiment . fig2 is a sectional view of a device corresponding to the section d - d ′ in fig1 . fig2 is another sectional view of a device corresponding to the section d - d ′ in fig1 . fig2 is a partial front view of the lead frame for explaining the state of processing performed in one element process ( a water jet residual resin removing process ) in the method of the embodiment . fig2 is a partial enlarged top view of a unit device region in the lead frame during execution ( the water jet residual resin removing process is completed ) of the method of the embodiment . fig2 is a partial enlarged top view of a unit device region in the lead frame during execution ( before tie bar cutting ) of the method of the embodiment . fig2 is a partial front view of the lead frame for explaining the state of processing performed in one element process ( a tie bar cutting process ) in the method of the embodiment . fig2 is a partial perspective view of a resin sealing body ( a semiconductor integrated circuit device package ) in one element process ( after the resin sealing body separating process ) in the method of the embodiment . fig2 is a partial perspective view of a wiring substrate and a semiconductor integrated circuit device package , showing a state in which the resin sealing body is mounted on the wiring substrate . with reference to these drawings a description will be given below about a processing flow in the method of the embodiment . the processing flow will be described in a successive manner in accordance with the process flow of fig1 . first , in a wafer process , a semiconductor chip 1 is fabricated . for example , the semiconductor chip 1 is a mixed signal type integrated circuit chip as shown in fig1 . the semiconductor chip 1 comprises a large number of bonding pads 33 formed on an upper surface of the chip 1 , a bipolar type analog circuit block 31 and an mis ( metal insulator semiconductor ) type logic memory circuit block 32 . reference will here be made to an example in which one chip is mounted for each unit device region 8 , provided it is understood that plural chips may be fixed . moreover , in the illustrated example , the chip is fixed onto the die pad , but in case of fixing plural chips , it is optional whether the chips are to be fixed directly or indirectly through other chips . the mixed signal type integrated circuit chip may be an mis type semiconductor chip or may be a bicmis ( bipolar complementary metal insulator semiconductor ) chip . when the chip 1 is completed , as shown in fig8 , the chip 1 is subjected to die bonding for each unit device region 8 in the lead frame 12 . thereafter , bonding wires , using gold wires , are coupled between required portions by ball / wedge bonding , for example . next , each sealing region ( dotted line in fig5 ) is sealed with resin by transfer molding to form a discrete sealing body 2 ( a resin sealing process 101 in fig1 ). more specifically , as shown in fig1 , the lead frame 12 after completion of wire bonding is set in such a manner that a principal portion of the unit device region 8 coincides with a mold cavity 53 formed between upper and lower dies 51 ( in the figure a part of the lead frame 12 is made transparent to show the structure of a lower die 51 b ). next , sealing resin 52 is conveyed through a runner 56 and is injected into the cavity 53 from a gate 57 . at this time , the resin is filled also between leads beyond a boundary of the mold cavity 53 and then cures to form lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 . upon lapse of a pressuring period ( sealing compression ) after the fill , the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 are fully compressed and hence they are strong structures . in this point they are different in properties from resin burrs ( so - called flash burrs ) which result from curing of the resin without undergoing the sealing compression after leaking from slight gaps between the leads and the molding die 51 . the sealing resin 52 is , for example , a halogen - free resin as a whole containing a low molecular weight epoxy resin as a principal resin component and approximately 80 wt % of a silica filler ( a halogen - based flame retardant may be added in a field causing no environmental problem ). in this case , the section a - a ′ ( fig1 ) is like fig1 . as shown in fig1 , the die pad 3 , chip 1 , inner end portions of the leads 4 and bonding wires 6 are sealed with the sealing resin 52 within the mold cavity 53 formed between an upper die 51 a and the lower die 51 b , to form a resin sealing body 2 . next , a look at the section b - b ′ ( fig1 ) shows that it is like fig1 . in this section , as shown in fig1 , a cavity - like space ( sub - cavity ) is formed by an inner side face of the tie bar 11 and the upper and lower dies 51 a , 51 b and a sufficient resin pressure acts thereon . consequently , lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 are formed in the sub - cavity portion . next , a look at the section c - c ′ ( fig1 ) shows that , as illustrated in fig1 , a half - etched suspending lead 9 extends between a lead frame gate portion 25 and the die pad 3 . on the left side of the suspending lead 9 is formed a gate break aperture 17 . on the other hand , on the right side there are provided opposite - side leads 4 , a tie bar 11 , and a linear aperture row for division between the tie bar 11 and the lead frame body . the lead frame 12 taken out from the molding die 51 is subjected to a gate / runner break processing ( separating unnecessary resin in the gate and runner portions from the sealing body 2 and the lead frame 12 ). thereafter , the resin of the resin sealing body 2 is cured at 102 ( fig1 ). at this time , a side face 2 d and the vicinity thereof of the sealing body 2 in each unit device region 8 of the lead frame 12 are in such a state as shown in fig1 . resin burrs 34 of the sealing resin 52 leaking from a gap of the molding die 51 are formed thin on the leads 4 ( thinner than the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 ). now , as shown in fig1 , laser light 61 is radiated to the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 of the lead frame by means of a laser light irradiator 62 to remove the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 ( a laser resin removing step 103 in fig1 ). at this time , as shown in fig1 ( section d - d ′ in fig1 ), the same laser light 61 may be radiated also to the resin burrs 34 on the leads 4 to remove the resin burrs 34 almost simultaneously ( this acts to enhance the effect of the electrolysis and water jet to be described later ). the laser used is , for example , a yag laser ( e . g ., nd : yag ) and the laser light 61 is , for example , near infrared light having a fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm , which is used for removing resin thermally . even if near infrared light is applied to the package body in a somewhat offset manner , there will occur no great damage to the package body , but conversely it has the effect of relieving the strain of the package if the amount thereof is small . the laser output is , for example , about 40 w , corresponding to a pulse operation of 20 khz or so . adjustment is made so that the light is focused on the resin surface to be removed . the laser line width and the laser spacing is , for example , 40 micrometers or so and the scanning speed is , for example , 300 mm / sec or so . the number of times of irradiation is , for example , three times ( three rounds around the sealing body 2 ). the reason for using near infrared light is that the sealing resin is a composition of many substances and that it exhibits a selectivity - free thermal action , which is efficient in removing the to - be - removed object as a whole . it is presumed that the lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 become resin burrs as a result of radiation of the laser light and that the resin burrs can be removed efficiently by subsequent means effective for removing resin burrs such as electrolysis or water jet . as the laser light 61 , there may also be used laser light having a wavelength of 532 nm in the visible light region or 355 nm in the ultraviolet region . in the case of a carbon dioxide gas laser , it is possible to utilize a wavelength of 10 . 6 micrometers ( intermediate infrared region ). the intermediate infrared region is disadvantageous in point of energy and it is necessary to take power and treatment time into account . the visible region or ultraviolet region costs high in point of power because of a higher harmonic . besides , since the light itself is high in energy , the resin is removed to a satisfactory extent , but there is the possibility that the package itself may be damaged . therefore , it is important to manage the irradiation position accuracy . when the laser resin removing step 103 is completed , the side face 2 d and the vicinity thereof of the sealing body in each unit device region of the lead frame 12 are in such a state as shown in fig1 . it is possible that a small amount of residual resin 54 a ( unremoved lead - to - lead resin projecting portions 54 ) may be present on the side faces of the leads 4 . on the other hand , there sometimes is a case where the resin burrs 34 are not removed to a perfect extent although they are thin . at this stage , a shift may be made to a solder plating step 106 ( fig1 ) through hydraulic deburring or simple water washing or the like ( including chemical washing ). however , for ensuring a still higher packaging reliability , it is preferable to perform an electrolytic deburring treatment 104 ( fig1 ). in the electrolytic deburring treatment 104 , as shown in fig2 ( d - d ′ section in fig1 ), electrolysis of water is conducted in an electrolytic aqueous solution of soda ash ( mainly anhydrous sodium carbonate ), with the lead frame 12 as a cathode ( for example , under the conditions of a solution temperature of 50 ° c . or so , a treatment time of 15 minutes or so , and a current density of 10 a / dm2 or so ). that is , hydrogen gas bubbles 63 are produced between the leads 4 and the residual resin 54 a or the resin burrs 34 ( together designated residual resin pieces ), and with the power of the bubbles , the residual resin pieces can be lifted off , as shown in fig2 . at this stage , a shift may be made to the solder plating step 106 ( fig1 ) through simple water washing or the like ( including chemical washing ). however , to ensure a still higher packaging reliability , it is preferable to conduct a hydraulic deburring treatment 105 ( fig1 ). in the hydraulic deburring treatment , as shown in fig2 , the residual resin pieces are finally removed by feeding liquid jets 65 of high - pressure washing water or liquid from nozzles 64 ( there may be performed a liquid honing treatment involving adding grains into washing water or liquid or chemical treatment or blasting may be performed instead of or in combination with the hydraulic deburring treatment ). as a result of the above processings the side faces 2 d and the vicinity thereof of the sealing body 2 in each unit device region 8 of the lead frame 12 are in such a clean state as shown in fig2 . for example , as shown in fig1 , the solder plating 106 ( surface treatment for improving the packaging performance ) is carried out by electroplating in an acidic tin ( bismuth ) plating solution ( an alkaline plating solution may be used , but an acidic plating solution is advantageous in point of being high purity plating ). non - electrolytic plating or solder dipping will do as well , but electroplating is most suitable from the standpoint of economy and reliability . a tin - based lead - free solder comprising , for example , 2 % bismuth and the balance tin ( melting at 217 ° c .) is suitable as the material of the solder layer 41 ( a lead - based solder is also employable if it causes no environmental problem ). as examples of other lead - free solders there are mentioned tin - silver solder , tin - bismuth - silver - copper solder , and tin - bismuth - silver - antimony solder . next , as shown in fig2 and 25 , the lead frame 12 having a front surface 12 a and a rear surface 12 b is cut from below by the punching die 21 ( fig4 ) along the cutting surface 21 corresponding to the external end portions 4 d of the leads 4 ( l in fig2 is , for example , 0 . 3 mm or so and m is , for example , 0 . 5 mm or so ) to separate the sealing body 2 and the tie bar 11 from each other ( a dam & amp ; tie bar cutting step 108 in fig1 ). subsequently , the remaining connections are cut off by the punching die 22 ( fig4 ), thereby separating the sealing body 2 ( device ) from the lead frame body 12 ( a separating step 109 in fig1 ). the dam & amp ; tie bar cutting step 108 and the separating step 109 configure a device isolation process . as noted above , by cutting the external end portions 4 d of the leads 4 from below with use of the punching die 21 , the solder layer on the lower surface 4 b of each lead 4 moves to the lead tip face and forms a lead tip solder region 41 c ( physically the lower surface itself flows and becomes a lower half of the lead tip face ), as shown in fig2 . thus , the solder layers ( solder regions ) 41 ( 41 a , 41 b , 41 c ) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces , both side faces and tip face of each lead 4 , so when reflow - soldering lands 46 on a wiring substrate 45 , a solder fillet 42 is formed in a normal manner , as shown in fig2 . although the present invention has been described above concretely on the basis of an embodiment thereof , it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment , but that various changes may be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention . for example , although a qfn type plastic package was described concretely in the above embodiment , it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto , but is widely applicable also to other types of plastic packages having projecting resin portions between leads . although a description was given in the above embodiment mainly about the case where transfer molding was applied , it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto , but is applicable also to other plastic molding methods , e . g ., compression molding . | 7 |
fig1 shows a schematic cross - sectional diagram of an energy filter , which has two hemispherical analyzers 30 and 40 , between which a transfer lens device 20 is located . the two energy analyzers 30 , 40 together with the transfer lens device 20 are set up in such a way that the beam path lies in a plane and has the shape of an “ s ”. the overall arrangement has radial symmetry with respect to the center z of the transfer lens device 20 ; the radial symmetry is two - fold . the electrons curve to the left in the first energy analyzer 30 , and after they have passed through the transfer lens device 20 , they curve to right in the second energy analyzer 40 . this means that the two energy - dispersive planes 33 , 43 of the two energy analyzers are rotated by the angle β = 180 ° with respect to each other ( see fig4 ). fig1 shows only the center beam paths 4 and 7 of the electrons in the first and second energy analyzers . the energy filter has image - generating properties while avoiding aberrations of the second and higher orders . the surface 1 ′ of the sample 1 is a certain distance g from the first lens system 2 , which forms an image of the electrons emerging from the surface 1 ′ on the entrance plane 3 of the first hemispherical analyzer 30 . the object distance g can be the same as the focal distance of the lens system 2 , so that the image distance b is approximately equal to infinity . in this case , the entrance plane 3 of the first energy analyzer 30 is preferably located in the image - side focal plane of the lens system 2 . in the entrance plane 3 there is a first energy - defining slit diaphragm 25 , which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and has the width b 1 ( see also fig3 ). the hemispherical analyzer 30 forms an image of the electrons entering through the slit diaphragm 25 with aberrations in the exit plane 5 , where a second slit diaphragm 26 with the width b 2 is located . because the electrons enter the slit diaphragm 25 in the entrance plane 3 at various angles α 0 , they also exit at different exit angles α 1 upon leaving the deflection field of the first energy analyzer . the second slit diaphragm 26 is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in which the linear focus of the astigmatic intermediate image zb 1 23 lies . the energy dispersion occurs in the plane of the drawing . this dispersion is defined as the deviation from the central beam path 4 by a value which is proportional to the energy deviation . by changing the width b 2 of the slit ( see also fig3 ), it is possible to adjust or to change selectively the energy bandwidth of the electrons let through by the slit diaphragm 26 . as a result , the only electrons which reach the intermediate image zb 1 23 are those which lie within this energy bandwidth . the electron beam is monochromatic as a result . a transfer lens device 20 is set up behind this exit plane 5 . this device consists of two identical converging lenses 21 and 22 and forms an image of the first intermediate image 23 produced in the exit plane 5 as an inverted second intermediate image zb 2 24 , that is , v l =− 1 , at the entrance plane 6 of the second energy analyzer 40 . the transfer lens device 20 not only inverts the intermediate image zb 1 23 on the entrance plane 6 but also inverts the angles , so that the entrance angles α 2 in the entrance plane 6 of the second energy analyzer 40 are described by α 2 =− α 1 . the aberrations are eliminated in the second energy analyzer 40 as a result of the inversion of the astigmatism of the intermediate image zb 1 23 in conjunction with the inversion of the path curvature present in the first energy analyzer 30 . an energy - filtered , stigmatic image 29 , which can be projected by the lens system 9 onto a detector 10 , is thus created in the exit plane 8 . in this embodiment , the second energy analyzer 40 also has a slit diaphragm 27 of width b 3 in the entrance plane 6 and a slit diaphragm 28 of with b 4 in the exit plane 8 . if the distance of the surface 1 ′ of the sample 1 or of a magnified or reduced image is equal to the focal distance of the lens system 2 , the distance of the lens system 9 from the exit plane 8 will also be equal to the focal distance , and the distance to the detector 10 will be equal to the focal distance of the lens system 9 . diffraction images instead of real images are then present at the entrance and exit planes of the two energy analyzers 30 , 40 . if the lens systems 2 and 9 are operated asymmetrically , it is possible to use the energy filter to obtain a diffraction image of sample 1 without any aberrations of the second and higher orders . it is said that the lens systems are operated “ asymmetrically ” when either the lens system 2 projects the surface of the sample onto the entrance plane 3 and the lens system 9 is adjusted in such a way that the intermediate image 29 is situated at the focal distance of the lens system 9 , or conversely the lens system 2 is adjusted in such a way that the sample surface ( or its intermediate image ) lies in the focal plane of the lens and simultaneously the lens system 9 projects the plane 8 sharply onto the detector 10 . the diffraction image of the sample is then projected by the lens system 2 onto the entrance plane 3 . this diffraction image is energy - filtered and ultimately arrives at the exit plane 8 . from there it is projected by the lens system 9 onto the detector 10 . fig2 shows a schematic diagram of the beam path in the transfer lens device 20 . the two identical electrostatic converging lenses 21 , 22 have an f - 2f - f arrangement , where f is the focal distance of the lenses 21 , 22 . on the basis of this lens arrangement , the first intermediate image zb 1 23 in the exit plane 5 with the lateral magnification v l =− 1 and the beams with the angular magnification v w =− 1 are projected onto the entrance plane 6 as a second intermediate image zb 2 24 . the beam path is radially symmetric and telescopic . when other types of lenses are used , e . g ., electron - optic cylindrical lenses , the angular and lateral magnifications can also be + 1 in the non - dispersive plane . fig3 shows a possible embodiment of the arrangement illustrated schematically fig1 with three possible electron paths e 0 , e 1 , and e 2 . a cross section through the energy - dispersive planes is shown . the electrons start from the surface 1 ′ of the sample 1 , pass through the slit diaphragm 25 of width b 1 , and enter the first hemispherical analyzer 30 , in which an electrostatic deflecting field is applied between the inner shell 31 and the outer shell 32 . when the electrons enter the slit diaphragm 25 at a right angle , as they do at point x 0 , they describe a path e 0 , which describes a semicircle in each of the first and second hemispherical analyzers . because the path e 0 meets the axis 200 of the transfer lens device 20 , the electrons are also projected onto point x 0 of the slit diaphragm 27 of the second hemispherical analyzer 40 , and the path along which they travel in the second hemispherical analyzer is radially symmetric to point z . the electrons on path e 1 start at point x 1 of the slit diaphragm 25 of the first hemispherical analyzer 30 with a different energy and a different entrance angle α 0 , 1 , whereas the electrons of path e 2 start at point x 1 with the entrance angle − α 0 , 2 . the electrons are deflected to point x 2 in the second slit diaphragm 26 , describing elliptical paths in both cases . the exit angles are α 1 , 1 and α 1 , 2 , where | α 1 , 1 |=| α 1 , 2 | was selected in this example . the pixel x 0 of the first intermediate image zb 1 in the slit diaphragm 26 is projected with the lateral magnification − 1 and with the angular magnification − 1 onto the plane 6 at point x 3 as a pixel of the second intermediate image zb 2 . for the angles we therefore have α 1 , 2 =− α 2 , 2 and α 1 , 1 =− α 2 , 1 . in the second energy analyzer 40 , an equally intense electrostatic deflecting field is applied between the inner shell 41 and the outer shell 42 , so that the electron paths e 1 and e 2 have elliptical courses which correspond to the elliptical paths in the first energy analyzer 30 . the electrons exit at point x 4 at the angles α 3 . 1 and α 3 . 2 , which correspond in turn to the angles α 0 . 1 and α 0 . 2 . the deviations of the angles are α 1 . 1 and α 1 . 2 are compensated by the second pass , i . e ., by the pass through the energy analyzer 40 . it is also true with respect to the point x 4 that x 4 = x 1 . an energy - filtered image of the sample 1 is thus obtained without aberration in the plane of the slit diaphragm 28 . fig4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in fig3 . the energy - dispersive planes 33 and 43 and the slit diaphragms 25 , 26 , 27 , and 28 in the hemispherical analyzers 30 , 40 are illustrated . the second hemispherical analyzer 40 is rotated by the angle β = 180 ° around the axis 200 of the transfer lens device 20 , which axis passes through the slit diaphragm 27 . fig5 shows another embodiment , in which the second hemispherical analyzer 40 is rotated by the angle of only β = 90 ° around the axis 200 passing through the slit diaphragm 27 . fig6 shows an embodiment corresponding to that of fig3 , where , instead of the hemispherical analyzers 20 , 30 [ sic ; → 30 , 40 - tra ], spherical sectors 20 ′, 30 ′ [ sic ; → 30 ′, 40 ′- tra ] are used , which have inner shells 31 ′, 41 ′ and outer shells 32 ′, 42 ′ with deflection angles of φ ≦ 180 °. the arrangement of the diaphragms 25 , 26 , 27 differs from the arrangement according to fig3 in that they are not located in the entrance and exit planes of the spherical sectors . this embodiment also shows two - fold radial symmetry with respect to point z . fig7 shows the arrangement according to fig6 supplemented by two additional toroid sectors 50 a , 50 b . the toroid sector 50 a is placed in front of the first spherical sector 30 ′, and the toroid sector 50 b is placed behind the second spherical sector 40 ′. these additional toroid sectors 50 a , 50 b serve to correct higher - order aberrations . fig8 shows an energy filter consisting of two cylindrical analyzers 30 ′, 40 ′ [ sic ; → 30 ″, 40 ″- tra ] with inner shells 31 ″, 41 ″ and outer shells 32 ″, 42 ″ and a transfer lens device 20 . the axis 200 of the transfer lens system 20 is not collinear to the cylinder axes 34 , 44 but extends instead in the direction of the central paths 4 ′, 7 ′ through the cylindrical analyzers , which form an angle of 42 . 3 ° with the cylinder axes 34 , 44 . fig9 a and 9 b show a transfer lens device 20 which avoids both spherical aberration and the coma error . this can be achieved by combining electrical or magnetic round lenses ( 21 , 22 ) with two sextupole lenses 121 , 122 . the axis 200 of the transfer lens device extends in direction z . fig9 a shows a cross section through a sextupole segment perpendicular to its axis . the force f on a particle changes its direction between two adjacent electrodes , the voltages u and − u relative to the axis potential being applied to alternate electrodes . fig9 b shows schematically the course of two electrons a certain distance away from the axis . at the point of entrance , the axes of these electrons are parallel in the xy cross section . the broken lines show the paths observed when the sextupoles 121 and 122 are turned off , and the solid lines show the path observed when they are turned on . the path near the axis is affected to only a slight extent by the sextupoles . the sextupoles lie in the exit and entrance planes 5 , 6 of the energy analyzers . fig1 shows a schematic diagram of a magnetic transfer lens device 20 [ sic → 20 ′- tra ] analogous to the electrostatic lenses of fig2 . the magnetic fields of the lenses 22 ′ and 21 ′ are generated by coils . the essential difference between this and an electrostatic transfer lens device is an additional rotation of the image by the angle γ , where γ is based on the position of the image at | 7 |
in general , for aircraft brake disc applications the needlers are designed to handle either annular or non - annular preform geometries . typically , for annular preforms the key parameters which affect cycle time and cost are needler stroke speed , bowl rotational speed , and needle pattern density as well as fiber costs . for non - annular preforms , the key process parameters affecting cycle time and cost are needler stroke rate and needle pattern density as well as fiber costs . in the case of annular preforms , the key process parameters affecting cycle time are needle stroke rate ( typically 700 strokes / min ) and the rotational bowl speed ( typically speed is 2 rpm ). increasing the bowl rotation rate by 50 % ( 3 rpm ) while keeping the number of needling strokes per minute at 350 : 1 allows the cycle time which is necessary to produce the preform to be reduced by about 33 %. another cost advantage from the faster cycle time is the reduction in capital investment necessary to produce a given quantity of preforms . reducing the volume fraction of carbon fiber used in the final composite leads to reduced materials costs and cycle times . the fiber volume fraction of the final carbonized preform can be controlled during the carbonization process by the amount of pressure applied to the preforms ( constrained to unconstrained ). in addition to the reduced material costs , and reduced capital investments , overall labor cost is also reduced through shorter cycle times . an additional benefit obtained from a lower volume fraction of carbon fiber used in the preform is that the final density of the c — c composite can be increased , or for a given final density , the number of cycles of cvd required can be reduced . the increase in final density is achieved by replacing the lower density carbon fibers in the preforms with higher density carbon deposited via cvd / cvi processing . that is , more open ( less densely packed ) fabric layers may be employed . not only is the pan fiber ( fabric ) less dense than the cvi / cvd carbon , a more open fabric has wider , deeper pores , which are easier to infiltrate by cvd / cvi processing . therefore , fewer cvd / cvi cycles are required to meet final density requirements , thereby providing additional capital avoidance for cvd / cvi investment . typically , this invention employs oxidized fibers to make the preforms and subsequently the carbon - carbon composite friction materials ( e . g ., brake discs and pads ). the oxidized fibers may be subjected to low temperature or high temperature heat treatments in accordance with techniques that are known in the art . the oxidized fibers are generally used in the form of woven or nonwoven oxidized fabrics . the oxidized fabrics may be subjected to low temperature or high temperature carbonization processing in accordance with techniques that are known in the art . the oxidized fabrics may be joined together in the present invention by rotating annular needling , by non - rotating annular needling , or by non - annular needling . in each case , an optional constrained or unconstrained carbonization step may be employed . likewise in each case , and optional die cutting step may be employed . in each case , subsequent to the carbonization and / or die cutting step if used , a cvd / cvi step is employed . in each case , an optional heat treatment step may be employed after the cvd / cvi step . the carbon - carbon composite is then subjected to a final machining step . disclosure relevant to the needling technology which is improved upon in the present invention may be found in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 338 , 320 — production of shaped filamentary structures , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 882 , 781 — shaped fibrous fabric structure comprising multiple layers of fibrous material , and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 691 , 393 b2 — wear resistance in carbon fiber friction materials . the disclosure of each of u . s . pat . no . 5 , 338 , 320 , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 882 , 781 , and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 691 , 393 b2 is incorporated herein by reference . a non - annular needler does not need a foam ring . typically a base plate with holes that match the needle pattern is used , since there is no bowl and there is no rotation of the bowl . a foam ring ( or similar pliable , soft material ) is only required for an annular needler . following manufacture of the preform , it is the carbonization step that is used ( constrained or unconstrained ) to control the final volume fraction of the final composite ( and final density ). if a preform has the same amount of fiber as the baseline preform material , the final fiber volume fraction of the composite can be decreased and final density can be increased if non - constrained carbonization is used ( but the composite would be thicker ). if a preform has less fiber than the baseline preform material , the final volume fraction and density could be kept the same as the baseline if the carbonization is constrained ( but a thinner preform would result ). but if carbonization is left unconstrained , the final composite would have lower fiber volume fraction , and higher density ( with same thickness ( compared with baseline ). the fabrics — for instance , nonwoven pan segments — are commercially available . in accordance with the present invention , they are needled as described herein , then carbonized ( that is , converted to carbon fiber ) at temperatures in the range 1000 - 2700 ° c . they are then die - cut to a nominal size ( if required ) for a given platform , and densified by cvd / cvi processing . finally , they are subjected to a final heat treatment at a temperature typically in the range 1000 - 2540 ° c . the carbonization process as it is applied to carbon - fiber precursor fibrous materials is in general well known to those skilled in the art . the fiber preforms are typically heated in a retort under inert or reducing conditions to remove the non - carbon constituents ( hydrogen , nitrogen , oxygen , etc .) from the fibers . carbonization can be carried out either in a furnace , a hot isostatic press , an autoclave , or in a uniaxial hot press . in each of these techniques , the fibrous fabric is heated to the range of 600 ° to about 1000 ° c . while maintaining an inert atmosphere in the pressure range of 1 to 1000 atmospheres . in one approach , for instance , the retort may be purged gently with nitrogen for approximately 1 hour , then it is heated to 900 ° c . in 10 - 20 hours , and thence to 1050 ° c . in 1 - 2 hours . the retort is held at 1050 ° c . for 3 - 6 hours , then allowed to cool overnight . carbonization is typically carried out up to 1800 ° c . chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ) of carbon is also known as chemical vapor infiltration ( cvi ). in a cvd / cvi process , carbonized , and optionally heat treated , preforms are heated in a retort under the cover of inert gas , typically at a pressure below 100 torr . when the parts reach a temperature of 900 ° to 1200 ° c ., the inert gas is replaced with a carbon - bearing gas such as natural gas , methane , ethane , propane , butane , propylene , or acetylene , or combinations of these gases . when the hydrocarbon gas mixture flows around and through the fiber preform porous structures , a complex set of dehydrogenation , condensation , and polymerization reactions occur , thereby depositing the carbon atoms within the interior and onto the surface of the fiber preform porous structures . over time , as more and more of the carbon atoms are deposited onto the carbon fiber surfaces , the fiber preform becomes more dense . this process is sometimes referred to as densification , because the open spaces in the fiber preform are eventually filled with a carbon matrix until generally solid carbon parts are formed . depending upon the pressure , temperature , and gas composition , the crystallographic structure and order of the deposited carbon can be controlled , yielding anything from an isotropic carbon to a highly anisotropic , ordered carbon . us 2006 / 0046059 a1 ( arico et al . ), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference , provides an overview of cvd / cvi processing . intermediate and / or final heat treatment of the preforms is usually applied to modify the crystal structure of the carbon . heat treatment is employed to modify the mechanical , thermal , and chemical properties of the carbon in the preform . heat treatment of the preforms is typically conducted in the range of 1400 ° to 2800 ° c . the effect of such a treatment on graphitizable materials is well known . higher temperatures increase the degree of crystalline order in the carbon material , as measured by such analytical techniques as x - ray diffraction or raman spectroscopy . higher temperatures also increase the thermal conductivity of the carbon in the products , and the elastic modulus of the final c — c composite . pre - cut segments of oxidized polyacrylonitrile ( o - pan ) fiber nonwoven fabric are layered on a foam ring in a needler . the segments are pre - cut based upon the size of the friction article to be produced . in the case of example 1 the rpm of the needler is increased by a factor of 50 % ( compared to baseline condition ) while maintaining the needling strokes per minute and bowl rpm at a ratio of 350 : 1 . the needles , which have hooked ( barbed ) ends , push through the pan fiber segments and bind each subsequent layer by punching , pushing , or pulling loose fibers through each layer during the downstroke and upstroke . it should be noted that the first layer is needled to the foam ring . additional needling of layers continues until the desired weight and thickness ( density ) is achieved . the preform is then carbonized and die - cut ( if required ), and subsequently subject to densification and other manufacturing steps . in this case , the benefit is related to reduced cycle time ( about 33 %) and capital requirements obtained through increased throughput . in the second example the same process steps used in example 1 are repeated with the following exceptions . the number of segments used to make the preform are reduced . the needler settings are kept the same as in example 1 . the carbonized preform volume fraction is reduced to 19 - 24 ( compared with 25 - 30 % in the baseline ). this reduced fiber volume fraction in the carbonized and final c — c composite is obtained through the absence of any pressure applied during carbonization ( unconstrained ). the benefits of this process are : reduction in cycle time ( about 46 %) compared to the baseline conditions ; reduction in materials cost ( about 22 %) compared to the baseline ; capital savings due to the need for fewer needlers ; reduced number of cvd / cvi cycles to achiever a given final density ; and improved final density (˜ 1 . 7 - 1 . 8 g / cc ) of the c — c composite through replacement of low density pan fiber with high density cvd / cvi . in the third example the same process steps used in example 1 are repeated with the following exceptions . the needler used is non - rotating . the needler settings are kept the same as in example 1 . the benefits of this process are the same as for example 1 . in the fourth example the same process steps used in example 1 are repeated with the following exceptions . the needler used is non - annular and the carbonization is unconstrained so that the fiber volume fraction in the final composite is between 19 - 24 %. the benefits of this process are : reduction in cycle time ( about 46 %) compared to the baseline conditions and about 20 % compared to example 3 ; capital savings due to the need for fewer needlers ; improved final density ( about 1 . 7 - 1 . 8 g / cc ) of the c — c composite through replacement of low density pan fiber with high density cvd / cvi ; and reduced number of cvd / cvi cycles to achieve a given final density . the foregoing examples are summarized in tables 1 and 2 which follow . | 2 |
referring now to the drawing , wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts and , more particularly , to fig1 it presents the schematic of a typical single high - voltage type surge eliminator ( hereinafter called &# 34 ; eliminator &# 34 ;) 10 for interface connection with a transmission line , at the terminals 12 , 14 , 16 and 18 . the incoming transmission line wire 20 is connected to terminal 12 and the outgoing wire 22 is connected with terminal 14 of the eliminator 10 . the outgoing wire 22 may be a continuation of a transmission line , as shown in fig2 and connected to an incoming terminal of another equipment ( not shown ), selectively , depending on the intended protection . a traditional surge interceptor 24 , of essentially invariable operational characteristics shown symbolically and consisting substantially of a choke coil 26 , having a metallic core 28 , is connected with the coil terminals in series between the terminals 12 and 14 of the eliminator 10 . a high - energy surge arrrestor 30 consisting of a spark gap 32 in series with an avalanche type solid state device 34 is connected across terminal 12 and the station ground plane 16 . conversely , a low - energy arrestor 36 is connected across the terminal 14 and the substation ground plane 16 . the actual installation and typical component parts arrangement , in this case for an a . c . three - wire , three - phase electric system is reflected in fig2 showing one eliminator 10 per phase . each such eliminator 10 is connected with its terminal 12 to an incoming transmission line 20 and with its terminal 14 ( hidden ) to an outgoing transmission line 22 . the sturdy enclosure 38 of each eliminator 10 is mounted on an insulator 40 which , in turn , is fixedly positioned on an upright structural post 42 which is installed in the ground . each high - energy surge arrestor 30 is contained within the hollow interior of each insulator 44 , whereas each low - energy arrestor 36 is lodged within the hollow interior of each insulator 46 . the terminals 12 of each said high - energy surge arrestor are connected to the respective incoming transmission line wires whereas the terminals 16 are established by the ground post 16 . in turn , the terminals 14 of the low - energy arrestors 36 are connected with the respective outgoing transmission line wires 22 and the terminals 18 are provided by the grounded posts 18 . it should be noted that , in this example , the structural posts 42 do not carry any current . conventional structural supports 48 having , for example , lightning rods 50 mounted on their tops , braces 52 , insulators 54 and arc deflectors 56 complete the installation description . an eliminator type having only one high - voltage surge interceptor 24 and one low - energy arrestor 36 is illustrated in fig3 . the enclosure 38 , inside of which the high - voltage surge interceptor 24 is positioned , is mounted on the insulator 40 located on top of the structural post 42 , the latter being installed in the ground . the terminal 12 is connected to the , in this case single , incoming transmission line 20 , whereas the terminal 16 is established by the ground post 16 . the terminal 14 is connected to the outgoing transmission line 22 . to preclude ambiguity , the auxiliary electrical component parts and the structural members shown in fig2 and partly applicable to the installation of parts illustrated in fig3 were omitted from this figure . an alternate and variably adjustable high - voltage surge interceptor assembly 24a is illustrated in greater detail in fig4 . it has means for insertion into an electric circuit and means for placing on said means for insertion for the purpose of varying the electrical and physical reactive impedance of said circuit to provide the required protection . the metallic core 28 of an electrically conductive material , being said means for insertion , has a flat 58 and a hole 59 formed therein at each of its two ends for connection with the terminals 12 and 14 , respectively , as shown in fig1 . a first cylindrical tubing 60 of an electrically nonconductive material such as , for example , mylar is placed over the core 28 extending from one of its flats 58 to the other , acting as an electric and protective insulator . at least one toroidally - shaped member 62 -- being said means for placing on said means for insertion -- is positioned over both said first cylindrical tubing 60 and core 28 . depending on the required impedance of the surge interceptor 24a , additional toroidally - shaped members 62 may be placed side - by - side along the length of the core 28 . a second , also protective , cylindrical tubing 64 of a suitable electrical insulating material is installed as casing over the first , mylar , tubing and the toroidally - shaped member 62 of the surge interceptor assembly 24a . the high - voltage surge interceptor assembly 24a may be installed on top of an earth - mounted , electrically insulated support . depending on its weight and the accessibility to nearby structural members including cable runs , such an interceptor assembly 24a may be installed on and thusly suspended by these elements . an interceptor of this variety is , likewise , connected with one of its flats 58 and holes 59 to the incoming terminal 12 and in series with the other flat 58 and hole 59 to the outgoing terminal 14 . the operation of the subject high - voltage surge arrestor 30 is based on the following factors : it is a standard , substation - class arrestor , for selection on the basis of its energy - handling capability , its life expectancy and the system voltage . it is designed to negotiate the maximum lightning and related surge - energy and , in addition thereto , any follow - on current resulting from the arrestor operations . the maximum 99 . 9 percentile lightning - related surge energy is considered to be 200 , 000 joules . the maximum surge current is assumed to be 400 , 000 amperes peak for an 8 by 20 microseconds surge pulse . the earlier mentioned life expectancy is a function of the area of application and its related exposure risk . most existing substations will satisfy this functional requirement . in view of the aforementioned description of parts and of the operational parameters , possible methods of implementation for a conventional substation are as follows : one principle involves the use of a secondary - stage , high - energy , surge arrestor whereas the other mode operates without it , based on the following decisive factors : assuming a surge arrives at the junction to the station , it is carried in wires having generous , large - radii turns , if any , directly to the terminal ( s ) 12 of the high - voltage surge arrestor ( s ) 30 . the path through the high - voltage surge interceptors 24 and 24a , respectively , presents a high impedance to the surge and a low impedance to the rated operating power , thusly stopping the surge energy at that junction , storing it momentarily in the surge interceptor 24 and 24a , respectively , and then releasing it through the high - energy surge arrestor 30 after it responds to its &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; condition . any leakage energy , such as a voltage overshot , is dissipated in the low - energy arrestor 36 . whereas the operations and applications were described with reference to alternating current distribution systems , the subject principles , elements and component parts lend themselves readily and with appropriate minor modifications , respectively , for use with direct current distribution systems of the two and three - wire lines varieties , selectively . it is understood that the herein shown and described embodiments of the subject invention are but illustrative and that variations , modifications and alterations are feasible within the spirit of these teachings . | 7 |
referring first to fig1 - 3 , there is shown a tractor 10 having a preferred embodiment of the present invention attached thereto . the apparatus is attached to the tractor by means of plates 11a and 11b , frame members 12 and 13 , and support members 14 and 15 . frame members 12 and 13 are attached to the ends of a shaft or drawbar 20 , which extends transversely and behind the front wheel of the tractor 10 . drawbar 20 passes through sleeve 11 , and an additional attachment to tractor 10 may be made by attaching sleeve 11 to the underside of tractor 10 . a plurality of cutter units are attached to drawbar 20 . in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures there are shown four cutter units , 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 , although other equally preferable embodiments could include 6 , 8 or even more such cutter units by merely expanding the size of the frame and drawbar assembly . since each of the cutter unit assemblies is identical in construction and connection , reference will be made to cutter unit 30 in describing such construction , and with additional reference to fig4 and 5 . cutter unit 30 is attached to drawbar 20 by means of sleeve 31 . sleeve 31 is loosely fitted over drawbar 20 to provide free rotation thereof about drawbar 20 . a bracket 32 is rigidly attached to sleeve 31 , extending rearwardly from drawbar 20 . a mounting plate 33 is attached to bracket 32 by means of a hinge 34 . a bar 35 is attached to mounting plate 33 by means of a second hinge 36 , and is further attached to bracket 32 by bolt 37 . the upper end of bar 35 may be moved along slot 41 by loosening bolt 37 . movement of the upper end of bar 35 in the forward direction causes mounting plate 33 to become inclined at an acute angle relative to bracket 32 ; movement of the upper end of bar 35 in the reverse direction causes mounting plate 33 to become inclined at an obtuse angle relative to bracket 32 . hinge pins 34 and 36 permit the angular positioning of mounting plate 33 relative to bracket 32 . hydraulic motor 38 is attached to mounting plate 33 and bracket 32 by suitable attachments . hydraulic motor 38 has a bearing housing 38a through which a rotatable drive shaft 38b passes , and cutter unit 39 is attached to this drive shaft . cutter unit 39 is attached to this drive shaft . cutter unit 39 has a lower edge 42 which operates as a cutter blade . edge 42 may be sharpened around its periphery , or it may be serrated and sharpened , depending upon the type of cutting edge desired . cutter unit 39 has an upper edge 43 which is dish - shaped , and which serves to deflect the crop being cut from entanglement with the other portions of the apparatus . a scraper blade 29 is held in close proximity to cutting edge 42 , and is attached to mounting plate 33 by means of a bracket 28 . scraper blade 29 serves to clean excess soil from the top surface of cutting edge 42 . sleeve 31 has a control arm 45 rigidly attached thereto , so that pivotal movement of control arm 45 about shaft 20 causes corresponding movement of bracket 32 and cutter unit 30 . an elongated rod 46 is attached at one of its ends to control arm 45 , and is attached at its other end to lever 48 . lever 48 is latchable in a latching mechanism ( not shown ) by squeezing handle 49 and positioning lever 48 in one of a plurality of latch positions . in each of these latch positions lever 48 controls the maximum depth which the cutter blade can operate in the ground . each of the cutter units 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 respectively has a control arm 45 , 55 , 65 , 75 coupled to a lever to permit independent adjustment of each cutter unit to a relative height position . similarly , each cutter unit is pivotally attached to a bracket such as bracket 32 for cutter unit 30 , to permit independent adjustment of the cutting angle in each case . in operation , the cutting angles are typically initially adjusted for each cutter unit , and a short operational run is made over a field where cutting is to be accomplished . during this run the units are adjusted for optimal cutting depth in the soil . depending upon the characteristics and moisture content of the soil , and also upon the condition and wear of the cutting edges , the cutting angle of one or more cutting units may be readjusted for optimal operation . once this has been accomplished and the device is brought into full operation in cutting a crop on a field , the respective cutting heights may be adjusted while the unit is moving to select the best cutting height for each cutter unit as the soil and speed conditions dictate . any single cutter unit can be brought out of operation while the other cutter units are still operating , by moving its respective lever to the maximum forward position , which causes the cutter unit to raise and withdraw from the soil . the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof , and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive , reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention . | 0 |
with reference now to the drawings , and in particular fig1 to 10 thereof , a new and improved arrowhead embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described . more specifically , the arrowhead 10 of the instant invention essentially comprises an improvement of the prior art as illustrated in fig1 and 2 , wherein the prior art utilizes a first blade formed 1 with a first recess 3 and a second blade 2 formed with a second recess , wherein the recesses receive a sleeve 5 cooperative against an associated collet 6 formed with a forward conical split portion to be received within the first and second recesses with an impact ring 7 separating the collet from an internally threaded insert 8 mounted within an associated arrow shaft 9 whereupon relative rotation of the collet relative to the insert secures the first and second blades together . it should be noted that the primary blade is of a delta configuration terminating in a forward apex and wherein the secondary blade is also of a delta configuration but formed with a blunt apex with an axial slot 21 bisecting the forward blunt apex . the arrowhead 10 , as illustrated in fig3 utilizes a primary blade mounting a secondary blade 12 therewithin . the primary blade 11 is formed with a first and second triangular stability slot 14 and accordingly , the secondary blade 12 utilizes a plurality of second triangular stability slots 15 , wherein each of the pairs of triangular stability slots are positioned symmetrically about an axis or center line of each of the respective primary and secondary blade members 11 and 12 . the primary blade 11 is formed with an enclosed slot 13 positioned medially of the first triangular stability slots 14 and coaxially aligned with the center line of the primary blade 11 , wherein the enclosed slot 13 is of a length to receive the secondary blade 12 therewithin . the primary blade 11 is provided with a coaxially and rearwardly extending axial shaft 16 formed with a threaded rear portion 17 . the threaded rear portion 17 is arranged for threaded engagement within a typical arrowhead shaft 9 which may include a conventional internally threaded insert 18 , as illustrated in fig2 . the slotted ferrule 18 , as illustrated in fig7 through 10 as well as fig4 is formed with a conical forward nose and a cylindrical body with a ferrule bore 23 extending through the cylindrical body and into the forward conical nose at a predetermined distance to be further defined below . the conical nose includes a plurality of axial slots formed with a primary blade slot 19 of a first length and a secondary blade slot 20 of a second length less than that of the first length , wherein the lowermost edge of the secondary blade slot extends below the forwardmost extent of the ferrule bore 23 within the conical nose . as may be appreciated , the secondary blade 12 is inserted within the slot 13 of the primary blade , wherein the axial shaft 16 is of a width substantially equal to the diameter of the ferrule bore 23 to extend therethrough with the positioning stem 22 of the secondary blade coaxially aligned with the secondary blade , also a diameter substantially equal to the bore 23 , whereupon threaded engagement of the threaded rear portion 17 within the arrow shaft 9 forces a forward portion of the arrow shaft 9 against the rear edge of the positioning stem 22 and forces a forward axial slot 21 formed within the apex of the secondary blade 11 into engagement with the forward end of the enclosed slot 13 and locks the secondary blade within the primary blade . as to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention , the same should be apparent from the above disclosure , and accordingly no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention shall be provided . with respect to the above description then , it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention , to include variations in size , materials , shape , form , function and manner of operation , assembly and use , are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art , and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention . therefore , the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of & amp ; he principles of the invention . further , since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art , it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described , and accordingly , all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to , falling within the scope of the invention . | 5 |
referring to fig1 through 4 , the male mechanical connector 40 is represented in a position where it is anchored in its female receptacle , with the dogs extended and the tether tensioned . the female receptacle 1 has a circular metal wall 2 , securely anchored to the seabed . the female receptacle 1 comprises a cylindrical hole , 0 1 in diameter at the bottom , which hole is necked to a lesser diameter 0 2 towards the top , such that an internal annular shoulder 3 is established between the two latter diameters . the mouth of the female receptacle 1 is flared out to form an insertion cone 4 . the male mechanical connector 40 designed to mate with said female receptacle 1 comprises a cylindrical body 5 of axis δ , connected to a line 6 , being for example the tether of a tension - leg offshore oil production platform , via means allowing a certain angular freedom or &# 34 ; swing &# 34 ; of the tether in relation to the connector itself , represented by the axes δ 1 and δ 2 . said connection means include a hemispherical ball 7 and socket 8 joint , the socket 8 being on the end of the line 6 . a high - strength bushing 9 of a reinforced elastic material transmits the pulling force from the line 6 to the body 5 of the connector 40 . said means are located within an upper cavity 43 of the male connector 40 . the bottom of body 5 , below the just - described ball and socket joint assembly , features an internal bottom cavity 10 whose cylindrical wall is provided with a circular series of openings 11 opening radially to the outside . each opening 11 receives a dog 12 having a top surface 90 and a bottom surface 91 and a tail - like bottom extension 13 attached to the top part of a spring leaf 14 whose bottom end is attached , in the bottom of cavity 10 , to the side wall of a circular plate 15 , fig2 . unless prevented , the spring leaf 14 urges the dog 12 outwardly through opening 11 , as shown in fig1 and 2 -- in which position the tail 13 of said dog is radially stopped by the wall 16 of the body 5 and the bottom surface 91 of said dog bears against the bottom 44 of opening 11 . in order to allow the spring leaf 14 to urge the dog 12 radially outward , the side wall 17 of the circular plate 15 , to which the bottom ends of all the leaf springs 14 are fastened , is made oblique . in mated configuration as illustrated in fig1 through 4 , the dogs thus project radially out of the external cylindrical wall of the connector such that the circumscribed circle about the ends of all the dogs has a diameter between 0 1 and 0 2 . the outer end of the dogs has an inclined outer surface 18 enabling their automatic retraction during penetration of the connector in its female receptacle , by the pushing of said inclined surface 18 against the conical wall 4 of the receptacle mouth . accordingly , the sloping direction of said inclined surface is made such that one moves away from the axis δ of the connector in moving up the slope of said surface 18 . as can be seen from fig3 and 4 , the dogs comprise a cutout 19 accommodating a pin 20 connected to an arm 21 passing through a slot 22 in the back wall 23 of the dog . this cutout 19 allows the dog 12 to move freely backwards at the time of connector 40 penetration into the female receptacle 1 , leaving a space 24 behind the pin 20 , between the pin and the dog &# 39 ; s back wall 23 . this is most readily apparent in fig6 -- the enlarged detail illustration showing the position of the parts when the dogs are pushed back as the connector 40 penetrates into the female receptacle . the same configuration of the parts in the overall connector is seen from the outside in fig5 . for practical purposes of manufacture , the dogs , as can be seen in fig3 and 4 , are made of two assembled parts . the back surface 24 of the cutout 19 in each dog 12 , as best seen in fig1 , 6 , 7 and 9 , is inclined from the vertical -- inclined in other words with respect to the axis δ , thus forming an oblique ramp sloping up and away from the axis δ . the top of this ramp 24 ends in a notch 25 . the ramp 24 acts as a cam in cooperation with the pin 20 which includes means for vertical movement parallel to the axis δ enabling retraction of the dogs 12 for connector disconnection . to enable vertical displacement of all the pins 20 simultaneously , the arms 21 are made as extensions of a plate 26 attached to an axial operating stem 27 . this axial operating stem 27 extends through the circular plate 15 and projects , when in its bottommost position represented in fig1 and 5 , beyond the bottom end of the connector 40 . thus , as the connector 40 bottoms in the receptacle 1 following slackening of the tether , string or line 6 , the operating stem 27 slides up and the dogs 12 retract due to their pins &# 39 ; 20 bearing against the dogs &# 39 ; oblique ramps 24 . at the end of this upward travel of the stem 27 , the pins 20 catch in the notches 25 and are locked against descent . it is then possible , with the dogs retracted , to pull up the line 6 . fig7 shows the connector 40 bearing upon the bottom 28 of the female receptacle , with its operating stem 27 pushed up and the dogs 12 retracted . the operating stem 27 can also be actuated by hydraulic means , as represented in fig9 . to this end , the stem , as shown in fig1 and 9 is given an internal cylindrical cavity 29 housing a fixed piston 30 connected to a fixed stem 31 passing through the movable operating stem 27 and fastened to the cylindrical body 5 of the connector , at the top wall 32 of the lower internal cavity 10 . the fixed piston 30 separates the cylindrical internal cavity 29 of the movable operating stem 27 into two chambers supplied with hydraulic fluid via fluid - tight hoses 33 and 34 passing through the body 5 in a channel 35 and running to the surface alongside the tether 6 . it is thereby possible to retract the dogs 12 , disconnect the connector and pull up the tether string under hydraulic power , by sending hydraulic fluid down hose 34 after having slackened and slightly lowered the tether . the bottom end of the connector 40 has damping means 37 . also , ribs 38 , separated by open channels 39 are provided around the outside of the top part of connector body 5 ( fig5 ) for greater slidability and for evacuation of water when the connector 40 penetrates the female receptacle 1 . as previously stated , fig5 and 6 represent the connector during the mating phase , with the dogs retracted , as they are at the beginning of the penetration phase due to the pressure of the dogs &# 39 ; inclined surface 18 against the flared wall or cone 4 of the receptacle mouth . the descent continues up to the point when the dogs arrive at the level where the female receptacle has a diameter of 0 1 , the dogs rubbing against the receptacle &# 39 ; s wall of diameter 0 2 , as they are urged outwards by the spring leafs 14 . as soon as they reach the level of 0 1 , the dogs extend to a maximum , such that the tail 13 hits the wall 16 , which can be equipped with a series of damping pads 42 , fig6 for smoother operation . likewise , the top surface of the dogs can be provided with cushioning means 43 , fig2 . the tether string is then pulled up and the dogs -- specifically the dogs &# 39 ; top surface 90 -- stop against shoulder 3 . this position , with the connector mated and the tether tensioned , is illustrated in fig1 through 4 . to ensure the dogs stay extended when the connector is locked and the line 6 tensioned , the dogs &# 39 ; top 90 and bottom 91 surfaces , which at this point bear respectively against the shoulder 3 and the bottom surface 44 of the opening 11 , form a slight angle between them , of approximately 3 °, open toward the outside of the connector . this feature is particularly advantageous in the event a spring leaf 14 should fail , through rupture or fatigue . fig7 illustrates disconnection by pressure against the bottom 28 and fig9 illustrates disconnection by hydraulic pressure exerted in the upper chamber of the cylindrical cavity 29 , causing the movable axial operating stem 27 to rise , the piston 30 remaining stationary . the light broken line drawing portion in fig2 shows the position of the dog 12 , the spring leaf 14 and the pin 20 when the dogs are being retracted , not automatically as during connection , but , during disconnection , by upward motion of the operating stem 27 due either to bottoming of the connector ( fig7 ) or hydraulic power ( fig9 ). the connector according to the invention is thus mechanically extremely simple and allows reliable , automatic connection without pushing against the bottom and without the need of hydraulic power . disconnection can be accomplished in two ways : either mechanically or hydraulically , giving added reliability . moreover , the male connector 40 to line 6 ball - and - socket joint assembly 7 , 8 and 9 , allowing an angular movement by δ 1 to δ 2 of the axis δ of line 6 relative to the connector axis , being located above the mechanical system of the connecting / disconnecting means , ie . above the internal cavity 10 , in a higher internal cavity 43 , affords a greater angular clearance than the connector of the previously mentioned french prior art document no . 2 573 831 . in some cases , such as in the event of rupture of the fluid supply hoses 33 and 34 running along the tether line 6 , or of a faulty connection operation for example , it may be necessary for divers or some automatic underwater machine to carry out the dogs retraction or extension procedure from the seabed . for such case , a safety manifold 50 can be provided , installed as shown in fig1 near the connector . the desired maneuvering can thus be accomplished merely by connecting an emergency hydraulic supply to the manifold . the safety manifold 50 is secured to the bottom of the line , near the connector , with pipe clamps 62 and is interposed in the hoses 33 and 34 . it is equipped with two self - sealing , ie . &# 34 ; valved &# 34 ; fittings 53 and 54 enabling connection of the emergency hydraulic supply couplings . fig1 shows the various components of the safety manifold 50 drawn in symbolic form , in a box drawn with light hyphenated lines 70 . the manifold basically comprises a 3 - way a , s and b , springcentered three - position , directional control valve 61 with a hydraulic pilot , centered by springs 71 and 72 . the self - sealing fittings 53 and 54 containing valves 55 and 56 are connected to way s by opposite acting check valves 57 and 58 ; they are further connected via two other opposite acting check valves 59 and 60 to fluid leakage drain lines 73 , 74 and 75 ; lastly , the self - sealing fitting 53 is connected to the pilot inlet port 76 of the overall directional control valve 61 to control rightward sliding of the valve spool . ways a and b are connected to hoses 33 and 34 whose outlets are respectively connected to the bottom chamber 29a and the top chamber 29b of the cylindrical cavity 29 of the axial operating stem 27 . in normal operation , in the absence of any anomaly or rupture of hoses 33 , 34 along the tether 6 , control valve 61 is set in the center position shown in the figure and hydraulic fluid is supplied from the surface . in the event of a malfunction and if it becomes impossible to hydraulically supply the chambers 29a and 29b from the surface , an emergency supply brought by a diver or underwater service machine , having couplings 51 and 52 is used . said couplings 51 and 52 respectively connect to the self - sealing fittings 53 and 54 , opening valves 55 and 56 as well as 78 and 79 . to retract the dogs 12 , and accordingly to raise the operating stem 27 , it is necessary to supply the top chamber 29b . this is done by pressurizing the emergency supply line connected to coupling 51 . the directional valve spool is moved to the right by applying pressure to the pilot inlet 76 , thus connecting way b to the plugged bore z , way s to the oblique bore y and way a to the direct bore x . valve 57 is opened and fluid enters chamber 29b through way s , oblique bore y and the bottom section of hose 34 . the oil contained in bottom chamber 29a is evacuated through the bottom section of hose 33 , bore x and way a and discharged to the sea through the break in hose 33 at 80 . any leaks as may occur from the directional valve are discharged through lines 73 , 74 and 75 and valve 60 , and thereafter go to coupling 52 . cancelling the pressure in the line supplying the coupling 51 allows the directional valve 61 spool to resume its center rest position , thanks to the action of springs 71 and 72 . conversely , to supply the bottom chamber 29a , so as to lower the operating stem 27 , the coupling 52 must be supplied with hydraulic fluid under pressure , which has the effect of moving the directional valve 61 spool to the left , to make way s communicate with said bottom chamber via oblique bore y 1 and the bottom section of hose 33 . the top chamber 29b empties through bore x 1 and hose 34 and discharges to the sea at the break . any leakage from the directional valve discharges through lines 73 , 74 and 75 , valve 59 and coupling 51 . | 1 |
the two above related patents show abdominal benches that employ a weight arranged to slide between several positions to provide either more or less weight beneath the pivoting torso portion of the bench . at one of the extreme positions the weight will actually aid or assist the equipment user and acts like a negative weight . at the opposite position the full amount of the weight must be lifted when performing a sit up . it has been found that another approach might work as well and rather than employing a weight one can use one or more elastic members , or some other form of structure that could provide resistance in one direction yet assist or provide a negative load in another direction . fig1 is a diagrammatic and broad view of the concept of the abdominal bench in the above referenced applications , with the bench 10 being comprised of a frame 12 as torso section 14 pivotally attached to the frame 12 and movable between a lowered position , shown in full lines , and a raised position shown in dotted lines . a weight mechanism 18 is attached to the torso section 14 and a weight 20 can move along a support 22 between positions a . b . and c . a foot section is shown at 24 that can move between the full and dotted lines positions . since the weight mechanism 18 is attached to and moves with the torso section 14 the weight mechanism 18 is also shown in full line ( down ) and dotted line ( raised ) positions . when weight 20 is in the a position the weight provides a negative weight and actually assists the user in performing sit ups . in the b position the weight 20 is in a neutral position and in the c position the weight 20 is applying its greatest resistance load to the user . positions in between these three positions provide more or less assistance or resistance weight depending upon where the weight is located . fig2 shows a first embodiment of alternative assist and / or resist mechanisms that will provide additional abdominal exercising opportunities . the torso section , shown at 30 along with gripping arms 31 , is pivotally mounted to frame 32 and will continue to be pivotal between the full line position and various positions toward a full vertical , one of which is shown by the dotted line . a foot section 38 is also pivotally attached to frame 32 and will be movable , at least between the full and dotted line positions shown . in this embodiment it is preferred to include a frame member 34 attached to the torso section 30 , or at least a link structure , that will provide an interior end 36 that is connected to torso section 30 that will act as an attachment point for the assist / resist mechanism 40 . the assist / resist mechanism 40 is comprised of a first elastic member 42 one end of which is connected to end 36 of the frame member 34 and the other end is attached to the frame 32 at a point 46 . a second elastic member 44 is interconnected between end 36 and frame 32 at a point 48 , on the opposite side of frame 32 from point 46 . both elastic members 42 and 44 are removably attached and in most instances one of the other will be used . there can be a variety of elastic members each of which can have different degrees of elasticity , thus employing more or less resistance . when elastic member 42 is in use by it self , it will provide an assist force by pulling end 36 toward point 46 and thereby help rotate or help pivot the torso section 30 at least at the start of a crunch and thereafter depending upon the amount of force available . depending upon the degree of elasticity chosen for elastic member 42 more or less of such an assist force can be provided . when elastic member 44 is in use by itself , and again depending upon the degree of elasticity chosen , it will provide more or less resistance by resisting end 36 being pulled away from point 48 as a user pivots the torso section 30 toward the dotted line position . the assist / resist mechanism 40 can also include an elastic member 50 that can be interconnected between the point 48 on the frame 32 and a point 52 on the foot section 38 so that a resist function can be provided for the foot section 50 when moved from the full line position toward the dotted line position . a second elastic member 54 can be interconnected between the point 52 on the foot section 38 and a point 56 on frame 32 , so that an assist function could be provided . in each case , the amount of the resisting force or the amount of the assisting force that is available and being used can be varied depending upon the degree of elasticity chosen for the particular elastic member . the elastic members , for example , can be comprised of any elastomeric or elastic material , item , or device , including rubber or combinations of rubber , plastic , or other elastomeric materials or combinations thereof . such elastic members could , for example , be provided with open holes adjacent their ends which holes can allow the elastic members to be slipped over or otherwise removably connected to the points 36 , 46 , 48 , 52 and 56 , each of which could be a type of connector such as , and including but not limited to a pin , a rod or a capped rod like member , that could be welded , bolted or otherwise fixed to frame 32 . alternatively , the elastic members could be provided with a releasable or removable fastener affixed at their ends with such a fastener fitting over or being connectable to the pins or rods mentioned above . it should be understood that a variety of removable fastening techniques could be employed that would permit the elastic members to be put on and removed from the pins or connectors on the frame , and the forgoing description should not be viewed as being limited or limiting in any way the elastic members could also include springs , including both compression and tension springs , elastic straps , combinations of foam and elastic , or any stretchable material or member where the amount of stretch can be controlled or varied by the material used , by changing the size or dimensions of the material or by the combinations of materials being used . in addition , the elastic members could be flat straps , hollow tubes , sections cut from sheets of elastic material or other shapes and forms of elastic material . these would also be used with the pin or connectors on the frame . fig3 and 4 show another arrangement for adjusting the amount of force available for either assisting a bench user or for resisting the pivoting of the torso section 30 . here frame 32 has been supplied with a plurality of elastic member attachment points , as at 60 - 66 on one side for adding resistance , while points 68 - 72 on the other side of the frame 32 provide attachment points for adding assistance forces . various combinations are now possible . for example , on the resistance side one approach would be to choose one from a plurality of elastic members , for example those shown at 80 - 86 , which could thus provide varying lengths and / or strengths and thereby vary the amount of resistance selected . alternatively , one elastic member could be used but its point of attachment could changed between points 60 - 66 so that as the point of attachment changed for that given elastic member it will provide its own variations in the amount of available elasticity , more or less depending on the changing distance it must be pulled . as another alternative , two , three or all four elastic members 80 - 86 could be used with the latter thereby providing a maximum amount of resistance force with the arrangement shown . on the assistance side , elastic members 90 - 94 will also have three points of attachment , 68 - 72 and thereby provide a plurality of strengths for applying a pulling force on end 36 . fig5 shows another embodiment for an abdominal bench 100 where the frame 105 supports a dual - action , pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 102 , that is pivotally interconnected between frame 105 , for example on a suitable cross beam ( not shown ), and a connector located on the bottom surface of the torso section 103 . all that is required of cylinder 102 is to be able to operate in either an assist mode to push the torso section 103 upwardly , or in a resist mode where it would resist pivoting of the torso section 103 upwardly from the down position shown . in one form , cylinder 102 could be computer controlled to provide what ever effect a user entered into a control system to produce a force in one direction or the other and the amount of force or resistance . in a simplified version , the cylinder could be operated by rotating it clockwise or counter clockwise to thereby set either an assist or resist function , the with amount of force or resistance being dependent upon the number of rotations . the bench 100 includes a foot section 107 and a pair of handles on the torso section 103 to aid in performing crunch exercises . in this embodiment as well , elastic members could be used between the frame 105 and the torso section 103 to provide resistance to pivoting the torso section upwardly . in fact , elastic members could be used in conjunction with the cylinder 102 for resistance purposes . in addition , the foot section 107 could also include a similar cylinder 109 to provide either an assist or resist function to movement of the foot section 107 . as another alternative , the torso section 103 could be provided with a spring or a series of springs working in tandem or collectively , that could provide an assist function to help raise the torso section 103 . depending on the type of spring being used they could be located in place of cylinder 102 or otherwise positioned beneath torso section 103 . leaf springs , for example , could be located horizontally below the torso section and appear in a series manner as the torso section is raised , or might provide only an initial assistance force at the beginning of movement of the torso movement . conversely , a coil spring could be used in place of cylinder 102 , but in that position , to provide resistance to the pivotal movement of the torso section 103 . in each of these embodiments , the foot section could be an independent section that could operate with but the operation of which was not linked to the torso section . alternatively , the foot section could be interconnected to or linked to operate in conjunction with the torso section , as shown in the two above referenced &# 39 ; 154 and &# 39 ; 203 patents , which are commonly owned at the time of this filing and the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto . while the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment , it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment , but on the contrary , is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims . | 0 |
this invention relates to hmg - coa reductase inhibitors of formulae ( i ) and ( ii ): ## str12 ## wherein : r 1 is : ( 2 ) substituted c 1 - 10 alkyl in which one or more substituent ( s ) is ( h ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y , ( l ) substituted phenyls ( o ) n in which the substituents are x and y , and ( 6 ) substituted c 3 - 8 cycloalkyl in which one substituent is ( b ) substituted c 1 - 10 alkyl in which the substituent is ( vii ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y ( xi ) substituted phenyls ( o ) n in which the substituents are x and y , and ( f ) substituted phenyls ( o ) n in which the substituents are x and y , ( m ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y ; ( 8 ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y ; ( 13 ) substituted phenylamino in which the substituents are x and y , ( 15 ) substituted phenyl c 1 - 10 alkylamino in which the substituents are x and y ; ( e ) substituted c 1 - 5 alkyl in which the substituent is selected from : ( b ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y ; ( 3 ) substituted c 1 - 5 in which the substituent is selected from a is a single bond or a double bond ; halogen is cl or f ; n is 0 , 1 or 2 ; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof . except where specifically defined to the contrary , the terms &# 34 ; alkyl &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; alkenyl &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; acyl &# 34 ; &# 34 ; aryloxy &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; alkoxy &# 34 ; include both the straight chain and branched - chain species of the term . one embodiment of this invention is the class of compounds of formulae ( i ) and ( ii ) wherein : ( 2 ) substituted c 1 - 10 alkyl in which one or more substituent ( s ) is selected from ( h ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y , ( 4 ) substituted c 3 - 8 cycloalkyl in which one substituent is selected from ( b ) substituted c 1 - 10 alkyl in which the substituent is selected from ( vii ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y , and ( i ) substituted phenyl in which the substituents are x and y ; ( 6 ) substituted phenylamino in which the substituents are x and y ; ( 8 ) substituted phenyl c 1 - 10 alkylamino in which the substituents are x and y , ( d ) substituted c 1 - 5 alkyl in which the substitutent is selected from : in one class of this embodiment are the compounds of formulae ( i ) and ( ii ) wherein : ( c ) substituted c 1 - 5 alkyl in which the substitutent is selected from : the compounds of formula ( i ) are prepared from lovastatin , simvastatin or mevastatin following the outline in schemes 1 and 2 . ## str13 ## starting material ( 1 ) is hydrogenated using a trialkylsilyl hydride in trifluoroacetic acid to yield monoene ( 2 ). monoene ( 2 ) is treated with a reagent suitable for protecting the alcohol group at the lactone 4 - position . examples of suitable reagents are trialkylsilyl chlorides , dialkylarylsilyl chlorides and dihydropyran . compound ( 3 ) is treated with m - chloroperoxybenzoic acid ( mcpba ) to yield the epoxide ( 4 ) which is then reacted with boron trifluoride to form the ketone ( 5 ). a grignard reagent or an organolithium reagent is added to the ketone moiety to form compound ( 6 ). compound ( 6 ) was dehydrated employing methyl ( carboxysulfamoyl )- triethyl ammonium hydroxide to yield exo - methylene intermediate ( 7 ). intermediate ( 7 ) was treated with 10 % pd / c under hydrogen to form the 4 - methyl compound ( 8 ). the hydroxy protecting group may be removed from compound ( 8 ) by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride in acetic acid and thf to yield product ( 9 ) as shown in scheme 2 intermediate ( 5 ) can be directly converted to compound ( 7 ) by treatment with titanium tetrachloride , zinc and dibromomethane in thf . compound ( 7 ) can be oxidized to intermediate ( 10 ) by treatment with tert - butyl hydroperoxide and selenium dioxide . reaction of compound ( 10 ) with triethyl orthoacetate gave intermediate ( 11 ), which upon treatment with hf in aqueous acetonitrile gave product ( 12 ). where the reaction conditions of the above noted chemical transformations would be deleterious to the substituents in the 8 - acyloxy moiety , the acetoxy group can be employed as a protecting group which after the elaboration of the naphthyl ring can be removed by hydrolysis to give the 8 - hydroxy derivative which then can be acylated according to the general procedures described in u . s . pat . no . 4 . 661 . 483 . where the product formed by the above described synthetic pathways is not the desired form of that compound , then that product may be subjected to one or more further reactions such as hydrolysis , disilylation , ammonolysis or lactonization by conventional methods . preferred metal salts are salts with alkali metals , such as sodium or potassium , salts with alkaline earth metals , such as calcium , or salts with other metals such as magnesium , aluminum , iron , zinc , copper , nickel or cobalt , of which the alkali metal , alkaline earth metal , magnesium and aluminum salts are preferred , the sodium , calcium and aluminum salts being most preferred . preferred amino acids to form amino acide salts are basic amino acids , such as arginine , lysine , a , β - diaiminobutyric acid or ornithine . preferred amines to form amine salts include t - octylamine , dibenzylamine , ethylenediamine , morpholine , and tris ( hydroxymethyl ) aminomethane . also preferred is ammonia to form the ammonium salt . esters are preferably the alkyl esters , such as the methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , butyl , isobutyl , or pentyl esters , of which the methyl ester is preferred . however , other esters such as phenyl - c 1 - 5 alkyl may be employed if desired . metal salts of the carboxylic acids of formula ( ii ) may be obtained by contacting a hydroxide , carbonate or similar solvent with the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ). the aqueous solvent employed is preferably water , or it may be a mixture of water with an organic solvent , preferably an alcohol ( such as methanol or ethanol ), a ketone ( such as acetone ), an aliphatic hydrocarbon ( such as hexane ) or an ester ( such as ethyl acetate ). it is preferred to use a mixture of a hydrophilic organic solvent with water . such reactions are normally conducted at ambient temperature but they may , if desired , be conducted with heating or cooling . amine salts of the carboxylic acids of formula ( ii ) may be obtained by contacting an amine in an aqueous solvent with the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ). suitable aqueous solvents include water and mixtures of water with alcohols ( such as methanol or ethanol ), ethers ( such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran ), nitriles ( such as acetonitrile ) or ketones ( such as acetone ); it is preferred to use aqueous acetone as the solvent for this reaction . the reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature of ambient or below , more preferably a temperature of from 5 ° to 10 ° c . the reaction immediately goes to completion . alternatively , a metal salt of the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ) ( which may have been obtained as described above ) can be dissolved in an aqueous solvent , after which a mineral acid salt ( for example the hydrochloride ) of the desired amine is added , employing the same reaction conditions as when the amine itself is reacted with the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ) and the desired product is then obtained by metathesis . amino acid salts of the carboxylic acids of formula ( ii ) may be obtained by contacting an amino acid in aqueous solution with the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ). suitable aqueous solvents include water and mixtures of water with alcohols ( such as methanol or ethanol ) or ethers ( such as tetrahydrofuran ). esters , preferably alkyl esters , of the carboxylic acids of formula ( ii ) may be obtained by contacting the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ) with an appropriate alcohol , preferably in the presence of an acid catalyst , for example , a mineral acid ( such as hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid ), a lewis acid ( for example boron trifluoride ) or an acidic ion exchange resin . the solvent employed for this reaction is not critical , provided that it does not adversely affect the reaction ; suitable solvents include the alcohol itself , benzene , chloroform , ethers and the like . alternatively , the desire product may be obtained by contacting the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ) with a diazoalkane , in which the alkane moiety may be substituted or unsubstituted . this reaction is usually effected by contacting the acid with an ethereal solution of the diazoalkane . as a further alternative , the ester may be obtained by contacting a metal salt of the carboxylic acid of formula ( ii ) with a halide , preferably an alkyl halide , in a suitable solvent ; preferred solvents include dimethylformamide , tetrahydrofuran , dimethylsulfoxide and acetone . finally , esters may also be obtained from the lactone of formula ( i ) by reaction with an appropriate alkoxide in an absolute alkanol . all of the reactions for producing esters are preferably effected at about ambient temperature , but , if required by the nature of the reaction system , the reactions may be conducted with heating or cooling . lactones of the carboxylic acids of formula ( i ) may be obtained by lactonizing the carboxylic acids of formula ( ii ) under ordinary conditions known to one skilled in the art . the intrinsic hmg - coa reductase inhibition activity of the claimed compounds is measured in the in vitro protocol published in j . med . chem ., 28 , p . 347 - 358 ( 1985 ). for estimation of relative inhibitory potencies , compactin ( i . e ; mevastatin ) was assigned a value of 100 and the ic 50 value of the test compound was compared with that of compactin determined simultaneously in the published in vitro protocol . illustrative of the relative potency of the claimed compounds is that exhibited by compound ( 9 &# 39 ;) of example 1 which has a relative potency of 297 . the compounds of this invention are useful as antihypercholesterolemic agents for the treatment of arteriosclerosis , hyperlipidemia , familial hypercholesterolemia and like diseases in humans . they may be administered orally or parenterally in the form of a capsule , a tablet , an injectable preparation or the like . it is usually desirable to use the oral route . doses may be varied , depending on the age , severity , body weight and other conditions of human patients but daily dosage for adults is within a range of from about 10 mg to 2000 mg ( preferably 10 to 100 mg ) which may be given in two to four divided doses . the compounds of this invention may also be coadministered with pharmaceutically acceptable nontoxic cationic polymers capable of binding bile acids in a non reabsorbable form in the gastrointestinal tract . examples of such polymers include cholestyramine , coletipol and poly [ methyl -( 3 - trimethylaminopropyl ) imino - trimethylene dihalide ]. the relative amount of the compounds of this invention and these polymers is between 1 : 100 and 1 : 15 , 000 . included within the scope of this invention is the method of treating arteriosclerosis , familial hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia which comprises administering to a subject in need of such treatment a nontoxic , therapeutically - effective amount of the compounds of formulae ( i ) or ( ii ) of pharmaceutical compositions thereof . the following examples illustrates the present invention and as such are not to be considered as limiting the invention set forth in the claims appended hereto . trifluoroacetic acid ( 36 ml ) was added to a stirred solution of simvastatin ( 30 g , 71 . 7 mmol ) and triethylsilane ( 24 ml , 0 . 18 mol ) in methylene chloride at 0 ° c . the resulting mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for 3 hours then warmed to ambient temperature and stirred for 15 hours . the reaction mixture was poured into ice / water mixture ( 600 ml ) and extracted with ether ( 700 ml ). the organic extract was washed with water ( 200 ml ), sodium bicarbonate ( prepared from dissolving 52 g of anhydrous sodium bicarbonate in 500 ml of water ) and brine . after drying and filtration , the organic extract was concentrated to give a residue . chromatography of the residue on a silica gel column and eluted with methylene chloride / acetone ( 20 / 1 , v / v ) removed the impurities . continued elution with methylene chloride / acetone ( 10 / 1 , v / v ) afforded the desired 2 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil : nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 81 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 83 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 01 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 13 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 14 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 62 ( h , m of d , j = 17 hz ), 2 . 76 ( h , d of d , j = 5 , 17 hz ), 4 . 38 ( h , m ), 4 . 62 ( h , m ), 5 . 30 ( h , m ), 5 . 47 ( h , m ). t - butyldimethylsilyl chloride ( 8 . 6 g , 57 mmol ) was added to a stirred solution of 2 &# 39 ; ( 20 g , 48 mmol ) and imidazole ( 9 . 8 g , 144 mmol ) in dmf ( 90 ml ). the resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 14 hours , then poured into cold water and extracted with ether . this ethereal extract was washed with 5 % hydrochloric acid , brine , and sodium bicarbonate solution . after the drying and filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to afford the desired 3 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil : nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 08 ( 6h , s ), 0 . 80 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 82 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 89 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 00 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 11 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 12 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 30 ( h , m ), 4 . 61 ( h , m ), 5 . 27 ( h , m ), 5 . 48 ( h , m ). m - chloroperoxybenzoic acid ( 22 . 6 g , 55 % active , 72 mmol ) powder was added in portions to a stirred solution of 3 &# 39 ;( 25 . 7 g , 48 mmol ) in methylene chloride ( 200 ml ). the resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 5 hours . the reaction mixture was diluted with ether ( 500 ml ), then shaken with sodium hydroxide solution ( 0 . 25 n , 750 ml ). the aqueous layer was extracted with ether ( 300 ml ). the combined extracts were washed with brine three times . after drying and filtration , the filtrate was concentrated to provide 4 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil which was used in the next step without purification : borontrifluoride etherate ( 11 . 4 ml , 93 mmol ) was dropwise added at 0 ° c . to a stirred solution of 4 &# 39 ; ( 26 g , 48 mmol ) in ether ( 500 ml ) under a nitrogen atmosphere . the resulting mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for 1 . 5 hours , then quenched with sodium bicarbonate solution with vigorous stirring . the ethereal layer was separated and washed with sodium bicarbonate solution twice , then brine . after drying and filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to give a residue . chromatography of the residue on a silica gel column eluted with 10 % ethyl acetate in hexane removed the impurities . further elution with 20 % ethyl acetate in hexane produced the desired 5 &# 39 ; as a solid : mp 134 - 6 ° c . ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 08 ( 6h , s ), 0 . 79 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 85 ( 3h , t , j = 7hz ), 0 , 87 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 03 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 18 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 19 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 10 ( h , m ), 2 . 28 ( h , d of d , j = 4 , 18 hz ), 2 . 39 ( h , m ), 4 . 30 ( h , m ), 4 . 70 ( h , m ), 5 . 25 ( h , m ). anal . calcd for c 31 h 54 o 6 si : c , 67 . 59 ; h , 9 . 88 . found : c , 67 . 52 ; h , 9 . 89 . methylmagnesium bromide ( 3 m in ether , 13 6 ml , 40 . 8 mmol ) was added via a syringe under nitrogen to a stirred solution of 5 &# 39 ; ( 13 . 8 g , 25 mmol ) in ether ( 900 ml ) at - 15 ° c . the resulting mixture was stirred at - 15 ° c . for 10 minutes , then warmed to ambient temperature and stirred for another 0 . 5 hours . the reaction mixture was recooled to - 15 ° c ., treated with 5 % ammonium sulfate ( 300 ml ) and stirred at - 15 ° for 15 minutes , and finally poured into cold water and extracted with ether . the ethereal extract was washed with brine , dried , filtered and evaporated to give the desired 6 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil : nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 085 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 09 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 86 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 89 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 02 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 08 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 14 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 16 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 21 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 29 ( h , m ), 5 . 57 ( h , m ), 5 . 22 ( h , m ). the inner salt of methyl ( carboxysulfamoyl ) triethylammonium hydroxide ( 11 . 5 g , 42 . 4 mmol ) was added to a stirred solution of 6 &# 39 ; ( 13 . 5 g , 23 . 8 mmol ) in toluene ( 410 ml ). the resulting mixture was stirred at 65 °- 70 ° c . under nitrogen for 1 . 5 hours . after cooling , the reaction was diluted with ether and washed with water ( 150 ml ). the organic phase was separated , dried , filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield a residue . this residue was purified on a silica gel column . elution of the column with hexane / ethyl acetate ( 4 / 1 , v / v ) provided a 1 . 2 / 1 mixture of 7 and 8 . this mixture was dissolved in ethanol ( 800 ml ) and added the catalyst of 10 % palladium on carbon ( 0 . 8 g ). the reaction flask was topped with a 3 - way stopcock with an attached balloon filled with hydrogen gas . the reaction flask was first connected to a house vacuum line to remove the air , then filled with hydrogen from the balloon . the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 70 minutes . the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaported to afford the desired 8 as a solid : mp 129 - 31 ° c . ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 08 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 09 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 82 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 84 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 90 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 10 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 14 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 15 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 67 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 23 ( h , m ), 2 . 36 ( h , t , j = 12 hz ), 4 . 28 ( h , m ), 4 . 58 ( h , m ), 5 . 17 ( h , m ), 5 . 45 ( h , d , j = 6 hz ). tetrabutylammonium fluoride solution ( 1 m in thf , 50 ml , 50 mmol ) was added to a stirred solution of 8 &# 39 ; ( 8 . 9 g , 16 . 2 mmol ) and acetic acid ( 4 . 2 g , 4 ml , 70 mmol ) in thf ( 100 ml ). the resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 60 hours , then poured into cold water and extracted with ether . the ethereal extract was washed with 5 % sodium bicarbonate , dried , filtered and evaported to give a residue . the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel column . elution with methylene chloride / acetone ( 20 / 1 , v / v ) removed the impurities . continued elution with methylene chloride / acetone ( 10 / 1 , v / v ) provided the desired 9 &# 39 ; as a solid . this solid was triturated with ether / hexane and cooled in an acetone / ice bath for 0 . 5 hours . the purified 9 &# 39 ; was collected by filtration as a white solid : mp 120 - 3 ° c . ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 82 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 86 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 10 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 15 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 16 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 67 ( 3h , s ), 2 , 23 ( h , m ), 2 . 37 ( h , t , j = 12 hz ), 2 . 61 ( h , m of d , j = 17 hz ), 2 . 73 ( h , d of d , j = 5 , 17 hz ), 5 . 37 ( h , m ), 5 . 59 ( h , m ), 5 . 18 ( h , m ), 5 . 45 ( h , d , j = 6 hz ). anal . calcd . for c 26 h 42 o 5 : c , 71 . 85 ; h , 9 . 74 . found : c , 71 . 61 ; h , 9 . 81 . titanium tetrachloride solution ( 1 m in methylene chloride , 0 . 4 ml , 0 . 4 mmol ) was added via a syringe under nitrogen to a stirred mixture of zinc dust ( 108 mg , 1 . 64 mmol ), methylene bromide ( 87 mg , 0 . 54 mmol ) in thf ( 2 ml ). the resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 minutes , followed by the addition of a solution of 5 &# 39 ; ( 200 mg , 0 . 36 mmol ) in thf ( 0 . 4 ml ). the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 48 hours , diluted with ether , then washed successively with hydrochloric acid ( 0 . 5 n ) and sodium bicarbonate . after drying and filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to give a residue which was purified on a silica gel column . elution of the column with 20 % ethyl acetate in hexane provided the desired 7 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil : nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 075 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 08 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 72 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 85 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 89 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 10 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 18 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 19 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 28 ( h , m ), 4 . 58 ( h , m ), 4 . 68 ( 2h , s ), 5 . 19 ( h , m ). a stirred mixture of 7 &# 39 ; ( 44 mg , 0 . 08 mmol ) in methylene chloride ( 1 . 5 ml ) and water ( 10 μl ) was treated successively with t - butyl hydroperoxide ( 90 % active , 18 μl , 0 . 17 mmol ) and selenium dioxide ( 4 . 4 mg , 0 . 04 mmol ). the resulting solution was stirred at 0 ° c . for 0 . 5 hours , then warmed to ambient temperature for 15 hours . methylsulfide ( 10 μl ) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 10 minutes , then poured into cold water and extracted with ether . the ethereal extract was dried , filtered and evaporated to leave a residue which was purified by chromatography . elution of the column with 30 % ethyl acetate in hexane afforded the desired 10 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil : nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 075 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 08 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 69 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 85 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 89 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 10 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 17 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 19 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 78 ( h , t , j = 12 hz ), 4 . 06 ( h , m ), 4 . 28 ( h , m ), 4 . 56 ( h , m ), 4 . 82 ( h , m ), 4 . 92 ( h , m ), 5 . 18 ( h , m ). a mixture of 10 &# 39 ; ( 18 mg , 0 . 032 mmol ) and freshly distilled triethylorthoacetate ( 0 . 5 ml ) was heated at 150 ° c . under nitrogen for 15 minutes . after cooling , the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ether . the extract was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate and brine . after drying and filtration , the filtrated was concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography . elution of the column with 20 % ethy gave the desired 11 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil : nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 075 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 08 ( 3h , s ), 0 . 82 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 84 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 88 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 11 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 14 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 15 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 26 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 14 ( 2h , q , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 28 ( h , m ), 4 . 58 ( h , m ), 5 . 17 ( h , m ), 5 . 46 ( h , m ). a solution of 11 &# 39 ; ( 4 mg , 0 . 006 mmol ) in acetonitrile ( 0 . 2 ml ) was treated with hydrofluoric acid ( 0 . 125 ml , prepared from diluting 0 . 5 ml of 49 % hydrofluoric acid with 9 . 5 ml of acetonitrile ) at 0 ° c . the resulting mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for 5 minutes , then warmed to ambient temperature and stirred for 3 hours . the reaction mixture was poured into cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate . the extract was washed with sodium bicarbonate and brine . after drying and filtration , the filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography . elution of the column with 10 % acetone in methylene chloride afforded the desired 12 &# 39 ; as a gummy oil . nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 0 . 81 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 0 . 85 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 12 ( 3h , d , j = 7 hz ), 1 . 16 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 17 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 27 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 60 ( h , m of d , j = 17 hz ), 2 . 73 ( h , d of d , j = 5 , 17 hz ), 4 . 15 ( 2h , g , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 28 ( h , m ), 4 . 59 ( h , m ), 5 . 19 ( h , m ), 5 . 46 ( h , m of d , j = 6 hz ). to a solution of compound 9 &# 39 ; in ethanol is added the catalyst 10 % pd / c , then hydrogenation on a parr shaker for 3 hours . after the removal of the catalyst by filtration , the filtrate is evaporated to afford the title compound . the title compound is obtained from compound 12 &# 39 ; via a similar procedure as that described in example 3 . the lactone ( 1 . 0 mmol ) from example 1 , step 7 , is dissolved with stirring in 0 . 1n naoh ( 1 . 1 mmol ) at ambient temperature . the resulting solution is cooled and acidifeid by the dropwise addition of 1n hcl . the resulting mixture is extracted with diethyl ether and the extract washed with brine and dried ( mgso 4 ). the mgso 4 is removed by filtration and the filtrate saturated with ammonia ( gas ) to give a gum which soldified to provide the ammonium salt . to a solution of 44 mg of lactone from example 1 , step 7 , in 2 ml of ethanol is added 1 ml of aqueous naoh ( 1 equivalent ). after one hour at room temperature , the mixture is taken to dryness in vacuo to yield the desired sodium salt . in like manner , the potassium salt is prepared using one equivalent of potassium hydroxide , and the calcium salt , using one equivalent of cao . to a solution of 0 . 05 g of the ammonium salt from example 5 in 10 ml of methanol is added 0 . 04 ml of ethylenediamine . the methanol is stripped off under vaccum to obtain the desired ethylenediamine salt . to a solution of 202 mg of the ammonium salt from example 5 in 5 ml of methanol is added a solution of 50 mg of tris (( hydroxymethyl ) aminomethane in 5 ml of methanol . the solvent is removed in vacuo to afford the desired tris (( hydroxymethyl ) aminomethane salt . a solution of 0 . 001 mole of l - lysine and 0 . 0011 mole of the ammonium salt from example 5 in 15 ml of 85 % ethanol is concentrated to dryness in vacuo to give the desired l lysine salt . a mixture of 69 mg of ammonium salt from example 5 in 2 ml of methylene chloride and 0 . 08 ml of 24 % tetramethylammonium hydroxide in methanol is diluted with ether to yield the desired tetramethylammonium salt . to a solution of 400 mg of lactone from example 1 , step 7 , in 100 ml of absolute methanol is added 10 ml 0 . 1 m sodium methoxide in absolute methanol . this soution is allowed to stand at room temperature for one hour , then is diluted with water and extracted twi : e with ethyl acetate . the organic phase is separated , dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated in vacuo to yield the desired methyl ester . in like manner , by the use of equivalent amounts of propanol , butanol , isobutanol , t - butanol , amylalcohol , isoamylalcohol , 2 , 2 - dimethylaminoethanol , benzylalcohol , phenethanol , 2 - acetamidoethanol and the like , the corresponding esters are obtained . the sodium salt of the compound ii from example 6 is dissolved in 2 ml of ethanol - water ( 1 : 1 ; v : v ) and added to 10 ml of ln hydrochloric acid from which the dihydroxy acid is extracted with ethyl acetate . the organic extract is washed once with water . dried ( na 2 so 4 ), and evaporated in vacuo with a bath temperature not exceeding 30 ° c . the dihydroxy acid derivative derived slowly reverts to the corresponding , parent lactone on standing . the compound can maintained in the dihydroxy acid form by increasing the ph above 7 . 0 . as a specific embodiment of a composition of this invention , 20 mg of lactone from example 1 , step 7 , is formulated with sufficient finely divided lactose to provide a total amount of 580 to 590 mg to fill a size 0 , hard - gelatin capsule . | 8 |
the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to fig1 - 6 of the drawings . identical elements in the various figures are designated with the same reference numerals . as fig1 and 2 initially show , the ventilation unit according to the invention that is provided to ventilate a vehicle seat comprises an air distribution layer 1 that is covered on its one side with a cover layer 2 . a layer permeable to air made of a non - woven , a foam material or a cellular rubber but also of a knitted spacer fabric can be used as the air distribution layer 1 . the cover layer 2 can be made of a foil or preferred of a non - woven or a material similar to a non - woven ; it is also advantageous to combine several layers for the cover layer 2 , for example , to provide the cover layer 2 with airtight , soft or pliable properties . a fan unit has a flow connection to the air distribution layer 1 via a two - part adapter element 3 comprising a first adapter part 4 and a second adapter part 5 . the adapter element 3 with the two adapter parts 4 , 5 is shown in an enlarged presentation in fig3 . a fan unit 6 , which is shown in fig4 together with the second adapter part 5 , separate from the same in an additional exploded presentation , is placed into the second adapter part 5 . the fan unit 6 shown in fig4 includes a fan 7 in a fan housing 8 . the first adapter part 4 of the adapter element 3 is built from a flange plate 9 , which is essentially an even , flat plate , as is shown in particular in fig3 . multiple tube - shaped extensions 10 extend from the one side of this flange plate 9 and are arranged in a certain pattern across the surface of the flange plate 9 . preferably , these extensions 10 are oriented with their tube axes perpendicular to the plane of the flange plate 9 . in the embodiment as shown in fig1 to 5 , the first adapter part 4 comprises five of these tube - shaped extensions 10 in two rows of two and three respectively that are furthermore offset from each other . the second adapter part 5 of the adapter element 3 has a base plate 11 with tube - shaped extensions 12 arranged on one side thereon corresponding to the first adapter part 4 and corresponding in their position to the tube - shaped extensions 10 of the first adapter part 4 . the dimensions of these tube - shaped extensions 12 are selected such that they fit around the outer circumference of the tube - shaped extensions 10 or can be inserted into the inner circumference of the tube - shaped extensions 10 . the first adapter part 4 and the second adapter part 5 of the adapter element 3 can be connected to each other via locking elements that engage with each other . these connection elements can engage with each other such that they snap together using respective locking elements . in the exemplary embodiment presented in fig1 to 5 , spring arms 13 that may have snap tabs at their ends are present at the first adapter part 4 and that engage into corresponding grooves or slots 14 at the second adapter part 5 . the grooves or slots 14 are located at the outer circumference of the base plate 11 of the second adapter part 5 . however , it is also provided that the grooves or slots 14 are assigned to the first adapter part 4 and the spring arms 13 to the second adapter part 5 or that part of the grooves or slots 14 and part of the spring arms 13 belong to the first adapter part 4 and a part to the second adapter part 5 . in addition to the snapping in spring arms 13 or other such snap - in elements , or as an alternative to them , the connecting elements that engage with each other in a snap - in fashion can be assigned to the tube - shaped extensions 10 of the first adapter part 4 and / or to the tube - shaped extensions 12 of the second adapter part 5 by forming notches or grooves , preferably circumferential notches or grooves . the tube - shaped extensions of the first adapter part 4 and of the second adapter part 5 of the adapter element 3 shown in fig1 to 6 are exemplary with regard to shape and number and not limiting . the embodiment of the tube - shaped extensions is preferably selected such that when the first adapter part 4 and the second adapter part 5 are connected to each other , they are connected preventing rotation and at the same time in a fixed orientation to each other . the adapter element 3 is connected to a seat frame spring structure 16 , which is shown schematically in fig5 . the side of the cover layer 2 that is pointing away from the air distribution layer 1 and has the flange plate 9 placed behind it serves as the positioning plane 15 for this purpose and is indicated in fig1 . the seat frame spring structure 16 extends along this positioning plane 15 and is enclosed between the flange plate 9 of the first adapter part 4 and the base plate 11 of the second adapter part 5 ; at the same time , the tube - shaped extensions 10 and / or 12 at the first adapter part 4 and the second adapter part 5 serve the purpose of centering the adapter element 3 in the positioning plane 15 at the springs of the seat frame spring structure in that the individual spring bars or spring components run in the interim spaces between the tube - shaped extensions 10 , 12 . this arrangement is shown schematically in fig5 ; it shows schematically a seat or backrest area 23 with a seat frame spring structure 16 and a possible positioning of the first adapter part 4 ; it should be noted that the cover layer 2 is not shown in fig5 . as can be seen based on the exploded drawing of fig4 , the entire fan unit 6 , that is , the fan 7 with the fan housing 8 , is placed into the second adapter part 5 in the shown embodiment . in this arrangement , an axial housing opening 17 has a flow connection to at least a portion of the openings of the tube - shaped extensions 12 , while a radial housing opening 18 is assigned to an opening 19 in a side wall 20 of the second adapter part 5 . through respective attachment and support elements at the second adapter part 5 and / or at the fan housing 8 of the fan unit 6 , the same can be inserted in a simple manner into the second adapter part 5 and also removed again if a replacement is necessary . however , as an alternative to the shown embodiment , it is also provided to integrate the fan housing 8 as a fixed component of the second adapter part 5 such that the air guidance between the fan housing 8 , which could then also be designated as fan adapter housing , and the openings is defined according to the tube - shaped extensions 12 . the housing integrated into the second adapter part 5 then forms an interim part . it is then only necessary to use one fan in the fan adapter housing such that the arrangement is independent of the shape of a fan housing of a fan unit 6 . additional webs and grooves 22 , for example , guide webs and / or guide grooves can be provided at the second adapter part 5 , preferably at the external side of the base plate 11 and at the external side of the housing wall 20 and that brace the second adapter part 5 and if necessary can serve as an additional guide element . one significant feature of the ventilation unit is that the flange plate 9 , which is a part of the first adapter part 4 , is preferably supported floating between the air distribution layer 1 and the cover layer 2 by being neither glued together with the air distribution layer 1 or the cover layer 2 . another particular advantage is that the first adapter part 4 can be inserted between the air distribution layer 1 and the cover layer 2 via an insertion slot 21 in the cover layer 2 , which is indicated in fig2 . the tube - shaped extensions 10 , that extend from the flange plate 9 of the first adapter part 4 , then pass through respective openings in the cover layer 2 such that the bottom side of the cover layer 2 rests on the top side of the flange plate 9 . in this manner , the first adapter part 4 can be connected to the air distribution layer 1 and the cover layer 2 without additional means for fastening and is additionally supported floating and is centered . at the same time , the cover layer 2 forms a contact surface for the seat frame spring structure 16 that rests on it when the first adapter part 4 is connected to the second adapter part 5 . if required , the insertion slot 21 can be closed using a sealing strip , for example , an adhesive tape strip , which is , however , not presented in the figures . it is also possible to glue the edges of the insertion slot 21 together . while in the embodiment of fig1 to 5 , the adapter element 3 has five tube - shaped extensions 10 , with corresponding extensions 12 on the base plate 11 of the second adapter part 5 , fig6 shows an alternative embodiment with four tube - shaped extensions 24 to demonstrate that the number and shape of the tube - shaped extensions can vary within the scope of the inventive idea . a second adapter part 5 of the adapter element 3 is appropriately adapted as demonstrated in fig1 to 5 to the first adapter part 4 that is presented in fig6 . there has thus been shown and described a novel ventilation unit for a vehicle seat which fulfills all the objects and advantages sought therefor . many changes , modifications , variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will , however , become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof . all such changes , modifications , variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention , which is to be limited only by the claims which follow . | 1 |
embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures , which form a part hereof and show , by way of illustration , specific exemplary embodiments . these embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention . however , embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein . the following detailed description is , therefore , not to be taken in a limiting sense . the present technology introduces systems and methods for managing leases . in various embodiments , an automated system contacts lessees of property or services in order to facilitate return or retrieval of the leased property and / or to collect debt owed in connection with the lease . embodiments of the systems and methods also enable lessors and lessor agents to contact an automated system , or live agent when desired , in the course of managing such leases or collecting debts or property pursuant to such leases . accordingly , one or more exemplary embodiments of the present technology refer to “ leases ” and “ leased property .” these are not to be construed as limiting terms but are to be construed generically . for example , a “ lease ”, as that term is used herein describes , broadly , a body of legal arrangements between two or more parties for one or more services , which may include the use of one or more pieces of property for which ownership of the property is not transferred within the legal arrangement . accordingly , the legal arrangement may be equally construed as a services agreement , rental agreement , lease , or one of various legal derivations of such terms . in one embodiment , the lease may focus on a cable or satellite television contract to provide television services to a residence or commercial location . in such instances , the provision of one or more electronic signals provides at least a part of a service , which may be supported by property such as a set - top box , signal receiving equipment , and the like . in another example , the lease may focus on the lease of an automobile to one or more individuals or organizations . in such an example , the legal arrangement focuses on the service of temporarily providing the lessee with the use of an automobile and any ancillary property . accordingly , “ leased property ” may involve any tangible and intangible property that may be the subject of a “ lease .” exemplary embodiments of the present technology refer to the term “ lessor .” this term is to be construed broadly to mean a provider of one or more services and / or articles of “ leased property ,” which may or may not be owned by the lessor , to a “ lease .” the term “ lessor ” may frequently be used interchangeably with “ client ” as many embodiments of the system 10 will be designed for servicing lessor clients requiring lease management to some degree . similarly , the term “ lessor agent ” may be construed herein to refer to a party having a legal relationship to the lessor on the lessor - side of the “ lease .” for example , in some embodiments , the lessor agent may be an employee of the lessor . in other embodiments , the lessor agent may be a third party or contractor with a contractual relationship with the lessor or a party common to the lessor . non - limiting examples of lessor agents include individuals or organizations participating in : debt and / or property collections ; party to party communications ; information and data acquisition and / or reporting ; billing services ; property maintenance ; customer service ; and the like . the individual terms “ lessor ” and “ lessor agent ” are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite simply to “ lessors ” or “ lessors or lessor agents ” as it is contemplated that various embodiments of the present system and method may involve a lessor that performs all of the lessor - side duties relating to a lease , whereas some embodiments may involve a lessor and one or more lessor agents who perform one or more discrete lessor - side duties . to be sure , in some instances , lessor agents will provide a vast majority of the duties and interaction with the lessees . with reference to fig1 , an example of a suitable computing system environment is illustrated in the form of a computing device 100 on which one or more various embodiments of a lease management system 10 may be at least partially implemented . the computing device 100 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the present system . the system 10 can also be run on other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations . examples of well known computing systems , environments , and / or configurations that may be utilized include , but are not limited to , personal computers , server computers , network pcs , minicomputers , mainframe computers , distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices , and the like . the system 10 may be described in the general context of computer - executable instructions , such as program modules , being executed by a computing device . generally , program modules include routines , programs , objects , components , data structures , etc . that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types . the system 10 may also be practiced in distributed computing environments in which tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network . in a distributed computing environment , program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media , including memory storage devices . computing device 100 , in a generic configuration , typically includes at least one processing unit 102 and system memory 104 . depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device , system memory 104 may be one of various forms of computer readable media and / or data storage media , including volatile ( such as ram ), non - volatile ( such as rom , flash memory , and the like ) or some combination of the two . system memory 104 typically includes various forms and compilations of software , such as : an operating system 105 ; application software 106 ; and may include program data 107 . non - limiting examples of application software 106 include interactive voice response ( ivr ) programs , phone dialer programs , dual - tone multi - frequency ( dtmf ) recognition programs , speech recognition programs , text - to - speech programs , e - mail programs , sms programs , external interface programs , scheduling programs , pim ( personal information management ) programs , database programs , word processing programs , spreadsheet programs , internet browser programs , and so forth . this basic configuration is illustrated in fig1 by those components within dashed line 108 . computing device 100 may also have additional features or functionality . for example , computing device 100 may also include additional data storage devices ( removable and / or non - removable ) such as , for example , magnetic disks , optical disks , or tape . such additional storage is illustrated in fig1 by removable storage 109 and non - removable storage 110 . computer storage media may include volatile and non - volatile , removable and non - removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information , such as computer readable instructions , data structures , program modules or other data . system memory 104 , removable storage 109 and non - removable storage 110 are all examples of computer storage media . computer storage media includes , but is not limited to , ram , rom , eeprom , flash memory or other memory technology , cd - rom , cd - rw , dvd , or other optical storage , magnetic cassettes , magnetic tape , magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices , or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device 100 . any such computer storage media may be part of device 100 . computing device 100 may also have input device ( s ) 112 such as a keyboard , mouse , pen , voice input device , touch input device , etc . output device ( s ) 114 such as a display , speakers , printer , etc . may also be included . all these devices are known in the art and need not be discussed at length here . computing device 100 also contains communication capability 116 that allows the device to communicate with other devices 118 ( such as printing devices , stand alone e - mail servers , facsimile devices , and the like ), such as over a network or a wireless mesh network . communication media can be transmitted through the communication capability 116 and can include computer readable instructions , data structures , program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism . the term “ modulated data signal ” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal . by way of example , and not limitation , communication media includes wired media , such as a wired network or direct - wired connection , and wireless media such as acoustic , rf , infrared , or other wireless media . the term computer readable media , as used herein , includes both storage media and communication media . the computing device 100 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers , such as a remote computer 120 . the remote computer 120 may be operated by a client such as one or more lessors or lessor agents , one or more lessees , consumers or third - party service providers ( including one or more providers of various information databases , research tools , reporting services , and the like ); may take the form of a personal computer , a server , a router , a network pc , pda , a peer device , or other common network node ; and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computing device 100 . it is further contemplated , however , that the remote computer 120 could be provided in the form of a telephone , which includes cellular telephones , landline telephones and the like . the logical connections , depicted in fig1 , include communications networks such as a local area network ( lan ) 124 and a wide area network ( wan ) 126 , but may also include other proprietary and non - proprietary communications networks 128 , such as wireless networks , a pstn , the internet , an intranet , extranet , and the like . it will be appreciated , however , that the network connections shown are exemplary and other networking and communication means may be used . fig1 illustrates an example of a suitable system environment on which the present technology may be implemented . in some embodiments , the computing device 100 may be configured to serve as a telephony server . in such embodiments , the computing device 100 may be coupled with communications networks 128 that may include one or more of the pstn , voip network , tcp / ip network , or the like . the computing device may be configured to operate as an interpreter , or gateway , so incoming communications can interface with ivr programs and access information on one or more local or remotely situated databases containing real - time information that can be accessed by the ivr programs . in various embodiments , one or more databases may be linked to the computing device 100 over the tcp / ip network . one or more different applications may be associated with the computing device 100 that include : customer service applications , outbound calling applications , voice - to - text transcription applications , and the like . some or all of these applications may be provided in vxml . as such , the computing device 100 may also contain one or more programs that control functions like text - to - speech , voice recognition and dtmf recognition . with reference to fig2 , a general system schematic is depicted of one embodiment of the system 10 . in general terms , the system 10 includes a client ( such as a lessor or lessor agent ) system 12 , which may be considered to be a subset of the remote computer 120 , discussed previously . in some embodiments , the client system 12 may be operated by an automated or live call center agent . the client system 12 , in various embodiments , may also include a client or third - party hosted ivr solution . in some embodiments , the client system 12 may include one or more computing systems , environments , and / or configurations that could include one or more of : server computers ; network pcs ; minicomputers ; mainframe computers ; personal computers , and the like . in other embodiments , the client system 12 may include a telephone , cell phone , wireless computing device , or similar communications device that is capable of accessing at least one network , such as a wireless network , pstn 14 , voip , the internet 20 , an intranet , extranet , and the like . it will be appreciated , however , that the client system 12 and the networks described are exemplary and other devices and networks may be used . the client system 12 , in most respects , will be configured to selectively transmit and receive data streams . these data streams may be in the form of voice , text , or other such transmissions . a connection over communications network 128 may be provided to enable the exchange of data streams between the client system 12 and the computing device 100 . one or more various iterations of application software 106 may be provided to operate on the processing unit 102 . the application software 106 enables the computing device 100 to receive lease data , including but not limited to : lease information ( including but not limited to the terms of one or more leases , notes relating to particular aspects of one or more specific leases or occurrences or events relative thereto ); contact information for lessees , lessors , and lessor agents ; information relating to leased property in the possession of the lessees and debt owed by the lessees . lease data may be transmitted from a client system 12 such as one or more lessor personal computers , laptops , tablet computers , smartphones , host systems , and the like , operated by a lessor or lessor agent over a communications network to which the computing device 100 is coupled . it is contemplated that the lease data could also be forwarded to the computing device 100 by mailing or delivering data storage media , such as diskettes , cds , dvds or flash memory devices , that are readable by the computing device 100 or a separate workstation coupled with the computing device 100 . in various embodiments , the system 10 receives a set of pre - defined criteria that is used to “ filter ” or “ pre - screen ” the lease data received from the client system 12 . application software 106 may be provided to select one or more particular groups of lessees to be contacted by the system 10 . similarly , the application software 106 may be provided to select one or more lessor or lessor agents to be contacted by the system 10 . the portions of the lease data not selected by the application software 106 may simply be stored for future use , or when directed by the client , purged from the system 10 . some examples of pre - defined criteria may include : a length of time ( set as a threshold or range ) that a debt associated with a lease has been due and / or delinquent ; a value of property ( set as a threshold or range ) still in the lessee &# 39 ; s possession ; or any violation of lease terms or related agreement between the lessor and lessee . it is also contemplated that the system 10 could be used for maintenance , upgrade , or replacement of lease property . in such instances , the predefined criteria might include : types of lease property recall ; availability of upgrade lease property ; or other notices ( including manufacturer notices ) or data relative to the leased property . the type of pre - defined criteria is nearly limitless and can be used to custom tailor a property recovery or retrieval campaign , or delinquent debt collections campaign , according to the client &# 39 ; s needs . the criteria may also be modified as the campaigns progress , depending on the results achieved by the system 10 using criteria initially provided by the clients . the use of such a filter will further focus the lessors or lessor agent &# 39 ; s resources used and provide a greater efficiency to the system 10 as a whole . the system 10 accesses a communications network to contact , or receive contact from , each lessee , lessor , or lessors agent . fig2 depicts an exemplary embodiment where the communications network is a pstn and the computing device 100 is programmed to contact each lessee , lessor , or lessors agent , using a telephone 16 or other communications device 18 , such as a cell phone , paging device or pda , belonging to a lessee , lessor , or lessors agent . it is also contemplated that the lessee , lessor , or lessors agent , can be contacted over the internet or via cell phone text messaging , a / k / a short messaging service ( sms ). in the example depicted , the system 10 places an outbound call using the contact information of the lessee . the application software 106 is operative to wait for the line to go off the hook , wherein an audible ( or visual , depending upon the application device being contacted ) greeting , such as , “ this is first prairie home entertainment calling with important information about your account .” in various embodiments , the application software 106 is operative to receive a response from the applicant in the form of dtmf tones , speech , or other formats of data transmission , identify the format of the transmission , and respond in an appropriate format . accordingly , it is contemplated that various forms of text - to - speech , speech recognition and dtmf tone recognition applications may be incorporated with the application software 106 . however , for the purposes of simplicity only , the examples of contact between the system 10 and the lessee , lessor , or lessors agent , will be described herein as using dtmf tone recognition and certain text - to - speech protocols . with reference to fig3 a , 3 b , 3 c , and 4 , exemplary embodiments of outbound processes and call flows for consumer facing transactions are depicted . in some embodiments , the system 10 may ask , “ if this is john doe , please press one , or if this is jane doe , please press two . if neither john nor jane doe are available , press three .” the application software 106 will be provided to recognize such specific responses and proceed accordingly . where no response is received by the system 10 , or an input other than those offered by the system 10 is detected , the system 10 may reply , “ i am sorry . that is not a valid selection .” after a predetermined number of retries , the system 10 can simply terminate the call , stating , “ we look forward to serving you in the future . thank you .” where the number 3 is selected in this particular example , the system 10 may provide a message such as , “ please ask john doe to call us back at 1 - 800 - 888 - 3151 . thank you .” in other embodiments , where the lessee responds that he or she is the primary or secondary named party responsible for the account , the application software 106 may be provided to present an identity question to the lessee , using information provided by the client that is unique to the lessee . in that example , the system 10 may ask the lessee to simply enter the last four digits of the lessee &# 39 ; s social security number . the application software 106 will receive the lessee &# 39 ; s response and verify the response with the data received from the client . where the system 10 determines that the response does not match the data , the application software 106 requeries the lessee . where continued incorrect responses are received by the system 10 , the call may be terminated . however , where a correct response is received by the system 10 , the system 10 will continue forward through a predetermined call flow . in the present example , the system 10 may advise the lessee that the call is being recorded and state , “ your home entertainment account is $ 193 past due , and your home entertainment lease agreement is now subject to immediate termination .” a countless number of script variations are contemplated . for example , the client may prefer that no data fields be provided relating to specific debt amounts or the name of the debt holder . the system may request that a payment be made or advise that a lessor or lessor agent wishes to make an appointment to retrieve the rented or leased property or equipment . the system may continue with the call , prompting , “ to make an automated payment right now by telephone in order to restore your account to good standing , press 1 . to schedule an appointment to have your equipment picked up by a field services agent , press two . to hear this message again , press the star key .” if the lessee selects the number 1 , the system may advise the lessee that , “ we are getting ready to transfer you to the first prairie home entertainment automated payment system . in order to process your payment , you must have your account number ready . if you have your account number ready , press 1 . if you would like to pay , but need a moment to locate your account number , press 2 . if this is not a convenient time for you and you &# 39 ; d like us to call back , please press 3 .” the application software 106 will await the response from the lessee and respond accordingly . for example , if the lessee wishes to pay by phone and selects the number 1 , the system may advise the lessee that a payment may be made from the lessee &# 39 ; s checking or savings account to pay the existing debt or a portion thereof . in some embodiments , the system will then ask the lessee to enter the nine - digit bank routing number for the lessee &# 39 ; s bank , followed by the pound key . the system may confirm the account number information received from the lessee by repeating the routing number received by the system 10 , using a text - to - speech response . the system 10 will then typically ask the lessee to provide a specific response , such as entering the number 2 , if the information is correct . the lessee is then asked to enter their account number , which is then verified by the system 10 . the system 10 may then ask the lessee to press the number 1 if the account is a checking account and press 2 if the account is a savings account . thereafter , the system 10 will ask the lessee to enter the payment amount , which will then be verified with the lessee . once the payment is verified , the system simply thanks the lessee and terminates the call . in another example , if the lessee wishes to pay by phone and selects the number 1 , the system may advise the lessee that a payment may be made with the lessee &# 39 ; s credit or debit card to pay the existing debt or a portion thereof . in some embodiments , the system will then ask the lessee to enter the complete account number for the lessee &# 39 ; s credit or debit card , followed by the pound key . the system may confirm the credit or debit card number information received from the lessee by repeating the credit or debit card number received by the system 10 , using a text - to - speech response . the system 10 will then typically ask the lessee to provide a specific response , such as entering the number 2 , if the information is correct . the lessee is then asked to enter their three - digit security code , which is then verified by the system 10 . the system 10 may then ask the lessee to press the number 1 if the number is a credit card and press 2 if the number is a debit card . thereafter , the system 10 will ask the lessee to enter the payment amount , which will then be verified with the lessee . once the payment is verified , the system simply thanks the lessee and terminates the call . where , during the previous options menu , the lessee needs a moment , and selects the number 2 , the system may simply advise the lessee to “ press the 8 key when you are ready to continue .” preferably the system 10 will repeat such a message every few seconds , with a time out of a minute or two . when the lessee selects the number 3 because it is not a convenient time , the system may simply advise the lessee to , “ please call us back at 1 - 800 - 888 - 3151 when you have your account number available . thank you .” the system would then simply terminate the call . where , during the initial options menu , if the lessee selects the number 2 , the system may advise the lessee that , “ we are getting ready to transfer you to the first prairie home entertainment automated appointment scheduling system . if you are ready to schedule a time for a field service technician to come to your home and retrieve your equipment , press 1 . if this is not a convenient time for you and you &# 39 ; d like us to call back , please press 2 .” the application software 106 will await the response from the lessee and respond accordingly . for example , if the lessee wishes to schedule an equipment retrieval appointment and selects the number 1 , the system may advise the lessee of several dates wherein appointments are available . the system will then ask the lessee to enter a number corresponding to their preferred appointment date , followed by the pound key . the system may then offer several times on the preferred appointment , asking the lessee to enter a number corresponding to their preferred appointment time , followed by the pound key . in this preferred embodiment , the system will then confirm the appointment date and time received from the lessee by repeating the date and time received by the system 10 , using a text - to - speech response . the system 10 will then typically ask the lessee to provide a specific response , such as entering the number 2 , if the information is correct . once the appointment is verified , the system simply thanks the lessee and terminates the call . it is contemplated that the system 10 may be unable to reach the lessees directly . however , when the system 10 reaches an answering machine or voicemail account for the lessee , the application software 106 should be capable of leaving a message to the lessee . an example of one such message may state , “ hello , this is first prairie home entertainment calling with important account information for john doe or jane doe . please call us back at 1 - 800 - 888 - 3151 , that number is 1 - 800 - 888 - 3151 . thank you .” the system 10 should , therefore , be provided in a manner that is capable of receiving inbound calls from lessees . typically , the system 10 will receive the inbound calls or other types of communication over a network , such as those described previously . however , when the lessees call the system 10 , the software should be provided to present the lessees with remittance and scheduling options , similar to those discussed herein above . it is also contemplated that lessees may call to correct certain contact or account information or report other issues that are more complex than a simple remittance or scheduling an appointment for equipment retrieval . in such an instance , the system 10 should be provided with a means of simply transferring the call over a network to a live representative , previously designated by the client . the representative may be a third party collections or customer service department , an in - house representative with the client , or the like . with reference to fig5 and 6 , the system 10 may be provided to contact , or receive contact from , lessors or lessor agents regarding one or more leases and / or articles of lease property . regardless of whether or not the system 10 initiates the contact , the system 10 may query the lessors or lessor agents to confirm their identity . where the lessor or lessor agent responds that he or she is the designated party responsible for pursuing the account , the application software 106 may be provided to present an identity question to the lessor or lessor agent , using information provided by the client that is unique to that lessor or lessor agent . in that example , the system 10 may ask the lessor or lessor agent to simply enter a pre - defined personal identification number . the application software 106 will receive the lessor or lessor agent &# 39 ; s response and verify the response with the data received from the client . where the system 10 determines that the response does not match the data , the application software 106 requeries the lessor or lessor agent . where continued incorrect responses are received by the system 10 , the call may be terminated . however , where a correct response is received by the system 10 , the system 10 will continue forward through a predetermined call flow . in the present example , the system 10 may advise the lessor or lessor agent that the call is being recorded and query , “ press 1 to confirm job status , press 2 to perform job updates , press 3 to handle payment processing , or press 4 to process equipment returns .” a countless number of script variations are contemplated . for example , the client may prefer that certain data fields relating to property or equipment in the possession of lessees be suppressed or included . for example , in some embodiments , the system may be provided with detailed property information , such as property serial numbers and the like . this will enable lessors or lessor agents to accurately identify and retrieve particular property in the field . once the property is retrieved , the detailed property information may be used to report to the system 10 that the retrieval has been completed . if the lessor or lessor agent selects the number 1 , the system 10 may retrieve additional data to advise the lessor or lessor agent of the status all delinquent account work orders assigned to them , for example , to inform the lessor or lessor agent that the lessees on a specific account have paid their outstanding balance through the customer service call center , and that the lessor or lessor agent no longer needs to travel to that address to make an attempt at debt collections or retrieval of property or equipment . if the lessor or lessor agent selects the number 2 , the system 10 may ask the lessor or lessor agent to input an account work order number , then offer another set of options concerning the disposition of that account , stating for example , “ press 1 to close this job , press 2 to update this job status .” upon receiving further dtmf input from the lessor or lessor agent , the system 10 may then offer a series of job status codes to specify a reason the job has been closed , for example , due to successful collection of debt or successful retrieval of property or equipment as well as a series of job status codes to specify the reason the job is being updated , for example , that the lessee was not on the premises . if the lessor or lessor agent selects the number 3 , the system 10 may ask the lessor or lessor agent to input an account work order number , then offer a predetermined call flow for debt collections in the manner such as described above , except in this case , the lessor or lessor agent will also have the option of reporting to the system 10 the collection of the debt via paper check or cash in addition to automated payment via electronic transfer , credit or debit card . if the lessor or lessor agent selects the number 4 , the system 10 may ask the lessor or lessor agent to input an account work order number , then offer a predetermined call flow for reporting the retrieval of property or equipment associated with that account . the system 10 may retrieve additional data to provide the lessor or lessor agent with the physical description , model number or serial number , from which the lessor or lessor agent may select individual pieces of property or equipment to report a retrieval status . it is contemplated that the system 10 may be unable to reach the lessor or lessor agent directly . however , when the system 10 reaches an answering machine or voicemail account for the lessor or lessor agent , the application software 106 should be capable of leaving a message to the lessor or lessor agent . an example of one such message may state , “ hello , this is first prairie home entertainment calling with important job information for richard roc . please call us back at 1 - 800 - 888 - 3151 , that number is 1 - 800 - 888 - 3151 . thank you .” the system 10 should , therefore , be provided in a manner that is capable of receiving inbound calls from lessor or lessor agents . typically , the system 10 will receive the inbound calls or other types of communication over a network , such as those described previously . however , when the lessor or lessor agent calls the system 10 , the software should be provided to present the lessor or lessor agent with job disposition , payment or property and equipment retrieval reporting options , similar to those discussed herein above . it is also contemplated that lessor or lessor agent may call to correct certain contact or account information or report other issues that are more complex than reporting job disposition , processing a remittance or reporting the retrieval of property or equipment . in such an instance , the system 10 should be provided with a means of simply transferring the call over a network to a live representative , previously designated by the client . the representative may be a customer service department , an in - house representative with the client , or the like . data relating to the system &# 39 ; s contacts with the lessees , or with the lessor or lessor agent , may be stored , at least temporarily , on the system memory 104 . with reference to fig7 - 11 , the application software 106 may be provided to formulate such data into individual reports to be provided to the clients . for example , fig7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system report of primary calling activity . fig8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system report relating to calls by lessors or lessor agents . fig9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system report concerning application activity by lessors or lessor agents . fig1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system report relating to collected lease payments . fig1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system report of leased equipment that has been retrieved . other standard and customized reports are contemplated that may be compiled and transmitted by the system 10 . it is also contemplated that the clients could be provided with access to such data and reports over the network to which the computing device 100 is connected , such as the internet , a data link or the like . when desirable , the application software 106 may be provided to record the contact between the system 10 and the lessee , or the lessor or lessor agent , including questions and messages transmitted by the system 10 to such parties and any responses received thereto . these recordings may be stored on the system memory 104 along with time and date information relating to each recording . the system 10 , in various embodiments , is capable of selectively replaying the recordings for the client and / or transmitting copies of the recordings to the clients , when necessary . although the technology has been described in language that is specific to certain structures , materials , and methodological steps , it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures , materials , and / or steps described . rather , the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention . since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention , the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended . unless otherwise indicated , all numbers or expressions , such as those expressing dimensions , physical characteristics , etc . used in the specification ( other than the claims ) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “ approximately .” at the very least , and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims , each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “ approximately ” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques . moreover , all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein . | 6 |
in fig1 an input video signal 1 is written into an expansion buffer eb . in the embodiment of fig1 , the above mentioned first embodiment , the input video signal is of the ntsc format . this means , 858 pixels per line are written into the expansion buffer eb . as soon as pixels from the input video signal 1 are written into the expansion buffer eb , a pal processing core pal - pc starts reading pixels from the expansion buffer eb . after the first line of the input video signal 1 , i . e . an ntsc video line , has been written into the expansion buffer eb and read - out with the same pixel rate by the pal processing core pal - pc , six blank data pixels i . e . added blank pixels abp are generated and added to the first ntsc video line . during the processing of these 6 blank data pixels by the pal processing core pal - pc pixels of the next ntsc input line arrive , i . e . more pixels are provided by the input video signal 1 . these pixels , i . e . six pixels , are stored in the expansion buffer eb . after the pal processing core pal - pc has processed the first entire ntsc video line plus the six blank data pixels which have been added , the pal processing core pal - pc starts processing the next ntsc input line . this procedure of writing to / reading from the expansion buffer eb continues until a video field of the input video signal 1 has been written to the expansion buffer eb . due to the unbalanced read / write ratio at the input of the expansion buffer eb and the output of the expansion buffer eb , respectively , the expansion buffer eb fills up during the processing of one video field . in particular , the expansion buffer eb fills up by 6 pixels for each arrived video line of the input video signal 1 . it should be noted again , that the invention is based on the assumption of an equal number of processed pixels per time instance , i . e . an equal pixel rate for both formats , i . e . here the pal format , which is the processing format , and the input format , which here is the ntsc format . in the embodiment of fig1 , the source format ntsc has 858 pixels per line and 263 lines per field , which equals 225654 pixels per field . the core processing format , i . e . the pal format , has 864 pixels per line . thus , only 225654 / 864 = 261 . 1 lines per ntsc field will be processed . this includes all required 244 lines of active video in ntsc . note , that not all data needs to be written . only active video data can be written to the buffer , thus reducing the maximum buffer size , i . e . the maximum needed size of the buffer . after one video field of the input video signal 1 has been written to the expansion buffer eb , an embedded synch signal , i . e . a field restart signal fr , is detected in the input video signal 1 by a first synch conversion module sc - 1 . the first synch conversion module sc - 1 detects the field restart signal fr contained in the input video signal 1 and sends it to the pal processing core pal - pc and to the expansion buffer eb . as soon as the pal processing core pal - pc receives the field restart signal fr , the pal processing core pal - pc interrupts the processing of a current video field currently being processed and starts processing pixels from the following video field . the field restart signal fr also controls the writing component of the expansion buffer eb . the consequence is , that pixels remaining in the expansion buffer eb and belonging to the current video field are discarded . discarding here can also mean that the remaining pixels in the expansion buffer eb are overwritten by new incoming data , i . e . pixels received via the input video signal 1 . the first synch conversion module sc - 1 also translates the synch of the input video signal 1 into the processing synch pattern , i . e . the field restart signal of the processing format , here the pal format , from which a field restart condition is derived , and controls the reading component of the expansion buffer eb . the field restart is synchronous to the inout ( ntsc ) format , thus the pal case is interrupted in a premature manner . at the output of the pal processing core pal - pc a processed video signal 3 is output . each video line of the processed video signal 3 contains at the end of each line processed blank pixel pbp . in the embodiment of fig1 these processed blank pixels pbp correspond to the six added blank pixels abp . the processed blank pixels pbp are now removed from the processed video stream , i . e . the processed video signal 3 . the remaining processed pixels are written to a compression buffer cb . at the output of the compression buffer cb an output video signal 4 is output . the output of the output video signal 4 , however , does not start until the compression buffer cb contains a predetermined minimum number of pixels mnp . in the embodiment of fig1 this minimum number of pixels mnp corresponds to the number of pixels contained in 1 . 8 video lines of the input video signal . during the time the compression buffer cb is filled with processed video pixels of the processed video signal 3 blank pixels will be output by the output video signal 4 . the number of output blank pixels in the output video signal 4 is equal to the number of added blank pixels abp per video field . in other words , all processed blank pixels pbp are output in a single block , i . e . sequentially . after the compression buffer cb is filled with the minimum number of pixels mnp , reading from the compression buffer cb starts in a fifo - manner , i . e . pixels which have been stored in the buffer first are output first . the second synch conversion module sc - 2 does something similar as the first synch conversion module sc - 1 . the core processing module generates a new synch signal , which is embedded in the processed video signal 3 . here , the new synch signal controls the writing component of the compression buffer cb by a field restart write signal frw . the second synch conversion module sc - 2 also provides a field restart read signal frr , which controls the reading component of the compression buffer cb . the output data stream of the compression buffer cb contains the new embedded synch signal , i . e . the field restart read signal frr . this means , the field restart write signal frw is synchronized with the processed video signal 3 of the intermediate format proc , and the field restart read signal frr is synchronized with the output video signal 4 of the ntsc format . since it is generated by sc - 2 it is guaranteed that the output data stream contains the field restart read signal frr . fact is that frw causes frr which are both caused by fr ( sc - 1 ). thus all fr signals are synchronous to the io format and not to the format proc . fig2 shows a diagram illustrating the differences between an input format inout and an intermediate format proc . it should be emphasized that the intermediate format proc is not a valid standard video format , i . e . with respect to fig1 , the intermediate format proc is not a valid pal signal and not a valid ntsc signal . as can be seen in fig2 the input format inout , in the first embodiment corresponding to the ntsc format , has an input format width inout - fw and an input format height inout - fh . the input format width inout - fw and the input format height inout - fh correspond to one video field of the input video signal of the input format inout , here the ntsc format . as can be seen , one video field of the input format inout contains active video data that corresponds to an active video width avw and an active video height avh . further , a video field of the input format inout contains horizontal and vertical blanking information hvb , which is all the video data of the video field that is not active video . fig2 also shows an intermediate hblank data width proc hblank of the intermediate format proc and an input / output hblank data width inout hblank of the input format inout . the input / output hblank data width inout hblank of the inout format plus a patch data width is equal to the intermediate hblank data width proc hblank . fig2 also shows a video field of the intermediate format proc . this intermediate format proc has an intermediate format width proc - fw and an intermediate format height proc - fh . as can be seen , the intermediate format width proc - fw is larger than the input format width inout - fw , and the intermediate format height proc - fh is smaller than the input format height inout - fh . each line of the intermediate format proc contains a complete line of the input format inout plus patch data pd . in the first embodiment one line of the intermediate format proc contains a complete ntsc video line corresponding to 858 pixels plus six pixels of patch data pd . the video field in fig2 corresponding to the intermediate format proc is completely processed by the pal processing core pal - pc . as can be seen in fig2 , thus all active video contained in the field of the input video signal having the input format inout will be processed . thus , the processed video signal 3 contains processed active video pav that corresponds to active video of the input video signal that has been processed by the pal processing core pal - pc . fig2 also shows unprocessed input data uid , which corresponds to data of the input video signal 1 that is contained in the expansion buffer eb after one video field of the input video signal 1 has been received , i . e . written into the expansion buffer eb . after the processing of a video field of the intermediate format proc the field restart signal fr is extracted from the input video signal 1 by the first synch conversion module sc - 1 and a new video field of the input video signal 1 will be processed by the pal processing core pal - pc . however , as can be seen in fig2 the unprocessed input data uid does not contain any active video data of the video field of the input video signal 1 . in other words , the unprocessed input data uid only contains horizontal and vertical blanking information hvb of the input video signal 1 . it is important to note that all active video of the input video signal 1 has been properly processed during one cycle , i . e . during the processing of one video field of the input video signal 1 . fig3 is still related to the first embodiment of the invention and shows in the upper part the writing and reading to / from the expansion buffer eb . the diagrams show progressed video lines pl over time . in the beginning , i . e . for t = 0 , the expansion buffer eb is empty . at t = 0 the first field line of the input video signal 1 , i . e . the first video line is an ntsc video line and will be processed by the pal processing pal - pc in real time , i . e . with the same pixel rate that pixels arrive with . because of the same processing rate of the pal processing core pal - pc and the pixel arriving rate of the input video signal 1 during the processing of the first field line of the input video signal 1 no pixels need to be stored in the expansion buffer eb . after the processing of the first field line six added blank pixels abp are inserted into the pixel stream at the end of the expansion buffer eb . during the insertion of these added blank pixels abp new pixels arrive via the input video signal 1 . since the pal processing core pal - pc operates with the same pixel rate as the arrival pixel rate , during the processing of the second field line of the input video signal 1 six pixels will be stored in the expansion buffer eb . as can be seen in the upper part of fig3 , due to the unbalanced write / read ratio the expansion after eb will be filled and at the end of the processing of one video field of the input video signal 1 buffered pixels bp remain in the buffer , i . e . after a last field line lfl of the input video signal 1 has been written into the expansion buffer eb . after one video field of the input video signal 1 has been received , a field restart signal fr is received . then , a new video field of the input video signal 1 will start to be processed . therefore , the pixels that still remain in the buffer will be deleted . the number of pixels that remain in the buffer after the receiving of one video field is equal to the minimum number of pixels mnp . the minimum number of pixels mnp corresponds to the number of added blank pixels abp per video field . the minimum number of pixels mnp can be calculated as follows : an ntsc field time unit , i . e . the number of pixels per ntsc video field is 858 × 263 clocks , i . e . 263 source lines ; this field time unit is equal to 858 × 263 / 864 = 261 . 1 processed video lines ; this means , 263 source lines , i . e . video lines contained in the input video signal 1 , are stored , but only 261 . 1 video lines , i . e . proc lines i . e . lines of the intermediate format are read by the pal processing core pal - pc . therefore , roughly 2 lines remain in the buffer , which correspond to the minimum number of pixels mnp . the number of buffer lines , i . e . the number of video lines that remain in the expansion buffer eb at the end of one video field can be calculated by the following equation : ∑ number_of _input _lines line_patch _data proc_line _length = number_of _buffer _lines ( 1 ) line_patch_data : the number of added blank pixels abp per video line , number_of_input_lines : the number of input lines of the video input signal 1 per video field . proc_line_length : the line length , i . e . the number of pixels per line of the intermediate format proc , number_of_buffer_lines : the number of lines remaining in the buffer after one video field has been received , i . e . after the restart signal fr has been received . equation ( 1 ) helps computing the buffer size when ( a ) storing an entire video line including a blank data or when ( b ) only storing active video . if only active video is stored with 720 pixels per line , the buffer size can be reduced . the maximum needed size of the buffer , i . e . if 864 pixels are processed is given by : 1 . 82 lines × 864 pix and 16 bit each = 24 . 6 kbit per buffer ( maximum ). and the minimum needed buffer size , i . e . when only active video is stored is given as follows : 1 . 82 lines × 720 pix and 16 bit each = 20 . 5 kbit per buffer ( minimum ). since per line only 720 pixels need to be stored by skipping hblank data , only the number of lines to be stored ( e . g . 1 , 82 ) multiplied by 720 instead of 864 pixels with 16 bit per pixel equals the needed buffer size . this reduces the buffer size requirements significantly . the lower part of fig3 shows the writing w and reading r to / from the compression buffer cb . at t = 0 a first field line of processed video signal fflp is written to the compression buffer cb . this is controlled by the field restart write signal frw . subsequently , further field lines of processed video signal are written to the compression buffer until the minimum number of pixels mnp has been written to the compression buffer cb corresponding to a buffer fill time bft . at the buffer fill time bft , reading r starts from the compression buffer cb . the reading is controlled by the field restart read signal frr . reading r starts at a higher rate such that the number of buffered pixels bp continually drops until the compression buffer cb is empty at the end of one video field , i . e . when a field restart write signal frw is provided by the second synch conversion module sc - 2 . at this time the last field line of processed video signal lflp has been read from the compression buffer cb . note , that in the lower part of fig3 writing and reading does not start synchronously as is the case in fig3 upper part . in fig3 lower part , when the buffer is empty , only blank pixels are put out until the next read restart pulse , i . e . the field restart read signal frr , re - triggers the reading process . the blank pixels that are output , i . e . the blank lines , can be considered as all horizontal patch data being put out in a single block of about 1 . 8 lines of video . fig4 shows the second embodiment of the invention where an input video signal 1 of the pal standard is received and the processing core is designed for processing ntsc format video signals , i . e . an ntsc processing core ntsc - pc . in this embodiment a compression buffer cb is used at the input of the ntsc processing core ntsc - pc . before pixels of the video input signal 1 are stored in the compression buffer cb excess pixels ep are removed from the input video signal 1 . this is because the input video signal 1 in this embodiment is of the pal standard having 864 pixels per line whereas in this embodiment the intermediate format proc only has 858 pixels per line which is equal to the number of pixels per line of the processing format , i . e . here the ntsc format . the excess pixels ep correspond to pixels of the hblank and / or the vblank period of the input video signal 1 . since in this embodiment reading of the ntsc processing core ntsc - pc from the compression buffer cb starts at a higher rate than writing to the compression buffer cb , no pixels are read from the compression buffer cb until a second minimum number of pixels 2mnp are stored in the buffer , i . e . the buffer is filled with the minimum number of pixels 2mnp . note , that the buffer size for the second embodiment is different from the needed buffer size in the first embodiment . the buffer size of the second embodiment , which is equal to the second minimum number of pixels 2mnp may also be calculated using formula ( 1 ) from above . in the case of the second embodiment , the needed buffer size for the compression buffer cb is equal to 2 . 18 video lines . in fig4 , the first synch conversion module sc - 1 detects a field restart signal contained in the input video signal 1 and provides this field restart signal as a field restart write signal frw to the compression buffer cb . this means , the field restart write signal frw is synchronous with the field restart signal of the input video signal 1 of the pal format . the first synch conversion module sc - 1 also provides a field restart read signal frr , which is also synchronous to the field restart signal of the input / output or inout video signal 1 of the format inout . in other words , the first synch conversion module sc - 1 provides the field restart write signal frw and the field restart read signal frr to the compression buffer cb in order to control the writing to reading from the compression buffer cb . as can be seen in fig4 , the field restart read signal frr is also provided to the ntsc processing core ntsc - pc . here , the field restart read signal frr is used to control the field - wise processing of the ntsc processing core ntsc - pc . it should be noted that the field restart write signal frw and the field restart read signal frr are used in an analogue way to the first embodiment of above . this means , the explanations of fig3 lower part also apply here . as can be seen from fig3 lower part , writing to the compression buffer cb starts when the first synch conversion module sc - 1 provides the field restart write signal frw at t = 0 , and reading does not start until the first synch conversion module sc - 1 provides the field restart read signal frr . this is the case when the compression buffer cb is filled with the second minimum number of pixels 2mnp . at the time the next field restart write signal frw is provided by the first synch conversion module sc - 1 , the compression buffer cb will be empty . this is due to the higher rate for reading r pixels from the compression buffer cb than the rate for writing w to the compression buffer cb . as in the first embodiment , it is always assured that all active video will be processed by the ntsc processing core ntsc - pc . at the output of the ntsc processing core ntsc - pc processed video pixels of the intermediate format proc are written to the expansion buffer eb . as soon as pixels have been written to the expansion buffer eb pixels are output to yield the output video signal 4 . however , reading starts with a lower rate , because at the end of each video line of the processed video signal 3 which is read from the expansion buffer eb blank pixels will be added , i . e . added blank pixels abp . this way the output video signal 4 will have 864 pixels per line as is required for the pal standard . at the end of a such generated video line , i . e . the pixels of a line of the processed video signal 3 plus the 6 added blank pixels abp , the second synch conversion module sc - 2 provides an according synch signal , i . e . a field restart signal fr . thus , the output video signal 4 is a video signal completely conform with the pal standard . in the following further elucidations are provided that may help a person skilled in the art to get a better understanding of the invention . a video image processing core module works for a specific image format which is mainly determined by the format width . by using expansion buffers ( slow - down buffers ) and compression buffers ( speed - up buffers ) at the respective inputs and outputs of the system , a format width conversion is achieved . to expand the width , data is patched into the data stream , whereas data is skipped from the stream to compress the image width . thus , the interface format , i . e . the intermediate format , is matched to the processing core format . the invention does provide a simple method that uses relatively little memory and logic and is fully transparent to the core module &# 39 ; s format . the invention may be referred to as multi - format adaptation scheme and can be used in an asic as part of a commercial tv product . as already mentioned , with a relatively small amount of additional memory and logic added to the system , e . g . a respective asic , other formats , i . e . formats that are different from the formats the processing core , i . e . the system , is designed for , are added to the acceptable input / output format list without changing the core processing module . this relaxes the designer &# 39 ; s requirements to evaluate and verify the core module for other formats . only the format adaptation needs to be verified . one advantage of the invention is that once a pal processing core is designed , tested and verified , by only adding some small buffers at the interfaces , the ntsc processing capability is also given . without the invention a processing algorithm which is comparable with both formats would be needed . however , keeping an implementation of such an algorithm generic in terms of format width , is very difficult and time consuming . also , legacy implementations might not be available for other than one format . these problems do not arise when the invention is used , providing multiple format compatibility with low memory requirements . according to the invention , in order to process an input image , e . g . 858 pixels wide which correspond to ntsc with a processing module designed for a different width , e . g . 864 pixels wide which correspond to pal standard , the incoming image is stored into an expansion ( slow - down ) buffer . the width adaptation is done by reading the stored image data from the expansion ( speed - up ) buffer and adding additional patch data to the image to do the width conversion . the output of the processing module is then stored into a compression buffer where the reverse width adaptation is done by skipping the previously inserted patch data . this example describes the narrow input / output format with a wider core processing format , i . e . the first embodiment of the invention . in the second embodiment of the invention the wider input / output format is first compressed ( speed - up ), processed in the narrow format and then expanded ( slow - down ). in the first embodiment the maximum memory requirement of the compression buffer cb and the expansion buffer eb is 49 . 2 kbit buffer memory and is computed as follows : with 261 . 1 lines of pal processed data per 263 lines ntsc , roughly 1 . 82 lines of active video need to be stored at maximum in the expansion ( slow - down ) buffer . this is 1 . 82 × 864 pixels each 16 bit = 24 . 6 kbit . that is , after one ntsc input field , the expansion buffer is filled . the same amount of data needs to be stored into the compression ( speed - up ) buffer before read - out starts . that is , after one ntsc output field , the compression buffer is empty . in the following the first embodiment will be explained in more detail . in this case an ntsc format is used as input video signal having 858 pixels per line , 262 or 263 lines , and 60 fields per second . the core module is designed for the pal format having 864 pixels per line , 313 or 312 lines , and 50 fields per second . a processing core is designed to work on a specific line width , determined by the core format . the invention changes the inout format line length to match the processing format line length . the number of lines per video field to be processed by the core is determined by a respective field restart signal ( video synch signal ) and not by core format line number . e . g . a pal processing core can be interupted and restarted before reaching 312 lines , whereas a ntsc processing core can process more than 262 lines . the pixel rate of the inout format is identical to the pixel rate of the processing format . the expansion and compression buffers are located around the core processing module as depicted in fig1 . this block diagram is a structural representation . the actual implementation merges the respective buffers with video memories inside the processing core . but processing core memory is not needed for the invention to work . the pal core processing format has 864 pixels per line and the ntsc i / o format has 858 pixels per line , which is 6 pixels difference . the ntsc data will be written into the expansion buffer . reading the buffer starts immediately after writing starts , in order to keep the buffer size small and the latency of the system small . after writing / reading the first 858 pixels ( one source video line ), 6 blank pixels are patched into the intermediate format stream to complement a video line . meanwhile , more source data is written into the expansion buffer . due to the unbalanced write / read ratio , the buffer will fill up during one full field cycle . the previous description is based on a full video line , which contains active video and also horizontal blanking data ( hblank ). writing the entire ntsc video line with 858 pixels is only needed , when the hblank data needs to be transmitted through the system . if only the active video data is needed , merely 720 pixels per video line need to be stored . this hblank data requirements thus affect the needed buffer depth , which computes as follows : an ntsc field time unit is 858 × 263 clocks (= 263 source lines ). this time unit is equal to 864 × 261 . 1 clocks ( 858 × 263 / 864 = 261 . 1 proc lines ). that means , 263 source lines are stored , but only 261 . 1 proc lines are read → roughly 2 lines remain in the buffer . this is the sum of all patch data divided by the proc format line length : thus , the buffer stores roughly 2 (= 1 . 82 ) video lines . if only active video is stored with 720 pixels per line , rather than the entire 864 pixels , the buffer size can be reduced . 1 . 82 lines × 864 pix and 16 bit each = 24 . 6 kbit per buffer ( maximum ). 1 . 82 lines × 720 pix and 16 bit each = 20 . 5 kbit per buffer ( minimum ). as mentioned before , both formats , i . e . the input format inout and the intermediate format proc have the same pixel rate . the “ temporal field rate ” and the “ number of lines per field ” are parameters in a respective format . with an equal field rate for both formats , wider fields mean fewer lines per field , or vice versa . the width of a field represents the active video component plus the horizontal blanking period . also , with an equal number of lines per field for both formats , wider lines mean a lower field rate , respectively . see fig2 for a visualization . if a wider intermediate format assume , less lines of the inout format will be processed , given an equal field rate . in our preferred embodiment the overlapping area covers the entire active video of the inout format . in our case , though ntsc has also fewer lines than pal , but the field rate is higher . from the above calculation for the buffer depth , it can be seen that during an ntsc field , 260 lines of pal converted video is processed . this is more than the minimum of 244 lines of active video in ntsc . thus , the buffer depth can be reduced even , such that processing stops when 244 lines are processed . on the output side of the processing core , the pal signal has to be reformatted to match the inout format . writing into the compression buffer starts , as soon as the processing module provides valid data . then , when the compression buffer is filled , reading starts with a higher rate . for every 864 pixels being processed , 858 pixels are written and 6 pixels are discarded . when the entire buffer is empty the ntsc field has been written out . this concludes one full cycle . fig3 shows the utilization of the respective buffers . after one cycle the expansion buffer at the system input is filled and will be deleted when the next cycle starts . that is , new incoming data overwrites old data . on the other end the compression buffer at the system output needs to be filled , before reading of data can start . during this time , blank data will be put out to the inout format . this blank data can be considered as the entire patch data being sent in a single block . in the first embodiment , this is about 2 lines of video data . finally , it should be noted that the invention helps to save a lot of development time and reduces design risks by reusing an existing and already tested processing core design . the video signal processing core , i . e . the processing core design , used is not restricted to special functionality , but it can do video processing of any type . | 7 |
as used herein , the expression “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” includes methyl and ethyl groups , and straight - chained or branched propyl and butyl groups . particular alkyl groups are methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , isopropyl and tert - butyl . similarly , the expression “( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl ” includes all of the ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl as described above and further includes straight chained or branched pentyl , hexyl , heptyl , octyl , nonyl and decyl groups . further , the expression “( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl ” includes all of the possible straight chained or branched alkyl groups containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms . it should particularly be noted that any of the feasible branched ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl group , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl group or ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl group known in the art is encompassed by this expression . derived expressions such as “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ” or “( c 1 - c 10 ) alkoxy ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) thioalkyl ” or “( c 1 - c 10 ) thioalkyl ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” or “( c 1 - c 10 ) alkoxy ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl ”, “ hydroxy ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” or “ hydroxy ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylcarbonyl ” or “( c 1 - c 10 ) alkylcarbonyl ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxycarbonyl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxycarbonyl ”, “ amino ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylamino ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylcarbamoyl ( c 1 - c 6 ) alkyl ”, “( c 1 - c 4 ) dialkylcarbamoyl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” “ mono - or di -( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylamino ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ”, “ amino ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylcarbonyl ” “ diphenyl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ”, “ phenyl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ”, “ phenylcarboyl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ”, “ phenoxy ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” and “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfonyl ,” are to be construed accordingly . similarly other derived expressions , such as ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxyethoxy shall be construed accordingly . another derived expression mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl shall mean that one or two of the hydrogens are replaced with fluorine . representative examples of monofluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl include fluoromethyl , 2 - fluoro - eth - 1 - yl or 1 - fluoro - eth - 1 - yl , 1 - fluoro - 1 - methyl - eth - 1 - yl , 2 - fluoro - 1 - methyl - eth - 1 - yl , 3 - fluoro - prop - 1 - yl , and the like . representative examples of difluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl include difluoromethyl , 2 , 2 - difluoro - eth - 1 - yl , 1 , 2 - difluoro - eth - 1 - yl or 1 , 1 - difluoro - eth - 1 - yl , 1 , 2 - difluoro - 1 - methyl - eth - 1 - yl , 2 , 2 - difluoro - 1 - methyl - eth - 1 - yl , 1 , 3 - difluoro - prop - 1 - yl , and the like . as used herein , the expression “( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ” includes all of the known cyclic radicals . representative examples of “ cycloalkyl ” includes without any limitation cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , cycloheptyl , cyclooctyl , and the like . derived expressions such as “ cycloalkoxy ” or “ cycloalkyloxy ”, “ cycloalkyloxyethoxy ”, “ cycloalkylalkyl ”, “ cycloalkylaryl ”, “ cycloalkylcarbonyl ” are to be construed accordingly . it should further be noted that the expression “( c 5 - c 8 ) carbocyclic ” shall have the same meaning as “( c 5 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ”. as used herein the expression “( c 1 - c 6 ) acyl ” shall have the same meaning as “( c 1 - c 6 ) alkanoyl ”, which can also be represented structurally as “ r — co —,” where r is a ( c 1 - c 5 ) alkyl as defined herein . additionally , “( c 1 - c 5 ) alkylcarbonyl ” shall mean same as ( c 1 - c 6 ) acyl . specifically , “( c 1 - c 6 ) acyl ” shall mean formyl , acetyl or ethanoyl , propanoyl , n - butanoyl , etc . derived expressions such as “( c 1 - c 6 ) acyloxy ” and “( c 1 - c 6 ) acyloxyalkyl ” are to be construed accordingly . as used herein , the expression “( c 4 - c 7 ) lactam ” represents all of the known ( c 4 - c 7 ) cyclic amide . representative examples of “( c 4 - c 7 ) lactam ” includes azetidin - 2 - one , pyrrolidin - 2 - one , piperidin - 2 - one and azepan - 2 - one . as used herein , the expression “( c 1 - c 6 ) perfluoroalkyl ” means that all of the hydrogen atoms in said alkyl group are replaced with fluorine atoms . illustrative examples include trifluoromethyl and pentafluoroethyl , and straight - chained or branched heptafluoropropyl , nonafluorobutyl , undecafluoropentyl and tridecafluorohexyl groups . derived expression , “( c 1 - c 6 ) perfluoroalkoxy ”, is to be construed accordingly . as used herein , the expression “ mono - or difluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” means that any of the alkyl groups are substituted with one or two fluorine atoms . such examples include , without any limitation , fluoromethyl , 1 - fluoroethyl , 1 - fluoropropyl , 1 , 1 - or 1 , 2 - difluoroethyl , 1 , 1 -, 1 , 2 - or 1 , 3 - difluoropropyl , 1 , 1 -, 1 , 2 -, 1 , 3 - or 1 , 4 - difluorobutyl and so on . the derived expressions , “ mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 )- alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl ” shall be construed accordingly . however , in these situations , the placement of fluorine atom does become important . it is generally preferred that there is no fluorine atom on the carbon next to the oxygen , sulfur , sulfinyl or sulfonyl group . thus , for instance , when the generic group is mono - or difluoroethoxymethyl , the preferred examples include only 2 - fluoro - ethoxymethyl or 2 , 2 - difluoroethoxymethyl , and the like . as used herein mono - or difluoro ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl shall mean one or two of the hydrogen atoms are replaced with fluorine atoms . representative examples include fluorocyclohexyl , 1 , 2 -, 2 , 2 - or 1 , 3 - difluorocyclohexyl , fluorocyclopentyl , 1 , 2 -, 2 , 2 - or 1 , 3 - difluorocyclopentyl , and the like . as used herein , the expression “( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ” means substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or naphthyl . specific examples of substituted phenyl or naphthyl include o -, p -, m - tolyl , 1 , 2 -, 1 , 3 -, 1 , 4 - xylyl , 1 - methylnaphthyl , 2 - methylnaphthyl , etc . “ substituted phenyl ” or “ substituted naphthyl ” also include any of the possible substituents as further defined herein or one known in the art . derived expressions “( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy ” and “( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxyethoxy ” shall be construed accordingly . as used herein , the expression “( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” means that the ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl as defined herein is further attached to ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl as defined herein . representative examples include benzyl , phenylethyl , 2 - phenylpropyl , 1 - naphthylmethyl , 2 - naphthylmethyl and the like . similarly , another derived expression “( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ” shall be construed accordingly . representative examples of said expression include without any limitation , phenylcyclopropyl , 1 - naphthylcyclopropyl , phenylcyclohexyl , 2 - naphthylcyclopentyl , and the like . as used herein , the expression “ heteroaryl ” includes all of the known heteroatom containing aromatic radicals . representative 5 - membered heteroaryl radicals include furanyl , thienyl or thiophenyl , pyrrolyl , isopyrrolyl , pyrazolyl , imidazolyl , oxazolyl , thiazolyl , isothiazolyl , and the like . representative 6 - membered heteroaryl radicals include pyridinyl , pyridazinyl , pyrimidinyl , pyrazinyl , triazinyl , and the like radicals . representative examples of bicyclic heteroaryl radicals include , benzofuranyl , benzothiophenyl , indolyl , quinolinyl , isoquinolinyl , cinnolyl , benzimidazolyl , indazolyl , furopyridyl , thienopyridyl , and the like radicals . derived expressions “ heteroaryloxy ” and “ heteroaryloxyethoxy ” shall be construed accordingly . as used herein , the expression “ heterocycle ” or “ saturated heterocyclic ” includes all of the known reduced heteroatom containing cyclic radicals . representative 5 - membered heterocycle radicals include tetrahydrofuranyl , 1 , 3 - dioxolanyl , tetrahydrothiophenyl , pyrrolidinyl , 2 - thiazolinyl , tetrahydrothiazolyl , tetrahydrooxazolyl , and the like . representative 6 - membered heterocycle radicals include piperidinyl , piperazinyl , morpholinyl , pyranyl , 1 , 3 - dioxanyl , thiomorpholinyl , and the like . various other heterocycle radicals include , without limitation , aziridinyl , azepanyl , diazepanyl , diazabicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 1 ] hept - 2 - yl , and triazocanyl , and the like . as used herein , the expression “( c 6 - c 13 ) bicyclic ” includes all of the known bicyclic radicals . representative examples of “ bicyclic ” includes without any limitation bicyclo [ 2 . 1 . 1 ] hexane , bicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 1 ] heptane , bicyclo [[ 3 . 2 . 1 ] octane , bicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 2 ] octane , bicyclo [ 3 . 2 . 2 ] nonane , bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] nonane , bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 2 ] decane , bicyclo [ 4 . 3 . 1 ] decane , bicyclo [ 4 . 4 . 1 ] undecane , bicyclo [ 5 . 4 . 1 ] dodecane , and the like . derived expressions such as “ bicycloalkoxy ”, “ bicycloalkylalkyl ”, “ bicycloalkylaryl ”, “ bicycloalkylcarbonyl ” are to be construed accordingly . “ halogen ” ( or “ halo ”) means chlorine ( chloro ), fluorine ( fluoro ), bromine ( bromo ), and iodine ( iodo ). as used herein , “ patient ” means a warm blooded animal , such as for example rats , mice , dogs , cats , guinea pigs , and primates such as humans . as used herein , the expression “ pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ” means a non - toxic solvent , dispersant , excipient , adjuvant , or other material which is mixed with the compound of the present invention in order to permit the formation of a pharmaceutical composition , i . e ., a dosage form capable of administration to the patient . one example of such a carrier is pharmaceutically acceptable oil typically used for parenteral administration . the term “ pharmaceutically acceptable salts ” as used herein means that the salts of the compounds of the present invention can be used in medicinal preparations . other salts may , however , be useful in the preparation of the compounds according to the invention or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts . suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include acid addition salts which may , for example , be formed by mixing a solution of the compound according to the invention with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid , hydrobromic acid , sulfuric acid , methanesulfonic acid , 2 - hydroxyethanesulfonic acid , p - toluenesulfonic acid , fumaric acid , maleic acid , hydroxymaleic acid , malic acid , ascorbic acid , succinic acid , glutaric acid , acetic acid , salicylic acid , cinnamic acid , 2 - phenoxybenzoic acid , hydroxybenzoic acid , phenylacetic acid , benzoic acid , oxalic acid , citric acid , tartaric acid , glycolic acid , lactic acid , pyruvic acid , malonic acid , carbonic acid or phosphoric acid . the acid metal salts such as sodium monohydrogen orthophosphate and potassium hydrogen sulfate can also be formed . also , the salts so formed may present either as mono - or di - acid salts and can exist substantially anhydrous or can be hydrated . 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 . as used herein , the term “ prodrug ” shall have the generally accepted meaning in the art . one such definition includes a pharmacologically inactive chemical entity that when metabolized or chemically transformed by a biological system such as a mammalian system is converted into a pharmacologically active substance . the expression “ stereoisomers ” is a general term used for all isomers of the individual molecules that differ only in the orientation of their atoms in space . typically it includes mirror image isomers that are usually formed due to at least one asymmetric center ( enantiomers ). where the compounds according to the invention possess two or more asymmetric centers , they may additionally exist as diastereoisomers , also certain individual molecules may exist as geometric isomers ( cis / trans ). similarly , certain compounds of this invention may exist in a mixture of two or more structurally distinct forms that are in rapid equilibrium , commonly known as tautomers . representative examples of tautomers include keto - enol tautomers , phenol - keto tautomers , nitroso - oxime tautomers , imine - enamine tautomers , etc . it is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof in any proportion are encompassed within the scope of the present invention . the term “ solvate ” as used herein means that an aggregate that consists of a solute ion or molecule with one or more solvent molecules . similarly , a “ hydrate ” means that a solute ion or molecule with one or more water molecules . in a broad sense , the term “ substituted ” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds . in a few of the specific embodiments as disclosed herein , the term “ substituted ” means substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , ( c 2 - c 6 ) alkenyl , ( c 1 - c 6 ) perfluoroalkyl , phenyl , hydroxy , — co 2 h , an ester , an amide , ( c 1 - c 6 ) alkoxy , ( c 1 - c 6 ) thioalkyl , ( c 1 - c 6 ) perfluoroalkoxy , — nh 2 , cl , br , i , f , cn , sf 5 , — nh - lower alkyl , and — n ( lower alkyl ) 2 , unless otherwise noted . however , any of the other suitable substituents known to one skilled in the art can also be used in these embodiments . “ therapeutically effective amount ” means an amount of the compound which is effective in treating the named disease , disorder or condition . ( i ) preventing a disease , disorder or condition from occurring in a patient that may be predisposed to the disease , disorder and / or condition , but has not yet been diagnosed as having it ; ( ii ) inhibiting the disease , disorder or condition , i . e ., arresting its development ; and ( iii ) relieving the disease , disorder or condition , i . e ., causing regression of the disease , disorder and / or condition . thus , in accordance with the practice of this invention there is provided a compound of the formula i : x is oxygen , sulfur or nr 21 , wherein r 21 is hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; r 1 and r 2 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkoxy mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkylsulfanyl mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkylsulfinyl mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkylsulfonyl mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl mono - or difluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl mono - or difluoro ( c 2 - c 4 ) alkyloxy , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) arylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) arylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) arylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or difluoro ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or difluoro ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyloxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl mono - or difluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl mono - or difluoro ( c 2 - c 4 ) alkyloxy , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , hydroxy ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , heteroaryl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , heteroaryl mono - or difluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , heteroaryloxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , heteroaryloxy mono - or difluoro ( c 2 - c 4 ) alkyl , heteroarylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , heteroarylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , heteroarylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , saturated heterocyclic ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , saturated heterocyclic mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , saturated heterocyclyloxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , saturated heterocyclyloxy mono - or di - fluoro ( c 2 - c 4 ) alkyl , saturated heterocyclylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , heterocyclylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , heterocyclylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , — co 2 r 22 or — conr 23 r 24 wherein r 22 , r 23 and r 24 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; and r 3 and r 4 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl and ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; or r 3 and r 4 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 5 - c 7 carbocyclic ring ; r 5 , r 6 and r 7 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl and ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ; r 8 is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted phenyl , substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptanyl , substituted or unsubstituted hexahydrofluorenyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted furanyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzofuranyl , substituted or unsubstituted thiophenyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzothiophenyl , substituted or unsubstituted indolyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzothiazolyl , substituted or unsubstituted thiazolyl , substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolyl , substituted or unsubstituted pyridyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydroisoquinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydroquinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted isoquinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted quinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydrodibenzofuranyl and substituted or unsubstituted hexahydrodibenzofuranyl ; wherein said substituents are selected from the group consisting of cf 3 , ocf 3 , halogen , cn , sf 5 , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfonyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 - c 16 ) spirocycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 8 - c 13 ) bicyclic , substituted or unsubstituted adamantyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptyl , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted piperidinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted piperazinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 4 - c 7 ) lactam , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydropyranyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydrofuranyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted 1 , 3 - dioxanyl , substituted or unsubstituted 1 , 3 - dioxolanyl , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxyethoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyloxyethoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxyethoxy and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxyethoxy ; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 10 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; or r 9 and r 10 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 8 carbocyclic ring ; and wherein said substituents are selected from the aforementioned substituents . the compound of formula i can be present as a salt . it can also present as an enantiomer , a stereoisomer or a tautomer or a racemic mixture thereof . all of these forms are part of this invention . when is a double bond , x and y are oxygen , p is 1 , n is 0 , r 1 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 are hydrogen and r 2 is either hydrogen or methyl , then r 8 is not 2 - methylphenyl ; when is a double bond , x and y are oxygen , p is 1 , n is 0 and r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 are hydrogen , then r 8 is not phenyl ; and when is a single bond , x and y are oxygen , p is 1 , n is 0 , r 1 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 are hydrogen and r 2 is either hydrogen or methyl , then r 8 is not phenyl . the compounds that are excluded from this invention are known in the prior art . for instance , forfar et . al ., j . heterocyclic chem ., 38 , 823 - 827 ( 2001 ), discloses two of the above excluded compounds . the other three excluded compounds are disclosed by forfar et . al ., arch . pharm . ( weinheim ), 323 , 905 - 909 ( 1990 ). both of these references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety . as also noted above , various substituents as defined for formula ( i ) can further be optionally substituted by any of the art recognized substituents some of which are generically described herein and a few of the specific substituents are enumerated by way of specific examples . more particularly , various r 1 and r 2 as described herein can further be optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described herein . in an embodiment of this invention the compound of formula ( i ) of this invention has the following substituents : is a double bond ; p is 1 ; n is 0 ; x and y are oxygen ; r 1 and r 2 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , hydroxy ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl or — co 2 c 2 h 5 ; r 3 , r 4 and r 5 are hydrogen ; r 8 is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted phenyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptanyl , substituted or unsubstituted hexahydrofluorenyl and substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl ; wherein said substituents are selected from the group consisting of cf 3 , ocf 3 , sf 5 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , cn , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 8 - c 13 ) bicyclic , substituted or unsubstituted adamantyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptyl , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxy , and substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydropyranyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 2 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; or r 9 and r 10 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 8 ring . as noted above , the substituents of r 8 moiety can be any of the suitable art recognized substituents including the specific moieties enumerated for r 8 above . further , this embodiment of the invention includes compound of formula ( i ) in the salt form as well as it can also present in any of the stereoisomeric form including an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer thereof or a racemic mixture thereof . in another embodiment , the compound of this invention can be represented by formula ii : r 1 and r 2 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , mono - or di - fluoro ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , phenylsulfanyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , phenylsulfinyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , phenylsulfonyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkoxy ( c 0 - c 4 ) alkyl , hydroxy ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl or — co 2 c 2 h 5 ; r 11 and r 12 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , cf 3 , ocf 3 , sf 5 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , cn , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 8 - c 13 ) bicyclic , substituted or unsubstituted adamantyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptyl , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydropyranyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxy ; and wherein m is 0 or 1 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; again , the substituents on some of the groups listed for r 11 and r 12 can be same as the ones listed for r 11 and r 12 or any of the suitable art recognized substituents can be used as described herein . for instance , said substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , phenyl , indanyl and imidazolyl . the compound of formula ( ii ) can be present in the form of a salt . also , this invention encompasses an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or a racemic mixture of compound of formula ( ii ). as specific examples of compound of formula ( ii ), the following compounds may be enumerated without any limitations . 2 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 3 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 3 , 4 - dimethyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - isopropyl - 3 - methyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - 2 - methyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 2 , 4 - di - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 1 - methyl - 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - chloro - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - fluoro - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 3 , 4 - dichloro - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 3 , 4 - difluoro - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 - chloro - 4 -( 7 - oxo - 2 , 3 - dihydro - 7h - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 2 - ylmethoxy )- benzonitrile ; 2 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 3 , 4 - dimethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclopentyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - trifluoromethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 4 , 4 - dimethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 - dimethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 4 - tert - butyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( biphenyl - 4 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( tetrahydro - pyran - 4 - yl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - indan - 1 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - tricyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 . 13 , 7 ] decan - 2 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - imidazol - 1 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 -( 1 - phenyl )- cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methylsulfanyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 6 - benzenesulfonyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 6 - benzenesulfinyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 32 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methanesulfonyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methanesulfinyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - phenylsulfanylmethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - benzenesulfonylmethyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; and 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethanesulfonylmethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; all of the above enumerated compounds can also present in the form of a salt as well as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer thereof or a racemic mixture thereof ; all of which are part of this invention . more specifically , the following compounds are enumerated as compounds of formula ( ii ): 2 -[ 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - isopropyl - 3 - methyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 1 - methyl - 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclopentyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - trifluoromethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 4 , 4 - dimethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 4 -( 4 - tert - butyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - indan - 1 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 , 5 - dimethyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 3 - methyl - 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - isopropyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 -( 2 - methoxy - ethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 , 6 - diethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - phenylsulfanyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - hydroxymethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - cyclohexyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 -( 1 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - ethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 -( 2 - hydroxy - ethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 ′- propyl - biphenyl - 4 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 2 ′, 3 ′- dimethyl - biphenyl - 4 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 ′- tert - butyl - biphenyl - 4 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 ′- ethoxy - biphenyl - 4 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 2 ′- chloro - biphenyl - 4 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethylsulfanylmethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - fluoromethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methoxymethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - fluoromethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; and 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 - methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . as noted above , any of the above enumerated compounds can exist in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or a racemic mixture ; all of which are part of this invention . in another embodiment , as examples of stereospecific isomers , the following compounds encompassed by the compound of form 2 ( s )-( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 ( s )- dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 ( s )-[ 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 ( s )-( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -[ 4 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenoxy )- benzyloxy ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 ( s )-( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 - methyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 - dimethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -[ 4 -( 4 , 4 - difluoro - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyloxy - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - phenoxy - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butyloxy - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( 2s , 6r )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( 2s , 6s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( 2s , 6r )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( 2s , 6s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - propyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - phenyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -[ 4 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxy )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 7 - oxo - 2 , 3 - dihydro - 7h - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidine - 5 - carboxylic acid ethyl ester ; ( s )- 2 -[ 4 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxy )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - ethyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - pentafluorosulfur - benzyloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - ethyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 - isopropyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 - ethyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - cyclopropyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - n - butyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - cyclopentyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - isobutyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - fluoromethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methoxymethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 -( 1 - fluoro - 1 - methyl - ethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - fluoromethyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methoxymethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - butyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - cyclopentyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7one ; ( s )- 5 - methyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - ethyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - fluoromethyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 5 - methoxymethyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethoxymethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -[ 4 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenoxy )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - cyclopropyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - isobutyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; and ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethoxy - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ula ( ii ) may be enumerated : again , all of the above enumerated compounds may exist in the form of a salt as described herein , all of which are part of this invention . in another embodiment , a few other specific examples of stereospecific isomers within the scope of the compound of formula ( ii ) without any limitation are the following : again , all of these compounds can exist in a variety of different salt forms as described herein and all of such salts form part of this invention . in another embodiment , the compound of this invention can be represented by formula iii : r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; if r 13 is attached to the aromatic ring , then r 13 is hydrogen , cf 3 , ocf 3 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 6 ) cycloalkyl or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ; if r 13 and r 14 are both attached to the saturated ring , then r 13 and r 14 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl or phenyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; or r 13 and r 14 taken together with the carbon atom or carbon atoms to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 6 carbocyclic ring ; and wherein m is 0 or 1 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl . as noted above , the substituents on some of the groups listed for r 13 and r 14 can be the same as the ones listed for r 13 and r 14 or any of the suitable art recognized substituents can be used as described herein . for instance , said substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl and phenyl . the compound of formula ( iii ) can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( iii ) can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . as a specific example of the compound of formula ( iii ) without any limitation , the following compound is enumerated : the above compound can present in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture . in another embodiment of this invention , the compound of this invention can be represented by formula iv : r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; if r 13 is attached to the aromatic ring , then r 13 is hydrogen , cf 3 , ocf 3 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 6 ) cycloalkyl or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ; if r 13 and r 14 are both attached to the saturated ring , then r 13 and r 14 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl or phenyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; or r 13 and r 14 taken together with the carbon atom or carbon atoms to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 6 carbocyclic ring ; and wherein m is 0 or 1 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl . the substituents on some of the groups listed for r 13 and r 14 can be the same as the ones listed for r 13 and r 14 or any of the suitable art recognized substituents can also be used as described herein . for instance , said substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl and phenyl . the compound of formula ( iv ) can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( iv ) can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . as a specific example of the compound of formula ( iv ) without any limitation , the following compound is enumerated : the above compound can present in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture . in yet another embodiment , the compound of this invention is represented by the formula v : r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; if r 13 is attached to the aromatic ring , then r 13 is hydrogen , cf 3 , ocf 3 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 6 ) cycloalkyl or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ; if r 13 and r 14 are both attached to the saturated ring , then r 13 and r 14 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl or phenyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; or r 13 and r 14 taken together with the carbon atom or carbon atoms to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 6 carbocyclic ring ; and wherein m is 0 or 1 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl . the substituents on some of the groups listed for r 13 and r 14 can be the same as the ones listed for r 13 and r 14 or any of the suitable art recognized substituents can also be used as described herein . for instance , said substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl and phenyl . the compound of formula ( v ) can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( v ) can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . in another embodiment , the compound of this invention is represented by formula vi : r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; r 15 and r 16 are the same or different and independently of each other selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , fluorine , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 8 - c 13 ) bicyclic , substituted or unsubstituted adamantyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptyl , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted piperidinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted piperazinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxy ; and wherein m is 0 or 1 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl . the substituents on some of the groups listed for r 15 and r 16 can be the same as the ones listed for r 15 and r 16 or any of the suitable art recognized substituents can also be used as described herein . for instance , said substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl and phenyl . the compound of formula ( vi ) can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( vi ) can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . as a specific example of the compound of formula ( vi ) without any limitation , the following compound is enumerated : the above compound can present in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture . in an embodiment , the compound of this invention is represented by the formula vii : r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; if r 13 is attached to the aromatic ring , then r 13 is hydrogen , cf 3 , ocf 3 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , ( c 3 - c 6 ) cycloalkyl or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkoxy ; if r 13 is attached to the saturated ring , then r 13 is chosen from hydrogen , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl or phenyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; and wherein m is 0 or 1 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; and r 17 , r 18 , r 19 and r 20 are the same or different and independently selected from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl . the compound of formula ( vii ) can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( vii ) can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . as a specific example of the compound of formula ( vii ) without any limitation , the following compounds are enumerated : the above compounds can present in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture . in yet another embodiment of this invention , the compound of formula ( i ) is having the following substituents : is a double bond ; p is 1 ; n is 0 ; x and y are oxygen ; r 1 , r 3 , r 4 and r 5 are hydrogen ; r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; r 8 is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted furanyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzofuranyl , substituted or unsubstituted thiophenyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzothiophenyl , substituted or unsubstituted indolyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzothiazolyl , substituted or unsubstituted thiazolyl , substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolyl , substituted or unsubstituted pyridyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydroisoquinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydroquinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted isoquinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted quinolinyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydrodibenzofuranyl and substituted or unsubstituted hexahydrodibenzofuranyl ; wherein said substituents are selected from the group consisting of cf 3 , ocf 3 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , cn , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfonyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 8 - c 13 ) bicyclic , substituted or unsubstituted adamantyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptyl , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted piperidinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted piperazinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m and substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydropyranyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; wherein m is 0 or 1 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; or r 9 and r 10 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 8 ring . the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . as specific examples of the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment , without any limitation , the following compounds are enumerated : 2 -( 1h - indol - 5 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 6 - cyclohexyl - pyridin - 3 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( benzothiazol - 2 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 6 - tert - butyl - benzothiazol - 2 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( 2 , 5 - diphenyl - thiazol - 4 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 5a , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 9a - hexahydro - dibenzofuran - 3 - yl - oxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 - tetrahydro - dibenzofuran - 3 - yl - oxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; ( s )- 2 -( benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -( 2 - p - tolyl - benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 2 -( 4 - ethyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - yloxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 2 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - yloxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 2 -( 4 - propyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - yloxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - yloxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ; 2 -[ 2 -( 2 - chloro - pyridin - 4 - yl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - yloxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . as already noted above , where possible the above compounds can present in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture . in another embodiment of this invention , the compound of formula ( i ) is having the following substituents : is a double bond ; p is 0 or 1 ; n is 0 or 1 ; y is oxygen or x is oxygen or nr 21 , wherein r 21 is hydrogen ; r 1 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 and r 7 are hydrogen ; r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; r 8 is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted phenyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptanyl , substituted or unsubstituted hexahydrofluorenyl and substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl ; wherein said substituents are selected from the group consisting of cf 3 , ocf 3 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , cn , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfonyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 8 - c 13 ) bicyclic , substituted or unsubstituted adamantyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptyl , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted piperidinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted piperazinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m and substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydropyranyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 3 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; or r 9 and r 10 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 8 ring . the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . as specific examples of the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment , without any limitation , the following compounds are enumerated : as already noted above , where possible the above compounds can present in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture . finally , in another embodiment of this invention , the compound of formula ( i ) is having the following substituents : is a double bond ; p is 1 ; n is 0 ; x is sulfur ; y is oxygen ; r 1 , r 3 , r 4 and r 5 are hydrogen ; r 2 is hydrogen , cf 3 , straight or branched ( c 1 - c 10 ) alkyl , ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl or ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; r 8 is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted phenyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptanyl , substituted or unsubstituted hexahydrofluorenyl and substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl ; wherein said substituents are selected from the group consisting of cf 3 , ocf 3 , fluorine , chlorine , bromine , cn , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkyl , ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkylsulfonyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 3 - c 10 ) cycloalkyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryl ( c 3 - c 8 ) cycloalkyl , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 8 - c 13 ) bicyclic , substituted or unsubstituted adamantyl , substituted or unsubstituted indanyl , substituted or unsubstituted tetralinyl , substituted or unsubstituted benzocycloheptyl , straight or branched chain ( c 1 - c 20 ) alkoxy , substituted or unsubstituted ( c 6 , c 10 ) aryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryloxy , substituted or unsubstituted piperidinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m , substituted or unsubstituted piperazinyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m and substituted or unsubstituted tetrahydropyranyl ( cr 9 r 10 ) m ; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 3 ; r 9 and r 10 are the same or different and independently of each other chosen from hydrogen or ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ; or r 9 and r 10 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a substituted or unsubstituted c 3 - c 8 ring . the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment can also present in the form of a salt . additionally , the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment can be present as a specific enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture ; all such forms are part of this invention . as a specific example of the compound of formula ( i ) of this embodiment , without any limitation , the following compound is enumerated : as already noted above , the above compound can present in the form of a salt or as an enantiomer , stereoisomer or a tautomer or as a racemic mixture . the compounds of this invention can be synthesized by any of the procedures known to one skilled in the art . specifically , several of the starting materials used in the preparation of the compounds of this invention are known or are themselves commercially available . the compounds of this invention and several of the precursor compounds may also be prepared by methods used to prepare similar compounds as reported in the literature and as further described herein . more specifically , the compounds disclosed herein can be synthesized according to the following procedures of schemes a - c , wherein n , p , x , y , r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 and r 8 are as defined for formula i unless otherwise indicated . schemes g and h illustrate other approaches to the synthesis of compounds of formula i where for simplicity some of the substituents are shown as hydrogen . several of the intermediates used in the preparation of the compound of formula ( i ) are known and can be prepared in accordance with the procedures known to one skilled in the art . a few other intermediates are novel , which can either be prepared in accordance with the procedures described herein ( schemes d - f ) or by any of the procedures known in the art . scheme a illustrates a procedure for the preparation of a compound of formula ( i ) wherein p is 1 , r 1 is hydrogen , is a double bond , and x and y are oxygen . as noted , the starting alcohol of formula ( viii ) is either available in the art or can be made by a variety of synthetic procedures , a few of which are described in detail below in schemes d - f . in step a1 , scheme a , the alcohol , viii is reacted with epichlorohydrin of formula ( ix ) in a suitable solvent and reaction conditions . in general , the reaction can be affected in the presence of a suitable base . examples of bases include carbonate salts of alkaline metals such as lithium carbonate , sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate and cesium carbonate as well as alkali metal hydroxides such as lithium hydroxide , sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide and cesium hydroxide . however , other bases such as carbonate salts of alkaline earth metals such as barium carbonate or any other suitable base or a mixture of bases can be employed in this reaction . the reaction can be carried out in any of the organic solvents , such as acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , acetonitrile , dimethylformamide ( dmf ), dimethyl sulfoxide ( dmso ), dimethyl acetamide ( dmac ), and the like , or a mixture of solvents as listed herein . the reaction can also be carried out using water as a solvent . the reaction is generally carried out at ambient and / or super - ambient temperatures including the reflux temperature of the solvent . generally , the reaction is carried out in the temperature range of from about ambient temperature to about 150 ° c . depending upon the boiling point of the solvent and / or solvent mixture employed . it should further be noted that nucleophilic addition reactions as illustrated in step a1 , scheme a can more conveniently be carried out with an alcohol of formula ( viii ) and an oxirane of formula ( ix ) wherein r 3 , r 4 and r 5 are hydrogen . however , one skilled in the art readily appreciates that similar reactions with other substituents as disclosed herein can be carried out using various modifications that are available in the art and / or using other procedures known in the art . in scheme a , step a2 , the compound of formula ( x ) is reacted with a suitable cyanamide compound to form an oxazolylamine of formula ( xi ) in a suitable solvent . any of the known cyanamide compounds that react with an epoxide to form oxazolylamines can be employed in this reaction . suitable cyanamides for this purpose include without any limitation , sodium hydrogen cyanamide , lithium hydrogen cyanamide , potassium hydrogen cyanamide , cesium hydrogen cyanamide , and the like . the reaction can generally be carried out in alcoholic solvents such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like or a mixture thereof the reaction is further carrier out at a suitable temperature , for example , at about ambient to super - ambient temperatures . in scheme a , step a3 , the oxazolylamine of formula ( xi ) is finally reacted with an α , β - unsaturated alkynoic ester of formula ( xii ), wherein r c is ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , to form the compound of formula ( ia ) wherein p is 1 , r 1 is hydrogen , is a double bond , and x and y are o . this reaction can again be carried out using any of the procedures known to one skilled in the art . typically , such an addition reaction is carried out in a suitable alcoholic solvent such as methanol , ethanol or isopropanol or a mixture thereof . such addition reactions can also be carried out using α , β - unsaturated alkynoic ester of formula ( xii ) itself as the solvent . the reaction is generally carried out at ambient to super - ambient temperature conditions . more generally , the reaction is carried out at the reflux temperature of the solvent . however , super - ambient temperatures involving the microwave oven can also be employed to carry out this reaction at a temperature ranging from about 100 ° c . to about 200 ° c . various other compounds of formula ( i ) can similarly be prepared using appropriate starting materials . for instance , a compound of formula ( i ) wherein x is sulfur can be prepared starting with corresponding mercapto compound of formula ( viii ). similarly a compound of formula ( i ) wherein y is sulfur can be prepared by employing thio - α , β - unsaturated alkynoic acid ester . scheme b illustrates the preparation of a stereospecific compound of formula ( ib ). thus in accordance with scheme b , compounds of formula ( i ) wherein p is 1 , x and y are oxygen , r 1 , r 3 , r 4 and r 5 are hydrogen are prepared using stereospecific reaction conditions . first , the stereospecific oxirane of formula ( xa ) is prepared starting from a stereospecific oxirane of formula ( ixa ). again as illustrated , such stereospecific reactions can more conveniently be carried out using alcohols of formula ( viii ) wherein n = 0 , and oxiranes of formula ( ixa ). in step b1 , scheme b , ( s )- enantiomer of oxirane of formula ( xa ) can be formed starting from ( r )- enantiomer of oxirane of formula ( ixa ) in a stereospecific substitution reaction by reacting it with an alcohol of formula ( viii ). generally , such stereospecific substitution reactions result in an enantiomeric ratio of from about 60 : 40 to 70 : 30 . however , it has now been surprisingly found that enantiomeric ratio in excess of about 99 : 1 can be formed using a suitable solvent such as , acetone at a reaction temperature in the range of from about 40 ° c . to about 50 ° c . the enantiomeric purity of the compounds is measured by chiral high performance liquid chromatography ( hplc ) or by any other known literature methods . the ( r )- enantiomer of formula ( x ) can similarly be formed starting from the ( s )- enantiomer of formula ( ix ). the stereospecific ( s )- enantiomeric oxirane of the formula ( xa ) thus obtained can then be converted to stereospecific ( s )- enantiomeric compound of formula ( ib ) following the procedures as outlined above in scheme a by first forming the stereospecific ( s )- enantiomeric oxazolylamine of formula ( xia ) in step b2 , which is subsequently converted to compound of formula ( ib ) in step b3 by reaction with a suitable α , β - alkynoic acid ester or formula ( xii ), wherein r c is ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl . scheme c illustrates a preparation of compound of formula ( ic ) wherein is a single bond . the oxazolylamine of formula ( xi ) formed in step a2 of scheme a is reacted with α , β - unsaturated alkenoic acid ester of formula ( xiii ), wherein r c is ( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl , to form a compound of formula ( ic ). this reaction can be carried out by any of the procedures known in the literature . in general , such reactions are carried out in an alcoholic solvent as described hereinabove in scheme a , step a3 . again , as noted above , the α , β - unsaturated alkenoic acid ester of formula ( xiii ) itself can be used as a solvent . finally , schemes d through f illustrate preparation of a few of the starting alcohols in which n is 0 and r 8 is a substituted phenyl . thus , schemes d through f describe syntheses of a variety of phenols that can be used as starting alcohols of formula ( viii ). for instance , scheme d illustrates preparation of phenols of formula ( viiia ) employing 4 - benzyloxy - bromo - benzene as the starting material . in step d1 , scheme d , 4 - benzyloxy - bromo - benzene is first converted to a grignard reagent by reacting with magnesium which is then reacted with a cyclic ketone of formula ( xiv ), where z ═ ch 2 or oxygen and m = 0 , 1 or 2 , to form a compound of formula ( xv ). the grignard reaction is generally carried out in an ethereal solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran ( thf ) or diethyl ether . the grignard reagent thus formed is then reacted with a cyclic ketone of formula ( xiv ), which results in an alcohol of formula ( xv ). in step d2 , scheme d , the compound of formula ( xv ) is subjected to a dehydration reaction under suitable reaction conditions to form a compound of formula ( xvi ). such dehydration reactions are generally carried out in an alcoholic solvent such as ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as hydrochloric acid . this reaction can be carried out at a reaction temperature in the range of from about sub - ambient to super - ambient temperatures . for instance , a temperature range of from about 30 ° c . to about 60 ° c . can be employed . finally , in step d3 , scheme d , the compound of formula ( xvi ) is subjected to reductive cleavage reaction to form the substituted phenolic compound of formula ( viiia ). the reductive cleavage reactions can be carried out using any of the known procedures in the art . for instance , such reductive cleavage can be effected by employing hydrogenation catalyst such as palladium on activated carbon in a hydrogen atmosphere . scheme e illustrates another preparative method for the preparation of a substituted phenolic compound of formula ( viiib ), which can also be used as a starting alcohol in the synthesis of compounds of formula ( i ). the phenolic compound of formula ( viiib ) is primarily substituted with a nitrogen heterocycle , which can readily be synthesized by an electrophilic substitution of anisole under acidic conditions as shown in scheme e . in step e1 , scheme e , anisole is subjected to an electrophilic substitution reaction with an oxo - nitrogen heterocycle of formula ( xvii ), where r is c 1 - c 4 alkyl and m = 1 or 2 . any of the known electrophilic substitution reaction conditions can be employed in this step . for example , anisole is reacted with compound of formula ( xvii ) in the presence of hydrochloric acid to obtain compound of formula ( xviii ), which in turn is subjected to hydrogenation reaction to form compound of formula ( xix ). for instance , such an hydrogenation reaction can be carried out catalytically using palladium on activated carbon in an hydrogen atmosphere . finally , the compound of formula ( xix ) is subjected to demethylation reaction to form free phenolic compound of formula ( viiib ). various known dealkylation , preferably , demethylation reaction conditions can be employed for this purpose . one such example include reacting compound of formula ( xix ) with an acid such as hydrobromic acid to form compound of formula ( viiib ). finally , scheme f illustrates a preparation of a phenolic compound of formula ( viiic ). in this illustration , in step f1 , scheme f , a series of phenolic compounds of formula ( viiic ) can be prepared by employing an alcohol of formula ( xx ), which is reacted with phenol in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst , such as p - toluenesulfonic acid to form phenolic compound of formula ( viiic ). as illustrated herein , the substituents r d , r e and r f are any of the feasible substituents as described herein . scheme g illustrates another way of preparing compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention under stereospecific reaction conditions , i . e ., substantially under enantioselective reaction conditions . that is under conditions which allow the formation of the compound of formula ( i ) with high retention of configuration of the optical center . in scheme g , step g1 , compound of formula ( xxi ) is reacted with sodium cyanamide to form a compound of formula ( xxii ), wherein rg is a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group , such as substituted or unsubstituted phenylsulfonyl , e . g ., a p - tosyl group , and the like . this reaction can be carried out using any of the methods known to one skilled in the art . typically , such reactions are carried out in alcoholic solvents such as methanol at room temperature to obtain the corresponding dihydrooxazolylamine of formula ( xxii ). in scheme g , step g2 , compound of formula ( xxii ) is reacted with an alkyl alkynoic acid ester of formula ( xxiii ) to form compound of formula ( xxiv ). again , such reactions can be carried out using any of the methods known to one skilled in the art . typically , such reactions can be carried out at the reflux temperature of the solvent , but other reaction conditions can also be employed depending upon the type of starting compounds ( xxii ) and ( xxiii ). finally , in scheme g , step , g3 the compound of formula ( xxiv ) is reacted with a suitable hydroxy compound of formula aroh , wherein ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl , such as substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or a molecule of formula haroh , wherein har is substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl , such as substituted or unsubstituted benzothiophene . such substitution reactions are generally carried out in an aprotic polar solvent , such as dmf or acetonitrile and in the presence of a suitable base such as alkali carbonates for example cesium carbonate or an organic base such as triethylamine . alternatively a compound of formula ( xxiv ) in an aprotic solvent such as dmf or acetonitrile / dichloromethane / dmso can be treated with a mixture of sodium hydride and aroh or haroh in a suitable solvent such as acetonitrile or dmf . the reaction temperatures can be sub - ambient to ambient to super - ambient , but typically the reaction is carried out under ambient to moderately higher temperatures in the range of 30 to 60 ° c . scheme h illustrates another method of making compounds of formula ( i ) under stereospecific reaction conditions , i . e ., substantially under enantioselective reaction conditions . that is under conditions which allow the formation of the compound of formula ( i ) with high retention of configuration of the optical center . in scheme h , step h1 , an ester of formula ( xxv ) is reacted first with lda and then condensed with another ester of formula ( xxvi ) to form a compound of formula ( xxvii ). in formulae ( xxv ) and ( xxvi ), rh and ri are independently lower alkyl , preferably c 1 - c 4 alkyl , for example methyl , ethyl , n - propyl or n - butyl . this condensation reaction can be carried out using any of the methods known in the art . more typically , such reactions are carried out under inert atmospheres at around sub - ambient temperatures , such as − 78 ° c . to ambient reaction temperatures in a suitable non - polar organic solvents , such as hexane , thf and the like . in scheme h , step h2 , the compound of formula ( xxvii ) is then reacted with dihydrooxazolylamine of formula ( xxviii ) to form compound of formula ( i ) with substituents as shown in scheme h . all of the substituents defined for r 1 and r 2 may be made in accordance with this scheme , however , it is more preferred for compounds of formula ( i ) wherein r 1 is alkyl , mono - or di - fluoroalkyl or alkoxyalkyl and r 2 is hydrogen , alkyl , mono - or di - fluoroalkyl , arylalkyl or alkoxyalkyl . ar and har are respectively substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl as defined hereinabove . in another aspect of this embodiment , this invention also relates to a method of modulating one or more metabotropic glutamate receptor functions in a patient requiring such treatment . such a method involves administering an effective amount of a compound of formula ( i ) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt , an enantiomer , a stereoisomer or a tautomer thereof or a racemic mixture thereof . in a further embodiment , this invention also involves a method of treating a specific disease , a disorder or a condition using an effective amount of a compound of formula ( i ) of this invention . specific diseases that can be treated using the compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention include , without any limitation , neurological or psychiatric disorders . as used herein “ psychiatric disorders ” shall have the same meaning as “ psychotic disorder ” as defined in diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders , 4 th ed ., (“ dsm - iv ”) american psychiatric association , 1995 , incorporated herein by reference . the essential feature of brief psychotic disorder is a disturbance that involves the sudden onset of at least one of the following positive psychotic symptoms : delusions , hallucinations , disorganized speech , ( e . g ., frequent derailment or incoherence ), or grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior ( criterion a ). an episode of the disturbance lasts at least one day but less than one month , and the individual eventually has a full return to the premorbid level of functioning ( criterion b ). the disturbance is not better accounted for by a mood disorder with psychotic features , by schizoaffective disorder , or by schizophrenia and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance ( e . g ., hallucinogen ) or a general medical condition ( e . g ., subdural hematoma ) ( criterion c ). it should further be noted that a skilled artisan recognizes that there are alternative nomenclatures , nosologies , and classification systems for neurological and psychiatric disorders described herein and that these systems evolve with medical scientific progress . it is also recognized that one skilled in the art may affect the neurological and psychiatric disorders by treating a patient presently afflicted with the disorders or by prophylactically treating a patient afflicted with the disorders with an effective amount of the compound of formula ( i ) of this invention . thus , the terms “ treatment ” and “ treating ” are intended to refer to all processes wherein there may be a slowing , interrupting , arresting , controlling , or stopping of the progression of the neurological and psychiatric disorders described herein , but does not necessarily indicate a total elimination of all disorder symptoms , and is intended to include prophylactic treatment of such neurological and psychiatric disorders . in a further embodiment of this invention , specific diseases that can be treated using the compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention include without any limitation : anxiety , migraine , schizophrenia , epilepsy and pain . one of skill in the art readily appreciates that the pathologies and disease states expressly stated herein are not intended to be limiting rather to illustrate the efficacy of the compounds of the present invention . thus it is to be understood that the compounds of this invention may be used to treat any disease involving the effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor functions . that is , the compounds of the present invention are modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors ( mglur ), particularly , mglur2 , and may be effectively administered to ameliorate any disease state which is mediated all or in part by mglur2 . all of the various embodiments of the compounds used in the methods of this invention as disclosed herein can be used in the method of treating various disease states as described herein . as stated herein , the compounds used in the method of this invention are capable of modulating the effects of mglur2 and thereby alleviating the effects and / or conditions caused due to the activity of mglur2 . in another embodiment of the method of this invention , the compounds of this invention can be administered by any of the methods known in the art . specifically , the compounds of this invention can be administered by oral , intramuscular , subcutaneous , rectal , intratracheal , intranasal , intraperitoneal , intracerebroventricular ( icy ) or topical route . finally , in yet another embodiment of this invention , there is also provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of formula ( i ) of this invention , including enantiomers , stereoisomers , and tautomers of said compound and pharmaceutically acceptable salts , solvates or derivatives thereof , with said compound having the general structure shown in formula i as described herein . as described herein , the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention feature modulation of mglur2 and thus are useful in treating any disease , condition or a disorder involving the effects of mglur2 in a patient . again , as described above , all of the preferred embodiments of the compounds of this invention as disclosed herein can be used in preparing the pharmaceutical compositions as described herein . preferably the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are in unit dosage forms such as tablets , pills , capsules , powders , granules , sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions , metered aerosol or liquid sprays , drops , ampoules , auto - injector devices or suppositories ; for oral , parenteral , intranasal , sublingual or rectal administration , or for administration by inhalation or insufflation . alternatively , the compositions may be presented in a form suitable for once - weekly or once - monthly administration ; for example , an insoluble salt of the active compound , such as the decanoate salt , may be adapted to provide a depot preparation for intramuscular injection . an erodible polymer containing the active ingredient may be envisaged . for preparing solid compositions such as tablets , the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier , e . g . conventional tableting ingredients such as corn starch , lactose , sucrose , sorbitol , talc , stearic acid , magnesium stearate , dicalcium phosphate or gums , and other pharmaceutical diluents , e . g . water , to form a solid preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of formula ( i ) of the present invention , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof . when referring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous , it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets , pills and capsules . this solid preformulation composition is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from 0 . 1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of the present invention . flavored unit dosage forms contain from 1 to 100 mg , for example 1 , 2 , 5 , 10 , 25 , 50 or 100 mg , of the active ingredient . the tablets or pills of the novel composition can be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action . for example , the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component , the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former . the two components can be separated by an enteric layer which serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release . a variety of materials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings , such materials including a number of polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac , cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate . the liquid forms in which the novel compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injection include aqueous solutions , suitably flavored syrups , aqueous or oil suspensions , and flavored emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseed oil , sesame oil , coconut oil or peanut oil , as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceutical vehicles . suitable dispersing or suspending agents for aqueous suspensions include synthetic and natural gums such as tragacanth , acacia , alginate , dextran , sodium carboxymethylcellulose , methylcellulose , polyvinyl - pyrrolidone or gelatin . the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be administered by any of the methods known in the art . in general , the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be administered by oral , intramuscular , subcutaneous , rectal , intratracheal , intranasal , intraperitoneal , intracerebroventricular ( icy ) or topical route . the preferred administrations of the pharmaceutical composition of this invention are by oral and intranasal routes . any of the known methods to administer pharmaceutical compositions by an oral or an intranasal route can be used to administer the composition of this invention . in the treatment of various disease states as described herein , a suitable dosage level is about 0 . 01 to 250 mg / kg per day , preferably about 0 . 05 to 100 mg / kg per day , and especially about 0 . 05 to 20 mg / kg per day . the compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day . this invention is further illustrated by the following examples which are provided for illustration purposes and in no way limit the scope of the present invention . reactions generally are run under a nitrogen atmosphere . solvents are dried over sodium or magnesium sulfate and are evaporated under vacuum on a rotary evaporator . tlc analyses are performed with em science silica gel 60 f254 plates with visualization by uv irradiation wherever possible . flash chromatography is performed using isco prepacked silica gel cartridges . the 1 h nmr spectra are run at 300 mhz on a gemini 300 or varian vxr 300 spectrometer and are determined in a deuterated solvent , such as dmso - d 6 or cdcl 3 unless otherwise noted . chemical shifts values are indicated in parts per million ( ppm ) with reference to tetramethylsilane ( tms ) as the internal standard . the lc / ms are run on a micromass platform lcz . as used in the examples and preparations that follow , the terms used therein shall have the meanings indicated : “ kg ” refers to kilograms , “ g ” refers to grams , “ mg ” refers to milligrams , “ μg ” refers to micrograms , “ pg ” refers to picograms , “ lb ” refers to pounds , “ oz ” refers to ounces , “ mol ” refers to moles , “ mmol ” refers to millimoles , “ μmole ” refers to micromoles , “ nmole ” refers to nanomoles , “ l ” refers to liters , “ ml ” or “ ml ” refers to milliliters , “ μl ” refers to microliters , “ gal ” refers to gallons , “° c .” refers to degrees celsius , “ r f ” refers to retention factor , “ mp ” or “ m . p .” refers to melting point , “ dec ” refers to decomposition , “ bp ” or “ b . p .” refers to boiling point , “ mm of hg ” refers to pressure in millimeters of mercury , “ cm ” refers to centimeters , “ nm ” refers to nanometers , “ abs .” refers to absolute , “ conc .” refers to concentrated , “ c ” refers to concentration in g / ml , “ thf ” refers to tetrahydrofuran , “ dmf ” refers to dimethylformamide , “ nmp ” refers to 1 - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidinone , “ etoh ” refers to ethyl alcohol , “ meoh ” refers to methyl alcohol , “ etoac ” refers to ethyl acetate ; “ brine ” refers to a saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution , “ m ” refers to molar , “ mm ” refers to millimolar , “ μm ” refers to micromolar , “ nm ” refers to nanomolar , “ n ” refers to normal , “ tlc ” refers to thin layer chromatography , “ hplc ” refers to high performance liquid chromatography , “ i . p .” refers to intraperitoneally , “ i . v .” refers to intravenously , anhyd = anhydrous ; aq = aqueous ; min = minute ; mins = minutes ; h or hr = hour ; d = day ; psi = pounds per square inch ; atm = atmosphere ; sat .= saturated ; s = singlet , d = doublet ; t = triplet ; q = quartet ; m = multiplet ; dd = doublet of doublets ; br = broad ; lc = liquid chromatograph ; ms = mass spectrograph ; esi = electrospray ionization ; ci = chemical ionization ; rt = retention time ; m = molecular ion . optical rotations [ α ] d 25 were measured using a perkin elmer polarimeter model 341 with a sodium lamp , d line ( 589 nm ), path length 100 mm at 25 ° c . temperature at a concentration and solvent as specified in the respective examples below . to a mixture of ( r )- epichlorohydrin ( 12 . 4 g , 134 mmol ) and 4 - tert - butylphenol ( 10 . 0 g , 66 . 8 mmol ) in acetone ( 50 ml ) was added potassium carbonate ( 9 . 24 g , 66 . 8 mmol ). the mixture was stirred at 45 ° c . for 96 hours . the reaction mixture was then concentrated to remove acetone . the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water and extracted twice with ethyl acetate . the organic phases were combined and washed with water , brine , dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum . the resulting residue was purified by flash chromatography ( silica , methylene chloride / heptane ) to give 9 . 18 g ( 67 %) of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl ) oxirane . c 13 h 18 o 2 ( 206 . 28 ), lcms ( esi ): 248 . 17 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 31 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 27 ( s , 9h ). to a vigorously stirred solution of sodium hydrogen cyanamide ( 2 . 92 g , 44 . 5 mmol ) in methanol ( 40 ml ) was added dropwise ( s )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butylphenoxymethyl )- oxirane ( 9 . 18 g , 44 . 5 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight after which the reaction mixture was concentrated to remove methanol . anhydrous diethyl ether ( 150 ml ) was added . the resulting white precipitate was filtered through celite and the filtrate was concentrated . the residue was purified by flash chromatography ( silica , 7n nh 3 in methanol / methylene chloride ) to give 4 . 53 g ( 41 %) of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )-( 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl ) amine . c 14 h 20 n 2 o 2 ( 248 . 33 ), lcms ( esi ): 249 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 31 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 0 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 29 ( s , 9h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 4 . 53 g , 18 . 3 mmol ) in ethanol ( 35 ml ) was added ethyl propiolate ( 2 . 32 g , 23 . 7 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 6 hours . the mixture was stirred at 30 ° c . for a few minutes and subsequently cooled to room temperature . the resulting crystals were collected and washed twice with hexane . the solid was dried under high vacuum at 65 ° c . for 18 hours to afford 2 . 8 g ( 50 %) of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . [ α ] d 25 − 54 . 04 ( c 0 . 503 , chcl 3 ). c 17 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 300 . 36 ), lcms ( esi ): 301 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 31 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 21 - 4 . 41 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 29 ( s , 9h ). to a mixture of epichlorohydrin ( 9 . 8 g , 106 mmol ) and 4 - fluorophenol ( 2 . 38 g , 21 . 2 mmol ) in acetonitrile ( 40 ml ) was added cesium carbonate ( 6 . 9 g , 21 . 2 mmol ). the mixture was heated at reflux for 3 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled , poured into water ( 100 ml ) and extracted twice with etoac . the organic phases were combined and washed with water , brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ), concentrated and dried under high vacuum overnight to give the product as an oil ( 3 . 44 g , 96 %). c 9 h 9 fo 2 ( 168 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 210 . 10 ( m − + h + ch 3 cn ) 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 93 - 7 . 02 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 83 - 6 . 91 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 21 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 92 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ). to a vigorously stirred solution of sodium hydrogen cyanamide ( 0 . 64 g , 10 . 0 mmol ) in methanol ( 10 ml ) was added dropwise 2 -( 4 - fluoro - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane ( 1 . 68 g , 10 mmol ) after which the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was concentrated to remove methanol . anhydrous diethyl ether ( 50 ml ) was added after which the resulting white precipitate was removed by filtration through celite and the filtrate concentrated . the residue was purified by flash chromatography ( silica , 7n nh 3 in methanol / methylene chloride ) to give 0 . 77 g ( 37 %) of 5 -( 4 - fluorophenoxymethyl )-( 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl ) amine . c 10 h 11 fn 2 o 2 ( 210 . 08 ), lcms ( esi ): 211 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 93 - 7 . 03 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 82 - 6 . 91 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 02 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 93 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ). to a solution of 5 -( 4 - fluoro - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 4 . 20 g , 2 . 00 mmol ) in ethanol ( 8 ml ) was added ethyl propiolate ( 0 . 25 g , 2 . 60 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 6 hours . the mixture was stirred at 30 ° c . for a few minutes after which it was cooled to room temperature . the resulting crystals were collected and washed twice with hexane . the solid was dried under high vacuum at 65 ° c . for 18 hours to afford 0 . 23 g ( 50 %) of 2 -( 4 - fluorophenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . c 13 h 11 fn 2 o 3 ( 262 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 263 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 25 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 99 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 83 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 19 - 4 . 43 ( m , 4h ) the title compound was prepared from 4 - tert - butyl - benzenethiol and epichlorohydrin according to the method employed for the synthesis of example 2 . c 17 h 20 n 2 o 2 s ( 316 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 317 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 70 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 37 ( s , 4h ), 5 . 79 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 07 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 35 ( t , 1h ), 3 . 99 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 46 ( ab - m , 2h ), 1 . 28 ( s , 9h ). epichlorohydrin ( 10 . 60 g , 111 mmol ) and tricaprylmethylammonium chloride ( aliquat 336 , 0 . 5 g ) were dissolved in cyclohexane ( 45 ml ). 4 - tert - butylcyclohexanol ( 4 . 34 g , 27 . 8 mmol ) was added and the reaction mixture was diluted with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide ( 50 % in h 2 o , 7 . 5 ml ). the two phase system was heated to 90 ° c . under vigorous stirring for 5 hours . the mixture was diluted with water ( 300 ml ) and extracted twice with hexane , and subsequently with ethyl acetate . the combined organic extracts were washed with dilute nh 4 cl , water , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated to give a yellowish soft solid ( 6 . 10 g ) which was used without further purification . c 13 h 24 o 2 ( 212 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 254 . 24 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - cyclohexyloxymethyl )- oxirane according to the procedure employed for the preparation of compound in step 2 of example 1 . c 14 h 26 n 2 o 2 ( 254 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 255 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 4 . 69 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 86 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 80 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 46 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 19 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 06 ( br ., 2h ), 1 . 80 ( br ., 2h ), 0 . 86 - 1 . 38 ( m , 5h ), 0 . 85 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - cyclohexyloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine according to the procedure employed for the preparation of compound in step 3 of example 1 . c 17 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 306 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 307 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 20 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 05 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 04 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 19 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 78 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 99 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 78 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 91 - 1 . 18 ( m , 5h ), 0 . 86 ( s , 9h ). to 0 . 1 g of palladium on activated carbon ( 10 %) was added a solution of 4 , 4 - dimethylcyclohex - 2 - enone ( 6 . 23 g , 50 mmol ) in petroleum ether . this mixture was stirred under 1 atmosphere of hydrogen for 20 hours . after filtration through celite , the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a white solid ( 5 . 7 g , 92 %). c 8 h 14 o ( 126 . 10 ), lcms ( esi ): 127 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 2 . 35 ( t , 4h ), 1 . 68 ( t , 4h ), 1 . 16 ( s , 6h ). in a 250 ml round - bottomed flask was placed magnesium turnings ( 1 . 85 g , 76 . 1 mmol ), which were stirred under vacuum without solvent overnight . to the turnings was added anhydrous thf ( 10 ml ) and 4 - benzyloxybromobenzene ( 10 . 0 g , 38 . 0 mmol ) in anhydrous thf ( 40 ml ) over 15 min . after the reaction was complete , the resulting gray slurry was stirred for 2 h at 60 ° c . to the slurry , cooled in an ice - water bath , was added 4 , 4 - dimethyl - cyclohexanone ( 3 . 36 g , 26 . 6 mmol ) in thf ( 15 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature after which the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the residue was partitioned between etoac / saturated nh 4 cl . the mixture was extracted twice with etoac . the organic phases were combined , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . the residue was purified via column chromatography on silica gel ( eluting with 10 - 40 % ethyl acetate / hexanes ) to give 4 . 14 g ( 50 %) of 1 -( 4 - benzyloxy - phenyl )- 4 , 4 - dimethylcyclohexanol . c 21 h 26 o 2 ( 310 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 293 . 18 ( m + + h − h 2 o ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 - 7 . 46 ( m , 7h ), 6 . 92 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 97 ( br . s , 1h ), 5 . 06 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 39 ( br . s , 2h ), 1 . 97 ( br . s , 2h ), 1 . 48 - 1 . 55 ( m , 2h ) 0 . 95 ( s , 6h ). 1 -( 4 - benzyloxyphenyl )- 4 , 4 - dimethyl - cyclohexanol ( 4 . 14 g , 13 . 3 mmol ) was dissolved in ethanol ( 80 ml ) by stirring after which concentrated hydrochloric acid ( 8 ml ) was added . this stirred mixture was heated to 50 ° c . for 1 . 5 hours . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the residue was basified with ammonium hydroxide , extracted three times with etoac and the organic extracts combined and concentrated to afford 1 - benzyloxy - 4 -( 4 , 4 - dimethylcyclohex - 1 - enyl )- benzene as a white solid ( 3 . 98 g , 99 %). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 - 7 . 46 ( m , 7h ), 6 . 92 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 97 ( br . s , 1h ), 5 . 06 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 39 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 97 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 48 - 1 . 55 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 95 ( s , 6h ). to 0 . 20 g of palladium on activated carbon ( 10 %) was added a solution of 1 - benzyloxy - 4 -( 4 , 4 - dimethylcyclohex - 1 - enyl ) benzene ( 3 . 98 g , 13 . 3 mmol ) in ethanol ( 80 ml )/ thf ( 40 ml )/ water ( 96 ml ). the mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi at room temperature overnight . the mixture was filtered through celite and the filtrate concentrated to a solid ( 2 . 71 g , 99 %). c 14 h 20 o ( 204 . 15 ), lcms ( ci ): 204 . 11 ( m + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 09 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 67 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 61 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 42 - 1 . 70 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 29 - 1 . 37 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 96 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 95 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 4 , 4 - dimethylcyclohexyl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 1 of example 2 . c 17 h 24 o 2 ( 260 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 261 . 20 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 42 - 1 . 71 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 24 - 1 . 39 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 97 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 95 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -[ 4 -( 4 , 4 - dimethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- oxirane and sodium hydrogen cyanamide according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 2 of example 1 . c 18 h 26 n 2 o 2 ( 302 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 303 . 21 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 9 ( v . br ., 2h ), 1 . 43 - 1 . 72 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 24 - 1 . 38 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 97 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 95 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -[ 4 -( 4 , 4 - dimethyl - cyclohexyl ) - phenoxymethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine according to the procedures employed in step 3 of example 1 . c 16 h 25 no ( 354 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 17 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 38 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 29 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 09 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 21 - 1 . 60 ( m , 8h ), 0 . 96 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 93 ( s , 3h ) the title compound was prepared from 4 -( tetrahydropyran - 4 - yl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 1 of example 2 . c 14 h 18 o 3 ( 234 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 257 . 15 ( m + + na ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 88 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 20 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 01 - 4 . 13 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 45 - 3 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 70 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 71 - 1 . 78 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 4 - oxiranylmethoxy - phenyl )- tetrahydropyran and sodium hydrogen cyanamide according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 2 of example 1 . c 15 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 276 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 277 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 88 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 97 - 4 . 13 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 7 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 45 - 3 . 64 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 70 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 66 - 1 . 86 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -[ 4 -( tetrahydropyran - 4 - yl ) - phenoxymethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine according to the procedures employed for the preparation of example 1 in step 3 of example 1 . c 18 h 20 n 2 o 4 ( 328 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 329 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 20 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 07 ( d , 2h ), 3 . 52 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 71 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 69 - 1 . 85 ( m , 4h ). a mixture of 50 % w / w aqueous potassium hydroxide ( 30 ml ), epichlorohydrin ( 157 mmol , 20 ml ) and tetrabutylammonium bromide ( 2 . 35 mmol , 0 . 75 g ) was vigorously stirred at room temperature and cooled in an ice bath . benzyl alcohol ( 96 . 0 mmol , 10 ml ) was added dropwise , while maintaining the reaction temperature at about 10 ° c . by cooling the reaction mixture in an ice bath . the reaction mixture was then allowed to stir at room temperature overnight after which it was poured onto ice / water , and the aqueous phase extracted with diethyl ether . the organic phases were combined and washed with brine to neutrality and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). the solution was concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue was purified by flash chromatography ( silica , 2 - 10 % ethyl acetate / heptane ) to give 14 . 8 g ( 94 %) of 2 - benzyloxymethyl - oxirane . c 10 h 12 o 2 ( 164 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 165 . 10 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ), 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 26 - 7 . 38 ( m , 5h ), 4 . 59 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 77 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 45 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 19 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 80 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 63 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 - benzyloxymethyl - oxirane and sodium hydrogen cyanamide according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 2 of example 1 . c 11 h 14 n 2 o 2 ( 206 . 10 ), lcms ( esi ): 207 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ), 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 26 - 7 . 40 ( m , 5h ), 4 . 74 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 49 - 4 . 66 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 81 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 35 - 3 . 63 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 5 ( v . br ., 2h ) the title compound was prepared from 5 - benzyloxymethyl - 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine according to the procedure employed for step 3 of example 1 . c 14 h 14 n 2 o 3 ( 258 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 259 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ), 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 - 7 . 40 ( m , 5h ), 7 . 18 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 04 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 07 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 59 ( q , 2h ), 4 . 20 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 78 ( ab - m , 2h ), the title compound was prepared from 4 -( tert - butyl )- benzyl alcohol and epichlorohydrin according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 1 of example 2 . c 14 h 20 o 2 ( 220 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 262 . 18 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ), 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 38 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 49 - 4 . 61 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 45 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 18 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 80 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 62 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 32 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - benzyloxymethyl )- oxirane and sodium hydrogen cyanamide according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 2 of example 1 . c 15 h 22 n 2 o 2 ( 262 . 17 ), 263 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ), 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 38 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 27 ( dd , 2h ), 4 . 73 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 50 - 4 . 61 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 80 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 56 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 45 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 1 ( v . br ., 2h ), 1 . 32 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - benzyloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine according to the procedures employed in step 3 of example 1 . c 18 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 314 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 315 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ), 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 38 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 23 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 18 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 06 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 05 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 56 ( q , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 82 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 72 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ) 1 , 2 , 2 , 6 , 6 - pentamethyl - piperidin - 4 - one ( 8 . 64 g , 50 . 00 mmol ) and phenol ( 4 . 98 g , 53 . 00 mmol ) were melted together at 60 ° c . in a 100 ml round bottomed flask after which 13 . 5 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added dropwise . the yellow solution was stirred at 70 ° c . for 24 hours . the mixture was poured into a beaker containing ice . ammonium hydroxide was added carefully while stirring until the ph reached 7 ˜ 8 . the mixture was extracted with etoac five times . the organic phases were combined , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel column , eluting with 7n nh 3 in methanol / dichloromethane to give 4 -( 1 , 2 , 2 , 6 , 6 - pentamethyl - 1 , 2 , 3 , 6 - tetrahydropyridin - 4 - yl )- phenol ( 4 . 11 g , 34 %). c 16 h 23 no ( 245 . 37 ), lcms ( esi ): 246 . 20 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 27 ( d , 2h )), 6 . 79 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 73 ( s , 1h ), 3 . 45 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 31 - 2 . 37 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 20 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 15 ( s , 6h ). to 0 . 33 g of palladium on activated carbon ( 10 %) was added a solution of 4 -( 1 , 2 , 2 , 6 , 6 - pentamethyl - 1 , 2 , 3 , 6 - tetrahydro - pyridin - 4 - yl )- phenol ( 3 . 27 g , 13 . 3 mmol ) in methanol ( 100 ml ). this mixture was stirred at room temperature under h 2 ( 1 atm ) for 2 hours . the catalyst was filtered and the filtrate concentrated . the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel ( eluting with 7n nh 3 in methanol / dichloromethane ) to give 4 -( 1 , 2 , 2 , 6 , 6 - pentamethyl - piperidin - 4 - yl )- phenol ( 2 g 60 %) as a white foam . c 16 h 25 no ( 247 . 38 ), lcms ( esi ): 248 . 21 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 11 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 77 ( d , 2h ), 2 . 88 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 54 - 1 . 69 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 17 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 10 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 , 2 , 2 , 6 , 6 - pentamethyl - piperidin - 4 - yl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 1 of example 2 . c 19 h 29 no 2 ( 303 . 21 ), 304 . 23 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 16 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 50 - 1 . 68 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 16 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 10 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 1 , 2 , 2 , 6 , 6 - pentamethyl - 4 -( 4 - oxiranylmethoxy - phenyl )- piperidine and sodium hydrogen cyanamide according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in step 2 of example 1 . c 20 h 31 n 3 o 2 ( 345 . 24 ), 346 . 27 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 16 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 87 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 93 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 60 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 53 - 1 . 68 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 17 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 10 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -[ 4 -( 1 , 2 , 2 , 6 , 6 - pentamethyl - piperidin - 4 - yl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedure of step 3 , example 1 . c 23 h 31 n 3 o 3 ( 397 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 398 . 26 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 18 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 41 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 89 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 52 - 1 . 69 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 17 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 10 ( s , 6h ). a mixture of 5 g ( 28 . 4 mmol ) of 1 - phenyl - 1 - cyclohexanol , 5 . 35 g ( 56 . 8 mmol ) of phenol and 250 mg ( 1 . 32 mmol ) of toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate was stirred at 85 ° c . under nitrogen atmosphere for 4 hours . the material was allowed to cool to room temperature , diluted with ethyl acetate , washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate , water and brine . the resulting solution was dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and concentrated to a white solid which was heated under high vacuum to remove residual phenol . the resulting residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel , eluting with methanol / dichloromethane to provide 5 . 64 g ( 22 . 4 mmol ) of 4 -( 1 ′-( phenyl ) cyclohexyl ) phenol . c 18 h 20 o ( 252 . 15 ), lcms ( ci ): 252 . 22 ( m + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( m , 5h ), 7 . 13 ( m ., 2h ), 6 . 73 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 55 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 24 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 55 ( br s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 ′-( phenyl ) cyclohexyl ) phenol employing the three step procedures used to prepare example 2 . c 25 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 402 . 50 ), lcms ( esi ): 403 . 21 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 22 - 7 . 29 ( m , 6h ), 7 . 10 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 81 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 30 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 38 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 31 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 09 ( q , 1h ), 2 . 17 - 2 . 28 ( br s , 4h ), 1 . 38 - 1 . 50 ( br s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexylphenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedure in step 1 of example 2 . c 15 h 20 o 2 ( 232 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 274 . 18 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ) 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), 7 . 12 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 74 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 78 - 1 . 85 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 31 - 1 . 43 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedure in step 2 of example 1 . c 16 h 22 n 2 o 2 ( 274 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 275 . 16 ( m + + h ) 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( dd , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 05 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 91 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 17 - 1 . 93 ( m , 10h ). to a solution of 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 300 mg , 1 . 095 mmol ) in ethanol ( 6 ml ) was added ethyl 2 - butynoate ( 246 mg , 2 . 19 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 150 ° c . for 30 min , then at 160 ° c . for 20 min , and at 170 ° c . for 30 min . solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residue purified via flash column chromatography ( silica gel , 1 - 18 % etoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) to afford 190 mg of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one as a white solid . c 20 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 340 . 43 ), lcms ( esi ): 341 . 2 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 15 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 86 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 68 ( 1h , s ), 5 . 28 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 11 - 4 . 44 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 43 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 19 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 80 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 16 - 1 . 40 ( 5h , m ). to a solution of 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 300 mg , 1 . 095 mmol ) in ethanol ( 6 ml ) was added ethyl 2 - pentynoate ( 276 mg , 2 . 19 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 170 ° c . for 70 min . the solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residue purified via flash column chromatography ( silica gel , 1 - 12 % etoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) to afford 153 mg of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one as a slightly yellow solid . c 21 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 354 . 45 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 2 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 14 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 85 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 63 ( 1h , s ), 5 . 28 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 10 - 4 . 44 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 46 ( 3h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 80 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 40 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 14 ( 3h , t ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 1 . 0 g , 3 . 64 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures as set forth in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol , in ethanol ( 18 . 2 ml ) was added ethyl 2 - pentynoate ( 0 . 92 g , 7 . 28 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 14 hrs and then gradually cooled to room temperature . the resulting crystalline solid was isolated by filtration , washed with heptane 3 times , and dried under vacuum to afford 560 mg of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one as a white solid . [ α ] d 25 − 27 . 96 ( c 0 . 526 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 354 . 45 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 23 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 14 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 85 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 63 ( 1h , s ), 5 . 29 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 10 - 4 . 44 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 46 ( 3h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 80 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 40 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 14 ( 3h , t ). to a solution of 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 165 mg , 0 . 602 mmol ) in ethanol ( 6 ml ) was added ethyl 4 , 4 , 4 - trifluoro - 2 - butynoate ( 100 mg , 0 . 602 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 170 ° c . for 30 mins . solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residue purified via flash column chromatography ( silica gel , 1 - 10 % etoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) to afford 60 mg of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - trifluoromethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one as an off - white solid . c 20 h 21 f 3 n 2 o 3 ( 394 . 40 ), lcms ( esi ): 395 . 16 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 15 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 85 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 46 ( 1h , s ), 5 . 40 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 14 - 4 . 51 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 43 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 80 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 16 - 1 . 42 ( 5h , m ). to a solution of 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 350 mg , 1 . 28 mmol ) in ethanol ( 6 ml ) was added ethyl acrylate ( 255 . 8 mg , 2 . 56 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 150 ° c . for 40 min . the solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residue purified via flash column chromatography ( silica gel , 0 . 5 - 12 % etoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) to afford an oil , which was dissolved in a small amount of methylene chloride and to which was then added heptane . a white solid precipitated to afford 110 mg of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . c 19 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 328 . 41 ), lcms ( esi ): 329 . 17 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 15 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 89 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 16 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 22 ( 2h , ddd ), 3 . 86 ( 1h , t ), 3 . 55 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 48 ( 2h , t ), 2 . 44 ( 3h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 84 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 14 - 1 . 44 ( 5h , m ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - tert - butylphenol employing the procedures in steps 1 and 2 of example 2 . to a solution of 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 520 mg , 2 . 10 mmol ) in ethanol ( 10 ml ) was added ethyl acrylate ( 273 . 3 mg , 2 . 73 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 130 ° c . for 10 min , then at 140 ° c . for 10 min , and finally at 150 ° c . for 30 min . solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residual solid washed with small amount of etoh to afford 195 mg of 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one as a white solid . c 17 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 302 . 38 ), lcms ( esi ): 303 . 17 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 32 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 90 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 17 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 23 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 87 ( 1h , t ), 3 . 45 - 3 . 58 ( 3h , m ), 2 . 45 ( 2h , t ), 1 . 25 ( 9h , s ). the title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedures described in s . urgaonkar , et al ., adv . synth . catal . 2004 , 346 , 611 - 616 , and employing 4 - bromophenol and piperidine as the starting materials in the presence of palladium acetate and lithium bis ( trimethylsilyl ) amide . c 11 h 15 no ( 177 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 178 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 74 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 43 ( s , 1h ), 3 . 01 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 72 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 55 ( m , 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - piperidin - 1 - yl - phenol employing the procedures in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 40 . 47 ( c 0 . 502 , chcl 3 ). c 18 h 21 n 3 o 3 ( 327 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 328 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 90 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 79 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 04 ( t , 4h ), 1 . 71 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 57 ( m , 2h ). first , 3 - methyl - cyclohexenone was prepared in accordance with the procedures of jirgensons et . al ., euro . j . med . chem . 35 ( 2000 ) 555 - 565 . then , 3 - methyl - cyclohexenone was reacted with methyl magnesium iodide in the presence of cuprous chloride in diethyl ether to obtain the title compound . in a rb flask ( 250 ml ) was placed magnesium turnings ( 2 . 08 g , 85 . 9 mmol ), which were stirred under vacuum without solvent overnight . to the stirred magnesium turnings was added anhydrous thf ( 10 ml ). to the resulting mixture at 50 ° c . was added several drops of dibromoethane , followed by 4 - benzyloxybromobenzene ( 11 . 8 g , 42 . 9 mmol ) in 40 ml of thf . after addition was complete , the reaction mixture was heated at 60 ° c . for 3 hours until a brownish - grey slurry was formed . the reaction mixture was cooled in an ice - bath and 3 , 3 - dimethyl - cyclohexanone ( 3 . 87 g , 30 . 67 mmol ) in thf ( 15 ml ) was added dropwise . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the residue was partitioned between etoac / aqueous nh 4 cl . the aqueous phase was extracted three times with etoac . the organic phase was combined and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( etoac / heptane ) provided 5 . 08 g of 1 -( 4 - benzyloxy - phenyl )- 3 , 3 - dimethyl - cyclohexanol as a white solid . c 21 h 26 o 2 ( 310 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 293 . 17 ( m + + h − h 2 o ). 1 -( 4 - benzyloxy - phenyl )- 3 , 3 - dimethyl - cyclohexanol ( 5 . 08 g , 16 . 4 mmol ) was dissolved in etoh ( 80 ml ) after which concentrated hydrochloric acid ( 8 ml ) was added . this mixture was stirred at 50 ° c . for 1 . 5 hours . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . water ( 15 ml ) was added . the mixture was basified with aqueous ammonia and extracted three times with etoac . the organic phase was dried and concentrated to provide the title compound as a yellow solid 4 . 43 g as a mixture of isomers . c 21 h 24 o ( 292 . 18 ), lcms ( esi ): 293 . 22 ( m + + h ). to 1 - benzyloxy - 4 -( 3 , 3 - dimethyl - cyclohex - 1 - enyl )- benzene ( 4 . 3 g , 16 . 4 mmol ) in meoh ( 50 ml ) and etoac ( 50 ml ) was added 10 % pd / c ( 0 . 67 g ) under n 2 . this mixture was stirred under h 2 ( 1 atm ) overnight . the reaction mixture was filtered through celite . the filtrate was concentrated to give the title compound as a white solid ( 3 . 43 g ). c 14 h 20 o ( 204 . 15 ), lcms ( ci ): 204 . 15 ( m + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 07 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 75 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 60 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 63 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 09 - 1 . 88 ( m , 8h ), 0 . 99 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 94 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 3 , 3 - dimethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 48 . 48 ( c 0 . 503 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 354 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 23 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 41 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 66 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 11 - 1 . 90 ( m , 8h ), 0 . 99 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 95 ( s , 3h ). 2 -[ 1 -( 3 - methoxy - phenyl )- meth -( z )- ylidene ]- cyclohexanone was prepared in accordance with the procedure of baltzly et . al ., journal of the american chemical society ( 1955 ), 77 , 624 - 8 , which was subsequently hydrogenated ( pd / c , etoh , h 2 1 atm ) to form 2 -( 3 - methoxy - benzyl )- cyclohexanone . 2 -( 3 - methoxy - benzyl )- cyclohexanone was converted to 7 - methoxy - 2 , 3 , 4 , 9 - tetrahydro - 1h - fluorene in accordance with the procedure of u . s . pat . no . 3 , 743 , 663 , followed by hydrogenation ( pd / c , meoh / etoh , h 2 , 1 atm ) to obtain 7 - methoxy - 2 , 3 , 4 , 4a , 9 , 9a - hexahydro - 1h - fluorene . to 7 - methoxy - 2 , 3 , 4 , 4a , 9 , 9a - hexahydro - 1h - fluorene ( 1 . 95 g , 9 . 65 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ) was added bbr 3 ( 1m in ch 2 cl 2 , 24 mmol ) dropwise at 0 ° c . this mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for one hour . the reaction mixture was then quenched with meoh ( 5 ml ). aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate ( 10 ml ) was added . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was extracted with ch 2 cl 2 . the organic phase was washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . silica gel chromatography ( etoac / heptane ) provided 1 . 48 g of 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 8a , 9 - hexahydro - 4bh - fluoren - 2 - ol . c 13 h 16 o ( 188 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 189 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 00 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 72 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 62 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 50 ( s , 1h ), 3 . 02 ( q , 1h ), 2 . 79 ( ab - m , 1h ), 2 . 52 ( ab - m , 1h ), 2 . 42 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 77 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 16 - 1 . 62 ( m , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 8a , 9 - hexahydro - 4bh - fluoren - 2 - ol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 48 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 20 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 338 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 339 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 05 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 77 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 67 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 42 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 04 ( q , 1h ), 2 . 82 ( dd , ab - m ), 2 . 54 ( 1h , ab - m ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 13 - 1 . 86 ( m , 8h ). 9 -( 4 - benzyloxy - phenyl )- bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] nonan - 9 - ol ( 4 . 7 g , 14 . 57 mmol ) ( prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in step 2 of example 18 ) was dissolved in etoh ( 150 ml ) after which concentrated hydrochloric acid ( 15 ml ) was added . this mixture was stirred at 50 ° c . overnight . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . water ( 50 ml ) was added . the mixture was basified with aqueous ammonia and extracted three times with etoac . the organic phase was dried and concentrated to provide the title compound ( 5 . 5 g ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 - 7 . 49 ( s , 7h ), 6 . 95 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 06 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 74 ( br . s , 1h ), 2 . 38 ( b . s , 2h ), 1 . 36 - 2 . 08 ( m , 12h ). to 9 -( 4 - benzyloxy - phenyl )- bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] nonane ( 4 . 4 g , 14 . 6 mmol ) in meoh ( 100 ml ) and etoac ( 100 ml ) ( warmed to 40 ° c . to facilitate dissolution , then cooled to room temperature ) was added 10 % pd / c ( 0 . 5 g ) under n 2 . this mixture was stirred under h 2 ( 1 atm ) overnight . the reaction mixture was then filtered through celite . the filtrate was concentrated to give the title compound as a solid . ( 3 . 1 g ). c 15 h 20 o ( 216 . 15 ), lcms ( ci ): 216 . 17 ( m + ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 9 . 11 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 72 ( d , 2h ), 2 . 62 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 13 ( b . s , 2h ), 1 . 24 - 2 . 06 ( m , 12h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 43 . 56 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 366 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 367 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 77 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 27 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 90 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 43 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 10 ( ab - m , 1h ) 2 . 68 ( br . s , 1h ), 2 . 37 ( br . s , 2h ), 1 . 26 - 2 . 06 ( m , 12h ). to a solution of 6 - bromo - pyridin - 3 - ol ( 5 . 0 g , 28 . 7 mmol ) in anhydrous thf ( 75 ml ) and anhydrous toluene ( 40 ml ) at − 78 ° c . was added n - butyllithium ( 2 . 5 m in hexane , 28 . 73 mmol ). the mixture was stirred for 20 min . a solution of sec - butyllithium ( 1 . 4 m in cyclohexane , 43 . 1 mmol ) was added dropwise and the mixture stirred at − 78 ° c . for 1 hour . to the mixture was added cyclohexanone ( 4 . 23 g , 43 . 1 mmol ) in thf ( 25 ml ) at − 78 ° c . and the mixture stirred at − 78 ° c . for 1 hour . saturated nah 2 po 4 solution ( 10 ml ) was slowly added to the mixture and the mixture then warmed to room temperature . water ( 300 ml ) was added . the reaction mixture was neutralized with hydrochloric acid ( 2n ), and the mixture extracted three times with etoac . the organic layer was washed with brine and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( etoac / heptane ) provided 2 . 63 g of the title compound . c 11 h 15 no 2 ( 193 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 194 . 09 ( m + + h ). to a suspension of 6 -( 1 - hydroxy - cyclohexyl )- pyridin - 3 - ol ( 2 . 5 g , 12 . 9 mmol ) in toluene ( 130 ml ) was added p - toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate ( 8 . 12 g , 42 . 7 mmol ). the mixture was refluxed with azeotropic removal of water for 2 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , neutralized with aqueous nahco 3 and extracted three times with etoac . the organic phase was washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ), passed through a silica gel pad and concentrated to provide the title compound as a solid ( 2 . 2 g ). c 11 h 13 no ( 175 . 09 ), lcms ( esi ): 176 . 07 ( m + + h ). to a solution of 6 - cyclohex - 1 - enyl - pyridin - 3 - ol ( 2 . 2 g , 12 . 6 mmol ) in methanol ( 45 ml ) was added 10 % pd / c ( 0 . 22 g ) under n 2 . this mixture was stirred under hydrogen ( 1 atm ) for 3 h . the reaction mixture was filtered through celite . the filtrate was concentrated to a solid ( 2 . 2 g ) to provide the title compound . c 11 h 15 no ( 177 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 178 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 8 . 17 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 23 ( dd , 1h ), 7 . 09 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 63 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 68 - 1 . 97 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 15 - 1 . 56 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from 6 - cyclohexyl - pyridin - 3 - ol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 , with the exception of maintaining the reaction temperature at 50 ° c ., rather than ethanol reflux as used in step 3 , example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 28 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 18 h 21 n 3 o 3 ( 327 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 328 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 8 . 21 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 04 - 7 . 24 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 30 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 24 - 4 . 42 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 65 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 19 - 1 . 95 ( m , 10h ). ( s )- cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - benzene was prepared in two steps by a suzuki coupling of 2 - methyl - 4 - methoxyphenyl - 1 - boronic acid and cyclohexenol triflate following the procedures of carmen et . al ., synlett 2005 , no . 10 , pp 1601 - 1605 , to obtain 1 - cyclohexenyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - benzene , which was subsequently hydrogenated to form 1 - cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - benzene . to 1 - cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - benzene ( 2 . 04 g , 10 . 0 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ) was added bbr 3 ( 1 m in ch 2 cl 2 , 25 mmol ) dropwise at 0 ° c . this mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for two hours . the reaction mixture was then quenched with meoh ( 5 ml ), followed by addition of aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate ( 10 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for three hours , then extracted with ch 2 cl 2 three times . the organic phase was washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . silica gel chromatography ( etoac / heptane ) provided 1 . 6 g of the title compound . c 13 h 18 o ( 190 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 191 . 15 ( m − + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 06 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 64 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 62 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 51 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 28 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 89 ( m , 10h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 - methyl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 20 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 340 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 341 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 68 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 67 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 63 ( br . s , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 24 - 1 . 91 ( m , 10h ). to 1 - cyclohexyloxy - 4 - methoxy - benzene ( 2 . 06 g , 10 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedure of he , et . al ., j . am . chem . soc ., 2005 , 127 , 6966 , in dmf ( 20 ml ) was added sodium ethanethiolate ( 1 . 15 g , 11 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for two hours . the reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature . water ( 5 ml ) was added after which the mixture was neutralized with hydrochloric acid ( 2n ). ethyl acetate ( 200 ml ) was then added and the organic phase washed with water three times , brine twice , and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( etoac / heptane ) provided 0 . 88 g of the title compound . c 12 h 16 o 2 ( 192 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 193 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 77 ( q , 4h ), 4 . 41 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 08 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 97 ( m , 2 h ), 1 . 78 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 22 - 1 . 62 ( m , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexyloxy - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 33 . 21 ( c 0 . 557 , chcl 3 ). c 19 h 22 n 2 o 4 ( 342 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 343 . 17 ( m + + h ). to a solution of 4 -( 4 - hydroxy - phenyl )- cyclohexanone ( 5 g , 26 . 3 mmol ) was added bis ( 2 - methoxyethyl ) amino ) sulfurtriflouride ( 29 . 1 g , 131 mmol ) under nitrogen in a plastic bottle . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours . etoh ( 14 drops ) was added , and the reaction mixture allowed to stir for an additional 24 hours . the reaction mixture was poured into water ( 140 ml ) and the aqueous layer extracted twice with dichloromethane . the organic phase was washed with brine and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography afforded the title compound ( 2 . 8 g ). c 12 h 14 f 2 o ( 212 . 10 ), lcms ( ci ): 212 . 09 ( m + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 09 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 77 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 57 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 54 ( m , 1 h ), 2 . 18 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 97 ( m , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 4 , 4 - difluoro - cyclohexyl )- phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 19 h 20 f 2 n 2 o 3 ( 362 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 363 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 18 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 88 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 43 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 09 ( ab - m , 1h ), 2 . 68 ( b . s , 1h ), 1 . 55 - 2 . 15 ( m , 8h ). the title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedures as described in gopinath et al ., j . org . chem . 2002 , 67 , 5842 - 5845 . c 10 h 12 o 3 ( 180 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 181 . 09 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 34 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 77 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 45 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 25 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 98 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 73 ( q , 1h ), 2 . 21 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 92 ( m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - 1 , 3 - dioxinan - 2 - yl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 17 h 18 n 2 o 5 ( 330 . 34 ), lcms ( esi ): 331 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 32 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 91 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 44 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 26 - 4 . 43 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 07 - 4 . 15 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 91 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 89 - 2 . 06 ( m , 1h ) 1 . 42 ( d , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - bromophenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 1 . c 9 h 9 bro 2 ( 227 . 97 ), lcms ( esi ): 270 . 06 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 35 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 22 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 10 h 11 brn 2 o 2 ( 270 ), lcms ( esi ): 271 . 03 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 39 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 03 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 13 h 11 brn 2 o 3 ( 321 . 99 ), lcms ( esi ): 323 . 01 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 75 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 48 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 93 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 81 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 24 - 4 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 10 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 1 . c 17 h 26 o 2 ( 262 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 304 . 23 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 19 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 98 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 71 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 35 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 72 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 18 h 28 n 2 o 2 ( 304 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 305 . 2 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 19 ( v . br ., 2h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 71 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 43 . 52 ( c 0 . 551 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 356 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 357 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 22 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 79 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 39 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 70 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexyl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 1 . c 15 h 20 o 2 ( 232 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 274 . 19 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 12 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 74 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 78 - 1 . 85 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 31 - 1 . 43 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 16 h 22 n 2 o 2 ( 274 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 275 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( dd , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 05 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 91 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 17 - 1 . 93 ( m , 10h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 19 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 326 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 327 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 88 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 32 - 1 . 43 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenoxy )- phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 20 h 15 f 3 n 2 o 4 ( 404 . 10 ), lcms ( esi ): 405 . 09 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 55 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 26 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 00 ( m , 4h ), 6 . 90 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 11 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 24 - 4 . 44 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - phenoxy - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 0 . 60 ( c 0 . 503 , dmso ). c 19 h 16 n 2 o 4 , lcms ( esi ): 337 . 11 ( m − + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 35 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 07 ( t , 1h ), 6 . 99 ( s , 4h ), 6 . 92 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 25 - 4 . 45 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 12 ( ab - m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from benzothiazol - 2 - ol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 45 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ). c 14 h 11 n 3 o 3 s ( 301 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 302 . 06 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 74 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 69 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 40 ( t , 1h ), 7 . 24 ( t , 1h ), 5 . 80 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 30 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 30 - 4 . 58 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 08 ( ab - m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 2 - oxo - pyrrolidin - 1 - yl )- phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 17 h 17 n 3 o 4 ( 327 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 328 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 57 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 95 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 24 - 4 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 ( ab - m , 1h ), 3 . 79 ( t , 2h ), 2 . 46 ( t , 2h ), 2 . 04 ( m , 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 , 5 - diphenyl - thiazol - 4 - ol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 22 h 17 n 3 o 3 s ( 403 . 10 ), lcms ( esi ): 404 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 95 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 78 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 52 ( m , 5h ), 7 . 32 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 25 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 86 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 46 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 83 ( b . s , 2h ), 4 . 46 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 27 ( ab - m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - tert - butoxy - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 45 . 05 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 17 h 20 n 2 o 4 ( 316 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 317 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 87 ( m , 4h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 31 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 21 - 4 . 43 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 ( ab - m , 1h ), 1 . 23 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - pentafluorosulfur - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 13 h 11 f 5 n 2 o 3 s ( 370 . 04 ), lcms ( esi ): 371 . 02 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 77 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 37 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 39 - 4 . 49 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 12 ( m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared as a 65 : 35 mixture of two isomers starting from 4 - tert - butyl - cyclohexyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 19 h 28 o 2 ( 288 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 330 . 28 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). the title compound was prepared as a 65 : 35 mixture of two isomers from [ 4 -( 4 - tert - butyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 20 h 30 n 2 o 2 ( 330 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 331 . 25 ( m + + h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -[ 4 -( 4 - tert - butyl - cyclohexyl ) - phenoxymethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 23 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 382 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 383 . 25 ( m + + h ) 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 21 - 4 . 41 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 86 ( q , 1h ), 1 . 21 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 , 4 - dimethyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 11 h 14 o 2 ( 178 . 09 ), lcms ( esi ): 220 . 14 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 03 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 74 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 66 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 95 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h )), 2 . 74 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 23 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 19 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 3 , 4 - dimethyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 12 h 16 n 2 o 2 ( 220 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 221 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 03 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 74 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 66 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 03 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 60 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 23 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 19 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 3 , 4 - dimethyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 15 h 16 n 2 o 3 ( 272 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 273 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 75 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 04 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 75 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 66 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 31 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 38 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 26 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 09 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 18 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 14 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - isopropyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 12 h 16 o 2 ( 192 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 234 . 16 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 19 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 83 - 2 . 94 ( m , 2h )), 2 . 78 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 24 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 13 h 18 n 2 o 2 ( 234 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 235 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 60 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 86 ( q , 1h ), 1 . 22 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 16 h 18 n 2 o 3 ( 286 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 287 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 21 - 4 . 41 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 86 ( q , 1h ), 1 . 21 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 - tert - butyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 13 h 18 o 2 ( 206 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 248 . 17 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 22 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 97 - 7 . 03 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 72 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 21 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 99 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 92 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 78 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 31 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 3 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 14 h 20 n 2 o 2 ( 248 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 249 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 22 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 02 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 98 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 72 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 06 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 35 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 3 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 17 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 286 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 301 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 20 - 7 . 27 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 06 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 90 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 69 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 42 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - chlorophenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 9 h 9 clo 2 ( 184 . 02 ), lcms ( esi ): 226 . 07 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 22 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 78 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - chloro - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 10 h 11 cln 2 o 2 ( 226 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 227 . 06 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br . 2h ) 4 . 03 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 93 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - chloro - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 13 h 11 cln 2 o 3 ( 278 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 279 . 06 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 22 - 7 . 30 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 44 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - bromophenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 9 h 9 bro 2 ( 227 . 97 ), lcms ( esi ): 270 . 03 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 22 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 10 h 11 brn 2 o 2 ( 270 ), lcms ( esi ): 271 . 02 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 39 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 03 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 13 h 11 brn 2 o 3 ( 321 . 99 ), lcms ( esi ): 323 . 01 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 40 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 25 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 77 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 44 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - trifluromethyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 68 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 22 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 91 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 11 h 11 f 3 n 2 o 2 ( 260 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 261 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 56 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 99 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 94 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 11 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 64 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 14 h 11 f 3 n 2 o 3 ( 312 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 313 . 07 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 57 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 26 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 96 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 27 - 4 . 46 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 14 h 19 clo 2 ( 254 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 296 . 13 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 31 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 89 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 26 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 05 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 81 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 59 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 24 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 67 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl )- phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 15 h 21 cln 2 o 2 ( 296 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 297 . 42 ( m + + h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl )- phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 18 h 21 cln 2 o 3 ( 348 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 349 . 12 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 16 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 87 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 34 - 4 . 47 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 26 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 53 - 1 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 24 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 66 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - biphenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 15 h 14 o 2 ( 226 . 09 ), lcms ( esi ): 268 . 15 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 49 - 7 . 58 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 42 ( t , 2h ), 7 . 26 - 7 . 34 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 01 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 26 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 02 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 39 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 93 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 79 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( biphenyl - 4 - oxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 16 h 16 n 2 o 2 ( 268 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 269 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 26 - 7 . 58 ( m , 7h ), 6 . 99 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 95 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 10 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 95 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 64 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( biphenyl - 4 - oxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 19 h 16 n 2 o 3 ( 320 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 321 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 78 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 26 ( d , 4h ), 7 . 42 ( t , 2h ), 7 . 32 ( t , 1h ), 7 . 04 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 84 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 32 - 4 . 47 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 13 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 - tetrahydro - naphthalen - 2 - ol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 13 h 16 o 2 ( 204 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 246 . 1 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 97 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 69 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 62 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 16 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 95 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 64 - 2 . 76 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 76 ( br . s , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 - tetrahydro - naphthalen - 2 - yloxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 14 h 18 n 2 o 2 ( 246 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 247 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 97 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 68 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 63 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 00 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 60 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 71 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 78 ( br . s , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 - tetrahydro - naphthalen - 2 - yloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 17 h 18 n 2 o 3 ( 298 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 299 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 98 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 62 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 58 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 18 - 4 . 40 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 71 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 77 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 14 h 20 o 2 ( 220 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 262 . 23 ( m + + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 61 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 26 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 67 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 15 h 22 n 2 o 2 ( 262 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 263 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 05 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 0 ( v . br ., 2h ), 1 . 61 ( dd , 2h ), 1 . 25 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 67 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 - dimethyl - propyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 18 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 314 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 315 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 23 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 40 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 55 - 1 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 25 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 66 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclopentyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 14 h 18 o 2 ( 218 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 260 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 17 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 85 - 3 . 00 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 97 - 2 . 10 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 47 - 1 . 83 ( m , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - cyclopentyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 15 h 20 n 2 o 2 ( 260 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 261 . 6 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 17 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 03 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 91 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 4 ( v . br ., 2h ), 2 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 03 ( br . s , 2h ), 1 . 44 - 1 . 86 ( m , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - cyclopentyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 18 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 312 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 313 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 75 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 16 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 31 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 39 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 29 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 09 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 97 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 38 - 1 . 79 ( m , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 17 h 26 o 2 ( 262 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 304 . 3 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 19 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 98 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 71 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 35 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 72 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 18 h 28 n 2 o 2 ( 304 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 305 . 2 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 9 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 71 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 21 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 356 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 357 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 22 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 79 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 39 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 70 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - tricyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 . 13 , 7 ] decan - 2 - yl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 19 h 24 o 2 ( 284 . 18 ), lcms ( esi ): 326 . 27 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 27 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 87 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 16 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 74 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 02 - 2 . 11 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 85 - 1 . 91 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 72 - 1 . 79 ( m , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - tricyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 . 13 , 7 ] decan - 2 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 20 h 26 n 2 o 2 ( 326 . 2 ), lcms ( esi ): 327 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 87 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 88 ( br ., s , 2h ), 4 . 74 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 89 - 4 . 05 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 69 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 04 ( br ., s , 3h ), 1 . 82 ( br ., s , 6h ), 1 . 72 ( br ., s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - tricyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 . 13 , 7 ] decan - 2 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 23 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 378 . 48 ), lcms ( esi ): 379 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 27 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 87 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 39 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 29 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 09 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 04 ( br . s , 3h ), 1 . 82 ( br . s , 6h ), 1 . 72 ( br . s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 - methyl - 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 18 h 20 o 2 ( 268 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 310 . 23 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 12 - 7 . 28 ( m , 7h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 95 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 88 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 73 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 66 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 -( 1 - methyl - 1 - phenyl - ethyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 19 h 22 n 2 o 2 ( 310 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 311 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 21 - 7 . 24 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 14 ( dd , 3h ), 6 . 81 ( dd , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 0 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 90 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 59 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 66 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 -( 1 - methyl - 1 - phenyl - ethyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 22 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 362 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 363 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 14 - 7 . 25 ( m , 8h ), 6 . 78 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 66 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - tert - butyl - 2 - methyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 14 h 20 o 2 ( 220 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 262 . 23 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 11 - 7 . 18 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 74 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 19 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 77 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 25 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 29 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - 2 - methyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 15 h 22 n 2 o 2 ( 262 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 263 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 16 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 73 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 7 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 66 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 24 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 29 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - 2 - methyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 18 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 314 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 315 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 13 - 7 . 19 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 71 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 40 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 27 - 4 . 35 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 21 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 05 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 28 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 , 4 - di - tert - butyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 17 h 26 o 2 ( 262 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 304 . 27 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 33 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 16 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 21 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 00 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 39 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 78 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 41 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 2 , 4 - di - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 18 h 28 n 2 o 2 ( 304 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 305 . 2 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 34 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 6 . 77 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 94 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 87 - 4 . 15 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 8 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 68 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 38 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 2 , 4 - di - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 21 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 356 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 357 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 34 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 22 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 19 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 78 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 24 - 4 . 47 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 27 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 , 4 - difluoro - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 9 h 8 f 2 o 2 ( 186 . 04 ), lcms ( esi ): 228 . 09 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 - 7 . 00 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 72 - 6 . 81 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 59 - 6 . 67 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 21 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 88 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 92 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 3 , 4 - difluoro - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 10 h 10 f 2 n 2 o 2 ( 228 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 229 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 07 ( q , 1h ), 6 . 75 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 89 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 6 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 00 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 59 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 3 , 4 - difluoro - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 13 h 10 f 2 n 2 o 3 ( 280 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 281 . 09 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 38 ( q , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 80 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 26 - 4 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 08 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 , 4 - dimethoxy - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 11 h 14 o 4 ( 210 . 08 ), lcms ( esi ): 211 . 09 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 78 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 58 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 41 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 19 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 93 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 86 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 83 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h )), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 3 , 4 - dimethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 12 h 16 n 2 o 4 ( 252 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 253 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 77 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 56 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 40 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 89 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 82 - 4 . 16 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 85 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 84 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 3 , 4 - dimethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 15 h 16 n 2 o 5 ( 304 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 305 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 58 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 46 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 31 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 39 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 27 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 10 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 73 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 69 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 10 h 9 f 3 o 3 ( 234 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 276 . 1 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 91 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 23 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 92 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 11 h 11 f 3 n 2 o 3 ( 276 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 277 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 91 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v .. br ., 2h ), 4 . 05 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 14 h 11 f 3 n 2 o 4 ( 328 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 329 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 32 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 05 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 29 - 4 . 45 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - methanesulfonyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 10 h 12 o 4 s ( 228 . 04 ), lcms ( esi ): 270 . 1 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 87 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 05 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 36 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 00 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 03 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 94 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 78 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - methanesulfonyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 11 h 14 n 2 o 4 s ( 270 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 271 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 89 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 05 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 97 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 14 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 65 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 05 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 7 ( v . br ., 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - methanesulfonyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 14 h 14 n 2 o 5 s ( 322 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 323 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 77 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 18 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 33 - 4 . 54 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 16 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 10 h 9 f 3 o 3 ( 234 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 276 . 1 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 27 - 7 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 77 - 6 . 89 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 25 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 92 ( t , 1h ) 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 11 h 11 f 3 n 2 o 3 ( 276 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 277 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 29 ( t , 1h ), 6 . 77 - 6 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 5 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 06 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 14 h 11 f 3 n 2 o 4 ( 328 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 329 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 44 ( t , 1h ), 6 . 95 - 7 . 05 ( m , 3h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 32 - 4 . 46 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 ( dd , 1 h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 - hydroxyindole and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 11 h 11 no 2 ( 189 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 190 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 8 . 10 ( br . s , 1h ), 7 . 10 - 7 . 31 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 90 ( dd , 1h ), 6 . 48 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 24 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 03 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 39 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 78 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 - oxiranylmethoxy - 1h - indole employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 12 h 13 n 3 o 2 ( 231 . 1 ), lcms ( esi ): 232 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 9 . 4 ( v .. br ., 1h ), 7 . 31 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 20 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 84 ( dd , 1h ), 6 . 42 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 95 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 6 ( v .. br ., 2h ), 4 . 09 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 1h - indol - 5 - yloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 15 h 13 n 3 o 3 ( 283 . 09 ), lcms ( esi ): 284 . 09 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 10 . 96 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 77 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 24 - 7 . 32 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 71 ( dd , 1h ), 6 . 34 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 40 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 30 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 14 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - isopropyl - 3 - methyl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 13 h 18 o 2 ( 206 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 248 . 19 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 14 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 74 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 72 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 16 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 07 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 74 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 31 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 19 ( d , 6 h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - isopropyl - 3 - methyl - phenoxymethyl ) - oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 14 h 20 n 2 o 2 ( 248 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 249 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 14 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 74 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 72 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 01 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 0 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 60 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 07 ( q , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 90 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - isopropyl - 3 - methyl - phenoxymethyl ) - 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 17 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 300 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 301 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 15 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 63 - 6 . 72 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 07 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 19 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 , 4 - dichloro - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 9 h 8 cl 2 o 2 ( 217 . 99 ), lcms ( esi ): 260 . 07 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 32 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 03 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 79 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 23 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 89 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 92 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 3 , 4 - dichloro - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 10 h 10 cl 2 n 2 o 2 ( 260 . 01 ), lcms ( esi ): 261 . 01 ( m − + h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 3 , 4 - dichloro - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 13 h 10 cl 2 n 2 o 3 ( 312 . 01 ), lcms ( esi ): 313 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 36 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 23 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 00 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 6 . 11 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 43 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 17 h 18 o 2 ( 254 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 296 . 16 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 07 - 7 . 35 ( m , 7h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 04 - 4 . 21 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 94 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 74 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 61 ( d , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 -( 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenoxymethyl ) - oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 18 h 20 n 2 o 2 ( 296 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 297 . 43 ( m + + h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 -( 1 - phenyl - ethyl )- phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 21 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 348 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 349 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 12 - 7 . 31 ( m , 8h ), 6 . 79 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 19 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 11 ( q , 1h ), 1 . 61 ( d , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - indan - 1 - yl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 18 h 18 o 2 ( 266 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 308 . 16 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 - 7 . 30 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 06 - 7 . 21 ( m , 4h ), 6 . 93 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( t , 1 h ), 4 . 19 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 86 - 3 . 06 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 49 - 2 . 61 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 93 - 2 . 09 ( m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( 4 - indan - 1 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 19 h 20 n 2 o 2 ( 308 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 309 . 45 ( m + + h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - indan - 1 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 22 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 360 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 361 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 29 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 24 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 11 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 91 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 41 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 98 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 55 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 99 ( m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 - indanol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 12 h 14 o 2 ( 190 . 09 ), lcms ( esi ): 232 . 12 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 80 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 70 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 95 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 78 - 2 . 93 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 74 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 07 ( t , 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 -( indan - 5 - yl - oxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 13 h 16 n 2 o 2 ( 232 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 233 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 12 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 81 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 70 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 91 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 85 ( br . s , 4h ), 2 . 07 ( m , 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( indan - 5 - yloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 16 h 16 n 2 o 3 ( 284 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 285 . 12 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 12 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 76 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 65 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 19 - 4 . 41 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 85 ( q , 4h ), 2 . 08 ( q , 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - imidazol - 1 - yl - phenol and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 12 h 12 n 2 o 2 ( 216 . 08 ), lcms ( esi ): 217 . 09 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 33 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 19 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 01 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 29 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 37 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 93 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 77 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 1 -( 4 - oxiranylmethoxy - phenyl )- 1h - imidazole employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 13 h 14 n 4 o 2 ( 258 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 259 . 12 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 31 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 20 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 01 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 94 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 10 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 65 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 5 ( v . br ., 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( 4 - imidazol - 1 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 16 h 14 n 4 o 3 ( 310 . 1 ), lcms ( esi ): 311 . 1 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 31 ( t , 3h ), 7 . 20 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 98 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 28 - 4 . 47 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 - chloro - 4 - hydroxy - benzonitrile and epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 2 . c 10 h 8 clno 2 ( 209 . 02 ), lcms ( esi ): 210 . 05 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 58 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 06 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 91 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 35 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 94 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 2 - chloro - 4 - oxiranylmethoxy - benzonitrile employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 11 h 10 cln 3 o 2 ( 251 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 252 . 07 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 59 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 06 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 90 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 11 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 95 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 6 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 63 ( dd , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 2 - amino - 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 5 - ylmethoxy )- 2 - chloro - benzonitrile employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . c 14 h 10 cln 3 o 3 ( 303 . 04 ), lcms ( esi ): 304 . 06 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 92 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 41 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 57 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 04 - 4 . 12 ( m , 1h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl )- phenol and s - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 1 . c 17 h 26 o 2 ( 262 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 304 . 23 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 19 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 98 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 76 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 71 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 35 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 72 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( r )- 2 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 18 h 28 n 2 o 2 ( 304 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 305 . 2 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 04 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 9 ( v . br ., 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 62 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 71 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( r )- 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 45 . 23 ( c 0 . 489 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 356 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 357 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 22 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 79 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 39 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 70 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - tert - butyl - phenol and s - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 1 . c 13 h 18 o 2 ( 206 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 248 . 18 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 30 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 75 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( r )- 2 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 14 h 20 n 2 o 2 ( 248 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 249 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 32 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 05 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 96 ( v . br ., 2h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( r )- 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 + 52 . 20 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 17 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 300 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 301 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 31 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 42 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexyl - phenol and s - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in step 1 of example 1 . c 15 h 20 o 2 ( 232 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 274 . 18 ( m + h + ch 3 cn ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 12 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 17 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 74 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 78 - 1 . 85 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 31 - 1 . 43 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from ( r )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- oxirane employing the procedures as set forth in step 2 of example 1 . c 16 h 22 n 2 o 2 ( 274 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 275 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( dd , 2h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 2 ( v . br ., 2h ), 4 . 05 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 91 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 17 - 1 . 93 ( m , 10h ). the title compound was prepared from ( r )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine employing the procedures as set forth in step 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 + 52 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 19 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 326 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 327 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 88 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 32 - 1 . 43 ( m , 5h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 26 g , 0 . 828 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures as set forth in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl phenol ( prepared with the same procedure as set forth in steps 1 and 2 of example 20 ), in ethanol ( 5 ml ) was added ethyl 2 - pentynoate ( 0 . 157 g , 1 . 24 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 14 hrs and then cooled to room temperature . the reaction mixture was concentrated and loaded onto a silica gel column , and eluted with 4 - 6 % methanol / methylene chloride to afford 120 mg of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . [ α ] d 25 − 36 . 89 ( c 0 . 501 , chcl 3 ). c 24 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 394 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 395 . 19 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 29 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 89 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 73 ( br . s , 1h ), 2 . 49 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 38 ( br . s , 2h ), 1 . 34 - 2 . 07 ( m , 12h ), 1 . 28 ( t , 3h ). a mixture of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 85 g , 3 . 09 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures as set forth in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol , and methyl methacrylate ( 3 . 72 g , 37 . 15 mmol ) stabilized with hydroquinone was heated at 90 ° c . for 14 hrs . the reaction mixture was concentrated and loaded onto a silica gel column , eluted with 2 - 6 % isopropanol / methylene chloride to afford ( 2s , 6r )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one and ( 2s , 6s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( total 0 . 79 g ). c 20 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 342 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 343 . 20 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 18 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 85 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 16 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 23 ( 1h , dd ), 4 . 18 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 85 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 59 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 13 ( 1h , dd ), 2 . 50 ( 1h , ddq ), 2 . 42 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 82 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 40 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 06 ( 3h , d ). c 20 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 342 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 343 . 18 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 18 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 85 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 16 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 26 ( 1h , dd ), 4 . 17 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 90 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 59 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 13 ( 1h , dd ), 2 . 50 ( 1h , ddq ), 2 . 43 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 82 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 40 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 06 ( 3h , d ). to a solution of ( 2s , 6s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 38 mg , 0 . 111 mmol ) in toluene ( 3 ml ) was added 96 mg ( 1 . 11 mmol ) of manganese ( iv ) oxide . the reaction mixture was heated at 110 ° c . overnight . the reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated and loaded onto a silica gel column , and eluted with 2 - 7 % isopropanol / methylene chloride to afford 8 mg of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . c 20 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 340 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 341 . 20 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 13 ( 2h , d ), 7 . 12 ( 1h , s ), 6 . 80 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 22 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 22 - 4 . 36 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 45 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 01 ( 3h , s ), 1 . 69 - 1 . 88 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 33 - 1 . 44 ( 5h , m ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 8a , 9 - hexahydro - 4bh - fluoren - 2 - yloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 16 mg , 0 . 055 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 8a , 9 - hexahydro - 4bh - fluoren - 2 - ol ( prepared by the same procedure as in step 1 of example 19 ), in ethanol ( 2 ml ) was added ethyl 2 - pentynoate ( 4 . 2 mg , 0 . 065 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 14 hrs and then cooled to room temperature . the reaction mixture was concentrated and then loaded onto a silica gel column , and eluted with 2 - 6 % methanol / methylene chloride to afford 8 mg of ( s )- 5 - ethyl - 2 -( 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 8a , 9 - hexahydro - 4bh - fluoren - 2 - yloxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . c 22 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 366 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 367 . 21 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 6 . 36 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 07 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 97 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 21 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 52 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 50 - 3 . 68 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 12 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 62 - 1 . 91 ( m , 4h ), 0 . 49 - 1 . 15 ( m , 11h ). a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 85 g , 3 . 09 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol , and ethyl ethylacrylate ( 1 . 0 g , 7 . 57 mmol ) in n - butanol ( 2 ml ) was heated at 90 ° c . for 18 hrs . the reaction mixture was concentrated and loaded onto a silica gel column , and eluted with 2 - 6 % isopropanol / methylene chloride to afford ( 2s , 6r )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 24 g ) and ( 2s , 6s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 34 g ). c 21 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 356 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 357 . 23 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 18 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 85 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 16 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 24 ( 1h , dd ), 4 . 18 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 86 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 58 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 22 ( 1h , dd ), 2 . 43 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 31 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 82 ( 6h , m ), 1 . 28 - 1 . 40 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 21 ( 1h , m ), 0 . 89 ( 3h , t ). c 21 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 356 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 357 . 23 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 18 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 85 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 16 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 26 ( 1h , dd ), 4 . 17 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 90 ( 1h , dd ), 3 . 57 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 22 ( 1h , dd ), 2 . 43 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 31 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 82 ( 6h , m ), 1 . 28 - 1 . 46 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 21 ( 1h , m ), 0 . 89 ( 3h , t ). to 10 % pd / c ( 0 . 17 g ) under n 2 was added 1 - benzyloxy - 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohex - 1 - enyl )- benzene ( 1 . 7 g , 5 . 3 mmol ), prepared by a substantially similar procedure to that of step 1 of example 18 , in meoh ( 15 ml ) and etoac ( 15 ml ). this mixture was stirred under h 2 ( 1 atm ) overnight . the reaction mixture was filtered through celite . the filtrate was concentrated to give the title compound as a white solid ( 1 . 19 g ). c 16 h 24 o ( 232 . 18 ), lcms ( ci ): 232 . 15 ( m + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ): 7 . 10 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 76 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 55 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 80 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 54 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 11 - 1 . 34 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 08 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 92 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 23 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 382 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 383 . 23 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 16 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( b . s , 1h ), 4 . 24 - 4 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 09 ( ab - m , 1h ), 2 . 70 - 2 . 87 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 44 ( d , 2h ), 1 . 10 - 1 . 30 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 06 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 90 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 - tert - butyl - benzothiazol - 2 - ol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 + 6 . 08 ( c 0 . 51 , chcl 3 ). c 18 h 19 n 3 o 3 s ( 357 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 358 . 02 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), 7 . 74 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 43 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 81 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( b . s , 1h ), 4 . 26 - 4 . 55 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 08 ( ab - m , 1h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ). ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 37 g , 1 . 35 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol , was dissolved in ethanol ( 6 ml ). methyl 2 - hexynoate ( 0 . 34 g , 2 . 70 mmol ) was then added and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 24 hrs and then cooled to room temperature . the resulting crystalline solid was isolated by filtration , washed with heptane 3 times , and dried under vacuum to afford 135 mg ( 27 % yield ) of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - propyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one as a white solid . c 22 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 368 . 48 ), lc / ms ( esi ): 369 . 21 ( mh + ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 14 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 84 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 63 ( 1h , s ), 5 . 29 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 11 - 4 . 44 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 45 ( 3h , m ), 1 . 64 - 1 . 80 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 55 - 1 . 64 ( 2h , m ), 1 . 16 - 1 . 42 ( 5h , m ), 0 . 96 ( 3h , t ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and ethyl phenylpropiolate employing the procedure described in example 76 . [ α ] d 25 + 100 . 26 ( c 0 . 507 , dmso ). c 25 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 402 . 50 ), lc / ms ( esi ): 403 . 19 ( mh + ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 56 ( 5h , m ), 7 . 14 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 84 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 84 ( 1h , s ), 5 . 25 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 21 - 4 . 38 ( 3h , m ), 3 . 97 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 43 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 80 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 15 - 1 . 42 ( 5h , m ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 4 - tert - butylphenoxy )- phenol ( prepared in accordance with the procedures of yeager , et . al ., synthesis . 1991 , 63 - 68 ) and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 35 . 00 ( c 0 . 571 , chcl 3 ). c 23 h 24 n 2 o 4 ( 392 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 393 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 35 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 97 ( s , 4h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 24 - 4 . 43 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 ( ab - m , 1h ), 1 . 27 ( s , 9h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 82 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures described in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol , in ethanol ( 10 ml ) was added diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate ( 0 . 39 g , 2 . 29 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 14 hours and then stored in a freezer overnight . the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature . the resulting crystalline solid was isolated by centrifugation and dried under vacuum at 60 ° c . to afford 427 mg of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 7 - oxo - 2 , 3 - dihydro - 7h - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidine - 5 - carboxylic acid ethyl ester . [ α ] d 25 − 16 . 15 ( c 0 . 52 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 26 n 2 o 5 ( 398 . 18 ), lcms ( esi ): 399 . 20 ( m + + h ) 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 80 ( 3h , m ), 5 . 21 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 62 - 4 . 78 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 39 ( 2h , q ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 33 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 88 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 18 - 1 . 43 ( 8h , m ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 4 - cyclohexylphenoxy )- phenol ( prepared in accordance with the procedures of yeager , et . al ., synthesis . 1991 , 63 - 68 ) and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 33 . 76 ( c 0 . 563 , chcl 3 ). c 25 h 26 n 2 o 4 ( 418 . 18 ), lcms ( esi ): 419 . 20 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 17 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 97 ( s , 4h ), 6 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 46 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 12 ( ab - m , 1h ), 2 . 42 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 66 - 1 . 84 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 14 - 1 . 43 ( m , 5h ). to a solution of ( 2s , 6r )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrahydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 108 mg , 0 . 41 mmol ) in toluene ( 2 ml ) was added manganese ( iv ) oxide ( 360 mg , 4 . 1 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for three days . the reaction mixture was filtered without cooling and the filtrate concentrated and loaded on a silica gel column . the column was eluted with 2 - 7 % isopropanol / methylene chloride to afford 8 mg of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - ethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . [ α ] d 25 − 22 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 354 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 21 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 13 ( 2h , d ), 7 . 04 ( 1h , s ), 6 . 81 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 23 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 19 - 4 . 39 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 40 - 2 . 53 ( 3h , m ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 87 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 13 - 1 . 42 ( 8h , m ). to a solution of 5 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 15 g , 0 . 454 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures described in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenol ( prepared using the same procedure as in step 1 of example 74 ), in ethanol ( 5 ml ) was added ethyl 2 - pentynoate ( 0 . 086 g , 0 . 681 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 14 hrs and then cooled to room temperature . the reaction mixture was concentrated , loaded onto a silica gel column , and eluted with 4 % methanol / methylene chloride to afford 23 mg of ( s )- 5 - ethyl - 2 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . c 25 h 34 n 2 o 3 ( 410 . 26 ), lcms ( esi ): 411 . 25 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 89 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 22 ( b . s , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 18 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 50 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 55 ( m , 2h ) 1 . 11 - 1 . 35 ( m , 7h ), 1 . 08 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 93 ( s , 6h ) 1 - bromo - 2 - isopropyl - 4 - methoxy - benzene was prepared in accordance with the procedures of konishi et . al ., bull . chem . soc . jpn ., 1989 , 62 , 591 - 593 . to a solution of 1 - bromo - 2 - isopropyl - 4 - methoxy - benzene ( 4 . 5 g , 19 . 7 mmol ) was added buli ( 1 . 6m in hexane , 14 . 8 ml , 23 . 7 mmol ) at − 78 ° c . the reaction mixture was stirred at − 78 ° c . for 40 min , followed by addition of b ( o - ipr ) 3 dropwise . the resulting mixture was stirred at − 78 ° c . for 2 hours , then warmed to room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was quenched with hcl ( 1n ) and extracted with diethyl ether three times . the organic phase was washed with water , brine and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( 10 - 30 % etoac / heptane ) provided 2 . 3 g of 4 - methoxy - 2 - isopropyl - phenylboronic acid . cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - isopropyl - benzene was prepared in two steps by a suzuki coupling of 4 - methoxy - 2 - isopropyl - phenylboronic acid and cyclohexenol triflate following the procedures of carmen et . al ., synlett 2005 , no . 10 , pp 1601 - 1605 , to obtain 1 - cyclohex - 1 - enyl - 2 - isopropyl - 4 - methoxy - benzene , which was subsequently hydrogenated ( pd / c , h 2 , meoh ) to form 1 - cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - isopropyl - benzene . c 16 h 24 o ( 232 . 18 ), lcms ( ei ): 232 . 17 ( m + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 15 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 70 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 79 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 22 ( quin , 1h ), 2 . 72 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 92 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 27 - 1 . 48 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 23 ( d , 6h ). to 1 - cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - isopropyl - benzene ( 2 . 09 g , 9 . 0 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ) was added bbr 3 ( 1 m in ch 2 cl 2 , 22 . 5 mmol ) dropwise at 0 ° c . this mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for two hours . the reaction mixture was then quenched with meoh ( 5 ml ), after which aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate ( 10 ml ) was added . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour and extracted with ch 2 cl 2 three times . the organic phase was washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . silica gel chromatography ( 0 - 2 % etoac / heptane ) provided 2 . 36 g of the title compound . c 15 h 22 o ( 218 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 219 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 73 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 62 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 47 ( s , 1h ), 3 . 20 ( quin , 1h ), 2 . 72 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 63 - 1 . 92 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 12 - 1 . 48 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 21 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 - isopropyl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 54 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 368 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 369 . 23 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 26 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 15 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 67 ( dd , 1h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 18 - 4 . 44 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 22 ( quin , 1h ), 2 . 74 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 89 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 50 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 21 ( d , 6h ). 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 - ethyl - phenol was prepared by employing the procedures in step 1 through 3 of example 83 . c 14 h 20 o ( 204 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 205 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 64 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 51 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 62 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 68 - 1 . 90 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 17 - 1 . 50 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 19 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 - ethyl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 51 . 60 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 354 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 15 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 64 - 6 . 73 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 18 - 4 . 43 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 58 - 2 . 74 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 63 - 1 . 93 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 50 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 19 ( t , 3h ). 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 , 5 - dimethyl - phenol was prepared in accordance with the procedures of boisselet et . al ., fr 1315008 . c 14 h 20 o ( 204 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 205 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 48 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 37 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 36 ( br . s , 6h ), 1 . 15 - 1 . 95 ( m , 10h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - cyclohexyl - 3 , 5 - dimethyl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures as set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 4 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 354 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 50 ( br . s , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 73 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 24 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 08 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 86 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 32 ( br . s , 6h ), 1 . 22 - 1 . 89 ( m , 10h ). trifluoro - methanesulfonic acid 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohex - 1 - enyl ester was prepared in accordance with the procedures of hanack et . al ., j . heterocyclic chem . 1988 , 25 , pp 1237 - 1241 . 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - 1 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohex - 1 - enyl )- benzene was prepared in two steps by a suzuki coupling of 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - phenylboronic acid and trifluoro - methanesulfonic acid 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohex - 1 - enyl ester following the procedures of carmen et . al ., synlett 2005 , no . 10 , pp 1601 - 1605 , to obtain 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - 1 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohex - 1 - enyl )- benzene , which was subsequently hydrogenated to form 1 - cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - methyl - benzene . to 1 - cyclohexyl - 4 - methoxy - 2 - ethyl - benzene ( 1 . 86 g , 7 . 15 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ) was added bbr 3 ( 1 m in ch 2 cl 2 , 17 . 88 mmol ) dropwise at 0 ° c . this mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for three hours . the reaction mixture was then quenched with meoh ( 5 ml ), after which aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate ( 10 ml ) was added . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and extracted with ch 2 cl 2 three times . the organic phase was washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . silica gel chromatography ( etoac / heptane ) provided 1 . 76 g of the title compound . c 17 h 26 o ( 246 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 247 . 22 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 07 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 64 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 43 ( s , 1h ), 3 . 03 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 12 - 1 . 51 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 10 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 93 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 - methyl - 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 43 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 24 h 32 n 2 o 3 ( 396 . 24 ), lcms ( esi ): 397 . 24 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 25 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 12 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 68 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 41 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 03 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 31 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 51 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 11 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 93 ( s , 6h ). a solution of diisopropylamine ( 2 . 53 g , 25 mmol ) in thf ( 25 ml ) was treated with n - butyllithium ( 1 . 6m in hexane , 16 ml , 25 . 6 mmol ) at room temperature under n 2 . the resulting pale yellow solution was cooled to − 78 ° c . a solution of 3 - methyl - butyric acid ethyl ester ( 2 . 91 g , 22 . 31 mmol ) in thf ( 7 ml ) was added . stirring was continued for a half hour at − 78 ° c ., after which ethyl formate ( 5 . 5 g , 75 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for three hours under n 2 . the reaction mixture was quenched with acetic acid ( 4 . 5 ml ), diluted with diethyl ether , washed with water , brine , and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( methyl acetate / hexane ) provided 3 . 2 g of the title compound as a mixture of isomers . c 8 h 14 o 3 ( 158 . 09 ), lcms ( esi ): 159 . 11 ( m + + h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 48 g , 1 . 74 mmol ) ( prepared in accordance with the procedures described in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol ) in ethanol ( 16 ml ) was added 2 - formyl - 3 - methyl - butyric acid ethyl ester ( 0 . 33 g , 2 . 1 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 24 hours . it was then concentrated to remove solvent and loaded on silica gel column . chromatography with ( 1 - 5 %) 2 - propanol / methylene chloride gave 0 . 144 g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 − 15 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 368 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 369 . 24 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 00 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 39 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 07 ( quin , 1h ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 69 - 1 . 93 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 26 - 1 . 46 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 18 ( d , 3h ), 1 . 15 ( d , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - methoxy - butyric acid methyl ester and ethyl formate employing the procedure set forth in step 1 of example 87 . c 7 h 12 o 4 ( 160 . 07 ), lcms ( ei ): 160 . 10 ( m + ). the title compound was prepared from ( s ) - 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxy methyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 2 - formyl - 4 - methoxy - butyric acid methyl ester employing the procedure described in step2 of example 87 . [ α ] d 25 − 19 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 28 n 2 o 4 ( 384 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 385 . 21 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 30 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 61 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 33 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 67 ( t , 2h ), 2 . 45 ( br . s , 1h ), 1 . 69 - 1 . 90 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 17 - 1 . 46 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from butyric acid ethyl ester and ethyl formate employing the procedure set forth in step 1 of example 87 . c 7 h 12 o 3 ( 144 . 07 ), lcms ( esi ): 145 . 08 ( m + + h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 2 - formyl - butyric acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in step2 of example 87 . [ α ] d 25 − 31 . 20 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 19 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 328 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 329 . 14 ( m − + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 05 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 24 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 23 - 4 . 39 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 45 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 30 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 17 ( t , 3h ). to a solution of 3 - oxo - pentanoic acid ethyl ester ( 5 . 19 g , 36 mmol ) in anhydrous etoh ( 40 ml ) was added naoet ( 21 % wt . in etoh , 11 . 7 ml , 36 mmol ). he reaction mixture was heated to 80 ° c . ethyl iodide ( 6 . 18 g , 39 . 6 mmol ) was added dropwise at 80 ° c . stirring was continued at 80 ° c . for 16 hours . the reaction mixture was concentrated and loaded onto a silica gel column and eluted with 1 - 2 % etoac / heptane to give 4 . 38 g of the title compound . c 9 h 16 o 3 ( 172 . 10 ), lcms ( esi ): 173 . 11 ( m − + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 4 . 19 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 36 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 54 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 88 ( quin , 2h ), 1 . 27 ( t , 3h ), 1 . 07 ( t , 3h ), 0 . 92 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 2 - ethyl - 3 - oxo - pentanoic acid ethyl ester in accordance with the procedures of o .- s . adetchessi , et . al ., tetrahedron , 61 , ( 2005 ), 4453 - 4460 . [ α ] d 25 − 11 . 20 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 23 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 382 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 383 . 25 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 18 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 21 - 4 . 40 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 39 - 2 . 66 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 91 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 18 - 1 . 45 ( m , 8h ), 1 . 11 ( t , 3h ). a solution of aucl 3 ( 0 . 303 g , 1 . 0 mmol ) and agotf ( 0 . 770 g , 3 . 0 mmol ) was stirred in anhydrous ch 2 cl 2 ( 150 ml ) for 2 hours . 3 - methoxy - phenol ( 2 . 48 g , 20 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 25 ml ) was added , followed by addition of cyclohexadiene in ch 2 cl 2 ( 25 ml ) at 40 ° c . over two hours . the reaction mixture was stirred at 40 ° c . overnight . the reaction mixture was passed through a silica gel plug . the filtrate was concentrated . the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography ( 5 - 30 % ch 2 cl 2 / heptane ) to give 0 . 393 g of the title compound and 0 . 67 g of 7 - methoxy - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - dibenzofuran . c 13 h 16 o 2 ( 204 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 205 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 02 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 42 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 68 ( q , 1h ), 3 . 77 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 14 ( q , 1h ), 1 . 70 - 2 . 03 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 26 - 1 . 60 ( m , 5h ). c 13 h 14 o 2 ( 202 . 09 ), lcms ( ci ): 203 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 26 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 96 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 82 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 83 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 71 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 58 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 87 ( m , 4h ). to 7 - methoxy - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 4a , 9b - hexahydro - dibenzofuran ( 0 . 33 g , 1 . 61 mmol ) in anhydrous dmf ( 10 ml ) was added naset ( 80 %, 0 . 19 g , 1 . 78 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 12 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled after which water ( 5 ml ) was added . the mixture was neutralized with hcl ( 2 n ) and etoac ( 100 ml ) was added . the whole mixture was washed with water three times , brine twice and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( 8 - 14 % etoac / heptane ) afforded the 0 . 36 g of the title compound . c 12 h 14 o 2 ( 190 . 09 ), lcms ( esi ): 191 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 6 . 96 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 33 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 67 ( q , 1h ), 4 . 61 ( s , 1h ), 3 . 12 ( q , 1h ), 1 . 22 - 2 . 03 ( m , 8h ). the title compound was prepared from 5a , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 9a - hexahydro - dibenzofuran - 3 - ol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 37 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 19 h 20 n 2 o 4 ( 340 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 341 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 24 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 01 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 36 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 68 ( q , 1h ), 4 . 18 - 4 . 40 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 14 ( q , 1h ), 1 . 34 - 1 . 95 ( m , 8h ). the title compound was prepared from 7 - methoxy - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - dibenzofuran ( prepared in example 91 , step 1 ) employing the procedure as set forth in step 2 of example 91 . c 12 h 12 o 2 ( 188 . 08 ), lcms ( ci ): 189 . 08 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 23 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 90 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 72 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 64 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 58 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 87 ( m , 4h ). the title compound was prepared from 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 - tetrahydro - dibenzofuran - 3 - ol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures set forth in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . [ α ] d 25 − 45 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 19 h 18 n 2 o 4 ( 338 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 339 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 22 - 7 . 29 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 94 ( d , 1h ), 6 . 78 ( dd , 1h ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 25 - 4 . 42 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 71 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 58 ( m , 2h ) 1 . 77 - 1 . 97 ( m , 4h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl - amine ( 0 . 92 g , 3 . 34 mmol ) ( prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol ) in toluene ( warm , 50 ml ) was added 3 - oxo - 2 - phenylsulfanyl - propionic acid ethyl ester ( 0 . 92 g , 6 . 68 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures of lissavetzky , et . al ., heterocycles , vol . 43 , no . 4 , 1996 pp 775 - 780 . the reaction mixture was heated at 80 ° c . for 18 hours . the reaction mixture was concentrated and loaded onto silica gel column and eluted with 1 - 2 % 2 - propanol / ch 2 cl 2 to give 0 . 36 g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 + 80 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 25 h 26 n 2 o 3 s ( 434 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 435 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 51 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 37 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 12 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 78 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 16 - 4 . 32 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 88 ( m , 5h ) 1 . 16 - 1 . 50 ( m , 5h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl - amine ( 1 . 1 g , 3 . 5 mmol ) ( prepared from 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenol and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures in steps 1 through 2 of example 1 ) in t - butanol ( 13 ml ) was added 0 . 82 g ( 0 . 63 mmol ) of 4 - fluoro - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( prepared in accordance with the procedures as described in poulter , j org chem 1981 , 46 , 1532 ). the reaction mixture was refluxed for 6 hours after which it was concentrated and loaded on silica gel column and eluted with 1 - 6 % etoh / ch 2 cl 2 to afford 0 . 31g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 − 26 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 23 h 27 fn 2 o 3 ( 398 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 399 . 21 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 07 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 20 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 42 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 31 ( ab - m , 2h ), 2 . 73 ( br . s , 1h ), 2 . 38 ( br . s , 2h ), 1 . 34 - 2 . 03 ( m , 12h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl - amine ( 2 . 3 g , 9 . 26 mmol ) ( prepared according to the procedures employed in step 1 through 2 of example 1 ) in ethanol ( 35 ml ) was added 1 . 7 g ( 12 . 04 mmol ) of 4 - methoxy - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( prepared in accordance with the procedures as described in larock , j org chem 2002 , 67 , 9318 ). this mixture was stirred at reflux for 6 hours and cooled . the reaction mixture was concentrated and loaded onto a silica gel column . chromatography with 1 - 10 % etoh / ch 2 cl 2 provided 2 . 22 g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 − 18 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ) c 19 h 24 n 2 o 4 ( 344 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 345 . 18 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 31 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 97 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 24 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 19 - 4 . 49 ( m , 6h ), 3 . 39 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 29 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl - amine and 4 - fluoro - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( prepared in accordance with the procedures as described in poulter , j org chem 1981 , 46 , 1532 ) according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in example 98 . c 18 h 21 fn 2 o 3 ( 332 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 333 . 17 ( mh + ). [ α ] d 25 − 34 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 32 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 04 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 20 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 49 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 29 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - tert - butyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl - amine and ethyl 2 - pentynoate according to the procedures employed for the preparation of the compound in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 29 . 20 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ) c 19 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 328 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 329 . 19 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 31 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 86 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 40 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 49 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 29 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 27 ( t , 3h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 91 g , 3 . 34 mmol ) ( prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 and starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol ) in toluene ( 50 ml ) was added 3 - hydroxy - 2 - methylsulfanyl - acrylic acid ethyl ester ( 1 . 08 g , 6 . 68 mmol ) prepared in accordance with the procedures in step 1 of example 87 the reaction mixture was heated at 80 ° c . for 18 hours . the reaction mixture was concentrated and loaded onto a silica gel column and eluted with 0 - 5 % 2 - propanol / ch 2 cl 2 to afford 0 . 44 g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 + 18 . 24 ( c 0 . 537 , chcl 3 ) c 20 h 24 n 2 o 3 s ( 372 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 373 . 17 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 02 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 21 - 4 . 44 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 35 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 92 ( m , 10h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 82 mmol ), ( see example 28 ), in ethanol ( 5 ml ) was added cyclopropyl - propynoic acid ethyl ester ( 0 . 377 g , 2 . 73 mmol ) ( prepared from ethynyl - cyclopropane and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , 5697 - 5708 ). the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 170 ° c . for 30 min . the solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residue purified by flash column chromatography ( silica gel , 2 % 7n nh 3 in meoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) to afford 0 . 635 g of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - cyclopropyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one as a white solid . [ α ] d 25 − 13 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ) c 22 h 26 n 2 o 3 ( 366 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 367 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 17 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 87 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 49 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 52 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 37 - 4 . 18 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ) 1 . 89 - 1 . 64 ( m , 6 h ), 1 . 46 - 1 . 11 ( m , 5h ), 0 . 96 ( dd , 2h ), 0 . 86 - 0 . 72 ( m , 2h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 4 - hydroxy - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , 5697 - 5708 ) employing the procedure described in example 99 . [ α ] d 25 + 5 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ) c 20 h 24 n 2 o 4 ( 356 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 357 . 16 ( m + + h ) 1h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 77 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 68 ( t , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 46 - 4 . 09 ( m , 6h ), 2 . 43 ( br , s , 1h ) 1 . 85 - 1 . 66 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 42 - 1 . 11 ( m , 5h ) the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and hept - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 99 . [ α ] d 25 + 8 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ) c 23 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 382 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 383 . 22 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 17 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 87 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 21 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 30 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 93 - 1 . 17 ( m , 14h ), 0 . 96 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ethynyl - cyclopentane and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , 5697 - 5708 . c 10 h 14 o 2 ( 166 . 10 ), lcms ( ci ): 167 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 21 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 74 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 03 - 1 . 49 ( m , 8h ), 1 . 30 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and cyclopentyl - propynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 99 . [ α ] d 25 − 16 . 14 ( c 0 . 551 , chcl 3 ) c 24 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 394 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 395 . 24 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 66 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 45 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 36 - 4 . 12 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 04 - 1 . 11 ( series of m , 18 h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and cyclohexyl - propynoic acid ethyl ester ( see example 103 ) employing the procedure described in example 100 . [ α ] d 25 + 17 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ) c 25 h 32 n 2 o 3 ( 408 . 24 ), lcms ( esi ): 409 . 25 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 14 ( 2h , d ), 6 . 84 ( 2h , d ), 5 . 61 ( 1h , s ), 5 . 29 ( 1h , br ., s ), 4 . 45 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 34 - 4 . 14 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 40 ( 2h , m ), 1 . 95 - 1 . 61 ( 10h , m ), 1 . 46 - 1 . 12 ( 10h , m ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - methyl - pent - 1 - yne and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , ( 5697 - 5708 ). c 9 h 14 o 2 ( 154 . 10 ), lcms ( ci ): 155 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 22 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 23 ( d , 2h ), 1 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 31 ( t , 3h ), 1 . 02 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 5 - methyl - hex - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( prepared from 4 - methyl - pent - 1 - yne and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , 5697 - 5708 ) employing the procedure described in example 99 . [ α ] d 25 − 13 . 93 ( c 0 . 546 , chcl 3 ) c 23 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 382 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 383 . 24 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 66 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 41 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 09 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 43 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 35 ( d , 2h ), 1 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 83 - 1 . 62 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 44 - 1 . 12 ( m , 5h ), 0 . 95 ( d , 6 h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 464 g , 1 . 69 mmol ), ( see example 28 ) in ethanol ( 25 ml ) was added 4 - fluoro - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( 0 . 22 g , 1 . 69 mmol ) ( see poulter , j org chem 1981 , 46 , 1532 ). the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 14 hrs and then gradually cooled to room temperature . the solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residue purified by flash column chromatography ( silica gel , 0 - 2 % 7n nh 3 in meoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) to afford 0 . 358g of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - fluoromethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 a ]- pyrimidin - 7 - one . [ α ] d 25 − 28 . 20 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 20 h 23 fn 2 o 3 ( 358 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 359 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 97 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 40 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 32 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 45 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 36 - 4 . 12 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 43 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 85 - 1 . 63 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 43 - 1 . 09 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 4 - methoxy - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( larock , j org chem 2002 , 67 , 9318 ) employing the procedure described in example 105 . [ α ] d 25 − 17 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 4 ( 370 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 371 . 19 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 88 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 85 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 31 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 47 - 4 . 08 ( m , 6h ), 3 . 32 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 43 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 86 - 1 . 60 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 44 - 1 . 11 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from ( 2 , 2 - dimethyl - but - 3 - ynyloxy )- trimethyl - silane and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , ( 5697 - 5708 ). c 11 h 20 o 3 si ( 228 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 229 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 24 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 54 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 32 ( t , 3h ), 0 . 22 ( s , 9h ). to a solution of 4 - methyl - 4 - trimethylsilanyloxy - pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( 5 . 4 g , 23 . 7 mmol ) in ethyl ether ( 50 ml ) was added tetrabutylammonium fluoride ( tbaf ) ( 7 . 42 g , 28 . 4 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours , quenched with h 2 o , and extracted with ethyl ether . the organic phase was washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated to afford 3 . 51 g of 4 - hydroxy - 4 - methyl - pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester as yellow oil . c 8 h 12 o 3 ( 156 . 08 ), lcms ( esi ): 157 . 09 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 25 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 29 ( s , 1h ), 1 . 57 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 32 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 4 - hydroxy - 4 - methyl - pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 105 . c 22 h 28 n 2 o 4 ( 384 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 385 . 20 ( m + + h ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 78 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 60 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 64 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 45 - 4 . 22 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 43 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 84 - 1 . 62 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 46 ( d , 6h ), 1 . 40 - 1 . 15 ( m , 5h ) the title compound was prepared from 2 - but - 3 - ynyloxy - tetrahydro - pyran and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , ( 5697 - 5708 ). c 12 h 18 o 4 ( 226 . 12 ), lcms ( esi ): 227 . 14 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 65 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 22 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 65 ( t , 2h ), 1 . 91 - 1 . 46 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 31 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from 5 -( tetrahydro - pyran - 2 - yloxy )- pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing p - toluenesulfonic acid in ethanol . c 7 h 10 o 3 ( 142 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 143 . 01 ( m − + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 24 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 81 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 61 ( t , 2h ), 2 . 23 ( br ., s , 1h ), 1 . 31 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 5 - hydroxy - pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 105 . [ αa ] d 25 + 6 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 4 ( 370 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 371 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 71 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 94 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 45 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 13 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 68 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 62 ( t , 2h ), 2 . 43 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 83 - 1 . 64 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 44 - 1 . 10 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - hydroxy - 4 - methyl - pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( see example 107 ) employing the procedure of poulter ( j org chem 1981 , 46 , 1532 ). c 8 h 11 fo 2 ( 158 . 08 ), lcms ( esi ): 159 . 09 ( m + + h ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 46 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 69 ( d , 6h ), 1 . 32 ( t , 3h ) the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 4 - fluoro - 4 - methyl - pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 105 . [ α ] d 25 − 21 . 61 ( c 0 . 56 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 27 fn 2 o 3 ( 386 . 20 ), lcms ( esi ): 387 . 20 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 91 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( br ., s , 1h ), 4 . 53 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 29 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 43 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 83 - 1 . 69 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 67 ( d , 6h ), 1 . 44 - 1 . 10 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - methoxy - benzeneboronic acid and trifluoro - methanesulfonic acid 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohex - 1 - enyl ester in accordance with the procedure described in step 1 , example 86 . the title compound was prepared from 5 -[ 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenoxymethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( prepared from 4 -( 3 , 3 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - cyclohexyl )- phenol and ( r )- epichlorohydrin according to the procedures employed in step 1 through 2 of example 1 ) and 4 - fluoro - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( see example 105 ) according to the procedures described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 21 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 24 h 31 fn 2 o 3 ( 414 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 415 . 25 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 20 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 51 - 4 . 20 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 83 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 52 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 35 - 1 . 11 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 08 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 92 ( s , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 20 ) and 4 - methoxy - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( see example 106 ) employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 14 . 55 ( c 0 . 495 , chcl 3 ). c 24 h 30 n 2 o 4 ( 410 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 411 . 21 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 96 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 52 - 4 . 19 ( m , 6h ), 3 . 40 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 73 ( br ., s , 1h ), 2 . 37 ( br ., s , 2h ), 2 . 09 - 1 . 33 ( m , 12h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 20 ) and but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 33 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 23 h 28 n 2 o 3 ( 380 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 381 . 22 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 89 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 42 - 4 . 21 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 73 ( br ., s , 1h ), 2 . 39 ( br ., s , 2h ), 2 . 23 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 08 - 1 . 36 ( m , 12h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 20 ) and hept - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 14 . 60 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 26 h 34 n 2 o 3 ( 422 . 27 ), lcms ( esi ): 423 . 22 ( m + + h ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 27 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 78 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 31 ( m , 4 . 45 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 38 - 4 . 16 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 71 ( br ., s , 1h ), 2 . 39 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 08 - 1 . 30 ( m , 16h ), 0 . 95 ( t , 3h ) the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 20 ) and cyclopentyl - propynoic acid ethyl ester ( see example 102 ) employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 4 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 27 h 34 n 2 o 3 ( 434 . 26 ), lcms ( esi ): 435 . 27 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 27 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 94 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 45 - 4 . 20 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 78 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 77 ( br ., s , 1h ), 2 . 39 ( br ., s , 2h ), 2 . 14 - 1 . 32 ( series of m , 20h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 27 ) and but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 36 . 20 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 370 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 371 . 20 ( m + + h ) 1h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 87 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 24 ( m , 4 . 41 - 4 . 22 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 24 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 72 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 33 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 71 ( s , 9h ) the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 27 ) and pent - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 21 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 23 h 32 n 2 o 3 ( 384 . 24 ), lcms ( esi ): 385 . 25 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 90 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 22 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 20 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 50 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 28 ( t , 3h ), 0 . 70 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 27 ) and 4 - fluoro - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( see example 105 ) employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 28 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 29 fn 2 o 3 ( 388 . 22 ), lcms ( esi ): 389 . 23 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 07 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 29 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 21 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 51 - 4 . 20 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 35 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 70 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethyl - butyl ) - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( see example 27 ) and 4 - methoxy - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( see example 106 ) employing the procedure described in example 95 . [ α ] d 25 − 14 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 23 h 32 n 2 o 4 ( 400 . 24 ), lcms ( esi ): 401 . 23 ( m + + h ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 79 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 98 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 24 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 49 - 4 . 22 ( series of m , 6h ), 3 . 40 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 72 ( s , 9h ) an oven dried 500 ml rbf was charged with nah ( 60 % in mineral oil ) ( 1 . 41 g , 35 . 3 mmol ) and suspended in dmf ( 100 ml ). the mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . and 4 -( tetrahydro - pyran - 2 - yloxy )- but - 2 - yn - 1 - ol ( prepared in accordance with the procedures of tamaru et al ., bull . chem . soc . jpn ., 1995 , 1689 - 1705 ) ( 6 . 0 g , 35 . 3 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature and stirred for one hour . to the mixture was added iodoethane ( 20 . 8 g , 133 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 . 5 hours at room temperature before being quenched with ice / h 2 o and extracted with meoac . the organic phase was washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . silica gel chromatography ( 1 - 20 % meoac / hexane ) provided 4 . 71 g of 2 -( 4 - ethoxy - but - 2 - ynyloxy )- tetrahydro - pyran as a clear oil . c 11 h 18 o 3 ( 198 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 199 . 12 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 81 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 32 ( q , 2h ), 4 . 19 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 83 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 56 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 90 - 1 . 47 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 23 ( t , 3h ). to a solution of 2 -( 4 - ethoxy - but - 2 - ynyloxy )- tetrahydro - pyran ( 0 . 5 g , 2 . 52 mmol ) in methanol ( 10 ml ) was added p - toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate ( p - tsoh ) ( 0 . 086 g , 0 . 454 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 . 5 hours . the reaction mixture was poured into aqueous sodium carbonate and extracted with methyl acetate . the organic layers were combined , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated . silica gel chromatography ( 1 - 10 % meoac / hexane ) provided 0 . 2 g of 4 - ethoxy - but - 2 - yn - 1 - ol as a clear oil . 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 32 ( q , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( br ., s , 2h ), 3 . 58 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 25 ( t , 1h ), 1 . 24 ( t , 3h ). to a stirred solution of 4 - ethoxy - but - 2 - yn - 1 - ol ( 1 g , 8 . 76 mmol ) in acetone ( 26 ml ) at 0 ° c . was added dropwise jones reagent . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours . the reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with methyl acetate . the organic layers were combined , dried ( na 2 so 4 ), and concentrated . the resulting 4 - ethoxy - but - 2 - ynoic acid was methylated ( tmschn 2 ( 2 m ), meoh / toluene , room temperature , 3 hours ) to afford 0 . 66 g of the title compound as a clear oil . c 7 h 10 o 3 ( 142 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 143 . 07 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 27 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 79 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 60 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 24 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 4 - ethoxy - but - 2 - ynoic acid methyl ester employing the procedure described in example 94 . [ α ] d 25 − 9 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 28 n 2 o 4 ( 384 . 21 ), lcms ( esi ): 385 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 15 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 81 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 00 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 22 ( m , 1h ) 4 . 48 - 4 . 17 ( series of m , 6h ), 3 . 56 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 44 ( br ., s , 1h ), 1 . 93 - 1 . 69 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 51 - 1 . 31 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 22 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from prop - 2 - ynylsulfanyl - benzene and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , ( 5697 - 5708 ). c 12 h 12 o 2 s ( 220 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 221 . 06 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 48 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 33 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 21 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 30 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine and 4 - phenylsulfanyl - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester employing the procedure described in example 94 . [ α ] d 25 − 19 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 26 h 28 n 2 o 3 s ( 448 . 18 ), lcms ( esi ): 449 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 32 ( m , 5h ), 7 . 12 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 52 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 51 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 27 ( ab - m , 2h ), 3 . 76 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 46 ( br ., s , 1h ), 1 . 93 - 1 . 65 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 50 - 1 . 13 ( m , 5h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenoxy )- phenol ( prepared in accordance with the procedures of yeager , et . al ., synthesis 1991 , 63 - 68 ) and r - epichlorohydrin employing the procedures described in steps 1 through 3 of example 1 . c 22 h 22 n 2 o 4 ( 378 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 379 . 17 ( m − + h ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , dmso - d6 ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 21 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 98 ( s , 4h ), 6 . 86 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 47 - 4 . 26 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 87 ( quin , 1h ), 1 . 18 ( d , 6h ) a mixture of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )-[ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( example 26 )( 0 . 1 g , 0 . 31 mmol ), 4 - propylphenylboronic acid ( 0 . 1 g , 0 . 62 mmol ), tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine ) palladium ( 0 ) ( 0 . 15 g , 0 . 62 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 0 . 086 g , 0 . 62 mmol ) in 25 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was heated under reflux for 18 hours . the mixture was filtered through celite and the filtrate was evaporated . the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using 9 : 1 methylene chloride : methanol and then 6 : 1 methylene chloride : methanol . the evaporated product fractions were combined and evaporated to provide the title compound as a solid ( 0 . 013 g , 12 %). [ α ] d 25 + 2 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ). c 22 h 22 n 2 o 3 ( 362 . 41 ), lcms ( esi ): 363 . 17 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ) d 7 . 79 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 61 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 58 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 23 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 04 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 82 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 12 - 4 . 15 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 55 ( t , 2h ), 1 . 57 ( q , 2h ), 0 . 88 ( t , 3h ). a mixture of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )-[ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 23 mmol ), 2 , 3 - dimethylphenylboronic acid ( 0 . 73 g , 4 . 9 mmol ), tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine )- palladium ( 0 ) ( 0 . 3 mmol ) and sodium carbonate ( 4 . 9 mmol ) in 30 ml of anhydrous ethylene glycol dimethyl ether was heated under reflux for 6 hours . the mixture was diluted with 10 ml of methanol and the mixture was filtered through celite . the filtrate was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using 100 % methylene chloride and then 9 : 1 methylene chloride : methanol . the evaporated product residue was triturated with heptane and the insoluble material was collected to provide the title compound as a solid ( 0 . 07 g , 17 %). [ α ] d 25 − 46 . 48 ( c 0 . 549 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 20 n 2 o 3 ( 348 . 40 ), lcms ( esi ): 349 . 13 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ7 . 78 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 22 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 13 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 02 ( m , 3h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 36 - 4 . 42 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 13 - 4 - 17 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 32 ( s , 6h ). a mixture of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )-[ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 2 g , 0 . 62 mmol ), 4 - tert - butylphenylboronic acid ( 0 . 44 g , 2 . 5 mmol ), tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine )- palladium ( 0 ) ( 0 . 18 g , 0 . 16 mmol ) and sodium carbonate ( 0 . 26 g , 2 . 5 mmol ) in 30 ml of anhydrous ethylene glycol dimethyl ether was heated under reflux for 3 hours . the mixture was cooled and a combination of 4 - tert - butylphenylboronic acid ( 0 . 22 g , 1 . 25 mmol ), tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine ) palladium ( 0 ) ( 0 . 090 mg ( 0 . 08 mmol ) and sodium carbonate ( 0 . 13 g , 1 . 25 mmol ) was added in one portion . the mixture was again heated for an additional 2 hours . the mixture was diluted with 10 ml of methanol and was filtered through celite . the filtrate was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using 100 % ethyl acetate and then 9 : 1 methylene chloride : methanol . the product residue was further purified by reverse phase hplc using 10 - 100 % ( acetonitrile : 0 . 1 % trifluoroacetic acid ) over 20 minutes to give the lyophilized title compound ( 0 . 03 g , 13 %). [ α ] d 25 − 5 . 40 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ). c 23 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 376 . 45 ), lcms ( esi ): 377 . 17 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 78 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 52 - 7 . 57 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 43 - 7 . 46 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 01 - 7 . 04 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 36 - 4 . 41 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 12 - 4 . 15 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 31 ( s , 9h ). a mixture of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )-[ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 23 mmol ), 4 - ethoxyphenylboronic acid ( 0 . 82 g , 4 . 95 mmol ), tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine )- palladium ( 0 ) ( 0 . 34 g , 0 . 3 mmol ) and sodium carbonate ( 0 . 52 g , 4 . 95 mmol ) in 30 ml of anhydrous ethylene glycol dimethyl ether was heated under reflux for 3 hours . the mixture was cooled and a combination of 4 - ethoxyphenylboronic acid ( 0 . 2 g , 1 . 1 mmol ), tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine ) palladium ( 0 ) ( 0 . 085 g , 0 . 7 mmol ) and sodium carbonate ( 0 . 12 g , 1 . 1 mmol ) was added in one portion . the mixture was heated for an additional 1 hour . the mixture was diluted with 20 ml of methanol and was filtered through celite . the evaporated residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using 100 % methylene chloride then 95 : 5 methylene chloride : methanol and finally 9 : 1 methylene chloride : methanol . the evaporated product residue was dissolved in the minimum amount of hot methanol and was filtered . the filtrate was diluted with ether to precipitate the title compound ( 0 . 06 g , 13 %). c 21 h 20 n 2 o 4 ( 364 . 40 ), lcms ( esi ): 365 . 17 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 76 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 52 - 7 . 57 ( m , 4h ), 6 . 96 - 7 . 02 ( m , 4h ), 5 . 81 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 34 - 5 . 39 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 34 - 4 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 02 - 4 . 15 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 32 ( t , 3h ). a mixture of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - bromo - phenoxymethyl )-[ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 23 mmol ), 2 - chlorophenylboronic acid ( 0 . 77 g , 4 . 95 mmol ), tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine )- palladium ( 0 ) ( 0 . 34 g , 0 . 3 mmol ) and sodium carbonate ( 0 . 52 g , 4 . 95 mmol ) in 25 ml of anhydrous ethylene glycol dimethyl ether was heated under reflux for 5 hours . the mixture was filtered through celite after dilution with 10 ml of methanol . the filtrate was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using 100 % methylene chloride then 95 : 5 methylene chloride : methanol and finally 9 : 1 methylene chloride : methanol . the product fractions were combined and evaporated . the residue was treated with ethyl acetate and the solid which formed was collected to give the title compound ( 0 . 15 g , 35 %). c 19 h 15 cln 2 o 3 ( 354 . 79 ), lcms ( esi ): 355 . 12 ( m + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 79 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 54 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 40 ( m , 5h ), 7 . 06 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 84 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 38 - 4 . 42 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 11 - 4 . 17 ( m , 1h ). a solution of 2 - choromethyl - 2 - methyl - oxirane ( 5 . 32 g , 50 mmol ), in 50 ml of acetonitrile , was added to a refluxing mixture of 4 - cyclohexylphenol ( 4 . 41 g , 25 mmol ) and cesium carbonate ( 9 . 77 g , 30 mmol ) in 50 ml of acetonitrile . the mixture was heated at reflux for 4 hours , cooled to room temperature , and concentrated in vacuo . the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water , the layers were separated and the organic phase was extracted with brine . the organic phase was dried over 4 a molecular sieves , filtered , and concentrated in vacuo to yield 6 . 15 g of a colorless oil which slowly solidified to provide the title compound as a white solid . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 3 . 95 ( dd , 2h ), 2 . 85 ( d , 1h ), 2 . 70 ( d , 1h ), 2 . 38 - 2 . 5 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 92 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 45 ( s , 3h ) 1 . 15 - 1 . 55 ( m , 5h ). methanol ( 250 ml ) and sodium hydrogen cyanamide ( 1 . 92 g , 30 mmol ) were added to a flask containing 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 - methyl - oxirane ( 6 . 15 g , 25 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then concentrated in vacuo . the residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water , then saturated potassium carbonate . the methylene chloride layer was dried over 4 a molecular sieves , filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 5 . 46 g of a white solid . the white solid was recrystallized from ether to yield 1 . 11 g of the title compound as white crystals . a second crop yielded 0 . 64 g of white crystals . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 42 ( br . s , 2h ), 3 . 92 ( dd , 2h ), 3 . 75 ( d , 1h ), 3 . 50 ( d , 1h ), 2 . 38 - 2 . 5 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 92 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 50 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 15 - 1 . 48 ( m , 5h ). a suspension of 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - methyl - oxazolidin - 2 - ylideneamine ( 1 . 11 g , 3 . 85 mmol ) in 15 ml of t - butanol was heated to 80 ° c . all of the suspension dissolved . ethyl propiolate ( 0 . 51 ml , 5 . 0 mmol ) was added followed by 5 ml of ethanol . the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 8 hrs . an off - white precipitate gradually came out of the solution . the reaction was cooled to room temperature and the solid isolated by filtration and washed with ether to provide the title compound as a white solid . yield 0 . 75 g . c 20 h 24 n 2 o 3 ( 340 . 43 ), lcms ( esi ): 341 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 22 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 77 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 05 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 37 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 14 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 02 ( d , 1h ), 3 . 98 ( d , 1h ), 2 . 35 - 2 . 52 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 72 - 1 . 90 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 71 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 15 - 1 . 45 ( m , 5h ). to a vigorously stirred solution of sodium hydrogen cyanamide ( 2 . 81 g , 43 . 8 mmol ) in methanol ( 44 ml ) was added dropwise ( 2s )- glycidyl tosylate ( 10 g , 43 . 8 mmol ) in methanol . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight after which the reaction mixture was concentrated to remove methanol . ethyl acetate was added ( 150 ml ) along with 50 ml of water . the contents were transferred to a separatory funnel , the organic layer was removed , dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated under vacuum to give 5 . 74 g ( 48 %) of ( s )- 5 -( toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl )-( 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl ) amine . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 39 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 80 - 4 . 70 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 15 - 4 . 10 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 83 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 09 - 2 . 99 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 46 ( s , 3h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl )-( 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl ) amine ( 5 . 69 g , 21 . 1 mmol ) in t - butanol ( 150 ml ) and ethanol ( 50 ml ) was added ethyl propiolate ( 2 . 14 ml , 21 . 1 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 . 5 hours . the mixture was cooled to room temperature , concentrated under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on silica gel ( 200 g column , 45 ml / min , 4 : 1 ethyl acetate : heptanes to 10 % methanol in dichloromethane ). this afforded 2 . 15 g ( 32 %) of ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . c 14 h 14 n 2 o 5 s ( 322 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 323 . 07 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr (( cd 3 ) 2 so , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 69 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 51 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 79 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 24 - 5 . 15 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 43 - 4 . 26 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 27 ( t , 1h ), 3 . 90 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 05 ( s , 3h ). step 3 : to a solution of ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 100 mg , 0 . 31 mmol ) in dimethylformamide ( 3 ml ) was added benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - ol ( 52 mg , 0 . 34 mmol ) followed by cesium carbonate ( 112 mg , 0 . 34 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours . the mixture was concentrated under vacuum and purified by hplc with a c18 - 10 μm sunfire column using a gradient ranging from 40 % ch 3 cn / tfa : 60 % h 2 o / tfa and ending with 100 % ch 3 cn / tfa . this afforded 56 mg ( 60 %) of the title compound . or [ α ] d = 11 . 20 °. c 15 h 12 n 2 o 3 s ( 300 . 05 ), lcms ( esi ): 301 . 05 ( m + + h ). [ α ] d 25 − 11 . 20 ( c 0 . 5 , dmso ). 1 h nmr (( cd 3 ) 2 so , 300 mhz ): δ 7 . 82 - 7 . 76 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 62 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 56 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 36 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 01 dd , 1h ), 5 . 87 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 42 - 5 . 37 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 47 - 4 . 35 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 16 ( dd , 1h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 7 g , 2 . 23 mmol ) ( example 20 ) in ethanol ( 40 ml ) was added 0 . 462 g ( 3 . 35 mmol ) of cyclopropyl - propynoic acid ethyl ester ( example 99 ). the reaction mixture was stirred at 82 ° c . for 30 minutes . the reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by chromatography on silica gel , eluting with meoh / ch 2 cl 2 to afford 0 . 145 g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 − 10 . 51 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 25 h 30 n 2 o 3 ( 406 . 23 ), lcms ( esi ): 407 . 25 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 29 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 85 ( d , 2h ) 5 . 67 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 53 - 4 . 27 ( series of m , 4h ), 2 . 74 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 38 ( br ., s , 2h ), 1 . 99 - 1 . 34 ( m , 13h ), 1 . 07 ( d , 2h ), 0 . 85 ( d , 2h ). the title compound was prepared from 4 - methyl - pent - 1 - yne and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , ( 5697 - 5708 ). c 9 h 14 o 2 ( 154 . 10 ), lcms ( ci ): 155 . 11 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 22 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 23 ( d , 2h ), 1 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 31 ( t , 3h ), 1 . 02 ( d , 6h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - bicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] non - 9 - yl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 600 g , 1 . 91 mmol ) in ethanol ( 5 ml ) was added 0 . 294 g ( 2 . 86 mmol ) of 5 - methyl - hex - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester . the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 160 ° c . for 20 minutes . the reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with meoh / ch 2 cl 2 to afford 0 . 283 g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 − 11 . 17 ( c 0 . 537 , chcl 3 ). c 26 h 34 n 2 o 3 ( 422 . 26 ), lcms ( esi ): 423 . 27 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 86 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 22 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 29 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 74 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 39 ( br . s , 2h ), 2 . 33 ( d , 2h ), 2 . 03 - 1 . 32 ( m , 13h ), 1 . 03 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from 3 - ethylsulfanyl - propyne and ethyl chloroformate in accordance with the procedures of g . cai et al ., tetrahedron , 2006 , ( 5697 - 5708 ). c 8 h 12 o 2 s ( 172 . 06 ), lcms ( esi ): 173 . 04 . ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 26 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 83 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 73 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 31 ( m , 6h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 82 mmol ) in t - butanol ( 5 ml ) was added 4 - ethylsulfanyl - but - 2 - ynoic acid ethyl ester ( 0 . 411 g , 2 . 39 mmol ). the reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 170 ° c . for 20 min . the solvent was removed under vacuum , and the residue purified by flash column chromatography ( silica gel , meoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) to afford 0 . 416 g of the title compound . c 22 h 28 n 2 o 3 s ( 400 . 18 ), lcms ( esi ): 401 . 17 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 78 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 84 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 25 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 56 - 4 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 33 - 4 . 20 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 45 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 53 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 45 ( br ., s , 1h ), 1 . 89 - 1 . 69 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 44 - 1 . 30 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 25 ( t , 3h ). to a solution of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - phenylsulfanyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 313 g , 0 . 675 mmol ) ( prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in example 93 ), in hoac ( 6 ml ) was added sodium perborate tetrahydrate ( 0 . 277 g , 1 . 80 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was then neutralized with naoh ( 2n ) to ph ˜ 9 . the mixture was extracted with etoac three times . the organic phase was washed with brine and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( 0 - 6 % 2 - propanol / ch 2 cl 2 ) provided 0 . 026 g of ( s )- 6 - benzenesulfonyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one , 0 . 022 g of ( s )- 6 - benzenesulfinyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 32 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( diastereomer 1 ) and 0 . 086 g of ( s )- 6 - benzenesulfinyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 32 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( diastereomer 2 ). c 25 h 26 n 2 o 5 s ( 466 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 467 . 17 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 8 . 36 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 46 - 7 . 64 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 11 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 78 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 16 - 4 . 58 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 44 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 90 ( m , 5h ) 1 . 16 - 1 . 50 ( m , 5h ). ( s )- 6 - benzenesulfinyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 32 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( diastereomer 1 ). [ α ] d 25 + 28 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 25 h 26 n 2 o 4 s ( 450 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 451 . 17 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 47 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 42 ( d , 2h ), . 4 . 29 ( ab - m , 2h ), 2 . 45 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 67 - 1 . 90 ( m , 5h ) 1 . 20 - 1 . 53 ( m , 5h ). ( s )- 6 - benzenesulfinyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 32 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( diastereomer 2 ). [ α ] d 25 − 21 . 60 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 25 h 26 n 2 o 4 s ( 450 . 16 ), lcms ( esi ): 451 . 16 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 48 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 08 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 71 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 31 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 34 - 4 . 51 ( m , 2h ), . 4 . 26 ( ab - m , 2h ), 2 . 43 ( br . s ,, 1h ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 96 ( m , 5h ) 1 . 13 - 1 . 54 ( m , 5h ). to a solution of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methylsulfanyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 284 g , 0 . 763 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in example 98 , in hoac ( 6 ml ) was added sodium perborate tetrahydrate ( 0 . 313 g , 2 . 04 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was then neutralized with naoh ( 2n ) to ph ˜ 9 after which it was extracted with etoac three times . the organic phase was washed with brine and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( 0 - 8 % etoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) provided 0 . 03 g of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methanesulfonyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one , 0 . 042 g of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methanesulfinyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( diastereomer 1 ) and 0 . 011 g of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methanesulfinyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( diastereomer 2 ). c 20 h 24 n 2 o 5 s ( 404 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 405 . 14 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 8 . 22 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 39 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 19 - 4 . 57 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 46 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 17 - 1 . 92 ( m , 10h ). ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 6 - methanesulfinyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( diastereomer 1 ). [ α ] d 25 + 81 . 65 ( c 0 . 485 , chcl 3 ) c 20 h 24 n 2 o 4 s ( 388 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 389 . 15 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 78 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 47 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 32 ( ab - m , 2h ), 2 . 95 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 46 ( m , 1h ) 1 . 17 - 1 . 92 ( m , 10h ). c 20 h 24 n 2 o 4 s ( 388 . 14 ), lcms ( esi ): 389 . 15 ( mh + ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 78 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 14 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 80 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 47 ( d , 2h ), 4 . 32 ( ab - m , 2h ), 2 . 93 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 46 ( m , 1h ) 1 . 17 - 1 . 92 ( m , 10h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 - benzenesulfonylmethyl - 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl ) - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 11 mmol ), prepared in accordance with the procedures described in step 1 and 2 of example 120 , in hoac ( 20 ml ) was added sodium perborate tetrahydrate ( 0 . 446 g , 2 . 90 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 9 hours . the reaction mixture was neutralized with naoh ( 2n ) to ph ˜ 7 and further to ph ˜ 10 with na 2 co 3 . the mixture was extracted with etoac three times . the organic phase was washed with brine and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( 2 - 8 % methanol / ch 2 cl 2 ) provided 0 . 425 g of ( s )- 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - phenylsulfanylmethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one . [ α ] d 25 − 3 . 80 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 26 h 28 n 2 o 5 s ( 480 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 481 . 12 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 83 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 73 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 33 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 65 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 54 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 25 ( ab - m , 2h ), 4 . 17 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 43 ( br ., s , 1h ), 1 . 94 - 1 . 69 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 50 - 1 . 14 ( m , 5h ). to a solution of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 5 - ethylsulfanylmethyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one ( 0 . 3 g , 0 . 75 mmol ) in hoac ( 20 ml ) was added sodium perborate tetrahydrate ( 0 . 3 g , 1 . 95 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was neutralized with sodium hydroxide ( 2n ) to ph ˜ 7 and further to ph ˜ 10 with aqueous sodium carbonate . the mixture was extracted with etoac three times . the organic phase was washed with brine and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). silica gel chromatography ( meoh / ch 2 cl 2 ) provided 0 . 254 g of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 + 5 . 45 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 22 h 28 n 2 o 5 s ( 432 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 433 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 83 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 01 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 27 ( br . s , 1h ), 4 . 80 - 4 . 20 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 09 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 17 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 47 ( br . s , 1h ), 2 . 00 - 1 . 67 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 07 ( m , 8h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one and 2 - p - tolyl - benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - ol according to the procedure described in example 128 , step 3 . c 22 h 18 n 2 o 3 s ( 390 . 10 ), lcms ( esi ): 391 . 13 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 300 mhz ) δ : 7 . 79 - 7 . 71 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 63 - 7 . 54 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 33 - 7 . 26 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 39 - 5 . 37 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 49 - 4 . 32 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 15 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 32 ( s , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one and 2 -( 4 - ethyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - ol according to the procedure described in example 128 , step 3 . c 23 h 20 n 2 o 3 s ( 404 . 11 ), lcms ( esi ): 405 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 300 mhz ) δ : 7 . 80 - 7 . 71 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 65 - 7 . 54 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 31 - 7 . 28 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 01 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 84 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 39 - 5 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 49 - 4 . 36 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 13 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 66 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 20 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one and 2 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - ol according to the procedure described in example 128 , step 3 . c 24 h 22 n 2 o 3 s ( 418 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 419 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ) δ : 7 . 78 - 7 . 58 ( m , 6h ), 7 . 32 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 97 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 38 - 5 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 45 - 4 . 38 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 16 - 4 . 07 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 93 - 2 . 88 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 21 ( d , 6h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one and 2 -( 4 - n - propyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - ol according to the procedure described in example 128 , step 3 . c 24 h 22 n 2 o 3 s ( 418 . 13 ), lcms ( esi ): 419 . 16 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 300 mhz ) δ : 7 . 79 - 7 . 59 ( m , 6h ), 7 . 28 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 01 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 83 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 39 - 5 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 48 - 4 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 17 - 4 . 07 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 59 ( t , 2h ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 58 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 91 ( t , 3h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one and 2 -( 4 - t - butyl - phenyl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - ol according to the procedure described in example 128 , step 3 . c 25 h 24 n 2 o 3 s ( 432 . 15 ), lcms ( esi ): 433 . 18 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 300 mhz ) δ : 7 . 79 - 7 . 52 ( m , 6h ), 7 . 48 ( d , 2h ), 7 . 01 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 84 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 39 - 5 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 48 - 4 . 33 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 14 ( dd , 1h ), 1 . 31 ( s , 9h ). the title compound was prepared from ( s )- 2 - toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid methyl - 2 , 3 - dihydro - oxazolo [ 3 , 2 - a ] pyrimidin - 7 - one and 2 -( 2 - chloro - pyridin - 4 - yl )- benzo [ b ] thiophen - 6 - ol according to the procedure described in example 128 , step 3 . c 20 h 14 cln 3 o 3 s ( 411 . 04 ), lcms ( esi ): 412 . 07 ( m − + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 300 mhz ) δ : 8 . 44 ( d , 1h ), 8 . 22 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 85 - 7 . 69 ( m , 5h ), 7 . 07 ( dd , 1h ), 5 . 84 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 41 - 5 . 39 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 51 - 4 . 39 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 15 ( dd , 1h ). to a gently stirred solution of sodium hydrogen cyanamide ( 3 . 1 g , 48 . 4 mmol ) in methanol ( 70 ml ) was added dropwise ( 2s )- tert - butyl - dimethyl - oxiranylmethoxy - silane ( 8 . 9 g , 47 . 3 mmol ) in methanol . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight after which the reaction mixture was concentrated to remove methanol . diethyl ether was added ( 150 ml ) along with 50 ml of water . the contents were transferred to a separatory funnel , the organic layer was removed , dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated under vacuum to give 7 . 62 g ( 70 %) of ( s )- 5 -( tert - butyl - dimethyl - silanyloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine . c 10 h 22 n 2 o 2 si ( 230 . 39 ), lcms ( esi ): n / a ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ): δ 4 . 5 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 55 - 3 . 71 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 34 - 3 . 44 ( m , 3h ), 0 . 82 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 00 ( s , 6h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( tert - butyl - dimethyl - silanyloxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 6 . 65 g , 28 . 9 mmol ) in ethanol ( 150 ml ) was added ethyl propiolate ( 2 . 92 ml , 28 . 9 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 hours . the mixture was cooled to room temperature , concentrated under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on silica gel ( 0 - 10 % methanol in dichloromethane ). this afforded 2 . 45 g ( 30 %) of the title compound . c 13 h 22 n 2 o 3 si ( 282 . 42 ), lcms ( esi ): 283 . 20 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ): δ 7 . 10 - 7 . 13 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 94 - 5 . 97 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 92 - 4 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 09 - 4 . 15 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 93 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 72 ( dd , 1h ), 0 . 74 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 00 ( s , 3h ), − 0 . 03 ( s 3h ). to a vigorously stirred solution of sodium hydrogen cyanamide ( 1 . 95 g , 30 . 4 mmol ) in methanol ( 30 . 5 ml ) was added dropwise ( s )- 2 - benzyloxymethyl - oxirane ( 5 g , 30 . 4 mmol ) in methanol . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight after which the reaction mixture was concentrated to remove methanol . ethyl acetate was added ( 150 ml ) along with 50 ml of water . the contents were transferred to a separatory funnel , the organic layer was removed , dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated under vacuum to give 6 . 01 g ( 96 %) of the title compound . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 41 - 7 . 35 ( m , 5h ), 4 . 55 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 82 - 4 . 72 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 17 - 3 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 82 ( dd , 1h ), 3 . 61 - 3 . 40 ( m , 2h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( benzyloxymethyl )-( 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl ) amine ( 6 . 02 g , 29 . 4 mmol ) in ethanol ( 210 ml ) was added ethyl propiolate ( 2 . 97 ml , 29 . 4 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 . 5 hours . the mixture was cooled to room temperature , concentrated under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on silica gel ( 4 : 1 ethyl acetate : heptanes to 10 % methanol in dichloromethane ) to provide 2 . 09 g ( 28 %) of the title compound . [ α ] d 25 − 30 . 09 ( c 0 . 545 , chcl 3 ). c 14 h 14 n 2 o 3 ( 258 . 10 ), lcms ( esi ): 259 . 10 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ) δ 7 . 73 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 38 - 7 . 24 ( m , 5h ), 5 . 79 ( d , 1h ), 5 . 20 - 5 . 12 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 55 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( t , 1h ), 4 . 02 ( d , 1h ), 3 . 81 - 3 . 68 ( m , 2h ). to a solution of ( s )- 5 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenoxymethyl )- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - yl - amine ( 0 . 98 g , 3 . 58 mmol ) ( prepared in accordance with the procedures described in steps 1 and 2 of example 1 starting from r - epichlorohydrin and 4 - cyclohexylphenol ) in 50 ml of ethanol was added freshly prepared 3 - ethoxy - propynoic acid ethyl ester ( 0 . 65 g , 4 . 58 mmol ), prepared from 6 ml of 50 % ethoxyacetylene and 3 . 3 ml of ethyl chloroformate ( synthesis , 1989 , 123 - 4 ). the mixture was stirred for 15 min at room temperature after which it was stirred at 60 - 65 degrees c . for 6h . the reaction mixture was concentrated to a yellow solid , dissolved in dichloromethane and flash chromatographed on silica gel eluting with dichloromethane / ammonia / methanol to provide 0 . 544 g of the title compound as a white solid . [ α ] d 25 − 1 . 00 ( c 0 . 5 , chcl 3 ). c 21 h 26 n 2 o 4 ( 370 . 19 ), lcms ( esi ): 371 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 13 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 82 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 31 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 16 - 5 . 28 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 09 - 4 . 34 ( m , 6h ), 2 . 36 - 2 . 55 ( br s , 1h ), 1 . 54 - 1 . 91 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 13 - 1 . 51 ( m , 8h ). to a stirred solution of 4 - cyclohexylbenzyl alcohol ( 1 g , 5 . 26 mmol ) in 45 ml of dry dichloromethane , 5 ml of triethylamine and 41 mg of dimethylaminopyridine was added 1 . 05 ml ( 1 . 25 g ) of diphenylphosphinic chloride . the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h after which it was concentrated to approximately 10 ml . the mixture was diluted with dichloromethane , washed with cold 10 % sodium bicarbonate , water , dried ( sodium sulfate ), filtered and concentrated to approximately 10 ml . the resulting solution was chromatographed on silica gel , eluting with ethyl acetate / heptane to provide 1 . 92 g of the title compound . c 25 h 27 o 2 p ( 390 . 17 ), lcms ( esi ): 391 . 15 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 75 - 7 . 91 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 36 - 7 . 57 ( m , 6h ), 7 . 29 ( d , 2 ), 7 . 18 ( d , 2 ), 5 . 02 ( d , 2 ), 2 . 49 ( br s , 1h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 96 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 15 - 1 . 50 ( m , 5h ). to a stirred mixture of diphenyl - phosphinic acid 4 - cyclohexyl - benzyl ester ( 1 g , 2 . 56 mmol ) and 1 . 22 ml ( 7 . 69 mmol ) of allyltrimethylsilane in 12 ml of dry dimethoxy - ethane at 0 ° c . was added 0 . 46 ml of trimethylsilyltriflate . the mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for 1 h , poured into saturated bicarbonate , extracted with ethyl acetate , washed with water , dried ( sodium sulfate ) filtered and concentrated . the material was purified by chromatography on silica gel , eluting with ethyl acetate / heptane to provide 0 . 45 g of the title compound . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 12 ( s , 4h ), 5 . 80 - 5 . 96 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 02 , 5 . 09 ( dd , 1h ), 4 . 93 , 4 . 99 ( dd , 1h ), 2 . 64 - 2 . 72 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 48 ( br s , 1h ), 2 . 33 - 2 . 42 ( q , 2h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 94 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 17 - 1 . 52 ( m , 5h ). to 0 . 303 g ( 1 . 32 mmol ) of 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - benzyl )- oxirane ( prepared from 0 . 45 g of 1 - but - 3 - enyl - 4 - cyclohexyl - benzene and 0 . 97 g of 3 - chloroperbenzoic acid ) in 1 ml of methanol was added a solution of 85 mg of nanhcn in 1 . 5 ml of methanol . the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20h , after which it was concentrated to a suspension which was triturated with ether , filtered and the filtrate concentrated and purified on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate / ammonia / methanol to provide 0 . 134 g ( 0 . 423 mmol ) of 5 -[ 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenyl )- ethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine . to a stirred solution of 5 -[ 2 -( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenyl )- ethyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 0 . 134 g , 0 . 493 mmol ) in 5 ml of ethanol was added 50 μl ( 0 . 494 mmol ) of ethyl propiolate . the mixture was stirred at 80 ° c . for 6h and allowed to cool to room temperature . the mixture was concentrated to a solid which was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate followed by methanol / ammonia / dichloromethane to provide 70 mg of the title compound . c 20 h 24 n 2 o 2 ( 324 . 18 ), lcms ( esi ): 325 . 19 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 14 ( m , 5h ), 6 . 06 ( d , 1h ), 4 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 18 ( t , 1h ), 3 . 74 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 73 - 2 . 95 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 49 ( br s , 1h ), 2 . 21 - 2 . 34 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 01 - 2 . 15 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 97 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 13 - 1 . 52 ( m , 5h ). to a stirred solution of 4 - cyclohexylaniline ( 5 g , 28 . 6 mmol ) in 75 ml of dry thf at − 70 to − 75 ° c . was added slowly by syringe a solution of 17 . 7 ml of 1 . 6 m n - butyllithium . when addition was complete , the resulting mixture was stirred at − 70 to − 75 ° c . for 0 . 5 h . to the stirred mixture was then added 3 . 61 ml ( 28 . 5 mmol ) of chlorotrimethylsilane at − 70 to − 75 ° c . the mixture was then allowed to warm to rt and stirred at rt for 1 . 75 h . the mixture was then again cooled to − 70 to − 75 ° c . after which was slowly added 17 . 5 ml of 1 . 6 m n - butyllithium in hexanes . the mixture was allowed to stir at − 70 to − 75 ° c . for 0 . 5 h after which was added 2 . 45 ml ( 28 . 6 mmol ) of epibromohydrin . the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 h at room temperature . the mixture was then poured into 250 ml of cold saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate , extracted with ethyl acetate , washed with brine , dried ( sodium sulfate ) and concentrated to provide an orange oil which was then purified by chromatography on silica gel , eluting with ethyl acetate / heptane to provide 3 . 06 g of the title compound . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 04 ( d , 2h ), 6 . 60 ( d , 2h ), 3 . 76 ( br s , 1h ), 3 . 44 - 3 . 56 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 14 - 3 . 27 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 80 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 68s ( m , 1h ), 2 . 37 ( br s , 1h ), 1 . 66 - 1 . 96 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 09 - 1 . 66 ( m , 5h ). to ( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenyl )- oxiranylmethyl - amine ( 3 . 06 g , 13 . 2 mmol ) and 0 . 881 g ( 13 . 7 mmol ) of nanhcn was added 20 ml of methanol . the mixture was stirred under nitrogen for 15 h after which it was concentrated . the material was triturated with ether , filtered and again concentrated . the resulting material was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 0 - 50 % ethyl acetate / methanol / ammonia - dichloromethane to provide 1 . 13 g of 5 -[( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenylamino )- methyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine . to a solution of 5 -[( 4 - cyclohexyl - phenylamino )- methyl ]- 4 , 5 - dihydro - oxazol - 2 - ylamine ( 1 . 13 g , 4 . 14 mmol ) in 50 ml of ethanol was added 0 . 42 ml ( 0 . 415 mmol ) of ethyl propiolate . the mixture was stirred at reflux for 6 h under nitrogen after which it was allowed to cool to room temperature . the resulting white crystals were isolated by filtration , washed with ethanol , and dried at room temperature under high vacuum to provide 0 . 294 g of the title compound . the filtrate from the filtration was concentrated to 10 ml and allowed to stand for 6 h . the resulting white crystals were isolated by filtration and dried under high vacuum to provide an additional 0 . 059 g of the title compound . c 19 h 23 n 3 o 2 ( 325 . 41 ), lcms ( esi ): 326 . 22 ( m + + h ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ), δ 7 . 71 ( d , 1 ), 6 . 94 ( d , 2 ), 6 . 60 ( d , 2h ), 5 . 69 - 5 . 86 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 04 - 5 . 18 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 31 ( t , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( t , 1h ), 3 . 35 - 3 . 52 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 32 ( br s , 1h ), 1 . 60 - 1 . 87 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 07 - 1 . 43 ( m , 5h ). a calcium ion ( ca 2 + ) mobilization assay was used to identify and determine the activity for allosteric modulators of the rat or human mglur2 receptor . two formats were used : ( 1 ) examine the ability of glutamate to affect the potency of the modulator , by looking at a concentration - response curve of compound at different submaximal glutamate concentrations , and ( 2 ) look at the ability of the modulator to affect the potency of glutamate by looking at a concentration - response curve of glutamate at a maximal modulator concentration . to monitor functional receptor response using calcium mobilization , a cell line stably expressing the rat or human mglur2 receptor ( normally coupled to its intracellular effector molecules through an inhibitory g - protein , gαi ) and gα 16 , in a tetracycline - inducible vector was created . gα16 can promiscuously couple gs and gi - coupled receptors to the inositol phospholipid signaling pathway by activating phospholipase cβ resulting in a ca 2 + signal ( normally gαq - mediated ), that can be monitored with fluorescence plate readers such as flipr ( molecular devices , fluorescence imaging plate reader ), fdss6000 ( hamamatsu , fluorescence drug screening system ), or flexstation ( molecular devices ). the ca 2 + mobilization assay was based on the detection of intracellular calcium changes using a selective , calcium - chelating dye : fluo - 3 , fluo - 4 , or calcium - 3 . a large fluorescence intensity increase was observed upon calcium association with the dye . the dye was delivered either with the acetoxy - methyl ester , and washed off , or using a no - wash kit ( molecular devices ). fluorescence signals stimulated by glutamate were recorded and used to generate the following pharmacological parameters : ( 1 ) the potency ( ec50 ) of the compound ( s ) of interest at approx . ec10 for glutamate at the rat and human mglur2 receptors respectively , and ( 2 ) a fold - shift of the glutamate ec50 by maximal concentration of compound ( s ) of interest . the compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention tested in accordance with this procedure exhibited the potency ( ec50 ) in the range of from about 3 micromolar ( μm ) to about 0 . 5 nanomolar ( nm ). the efficacy of the compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention in treating a variety of diseases as disclosed herein can be confirmed by any of the methods known to one skilled in the art . for instance , the efficacy in treating anxiety can be confirmed by using vogel conflict test . see , for example , tatarczynska et al ., psychopharmacology ( berl ). 2001 october ; 158 ( 1 ): 94 - 9 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . specifically , tatarczynska et al . discloses the antianxiety - like effects of antagonists of group i and agonists of group ii and iii metabotropic glutamate receptors . the preclinical anxiety and psychosis models also include stress induced hyperthermia , fear potentiated startle and pcp - induced hyperlocomotion . see rorick - kehn et al ., j . pharmacol . exp . ther . 2006 february ; 316 ( 2 ): 905 - 13 . epub 2005 oct . 13 . also see , johnson et al ., psychopharmacology ( berl ). 2005 april ; 179 ( 1 ): 271 - 83 . epub 2005 feb . 17 . fear - potentiated startle and elevated plus maze models have been used by helton et al ., j pharmacol exp ther . 1998 february ; 284 ( 2 ): 651 - 660 in order to demonstrate the anxiolytic and side - effect profile of ly354740 : a potent , highly selective , orally active agonist for group ii metabotropic glutamate receptors . various anxiety models to show efficacy in humans are also known in the art . see kellner et al ., psychopharmacology ( berl ). 2005 april ; 179 ( 1 ): 310 - 5 . epub 2004 sep . 30 , where the effects of a metabotropic glutamate ( 2 / 3 ) receptor agonist on panic anxiety induced by cholecystokinin tetrapeptide in healthy humans has been reported . in addition , the efficacy of the compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention in treating schizophrenia may also be ascertained by various known models in the art . for instance , pcp - induced hyperlocomotion , pcp - disrupted prepulse inhibition , stress - induced hyperthermia , and elevated plus maze models have been used to demonstrate the efficacy of allosteric modulators of mglur2 . see , galici et al ., j pharmacol exp ther . 2006 july ; 318 ( 1 ): 173 - 85 . epub 2006 apr . 11 , where it is shown that biphenyl - indanone a , a positive allosteric modulator of the mglur2 , has antipsychotic - and anxiolytic - like effects in mice . the efficacy of the compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention in improving the working memory in humans can be ascertained by a variety of methods known in the art . for instance , krystal et al ., psychopharmacology ( berl ). 2005 april ; 179 ( 1 ): 303 - 9 . epub 2004 aug . 10 , reported that the attenuation of the disruptive effects of the nmda glutamate receptor antagonist , ketamine , on working memory by pretreatment with the group ii metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist , ly354740 , in healthy human subjects . in another example , patil et al ., nature medicine . 2007 september ; 13 ( 9 ): 1102 - 7 . epub 2007 sep . 2 . reported that the group ii metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist , ly2140023 , showed statistically significant improvements in both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia compared to placebo . the compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention are also useful in treating sleep disorders and depression . feinberg et al ., pharmacol biochem behav . 2002 , 73 ( 2 ) 467 - 74 , have reported that the selective group mglur2 / 3 receptor agonist , ly379268 , suppresses rapid eye movement ( rem ) sleep and fast eeg in the rat . gewirtz et al ., pharmacol biochem behav . 2002 september ; 73 ( 2 ): 317 - 26 , have examined the effects of mglur2 / 3 agonists on bdnf mrna expression in medial prefrontal cortex induced by the hallucinogen and 5ht 2a / 2b / 2c agonist . also , see schechter et al ., neurorx . 2005 october ; 2 ( 4 ): 590 - 611 . review , where innovative approaches for the development of antidepressant drugs are reviewed . the activity of allosteric modulators of mglur2 in pain models has also been reported in the literature . see , jones et al ., neuropharmacology . 2005 ; 49 suppl 1 : 206 - 18 , where analgesic effects of the selective group ii ( mglu2 / 3 ) metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists are disclosed . the efficacy of compounds of formula ( i ) of this invention in treating epilepsy can also be ascertained by various methods used in the art . for example , see , alexander et al ., epilepsy res . 2006 , 71 ( 1 ), 1 - 22 , where metabotropic glutamate receptors as a strategic target for the treatment of epilepsy is discussed . also see , klodzinska et al ., pol j pharmacol . 1999 , 51 ( 6 ), 543 - 5 , which discloses selective group ii glutamate metabotropic receptor agonist ly354740 attenuates pentylenetetrazole - and picrotoxin - induced seizures . roles of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes in modulation of pentylenetetrazole - induced seizure activity in mice is disclosed by thomsen et al ., neuropharmacology . 1998 , 37 ( 12 ), 1465 - 73 . finally , thomsen et al ., j neurochem . 1994 , 62 ( 6 ), 2492 - 5 , disclose that ( s )- 4 - carboxy - 3 - hydroxyphenylglycine , an antagonist of metabotropic glutamate receptor ( mglur ) 1a and an agonist of mglur2 , protects against audiogenic seizures in dba / 2 mice . all of the references described herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety . stress - induced hyperthermia ( sih ) reflects the elevation in core body temperature experienced by mammals following a stressful experience . clinically active anxiolytics prevent sih , indicating that this model may be useful in identifying novel anxiolytic agents ( see , olivier et al . eur j pharmacol . 2003 , 463 , 117 - 32 ). sih was measured in mice using the rectal test procedure adaptation of the classic sih paradigm described by borsini et al , psychopharmacology ( berl ). 1989 , 98 ( 2 ), 207 - 11 . individually housed mice were subjected to two sequential rectal temperature measurements , separated by a 10 - minute interval . the first measurement captured the animal &# 39 ; s basal core body temperature ( t1 ), while the second temperature ( t2 ) captured body temperature following the mild stress imposed by the first temperature measurement . the difference between the first and second temperature ( t2 - t1 or δt ) is the sih . temperature measurements were made to the nearest 0 . 1 ° c . with a lubricated thermistor probe inserted 2 cm into the rectum of each subject . test compounds were administered 60 minutes before the first temperature measurement to allow for any stress effect created by the injection to dissipate completely . although the invention has been illustrated by certain of the preceding examples , it is not to be construed as being limited thereby ; but rather , the invention encompasses the generic area as hereinbefore disclosed . various modifications and embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . | 2 |
an inventive longitudinal frame member 10 is shown in the figures . referring to fig1 a - 2b , a rigid frame is constructed from the longitudinal frame member 10 that includes a tubular portion 12 and a spline 14 . the tubular portion 12 provides a channel 26 that receives a portion of the inventive spline 14 to securely retain the screen to the member 10 , which will be discussed in more detail below . the example member 10 shown in fig1 a - 4 is roll formed out of a sheet of metal so that the spline 14 is formed integrally with the tubular portion 12 . the member 10 includes a first edge 16 provided on the spline 14 and a second edge 18 provided on the tubular portion 12 , best seen in fig4 . the integral tubular and spline portions 12 and 14 are secured to provide a desired cross - sectional shape by forming a flange 20 , which is shown in fig1 a and 4 . the flange 20 may include a series of indentations 21 formed by a roller to further secure the metal in the desired shape , best shown in fig1 a . in one example , the member 10 is constructed from a suitable metal that is either roll formed and / or extruded . a plastic or other material may also be used . opposite the flange is a wall 22 having a slot 24 for receiving a corner lock 28 . the corner lock 28 includes first and second legs 30 and 32 . the first leg 30 is received in the tubular portion 12 , and the leg 32 extends from the slot 24 . the details of the use and assembly of the corner lock 28 are disclosed in u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 825 , 525 , filed on apr . 15 , 2004 . the arrangement shown in fig1 a and 1b depicts longitudinal frame members 10 that have square ends . in such an arrangement , it may be desirable to provide an end cap 29 on the corner lock 28 . referring to fig2 a and 2b , the longitudinal frame members 10 include mitered ends 31 that may provide for a more aesthetic mitered joint m and also eliminate the need for slot 24 . referring to fig3 , a machine 34 is disclosed for securing a screen 44 to be the inventive longitudinal frame members 10 . the members 10 are assembled using the corner lock 28 , or any other suitable method of attachment , to provide a frame 42 . the frame 42 is arranged on a fixed platen 36 having fixed stops 38 . movable stops 40 are actuated to secure the frame 42 against the fixed stops 38 . the arrangement of stops 38 and 40 enables any size frame 42 to be accommodated on the machine 34 . referring to fig4 , the screen 44 is positioned on top of the frame 42 with the spline 14 in a first position p 1 . a cavity 55 is provided between the spline 14 and the tubular member 12 in the first position p 1 for receiving the screen 44 . the spline portion includes a nose 46 having the first edge 16 . the nose 46 extends to an arch 48 having a spring portion 49 opposite the nose 46 . in the example shown in fig4 , the spring portion 49 is integral with the tubular portion 12 . in the example embodiment , the nose 46 has a smaller radius than the gradual radius of the arch 48 . the spring portion 49 has a smaller radius than the nose 46 . the spring portion 49 biases the spline 14 upward and away from the tubular portion 12 . the machine 34 includes a movable platen 50 having a flat profile 52 . by utilizing a flat profile 52 , the tooling costs are drastically reduced since a platen of particular profile requiring machining is not required , and alignment issues between the movable platen 50 and frame 42 are eliminated . the movable platen 50 is moved downward into engagement with the spline 14 moving the spline 14 from the first position p 1 to a second position p 2 , which forces the perimeter of the screen 44 into the channel 26 . the arch 48 extends above a flange 53 that , in part , provides the channel 26 along with a surface 58 of the tubular portion 12 . the movable platen 50 continues to move downward moving the spline 14 from the second position p 2 to the third position p 3 . in the position p 3 , the nose 46 is forced further into the channel 26 securely retaining the perimeter of the screen 44 . the flexible spline 14 deflects without yielding . the nose 46 has a sharp corner 56 on the first edge 16 that digs into the screen 44 to retain the perimeter of the screen between the corner 56 and the surface 58 . in the third position p 3 , the arch 48 has a larger radius than it did in first position p 1 , and the nose 46 has smaller radius than it did in the first position p 1 . to further improve retention of the screen 44 , barbs 54 may extend upward from the surface 58 and away from the channel 26 , as is show in fig5 . fig6 depicts another example longitudinal frame member 60 , which is extruded . the longitudinal frame member 60 includes a tubular portion 62 having a separate spline portion 72 . the tubular portion 62 provides a recess 64 having a protrusion 66 and fulcrum 68 . a spring portion 80 of the spline portion 72 is inserted into the recess 64 , and an edge 82 is retained by the protrusion 66 . the spring portion 80 acts against the fulcrum 68 when moving between the first , second and third positions p 1 , p 2 and p 3 . similar to the embodiment described in fig4 , the spline portion 72 includes an arch 74 and nose 76 . the nose 76 is forced into the channel 78 by the movable platen 50 . the screen 44 is retained between the nose 76 and surface 70 . the screen 44 begins to tear , which occurs at around 125 pounds of applied force , without the screen pulling out of the channel 26 . referring to fig7 , the spring portion 80 is retained in the recess 64 . the arch 74 may or may not include an apex , depending upon the geometry of the spline 14 and tubular member 12 . the fulcrum 68 extends from the surface 70 . a ridge 86 also extends from the surface 70 to lift an edge portion 88 of the screen 44 away from the surface to better ensure that the corner 56 engages and holds the screen 44 . the ridge 86 is also shown for roll - formed longitudinal frame members 10 in fig8 . in another example , the spline 14 can be adhered to the tubular member 12 by any suitable process , such as by laminating or overmolding , as shown in fig9 . the inventive longitudinal frame member 10 permits easy replacement of the screen . the spline 14 may be “ zippered ” open and the damaged screen removed and replaced . with the new screen positioned as desired , the spline 14 can be forced back into the channel 26 using a block of wood and hammer . fig1 depicts the inventive longitudinal frame member 10 for furniture or other applications in which it is desirable to conceal the tubular member 12 . a decorative fabric 94 is wrapped around a side 92 other than the side that supports the spline 14 . the invention has been described in an illustrative manner , and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation . obviously , many 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 . | 4 |
the fabrication process for the preferred mode filter is shown in fig1 a - 1f . the process begins in fig1 a by depositing a layer of low stress lpcvd silicon nitride 100 and 102 (“ sin ”) at 850 ° c . on a silicon substrate 104 . the layer 100 is preferably between a ½ and 1 μm micron thick . the material is deposited with an sih 2 cl 2 :. nh 3 gas flow ratio of 4 to 1 . the sin layers 100 , 102 are deposited on both sides of silicon substrate 104 . fig1 b shows patterning the sin layer 102 on the backside of the silicon substrate 104 . first , the desired areas to be protected are covered with photoresist layer 110 . this is followed by dry etching the sin 102 to form a pattern . fig1 c shows the anisotropic etching step which uses an anisotropic etchant such as koh . this leaves a window 120 left in the wafer , with only a thin area of the silicon wafer 122 remaining . the thin wafer area can be between 20 and 100 μm thick . the overlying silicon nitride 100 remains unchanged during this step . fig1 d shows using rie to provide patterns 130 in the sin layer 100 . the pattern includes holes 132 into the silicon nitride layer 100 . the holes can be of any desired size and shape as described above . this is followed by placing the wafer into another anisotropic solution ( for example , koh ) to remove the remaining silicon layer 120 . this frees the membrane to form the unsupported membrane shown in fig1 e . the membrane includes unsupported silicon nitride portion 140 , defining holes therebetween . these holes , however , would have low structural integrity . finally , a layer of parylene is deposited over the entire wafer . parylene is available from specialty coating systems , inc ., 5707 west minnesota street , indianapolis , ind . 46241 . the parylene uniformly covers the entire wafer surface , forming parylene overlayers 150 , 152 . each of the holes therefore includes a parylene overlayer on each of its surfaces : top surface , bottom surface , and all sides . the layer of parylene 150 serves three main purposes . the parylene overlayer greatly improves the strength of the membrane filter by providing a reinforcement to the filter . uniform deposition of parylene also allows changing the hole size . different hole sizes can be obtained from the same basic filter skeleton . control of the thickness of the parylene layer can be used to obtain these different hole sizes . for example , a 10 μm opening can be changed to a 6 μm opening by depositing 2 μm of parylene on the entire device , forming two , 2 μm barriers at two ends of the hole . hence , the same basic filter can have different holes sizes by changing the thickness of the parylene layer . this fabrication process can be used for various membrane filters . the preferred hole shapes include circular , hexagonal , and / or rectangular . filters as large as 8 × 8 square millimeters can be fabricated . the opening area ratio increases as the hole size increases . the hole size also defines the filtering threshold — the minimum size of the particles that can be blocked by the filter . for example , a filter with a 10 . 6 μm diameter hole has an opening area ratio of approximately 12½ %. hexagonal holes can provide higher opening area ratios , but cause higher stress concentration in the membrane . this effectively reduces the strength of the filter . rectangular holes can provide a large range of opening area ratio without changing the filtering threshold . one dimension of the rectangular holes must be kept constant . fig3 a shows a top view of a circular hole . fig3 b shows the rectangular hole , while fig3 c and 3d respectively show the hexagonal holes for these filters . fig2 shows different characteristics for the filters . the far left side of the figure shows a top view of 8 millimeter × 8 millimeter area . this is defined into different non - filtering regions and filtering regions . the fluid dynamic performance of the membrane filters was also tested , and the results are shown in fig4 and 5 . each of the pressure drops is a function of flow rate per unit area was fitted with a second order polynomial function . the power to sustain a desired flow rate is calculated by multiplying the pressure drop by the volumetric flow rate . hence , these features show how the pressure drop across the microfilter and power requirement increase dramatically as the opening factor increases . although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above , many modifications are possible in the preferred embodiment without undue experimentation . | 1 |
referring now to the sole figure of the drawing , there is illustrated the interior surface of a hollow cylindrical body forming the laser dump . the cylinder 2 has been given no wall thickness in the drawing so that various constructional and operational features can be depicted in greater detail . a laser beam 4 is caused to shine through an elliptically shaped hole 6 formed through the side of the cylinder . the hole 6 is also shown in projected fashion for purposes of clarity as hole 6a . support means of conventional construction ( not shown ) are used to orient the heat dump with respect to the laser beam to provide the angles of beam introduction shown in the drawing and discussed herein . the cylinder 2 also has closed top and bottom surfaces 7 and 9 respectively to prevent a potential hazard to personnel in the surrounding area . it will be noted that the grazing angle φ of the laser beam , which is defined herein as the angle between the center ray of the beam and the tangent of the circular cross section of the cylindrical cavity at the point of entry of the beam column , is chosen to be less than 90 °. furthermore , the insertion angle θ , defined herein as the angle between the center ray of the beam and the longitudinal axis of the cylinder is also less than 90 °. the grazing angle φ and insertion angle θ are chosen such that a beam coming into the cylinder of diameter d bounces around the interior wall of the cylinder and at the same time descends axially . the number of bounces per round , n , is given by the equations : if chord length c is defined as the horizontal projection of the beam between two adjacent bounces , then : between two consecutive bounces of the beam , it descends a distance e given by the equation : the areas of the footprints of the beam on the interior surface of the cylinder increase as they descend downward . as a result of successive increases of the areas of the footprints of the beam , the beam flux density decreases . surface coatings of suitable reflectivity are judiciously applied in different zones of the interior surface of the cylinder . where the cross - sectional area of the beam is relatively small , the surface is made reflective . where the beam areas has attained sufficient size with accompanying decrease of radiation flux density , the surface is made absorptive . the surface temperature rise of the dump can thus be maintained within the allowable limits of the dump material . the final result is practically total absorption of the laser energy introduced into the dump . this can be seen in the drawing where the footprints left by the beam as it travels downwardly within the cylinder are depicted . thus , for example the beam first strikes in the area denoted by the reference numeral 10 where it is partially absorbed . the portion that is not absorbed by the wall of the cylinder is then reflected to the area 12 . there it is partially absorbed and the remainder is reflected to the area 14 , then to the area 16 , the area 18 , and lastly to the area 20 where the remainder of the energy is absorbed . the line 22 shown in the drawing denotes the place in the cylinder at which the surface coating material is changed . thus , the portions of the cylinder in the zone above line 22 are preferably made of a low absorbing and specularly reflective material such as gold , whereas the area below the line 22 , is formed of a higher absorption material such as black metal oxides . the angles of spread at the successive bounces are given by the following expressions : the angle of spread at the second and successive bounces are given by the following expression : ## equ1 ## the areas of successive bounces of the circular beam on the inside of the cylinder are : where a is the area of the bounce and the subscript n refers to the number of the bounce . when the incident beam hits the inside surface of the cylinder , a part of it is absorbed and the remaining part is reflected . the absorbed part is converted to heat . due to the radial spread of the beam at each bounce , the heat flux decreases with each successive bounce . the heat fluxes at successive bounces on a developed inside surface of the cylinder will be referred to herein as the load map . the development of the load map is an important step in the design of the laser dump , because from it the heat fluxes at successive bounces can be calculated , and their distribution patterns can be visualized . the foregoing equations form the basis for developing load maps . let q o and a o be the original beam flux and cross section area respectively , then the incident power at the first bounce is : the power absorbed at the first bounce , where the absorption coefficient is α , is : the power relfected at the first bounce , which is also the power incident to the second bounce is : the general formula for the flux absorbed at the nth bounce is : in one device embodying the present invention , a grazing angle φ of 45 ° was selected . in this case the number of bounces per round was four . the diameter of the cylinder d must be such that it can accommodate an aperture , or window , of sufficient size to accept a beam of a given cross section . according to equation ( 3 ) the descent of the footprints of the beam on the wall is directly proportional to d for given values of φ and θ . in order to avoid overlaps of successive footprints of the beam , a reasonable value of d must be chosen . in the aforementioned embodiment , a diameter of 24 inches was selected in view of all of the factors discussed above and provided a unit of reasonable size . regarding the insertion angle θ , the descent of the beam between successive bounces of the beam is directly proportional to the cotangent of the insertion angle θ for fixed values of d and φ ; therefore , the smaller values of φ , that is to say , the steeper the beam comes into the cylinder , the greater the descent of the beam is , and the greater are the axial spreads of the footprints of the beams . this is desirable as greater axial spread of the footprints will cause less possibility of overlap . however , this requires a longer cylinder . in the aforementioned embodiment of the invention , θ = 80 ° appeared to be a good choice . with this choice of the insertion angle , φ = 45 °, and d = 24 inches , a cylinder 24 inches long gave seven complete bounces with no overlaps . once the load map of the laser dump has been developed , conventional techniques of heat exchanger or heat sink design may be applied to remove the heat absorbed in the dump so that the dump will remain in the safe range of operating temperatures . although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment , it will be understood to those skilled in the art that the invention is capable of a variety of alternative embodiments within the spirit and scope of the appended claims . | 7 |
a preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages are better understood by referring to the figures , like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the accompanying figures . the invention is preferably realized using a well - known computing platform , such as an ibm rs / 6000 server running the ibm aix operating system . however , it may be realized in any computer system platforms , such as an ibm personal computer running the microsoft windows operating system or a sun microsystems workstation running operating systems such as unix or linux or a router system from cisco or juniper , without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . with reference now to the figures , fig1 depicts a pictorial representation of a network of data processing systems in which the present invention may be implemented . network data processing system 100 is a network of computers in which the present invention may be implemented . network data processing system 100 contains a network 102 , which is the medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected together within network data processing system 100 . network 102 may include connections , such as wire , wireless communication links , or fiber optic cables . in the depicted example , a server 104 is connected to network 102 along with storage unit 106 . in addition , clients 108 , 110 , and 112 also are connected to network 102 . these clients 108 , 110 , and 112 may be , for example , personal computers or network computers . in the depicted example , server 104 provides data , such as boot files , operating system images , and applications to clients 108 – 112 . clients 108 , 110 , and 112 are clients to server 104 . network data processing system 100 may include additional servers , clients , and other devices not shown . in the depicted example , network data processing system 100 is the internet with network 102 representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the tcp / ip suite of protocols to communicate with one another . at the heart of the internet is a backbone of high - speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers , consisting of thousands of commercial , government , educational and other computer systems that route data and messages . of course , network data processing system 100 also may be implemented as a number of different types of networks , such as for example , an intranet , a local area network ( lan ), or a wide area network ( wan ). fig1 is intended as an example , and not as an architectural limitation for the present invention . referring to fig2 , a block diagram of a data processing system that may be implemented as a server , such as server 104 in fig1 , is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . data processing system 200 may be a symmetric multiprocessor ( smp ) system including a plurality of processors 202 and 204 connected to system bus 206 . alternatively , a single processor system may be employed . also connected to system bus 206 is memory controller / cache 208 , which provides an interface to local memory 209 . i / o bus bridge 210 is connected to system bus 206 and provides an interface to i / o bus 212 . memory controller / cache 208 and i / o bus bridge 210 may be integrated as depicted . peripheral component interconnect ( pci ) bus bridge 214 connected to i / o bus 212 provides an interface to pci local bus 216 . a number of modems may be connected to pci bus 216 . typical pci bus implementations will support four pci expansion slots or add - in connectors . communications links to network computers 108 – 112 in fig1 may be provided through modem 218 and network adapter 220 connected to pci local bus 216 through add - in boards . additional pci bus bridges 222 and 224 provide interfaces for additional pci buses 226 and 228 , from which additional modems or network adapters may be supported . in this manner , data processing system 200 allows connections to multiple network computers . a memory - mapped graphics adapter 230 and hard disk 232 may also be connected to i / o bus 212 as depicted , either directly or indirectly . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware depicted in fig2 may vary . for example , other peripheral devices , such as optical disk drives and the like , also may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted . the depicted example is not meant to imply architectural limitations with respect to the present invention . the data processing system depicted in fig2 may be , for example , an ibm risc / system 6000 system , a product of international business machines corporation in armonk , n . y ., running the advanced interactive executive ( aix ) operating system . with reference now to fig3 , a block diagram illustrating a data processing system is depicted in which the present invention may be implemented . data processing system 300 is an example of a client computer . data processing system 300 employs a peripheral component interconnect ( pci ) local bus architecture . although the depicted example employs a pci bus , other bus architectures such as accelerated graphics port ( agp ) and industry standard architecture ( isa ) may be used . processor 302 and main memory 304 are connected to pci local bus 306 through pci bridge 308 . pci bridge 308 also may include an integrated memory controller and cache memory for processor 302 . additional connections to pci local bus 306 may be made through direct component interconnection or through add - in boards . in the depicted example , local area network ( lan ) adapter 310 , scsi host bus adapter 312 , and expansion bus interface 314 are connected to pci local bus 306 by direct component connection . in contrast , audio adapter 316 , graphics adapter 318 , and audio / video adapter 319 are connected to pci local bus 306 by add - in boards inserted into expansion slots . expansion bus interface 314 provides a connection for a keyboard and mouse adapter 320 , modem 322 , and additional memory 324 . small computer system interface ( scsi ) host bus adapter 312 provides a connection for hard disk drive 326 , tape drive 328 , and cd - rom drive 330 . typical pci local bus implementations will support three or four pci expansion slots or add - in connectors . an operating system runs on processor 302 and is used to coordinate and provide control of various components within data processing system 300 in fig3 . the operating system may be a commercially available operating system , such as windows 2000 , which is available from microsoft corporation . an object oriented programming system such as java may run in conjunction with the operating system and provide calls to the operating system from java programs or applications executing on data processing system 300 . “ java ” is a trademark of sun microsystems , inc . instructions for the operating system , the object - oriented operating system , and applications or programs are located on storage devices , such as hard disk drive 326 , and may be loaded into main memory 304 for execution by processor 302 . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware in fig3 may vary depending on the implementation . other internal hardware or peripheral devices , such as flash rom ( or equivalent nonvolatile memory ) or optical disk drives and the like , may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted in fig3 . also , the processes of the present invention may be applied to a multiprocessor data processing system . as another example , data processing system 300 may be a stand - alone system configured to be bootable without relying on some type of network communication interface , whether or not data processing system 300 comprises some type of network communication interface . as a further example , data processing system 300 may be a personal digital assistant ( pda ) device , which is configured with rom and / or flash rom in order to provide non - volatile memory for storing operating system files and / or user - generated data . the depicted example in fig3 and above - described examples are not meant to imply architectural limitations . for example , data processing system 300 also may be a notebook computer or hand held computer in addition to taking the form of a pda . data processing system 300 also may be a kiosk or a web appliance . fig4 is a high level flow chart which depicts a router selectively discarding packets from senders which continue to transmit utilizing moderately congested routers despite being notified that the router is congested in accordance with the present invention . the process starts as depicted by block 400 and thereafter passes to block 402 which illustrates a router receiving a packet . next , block 404 depicts a determination of whether or not the router is moderately congested . if a determination is made that the router is not moderately congested , the process passes to block 406 which illustrates the router forwarding the packet and clearing a list of unique identifiers . the process then passes to block 402 . referring again to block 404 , if a determination is made that the router is moderately congested , the process passes to block 408 which depicts a determination of whether or not the packet was transmitted by a sender having a capability of receiving congestion notifications , such as ecn . if a determination is made that this sender does not have a congestion notification capability , the process passes to block 410 which illustrates the router dropping the packet . the process then passes back to block 402 . referring again to block 408 , if a determination is made that this sender does have a congestion notification capability , the process passes to block 412 which depicts the router getting the unique identifier which identifies the tcp session connection to which this packet belongs . each tcp session will have an associated unique identifier which uniquely identifies the session . every packet will have information the identifies its associated tcp session . next , block 414 illustrates the router searching its listing of unique identifiers . thereafter , block 416 depicts a determination of whether or not the unique identifier which identifies this packet &# 39 ; s tcp session is stored in the list . if a determination is made that the unique identifier which identifies this packet &# 39 ; s tcp session was not found in the list , the process passes to block 418 which depicts the router storing the unique identifier which identifies this packet &# 39 ; s tcp session in the listing . the current time ( t ) is also stored in the listing along with the unique identifier for this packet &# 39 ; s session . the process then passes to block 420 which illustrates the router marking the packet according to congestion notification protocols , such as ecn , as having passed through a moderately congested router . this marked packet is then forwarded to its intended receiver . the process then passes back to block 402 . referring again to block 416 , if a determination is made that the unique identifier which identifies this packet &# 39 ; s session was found in the listing , the router retrieves the time ( t ) stored in the listing with the unique identifier which identifies this packet &# 39 ; s session . next , block 422 depicts the router calculating a transmission time . the transmission time is the time stored with this listing plus the estimated round trip time for a packet . next , block 424 depicts a determination of whether or not the current time is greater than the transmission time . if a determination is made that the current time is greater than the transmission time , the process passes back to block 410 . referring again to block 424 , if a determination is made that the current time is not greater than the transmission time , the process passes to block 420 . it is important to note that while the present invention has been described in the context of a fully functioning data processing system , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processes of the present invention are capable of being distributed in the form of a computer readable medium of instructions and a variety of forms and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media actually used to carry out the distribution . examples of computer readable media include recordable - type media such a floppy disc , a hard disk drive , a ram , and cd - roms and transmission - type media such as digital and analog communications links . the description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description , but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed . many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art . the embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention , the practical application , and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . | 7 |
a closure assembly such as a door or the like incorporating the two sided colonial grid assembly of the present invention is shown in fig1 and generally represented as 10 . before describing the structure and configuration of each of the components of the colonial grid assembly , it may be helpful to describe , first , their relationships in assembly and the actual assembly of them . the components include : a ) peripheral frame members , jambs 18 and 20 , and header and sill members 14 and 16 , which are seen in cross - section in fig6 ; b ) peripheral attachment bars 24 , shown in cross - section in fig5 one of which is received in the track opening 22 , see fig6 of the jamb header and sill respectively ; and c ) true muntin bars , 30 , seen in cross - section in fig4 which laterally span the peripheral attachment bars received in the track openings 22 of the jambs , see the plan view of fig1 . after these three types of components have been connected together in a flat assembly on a work surface , a first plurality of false muntin bars are connected between the true muntins and attachment bars on the header and sill . then , d ) glass panes 26 are positioned supportingly on co - planar surfaces defined by support surfaces of the attachment bars 24 and true muntins 30 . each of the panes extend between the jambs in parallel spaced co - planar relation , the web of the true muntins being between adjacent panes . before the panes 26 have been positioned on the assembly , e ) the plurality of spaced false muntin bars 40 vertically span the laterally extending true muntin bars 30 separating the appearance of the panes into a colonial grid . when this assembly has been secured together , a second plurality of additional lengths of false muntin bars are applied to the opposite glass surfaces of the glass panes , see 40 in fig7 . finally , glazing strips 50 , seen in cross - section in fig2 see also fig1 , are &# 34 ; popped &# 34 ; into the assembly along each of the peripheral laterally extending edges of the glass panes , the glazing strips being secured to the attachment bars 24 , as seen in fig7 at the lower right hand corner , as designed by the numeral 50 and in fig8 . the components of the assembly are thus seen to be interconnected in a relatively inexpensive assembly process which provides a strong closure composed of the components . referring to the assembly in more detail , a peripheral frame 12 composed of spaced vertical jambs 18 and 20 are interconnected with a spaced head and sill member 14 - 16 , see fig1 . the common cross - section of these members is seen in fig6 . each of these frame members , it seen , has an open track 22 , see fig6 which in assembly face inwardly , the jamb tracks confronting one another in spaced relation and the header and sill tracks confronting one another in spaced relation . the peripheral frame 12 , when interconnected , is in a flat attitude on a flat work surface , as seen in the plan view in fig1 . into the track 22 of each frame member , a peripheral attachment bar 24 is inserted , see fig5 . in other words , the attachment bar of fig5 as seen there in cross - section , is moved to the left into the track or opening 22 , as seen in the adjacent fig6 . as further seen in the plan view of fig1 of the closure assembly , representing the assembly on a horizontal support surface , four laterally extending spaced true muntin bars 30 , seen in cross - section in fig4 are provided in spanning relation of the adjustment bars 24 in the jambs 18 and 20 . surfaces on the frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 , and the true muntin bars 30 define five rectangular openings each bounded by a co - planar peripheral support surface . next , five laterally extending spaced panes of glass 26 , appropriately sized , are positioned in co - planar relation on the support surfaces , each pane spanning the jamb member 18 and 20 . each pane its sized such that is opposing peripheral ends rest on the attachment bars 24 in the space designated by the arrowed line 62 in fig5 . the longitudinal peripheral edge of the uppermost and lowermost glass panes , along the header and sill respectively , also rest in the space 62 of the attachment bars in the sill and jamb . while the assembly remains flat and before the glass panes are inserted , a first , plurality of false muntin bars 40 are installed , see fig7 illustrating their attachment to the attachment bars 24 and see fig1 illustrating their attachment to the true muntin bars 30 . thereafter , as demonstrated by the arrowed line 40 in fig7 and a second set of false muntin bars may be applied in confronting relation to the first plurality of false muntin bars already described and resting against the opposite surface of the glass panes . finally , glazing strips , such as 50 , seen in cross - section in fig2 and which are of flexible aluminum material , are &# 34 ; popped &# 34 ; into position as designated by the arrowed line 50 at the upper portion of fig8 . there is thus assembled a two sided closure , with a colonial grid appearance , such as a door or window . the components will now be further described . the door is defined by a peripheral frame generally indicated as 12 . the peripheral frame 12 comprises a plurality of interconnected components including a head portion 14 , a sill portion 16 and oppositely disposed elongated jamb portions 18 and 20 . the head and sill , 14 and 16 respectively , are shown in cross - section in fig6 and include one open elongated side or track , generally indicated as 22 , see fig6 . this track is structured to receive a peripheral attachment bar 24 , to be described in the following paragraph with reference to fig5 and 10 . the attachment bars 24 have an elongated configuration and extend along and partially within the inner longitudinal side opening tracks 22 of the head 14 , sill 16 and jambs 18 and 20 and in receiving , supporting engagement with correspondingly positioned edges of the plurality of glass or like material panes 26 , see fig7 . each of the glass panes 26 have an elongated configuration and extend in substantially parallel co - planar and adjacent or spaced relation to one another transversely across the closure structure 10 as in the preferred embodiment seen in plan in fig1 . it should be apparent therefore that the elongated panes 26 have their opposite peripheral ends supported to the jambs 18 and 20 by virtue of their interconnection with correspondingly positioned attachment bars 24 . another component of the subject colonial grid assembly comprise true muntin bars , see fig4 generally indicated as 30 . each true muntin bar 30 includes an outwardly exposing facing portion 32 , see fig4 and 9 , and a transverse outwardly extending mounting web 34 . the mounting web 34 is integrally secured to the facing portion 32 and has one end , as at 35 , secured to the facing portion as shown in fig4 and the web 34 and other end 37 extend through , that is between the , adjacently positioned edges of glass panes 26 and extending outwardly from the opposite side of each such pane relative to the facing portion 32 . the true muntin bars 30 extend in spaced , parallel relation to one another and transversely , that is across the length of the closure 10 , as shown in fig1 . further , the true muntin bars 30 have their opposite ends 36 and 38 , matingly configured and structured to be interconnected to the jamb portions 18 and 20 respectively of the peripheral support frame 12 as best shown in fig1 . other structural features of the true muntin bar 30 as represented in fig4 and 11 include elongated channels 31 in which caulking or like sealant material is placed for the sealing engagement with correspondingly positioned surfaces of the glass panes 26 . in addition , each of the channels 31 are bordered along their length by outwardly extending elongated flanges 3 wherein the flanges 33 extend outwardly in equal distance so as to concurrently engage the corresponding surface of the pane along with the caulking or sealant within the channels 31 , this facilitates against leakage or breakage of the glass pane so engaged . further , the terminal ends of these flanges are co - planar with the support surfaces of the attachment bars and also comprise support surfaces of the glass panes 26 . the similar surface included in the attachment bar generally indicated as 24 is designated 33 &# 39 ; and shown in detail in fig5 . in other words , each attachment bar includes one face 49 , see fig5 having on the opposite surface two channels such as 31 &# 39 ; in which caulking or like sealant material is supplied for confronting engagement with the corresponding surface of the glass pane 26 . elongated ridges or flanges 33 &# 39 ; extend along the length thereof and are co - planar as indicated for stable confronting engagement with the corresponding surface of the pane 26 and for supporting the glass panes in assembly . another component of the subject assembly includes the false muntin bars 40 , seen in cross - section in fig3 which also may be formed from aluminum material . each of these bars include an outer exposed facing portion 42 , 42 &# 39 ; substantially identical in appearance to the facing portion 32 , 32 &# 39 ;, see fig4 of the true muntin bars 30 . as shown in fig3 false muntin bars 40 have the co - planar flanges 44 disposed in engaging , confronting relation with the opposite surfaces of the adjacent glass panel 26 respectively and their opposite spaced longitudinal ends structured and configured to matingly and abuttingly connect to either an integrally formed facing 48 on the attachment bar 24 , see fig7 or the exposed facing portion 32 on the true muntin bar 30 ( see fig9 ). also , the opposite ends of each of the false muntin bars 40 may include appropriately curved slots or cut out portions 43 to mate with and receive the curved facing , of the above - noted integral facings or true muntin bars 30 and attachment bars 24 ( see fig7 and 11 ). this also forms an end on each such bar which is matingly received in companionate notch 61 , see fig1 of the attachment bar 24 and the notch 60 of the true muntin bar , see fig1 . the final component are glazing beads 50 , see fig2 . these are preferably roll formed from an aluminum material and specifically structured to have a facing portion 52 substantially identical in configuration and appearance to the facing 48 of the attachment bars 24 . in addition , the roll forming of the glazing bead 50 allows it to be flexible to a certain extent . accordingly , it can be handled or manipulated when the colonial grid assembly is being formed on a work surface or when being installed . the glazing bead 50 further includes a receiving flange as at 54 which is designed to fit beneath and in engagement with a peripheral edge of the pane 26 , see fig8 as it is &# 34 ; snap - fitted &# 34 ; in appropriate position in receiving channels formed both on the mounting web of the true muntin bars 30 or the attachment bar 24 . with regard to fig4 the first and second receiving channel , generally indicated as 56 and 58 ( see fig4 ), are formed on opposite sides of the mounting web 34 and specifically are cooperatively structured with the placement of the individual panes 26 each to receive one glazing bead 50 therein . with reference to fig8 it is seen that one of the first and second receiving channels , as at 56 , on one side of the mounting web 34 is disposed and structured to receive the periphery of the pane 26 in a manner such that the receiving flange 54 of the glazing bead 50 is effectively sandwiched therebeneath . in such a position , the exposed facing portion 52 of the glazing bead is disposed on the opposite surface of the pane 26 relative to the facing portion 32 and is cooperatively configured so as to be similar in appearance . the end portion 37 of the web of the true muntin bars 30 resembles the outermost elongated member 32 &# 39 ; on the exposed surface of the facing portion 32 of the true muntin bars 30 . in order that both sides of the closure as shown in fig1 appears the same and to have a duplicate colonial grid structure , the false muntin bars 40 also have the elongated surface 42 &# 39 ; similar in appearance , configuration , dimension , etc . placement of first and second glazing beads 50 within the first and second receiving channels 56 and 58 of the real muntin bars will resemble muntin bars on opposite surfaces of the pane 26 as should be apparent with review of fig8 . a surface 59 of the glazing beads 50 is disposed in confronting relation with one of the surfaces of the glass pane 26 as also shown in fig8 . with reference to fig7 lower right hand portion , a third glazing bead 50 &# 39 ; is seen , which is identical in structure , dimension and configuration to the first and second glazing beads , as represented in fig2 . it is designed to fit within the third receiving channel 62 of the attachment bar 24 , see fig5 and extend along the length thereof . the flange 54 of the respective glazing bead as at 50 &# 39 ; will fit beneath the peripheral edge 26 &# 39 ; as shown in fig7 and the confronting surface as at 59 will confront the corresponding surface of the glass pane 26 . similarly , the facing portion 52 is identical in appearance , dimension , configuration , etc . to the facing 48 of the attachment bar 24 thereby forming an identical appearance of the colonial grid on both opposite surfaces of the panes 26 . now that the invention as a structure and process have been described , | 4 |
the present invention provides a process for adding aldehydes to compounds containing c -- h bonds activated by the presence of nitro or cyano groups . this process can be described by the following formulas : ## str2 ## r 1 , r 2 , r 3 and r 4 in the foregoing formulas are as previously defined , and the catalyst employed is a low - valent transition metal complex containing small cone angle phosphine or arsine ligands . where nitriles comprising terminal unsaturated carbons are employed as reactants , products are typically provided as a mixture of isomers . the process of the present invention comprises intramolecular reactions as well as reactions of separate starting materials . thus , the groups identified by formulas i , ii , and iii , above , can be separate parts of the same molecule . as used throughout the specification , either individually or as part of a larger group , &# 34 ; alkyl &# 34 ; means a linear , cyclic , or branched - chain aliphatic radical of 1 to 20 carbon atoms , which can be saturated or unsaturated ; &# 34 ; lower alkyl &# 34 ; means an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms . &# 34 ; substituted alkyl &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; substituted lower alkyl &# 34 ; mean alkyl and lower alkyl groups , respectively , substituted with one or more nitro , alkoxy , halo , amino , carboxy , cyano , thio , or sulfonamido groups , and optionally containing a in - chain heteroatom or heteroatoms such as n , o , or s . &# 34 ; aryl &# 34 ; means an aromatic radical , e . g ., phenyl , of 6 to 30 carbon atoms , and &# 34 ; substituted aryl &# 34 ; means aryl substituted with one or more alkyl , substituted alkyl , nitro , alkoxy , halo , amino , cyano , carboxy , thio or sulfonamido groups . however , in selection of reactants , substituted molecules capable of deactivating catalyst should be avoided or reacted in a non - deactivating form . &# 34 ; lower aryl &# 34 ; means aryl of 6 to 10 carbons . &# 34 ; aralkyl &# 34 ; means a linear or branched - chain aliphatic radical of 7 to 30 carbon atoms comprising an aryl group or groups . &# 34 ; alkaryl &# 34 ; means an aryl radical of 7 to 30 carbons having one or more aliphatic substituents . as used herein , &# 34 ; halo &# 34 ; means f , cl , br or i ; and &# 34 ; heterocyclic &# 34 ; means a cycloalkyl or aryl radical comprising one or more cyclic moieties , wherein at least one such moiety comprises a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of n , o or s . &# 34 ; olefin &# 34 ; means an alkyl radical comprising at least two unsaturated carbons . examples of alkyl groups or radicals include methyl , ethyl , propyl , butyl , pentyl , hexyl , heptyl , octyl , nonyl , decyl , undecyl and dodecyl , as well as isomeric or unsaturated forms thereof . examples of cyclic alkyl groups include cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , 2 - methylcyclopropyl , 2 , 2 - dimethylcyclopropyl , 3 - propylcyclobutyl , 2 , 3 , 4 - triethylcyclobutyl , cycloheptyl , cyclooctyl , and cyclononyl . examples of aryl radicals include phenyl , naphthyl , and anthracyl . examples of aralkyl groups include benzyl , 2 - phenylethyl , and 3 - phenylbutyl . examples of alkaryl groups include tolyl , ethylphenyl , methylphenyl , and xylyl . exemplary heterocyclic radicals include furyl , pyridyl , thienyl , indolyl , benzthienyl , phthalidyl , piperidino , benzodiazinyl , benzothiazinyl , coumaryl , quinolyl , imidazolyl , thiazolyl , pyrrolyl , pyrrolidinyl , and triazinyl . ______________________________________ i - bu isobutyl s - bu sec - butyl t - bu tert - butyl bz benzyl cy cyclohexyl et ethyl me methyl ph phenyl i - pr isopropyl n - pr n - propyl to tolyl______________________________________ as used herein , &# 34 ; anion &# 34 ; means a negatively charged atom or radical , coordinating or noncoordinating . examples of coordinating anions include cl - , br - , i - , f - , rcoo - , oh - , no 3 - , so 4 2 - , and po 4 3 - . examples of noncoordinating anions include pf 6 - , b ( c 6 h 5 ) 4 - , bf 4 - , sbf 6 - , clo 4 - , and cf 3 so 3 - . preferred values for r , r 1 , r 2 , and r 4 are h , lower alkyl , lower alkaryl , and lower aryl . preferred values for r 3 are rch ═ ch , where r is h , lower alkyl , lower alkaryl , and lower aryl , and cn . particularly preferred values for r , r 1 , r 2 and r 4 are h and lower alkyl . a particularly preferred value for r 3 is rch ═ ch , where r is h or lower alkyl . the catalysts employed in the process of the present invention are low valent transition metal complexes of co ( i ), rh ( i ), ir ( i ), ni ( o ), pd ( o ), pt ( o ), fe ( o ), ru ( o ), and os ( o ), comprising small cone angle phosphine and / or arsine ligands . these catalysts can be described by reference to the following formulas : in addition , the process of the present invention can be practiced by adding precursors of the foregoing catalyst complexes to reaction mixtures , such that catalysts of formulas iv , v , or vi are produced in situ under process conditions . in the foregoing formula iv , m 1 is co , rh , or ir ; a is a phosphine or arsine ligand moiety , detailed below ; b is an olefin , or a phosphine or arsine ligand moiety a &# 39 ;, which is not subject to the ligand cone angle restriction applicable to moiety a . x is an anion , m is 0 or 1 ; and n is 2 , 3 , 4 , or 5 , provided that the sum of m and n is less than or equal to 5 . in the foregoing formula v , m 2 is ni , pd , or pt ; and a and b are as defined above . integer j and k is 2 , 3 , or 4 ; and integer k is 0 or 1 , provided that the sum of j and k is less than or equal to 4 . in the foregoing formula vi , m 3 is fe , ru , or os ; and a and b are as defined above . integer s is 3 , 4 or 5 , and integer t is 0 or 1 , provided that the sum of s and t is less than or equal to 5 . in formulas iv , v , and vi , ligand species a is a phosphine or arsine ligand moiety subject to a ligand cone angle restriction . ligand cone angle is specified by a steric parameter θ , and is reported in degrees . this parameter is discussed in detail by tolman , &# 34 ; steric effects of phosphorus ligands in organometallic chemistry and homogenous catalysis &# 34 ;, chemical reviews 77 , pp . 314 - 348 ( 1977 ). the disclosure of this review article is incorporated by reference herein . as noted by tolman , θ for a given symmetric p ligand corresponds to the apex angle of a cylindrical cone , which is centered 2 . 28 å ( 2 . 57 nm ) from the center of a p atom at the center of the ligand group , and which just touches the van der waals radii of the outermost atoms of the ligand group . if there are internal degrees of freedom , i . e ., rotation about p -- c bonds , substituents are folded back to provide a minimum cone angle . cone angles can be determined for unsymmetrical ligands pr 5 r 6 r 7 by using a model to minimize the sum of half angles ( θ i / 2 ) in the following equation : ## equ1 ## as previously noted , θ for the phosphine or arsine ligands a in catalyst complexes emloyed in the process of the present invention must be less than or equal to 132 °. the tolman review cited above notes , at p . 340 , that ligands containing as can be expected to exhibit values for θ which are slightly less than values for corresponding phosphorus ligands . thus , known values for analogous phosphorus ligands , where available , can be employed to distinguish as ligands within the scope of the 132 ° cone angle restriction . the following table 1 , which is derived from the review cited above , lists values of θ for a number of phosphorus ligands : table 1______________________________________values of steric parameter θfor common phosphorus ligandsligand typepx . sub . 3 pr . sub . 3 other θ , degrees______________________________________ph . sub . 3 87 ph . sub . 2 ph 101 me . sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 2 pme . sub . 2 107p ( nch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 108 et . sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 2 pet . sub . 2 115 pme . sub . 3 118 ph . sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 pph . sub . 2 121 pme . sub . 2 ph 122 ph . sub . 2 p ( ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 pph . sub . 2 125 ph . sub . 2 p ( ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 3 pph . sub . 2 127 phph . sub . 2 128______________________________________ exemplary catalyst complexes useful in various processes of the present invention include low - valent transition metal complexes ( co ( i ), rh ( i ), ir ( i ), ni ( o ), pd ( o ), pt ( o ), fe ( o ), ru ( o ), or os ( o )) with the phosphine ligand moieties set forth below . replacement of the phosphorus atom by an arsenic atom in the following ligands provides arsine ligand complexes within the scope of catalysts useful in the processes of the present invention . the following ligands correspond to formulas vii ( er 5 r 6 r 7 ) and viii ( r 8 r 9 e ( ch 2 ) p pr 10 r 11 )/ 2 set forth above . ______________________________________pr . sup . 5 r . sup . 6 r . sup . 7 ( vii ) pme . sub . 3 trimethylphosphinepet . sub . 3 triethylphosphinep ( i - pr ). sub . 3 triisopropylphosphinep ( n - bu ). sub . 3 tributylphosphineph . sub . 2 ph phenylphosphinephph . sub . 2 diphenylphosphiner . sup . 8 r . sup . 9 p ( ch . sub . 2 ). sub . p pr . sup . 10 r . sup . 11 ( viii × 2 ) dmpe [( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 2 p ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 ] 1 , 2 - ethanediylbis ( dimethylphosphine ) depe [( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ). sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 2 p ( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ). sub . 2 ] 1 , 2 - ethanediylbis ( diethylphosphine ) dppm [ ph . sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 pph . sub . 2 ] methylenebis ( diphenylphosphine ) dppe [ ph . sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 2 pph . sub . 2 ] 1 , 2 - ethanediylbis ( diphenylphosphine ) dppp [ ph . sub . 2 pch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 2 ch . sub . 2 pph . sub . 2 ] 1 , 3 - propanediylbis ( diphenylphosphine ) ______________________________________ methods of preparing preferred catalyst complexes for use in the present invention can be found in the following articles , the relevant disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference : jones , r . a . et al , j . chem . soc . dalton trans . 511 ( 1980 ). jones , r . a . et al ., j . chem . soc . dalton trans . 511 ( 1980 ). butler , s . a ., and chatt , j ., j . chem . soc . a . 1970 , 1411 . 5 . chloro ( 1 , 2 - cyclooctene ) tris ( trimethylphosphine )- iridium : ( c 8 h 14 ir ( pme 3 ) 3 cl kurau , w ., and musco , a ., inorg . chim . acta . 12 : 187 ( 1975 ). preferred catalyst concentrations for the process of the present invention range from about 0 . 01m to about 0 . 10m , although concentrations from 0 . 00001m to 1m can be employed . the process of the present invention can be conducted within a broad range of temperatures and proceeds at atmospheric pressure . temperatures from - 40 ° c . to 150 ° c . are suitable , and temperatures from about 20 ° c . to about 80 ° c . are preferred . preferably , the process of the present invention is run neat , in an inert atmosphere , e . g ., nitrogen or argon . any inert common solvent , for example , aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons or ethers , is suitable . preferably , the reaction process of the present invention is run neat when at least one of the reactants is a liquid at selected reaction temperature . exemplary inert solvents include diethyl ether , pentane , hexane , cyclohexane , heptane , benzene , toluene , xylenes , and ethyl benzene . various reactant ratios are suitable for the process of the present invention , although approximately equimolar concentrations of reactants are preferred for simplicity . a slight excess of one reactant can be employed , or in the alternative , ratios ranging from 1 : 1000 to 1000 : 1 . the process of the present invention can be applied to the synthesis of various specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals . the best mode currently contemplated for conducting the process of the present invention is that illustrated by examples 3 and 25 , below . in the following examples , all parts and percentages are by weight and all degrees are celsius unless otherwise indicated . in the examples , &# 34 ; gc &# 34 ; refers to gas chromatography , &# 34 ; ir &# 34 ; to infrared spectroscopy , and &# 34 ; nmr &# 34 ; to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy . in example 1 , a 24 ml vial was charged with 1 ml ( 18 . 6 mmol ) nitromethane , 1 ml ( 17 . 8 mmol ) acetaldehyde , and 50 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 cl in an n 2 dry box . the vial was capped , and the resulting reaction mixture was heated at 60 ° for about 18 hours . the vial was then opened and heated for an additional 15 minutes at 60 ° to remove residual acetaldehyde . analysis by gc indicated loss of nitromethane and formation of a single product , which was isolated by preparative gc . nmr and ir confirmed that the resulting product was 2 - hydroxy - nitropropane . the product mixture was distilled at 130 ° under water aspirator vacuum to yield 720 mg ( 6 . 9 mmol ) of 2 - hydroxy - nitropropane . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δppm : 1 . 30 ( d , 3h , ch 3 ); 2 . 77 ( broad s , 1h , oh ); 4 . 22 ( m , 3h , ch 2 no 2 + ch -- o ). in example 2 , a solution containing 0 . 5 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane , 0 . 5 g ( 11 . 4 mmol ) acetaldehyde , and 40 mg rh ( dmpe ) 2 cl was stirred at 23 °, under n 2 , for 6 hours . ir and nmr of the resulting product mixture indicated quantitative conversion of nitromethane to 2 - hydroxy - nitropropane . in example 3 , 1 . 1 g ( 18 . 0 mmol ) nitromethane were added to 50 mg rh ( dmpe ) 2 cl and the resulting solution cooled to - 30 °. 0 . 81 g ( 18 . 4 mmol ) acetaldehyde at 4 ° was added to form a reaction mixture , which was stirred at about 23 ° for 2 hours in a n 2 dry box . 1 h - nmr of the resulting product mixture indicated quantitative formation of product . distillation in a kugelrohr apparatus under water aspirator vacuum yielded 1 . 62 g ( 15 . 4 mmol , 85 . 5 %) of product 2 - hydroxy - nitropropane . effects of catalyst variation upon reaction of nitromethane and acetaldehyde to produce 2 - hydroxy - nitropropane examples 4 - 10 and comparative experiments a and b , which are summarized in table ii , below , were conducted substantially similarly to example 1 . variations in catalysts or in reaction conditions are indicated in table ii . table ii______________________________________example / productcomparative yieldexperiment catalyst conditions (%) ______________________________________4 rh ( dmpe ). sub . 2 cl 23 °, 0 . 5 hr & gt ; 905 rh ( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 23 °, 0 . 5 hr & gt ; 906 ir ( dmpe ). sub . 2 cl 23 °, 0 . 5 hr & gt ; 907 ( c . sub . 8 h . sub . 14 ) ir ( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 23 °, 0 . 5 hr & gt ; 908 ir ( dmpe ). sub . 2 cl 23 °, 5 hr , in 50 0 . 8 m toluene9 ir ( dmpe ). sub . 2 cl 23 °, 72 hr , in & gt ; 99 0 . 8 m toluene10 rh ( pet . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 23 °, 0 . 5 hr & gt ; 90a none 60 °, 18 hr 0b rh ( pph . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 60 °, 18 hr 0______________________________________ in each of examples 11 - 13 and comparative experiment c , a 25 ml bottle was charged with 1 . 4 g ( 15 . 7 mmol ) 1 - nitropropane and 0 . 8 g ( 18 . 2 mmol ) acetaldehyde in a n 2 dry box . after addition of the quantity of catalyst indicated below , the bottle was sealed and the resulting reaction allowed to proceed at 23 °. at the times indicated , the bottle was sampled for analysis by ir . the catalysts employed and the results obtained are set forth in table iii , below . table iii______________________________________example / comparative quantity productexperiment catalyst ( mg ) time yield (%) ______________________________________11 rh ( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 30 24 hr & gt ; 9012 rh ( dmpe ). sub . 2 cl 40 5 min & gt ; 9013 pd ( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 4 50 5 min & gt ; 90c pd ( pcy . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 70 18 hr 0______________________________________ example 14 , 0 . 59 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) butyraldehyde , 0 . 50 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane , and 25 mg ir ( dmpe ) 2 cl were reacted at 23 ° for four hours in a sealed tube . ir analysis at the end of this period indicated formation of traces of 2 - hydroxy - nitropentane . in example 15 , 0 . 60 g ( 8 . 3 mmol ) butyraldehyde , 0 . 50 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane , and 50 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 cl were reacted at 60 ° in a sealed tube for about 18 hours . ir and 1 h - nmr analysis at the end of this period indicated conversion of more than 90 % of available starting materials to 3 - hydroxy - nitropentane . in example 16 , 0 . 87 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) benzaldehyde , 0 . 50 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane , and 50 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 ) cl were contacted and reacted in a sealed tube overnight at 60 °. at the end of this period , ir and 1 h - nmr analysis indicated approximately 50 % conversion of starting materials to product . in example 17 , 30 mg rh ( dmpe ) 2 cl were added to a solution of 1 . 0 g ( 9 . 4 mmol ) benzaldehyde and 0 . 57 g ( 9 . 3 mmol ) nitromethane . an immediate exothermic reaction resulted , and a yellow solution formed . ir analysis immediately after mixing of reactants indicated approximately 40 % conversion of reactants to product . the reaction was permitted to continue for approximately 18 hours , and during this period the reaction mixture turned red in color . ir analysis at this point indicated approximately 74 % conversion of reactants to product . no traces of dehydration product were observed . comparison of ir traces taken from the sample allowed to react overnight with those taken from a sample of the reaction mixture after two hours indicated that the reaction was largely complete after two hours . in example 18 , 1 g ( 9 . 4 mmol ) benzaldehyde and 0 . 86 g ( 9 . 4 mmol ) 2 - nitroethanol were combined and 35 mg rh ( dmpe ) 2 cl added to form a reaction mixture . the resulting reaction was slightly exothermic , and was stirred at about 23 ° for about 72 hours . ir analysis after one hour and after 72 hr indicated 54 % conversion of reactants to product , suggesting the possibility of catalyst deactivation . in comparative experiment c , the foregoing reaction was substantially repeated , except no catalyst was added . ir analysis after 72 hours indicated that no reaction had taken place . 0 . 878 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) 3 - pyridine carboxaldehyde , 0 . 5 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane , and 40 mg rh ( dmpe ) 2 cl were contacted and reacted in a stirred vessel in a n 2 dry box at 23 °. after 2 hours , ir and 1 h - nmr analyses indicated greater than 90 % conversion of reactants to product . in a n 2 dry box , a 24 ml vial was charged with 0 . 49 g ( 11 . 11 mmol ) acetaldehyde , 1 . 0 g ( 11 . 2 mmol ) 2 - nitropropane , and 40 mg rh ( dmpe ) 2 cl . the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at about 23 ° for approximately 18 hours . at the end of this period , ir analysis indicated greater than 90 % conversion of reactants to product 2 - methyl - 2 - nitro - 3 - hydroxybutane . in example 21 , 1 . 0 g ( 16 . 4 mmol ) nitromethane , 0 . 5 g ( 16 . 6 mmol ) paraformaldehyde , and 50 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 cl were combined to form a reaction mixture , which subsequently polymerized . the polymeric material resulting was dissolved in chloroform and analyzed by gc . the analysis indicated that no reaction had occurred . in example 22 , 0 . 5 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane , 0 . 25 g ( 8 . 3 mmol ) paraformaldehyde , and 50 mg pd ( pme 3 ) 4 were combined in a 24 ml vial in a n 2 dry box and stirred for 5 minutes . insoluble material was present , and chloroform was added to the reaction mixture . a yellow oil formed , and supernatant chloroform was separated by decantation . the yellow oil was washed again with chloroform , dissolved in acetone , dried over mgso 4 , and then excess acetone was removed by a stream of n 2 . the resulting yellow residue was briefly dried under vacuum and analyzed by ir and 1 h - nmr . this analysis indicated that the residue consisted of about 73 % ( hoch 2 ) 3 cno 2 and about 27 % ( hoch 2 ) 2 chno 2 . in example 23 , 0 . 5 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane was dissolved in 3 ml benzene , to which 0 . 24 g ( 8 . 0 mmol ) paraformaldehyde and 50 mg pd ( pme 3 ) 4 were added . the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at about 23 ° for about 18 hours . analysis by 1 h - nmr indicated greater than 90 % conversion of reactants to ( hoch 2 ) 3 cno 2 , based upon the starting quantity of paraformaldehyde . in example 24 , 0 . 5 g ( 8 . 2 mmol ) nitromethane , 0 . 24 g ( 8 . 0 mmol ) paraformaldehyde , and 50 mg rh ( dmpe ) 2 cl were reacted substantially according to the procedure described in example 23 . 1 h - nmr indicated a greater than 90 % conversion of reactants to ( hoch 2 ) 3 cno 2 , based upon the starting quantity of paraformaldehyde . in example 25 , 50 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 cl were dissolved in 1 g allyl cyanide in a 24 ml vial . 1 ml acetaldehyde was added , the vial capped , and the resulting reaction mixture heated , with stirring , for about 18 hours at 60 °. the vial was then opened and heated at 60 ° for an additional 15 minutes to remove excess acetaldehyde . the resulting solution was analyzed by gc , which indicated formation of 2 ( 1 - hydroxyethyl )- 2 - butenenitrile . in a separate experiment conducted substantially similarly , products were quantitatively analyzed by gc , which indicated formation of cis and trans isomers of 2 ( 1 - hydroxyethyl )- 2 - butenenitrile in 71 % yield , and formation of 3 - cyano - 1 , 3 - pentadiene in 5 % yield , based upon the starting quantity of allyl cyanide . the reaction mixture was distilled at 0 . 15 mm hg , and fractions were collected with b . p . 74 °- 80 °, 80 °- 85 °, and 85 °- 90 °, each of which consisted of mixtures of cis and trans isomers of 2 ( 1 - hydroxyethyl )- 2 - butenenitrile by 1 h - nmr , ir , and gc . isomer a ( probably cis ): 1 . 43 ( d , j = 7 hz , 3h , ch3c -- o ); 2 . 03 ( d , j = 7 hz , 3h , ch3c ═); 2 . 77 ( broad s , 1h , oh ); 4 . 40 ( q , j = 6 . 7 hz , ch -- o ); 6 . 46 ( q , j = 7 hz , ch ═). isomer b ( probably trans ): 1 . 43 ( d , j = 6 . 7 hz , 3h , ch3c -- o ); 1 . 93 ( d , j = 7 hz , 3h , ch3c ═); 2 . 77 ( broad s , 1h , oh ); 4 . 77 ( q , j = 7 hz , 1h , ch -- o ); 6 . 46 ( q , j = 7 hz , 1h , ch ═). ir ( neat ): 3420 ( vs , broad ; oh ); 2233 ( s , cn ); 1640 ( m , c ═ c ). examples 26 - 28 and comparative experiments e - j were conducted substantially similarly to example 25 , except different catalysts were employed . the rh ( asme 3 ) 3 cl catalyst employed in example 27 was prepared as follows . 1 . 9 g ( 15 . 8 mmol ) trimethylarsine was dissolved in 5 ml cold tetrahydrofuran . the resulting solution was added dropwise to a solution of 1 . 0 g ( 2 . 6 mmol ) rh 2 cl 2 ( c 2 h 4 ) 4 , prepared as disclosed by cramer , r ., inorg . chem . 1 : 722 ( 1962 ), in 25 ml tetrahydrofuran . after 72 hours , solvent was removed by evaporation , leaving 2 . 15 g of a red - orange solid . recrystallization of this material from toluene with pentane provided 1 . 90 g ( 3 . 8 mmol ; 73 %) of product rh ( asme 3 ) 3 cl , which was obtained as a light rust - brown colored crystalline solid . anal . calcd . for c 9 h 27 clas 3 rh : c , 21 . 69 ; h , 5 . 46 . found : c , 21 . 83 ; h , 5 . 27 . table iv______________________________________example / pro - compar - duct products otherative yield than 2 - oh -- 3 - experiment catalyst (%) cy -- 3 - pentene______________________________________26 rh ( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 pph . sub . 3 cl 69 ch . sub . 3 ch ═ chch . sub . 2 cn ( 8 %) 27 rh ( asme . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 75 ch . sub . 3 ch ═ chch . sub . 2 cn ( 8 %) 28 rh ( dmpe ). sub . 2 cl 90e none 0f rh ( pph . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 0g rh ( acac )( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 4 ). sub . 2 0h [ rh ( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 4 ). sub . 2 cl ]. sub . 2 0i rh [ p ( ome ). sub . 3 ]. sub . 3 cl 0j rh ( co )( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 cl 0______________________________________ in example 29 , 1 g 3 - pentenitrile , 1 ml acetaldehyde , and 50 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 cl were contacted and reacted overnight at 60 °. analysis by gc indicated formation of 2 ( 1 - hydroxyethyl )- 3 - pentenenitrile in 90 % yield . distillation of the resulting product mixture at 0 . 3 mm hg yielded fractions boiling at 79 °- 82 °, 83 °- 84 °, and 85 °- 89 °, each of which consisted of mixtures of cis and trans isomers of 2 ( 1 - hydroxyethyl )- 3 - pentenenitrile . 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δppm 1 . 33 ( d , j = 7 hz , 3h , ch 3 c -- o ); 1 . 77 ( d , j = 7 hz , 3h , ch 3 c ═); 1 . 93 ( s , 1h , oh ); 3 . 30 ( q , j = 7 hz , 1h , chcn ); 3 . 93 ( q , j = 7 hz , 1h , choh ); 5 . 27 - 5 . 51 ( m , 1h , ch ═); 5 . 73 - 6 . 13 ( m , 1h , ch ═). ir ( neat ): 3425 ( vs , broad , oh ); 2223 ( m , cn ); 1668 ( m , c ═ c ). examples 30 - 32 and comparative experiments k and l were conducted substantially similarly to example 29 , except for variations in catalyst . the results obtained are set forth in table v , below : table v______________________________________example / comparative productexperiment catalyst yield (%) ______________________________________30 rh ( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 9031 rh ( pme . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 pph . sub . 3 cl 332 rh ( asme . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 26k none 0l rh ( pph . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 cl 0______________________________________ 1 g ( 9 . 4 mmol ) benzaldehyde , 1 g ( 14 . 9 mmol ) allyl cyanide , and 50 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 cl were reacted overnight at 60 °, with stirring , in a sealed vial . at the end of this reaction period , the vial was opened and held at 60 ° for an additional 15 minutes . gc and ir analysis of the reaction mixture indicated approximately 20 % conversion of reactants to product . 1 g ( 15 . 1 mmol ) malononitrile , 0 . 8 g ( 18 . 2 mmol ) acetaldehyde , and 25 mg rh ( pme 3 ) 3 cl were reacted overnight at about 23 ° in a sealed vial , with stirring . water was observed to form in the reaction mixture . 1 h - nmr of the resulting product mixture indicated approximately 35 % conversion of reactants to ethylidenepropanenitrile and 15 % conversion of reactants to ( 1 - hydroxyethyl ) propanenitrile . | 2 |
an internal combustion engine ( fig1 ) comprises an intake duct 1 , a motor unit 2 , a cylinder head 3 and an exhaust gas duct 4 . the motor block 2 comprises a plurality of cylinders which have pistons and connecting rods via which they are coupled to a crankshaft 21 . the cylinder head 3 comprises a valve train assembly comprising a gas inlet valve , a gas outlet valve and valve operating mechanisms . the cylinder head 3 also comprises an injection valve 34 and a spark plug . a supplying device 5 for fuel is also provided . this comprises a fuel tank 50 which is connected via a first fuel line to a low - pressure pump 51 . the fuel line ends in a swirl pot 50 a . at the output side the low - pressure pump 51 is actively connected to an admission 53 of a high - pressure pump 54 . a mechanical regulator 52 , which is connected at the output - side to the fuel tank 50 via an additional fuel line , is also provided at the output - side of the low - pressure pump 51 . the low - pressure pump 51 , the mechanical regulator 52 , the fuel line , the additional fuel line and the admission 53 form a low - pressure circuit . the low - pressure pump 51 is preferably configured in such a way that during operation of the internal combustion engine it always supplies an adequate volume of fuel to ensure that a specified low pressure is not fallen below . the admission 53 is guided to the high - pressure pump 54 which at the output side conveys the fuel toward a fuel accumulator 55 . the high - pressure pump 54 is usually driven by the camshaft and thus conveys a constant volume of fuel into the fuel accumulator 55 with a constant speed of the crankshaft 21 . the injection valves 34 are actively connected to the fuel accumulator 55 . the fuel is thus supplied to the injection valves 34 via the fuel accumulator 55 . in the approach of the high - pressure pump 54 , i . e . upstream of the high - pressure pump 54 , a volume flow control valve 56 is provided by means of which the volume flow that is supplied to the high - pressure pump 54 may be adjusted . a specified fuel pressure fup_sp in the fuel accumulator 55 can be adjusted by corresponding control of the volume flow control valve 56 . the fuel supplying device 5 is also provided with an electromagnetic pressure regulator 57 at the output side of the fuel accumulator 55 and with a return line into the low - pressure circuit . if a fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 is greater than the fuel pressure fup_sp specified by corresponding control of the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 , the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 opens and fuel is discharged from the fuel accumulator 55 into the low - pressure circuit . alternatively the volume flow control valve 56 may also be integrated in the high - pressure pump 54 or the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 and the volume flow control valve 56 are adjusted via a common actuator , as is illustrated by way of example in fig2 and described in more detail below . the internal combustion engine is associated with a control device 6 which is in turn associated with sensors which detect various measured quantities and determine the measured value of the measured quantities in each case . as a function of at least one of the measured quantities the control device 6 determines regulating variables which are then converted into corresponding regulating signals to control actuators by means of corresponding final controlling elements . the sensors are for example a pedal position sensor which detects the position of an accelerator pedal , a crankshaft angle sensor which detects a crankshaft angle and with which a motor speed is then associated , an airflow measuring device and a fuel pressure sensor 58 which detects a fuel pressure fup_av in the fuel accumulator 55 . any desired subset of sensors or additional sensors may be present depending on the embodiment of the invention . the actuators are constructed for example as gas inlet or gas outlet valves , injection valves 34 , a spark plug , throttle valve , low - pressure pump 51 , volume flow control valve 56 or as an electromechanical pressure regulator 57 . the internal combustion engine preferably also has additional cylinders with which appropriate final controlling elements are then associated . fig2 shows a combination valve 7 comprising an actuator 70 , the volume flow control valve 56 and the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 . the combination valve 7 has an outlet 71 which is actively connected to the inlet of the high - pressure pump 54 , a connector 72 which is actively connected to the admission 53 and an inlet 73 which is actively connected to the fuel accumulator 55 . the volume flow control valve 56 comprises the connector 72 , the outlet 71 , a valve positioner 74 and the actuator 70 . the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 comprises the inlet 73 , the connector 72 , the valve positioner 74 , a spring 75 , a valve cap 76 and the actuator 70 . the actuator 70 moves the valve positioner 74 in the axial direction as a function of a regulating signal pwm . the spring 75 is arranged between the valve positioner 74 and the valve cap 76 and pre - stressed as a function of the axial position of the valve positioner 74 . the valve positioner 74 is constructed in such a way that in the region of a first axial displacement of the valve positioner 74 in the direction of the spring 75 , starting form its axial position in which it is pressed by the spring 75 , without loading of the actuator 70 with the regulating signal pwm , the flow of fuel is substantially cut off . in this state only a leakage flow flows from the connector 72 to the outlet 71 . in the region of a second axial displacement of the valve positioner 74 by corresponding loading of the actuator 70 with the regulating signal pwm the connector 72 is hydraulically coupled to the outlet 71 . in the second region of the axial displacement of the valve positioner 74 a volume flow of a different magnitude can flow from the admission 53 into the connector 72 toward the outlet 71 and to the high - pressure pump 54 as a function of the regulating signal pwm . if the force caused by the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 is greater than the force caused by the pre - stressing of the spring and exerted on the valve cap 76 , the inlet 73 is hydraulically coupled to the connector 72 , so fuel can flow from the fuel accumulator 55 into the inlet 73 toward the outlet 72 into the admission 53 . the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 , which is at least required to open the electromechanical pressure regulator , can be adjusted by increasing or reducing the regulating signal pwm . the actuator 70 increases or reduces the force accordingly which acts via the valve positioner 74 on the spring 75 and pre - stresses the spring 75 . the force caused by prestressing of the spring 75 closes the electromechanical pressure regulator if the force exerted on the valve cap 76 by the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 is smaller . fig3 shows characteristics of the combination valve 7 illustrated in fig2 . a pressure curve 80 shows the connection between the regulating signal pwm in amps and the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 in bar . if with the given regulating signal pwm the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 is increased beyond the value specified by the pressure curve 80 , the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 opens and reduces the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 by discharging fuel from the fuel accumulator 55 into the admission 53 . for values of the regulating signal pwm that are greater than a threshold value , which in this embodiment has a value of about 0 . 5 amp , the volume flow control valve 56 opens and allows a flow of fuel given in liters per minute . the graph shows an upper flow curve 81 which represents an upper tolerance limit for the combination valve 7 , a lower flow curve 82 which represents a lower tolerance limit for the combination valve 7 , and a middle flow curve 83 which represents the average value between upper and lower flow curves . the flow curves 81 , 82 and 83 show that in this embodiment the leakage flow may still flow below the threshold value , i . e . if the volume flow control valve 56 is substantially closed . fig4 shows a block diagram of a regulating device which may be used for regulating the fuel pressure in the fuel supplying device 5 and comprises a combination valve 7 , as is described by way of example in fig2 . the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 is regulated as a function of the current operating mode of the fuel supplying device 5 . in a first operating mode the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 is adjusted as a function of the volume of fuel conveyed by the high - pressure pump 54 . the volume flow control valve 56 is open and the conveyed volume of fuel is dependent on the control of the volume flow control valve 56 . in this operating mode the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 is closed . if more fuel is conveyed into the fuel accumulator 55 than is appropriate the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 increases . if less fuel is conveyed into the fuel accumulator 55 than is appropriate the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 sinks accordingly . this first operating mode is called volume control vc . in a second operating mode the volume flow control valve 56 is closed . only the leakage flow flows through the volume flow control valve 56 . if the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 is closed and less fuel is dosed than is conveyed into the fuel accumulator 55 than via the leakage flow , the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 increases until the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 opens and the flow of fuel into the admission 53 is stopped . the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 is consequently limited to the fuel pressure specified by the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 . this second operating mode is therefore called pressure control pc . fig4 shows two control circuits which can be switched between by means of a switch lv_ms as a function of the currently adjusted operating mode of the fuel supplying device 5 . if the currently adjusted operating mode is the first operating mode , i . e . volume control vc , the switch lv_ms is then in the position vc . if the currently adjusted operating mode is the second operating mode , i . e . pressure control pc , then the switch lv_ms is in the position pc . a control deviation fup_dif is determined from the difference between the specified fuel pressure fup_sp and the detected fuel pressure fup_av . the control deviation fup_dif is supplied to a regulator in block b 1 in the case of volume control vc . this regulator is preferably constructed as a pi regulator . a regulator value fuel_mass_fb_ctrl of the first regulator is determined in block b 1 . a pre - control value fuel_mass_pre of the mass of fuel to be conveyed is determined in block b 2 as a function of the specified fuel pressure fup_sp and the detected fuel pressure fup_av . the pre - control value fuel_mass_pre of the mass of fuel to be conveyed , the regulator value fuel_mass_fb_ctrl of the first regulator and the mass of fuel mff to be injected and an adaptation value ful_mass_adapt are added up to give a mass of fuel to be conveyed fuel_mass_req . in the case of volume control vc a regulating signal pwm_vc is determined in a block b 3 as a function of the mass of fuel to be conveyed fuel_mass req . block b 3 preferably comprises performance data . a block b 4 represents the fuel supplying device 5 illustrated in fig1 with the combination valve 7 shown in fig2 . the regulating signal pwm , which in the case of volume control vc is the same as the regulating signal pwm_vc , is the input variable of block b 4 . the output variable of block b 4 is the detected fuel pressure fup_av which is detected for example by means of the fuel pressure sensor 58 . in the case of pressure control pc , the control deviation fup_dif is supplied to a second regulator in a block b 5 . the regulator in block b 5 preferably constructed as a pi regulator . in a block b 6 a pre - control value pwm_pre for a regulating signal pwm_pc in the case of pressure control pc is determined as a function of the specified fuel pressure fup_sp , to which is added a regulator value pwm_fb_ctrl of the second regulator determined in block b 5 . the total is the regulating signal pwm_pc in the case of pressure control pc . in the case of pressure control pc the regulating signal pwm is the same as the regulating signal pwm_pc in the case of pressure control pc . the block b 6 preferably comprises performance data . the adaptation value fuel_mass_adapt is determined in block b 7 as a function of a regulator state of the first regulator in block b 1 . for example a value of an integral fraction of the first regulator may be reduced by a value and the adaptation value corrected as a function of this value if a specified operating condition , for example a stationary operating state , exists . the performance data of blocks b 3 and b 6 are preferably determined in advance by way of experiments on an engine test stand , simulations or road trials . alternatively functions based on physical models may also be used for example . the block diagram shown in fig4 is a preferred embodiment of a regulating device for a fuel supplying device 5 , comprising a combination valve 7 according to fig2 and characteristics according to fig3 . if the volume flow control valve 56 and the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 each have their own actuator however , the regulating signal pwm_vc acts on the actuator of the volume flow control valve 56 in the case of volume control vc and the regulating signal pwm_pc acts on the actuator of the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 in the case of pressure control pc . consequently both the regulating signal pwm_vc in the case of volume control vc and the regulating signal pwm_pc in the case of pressure control pc are supplied to block b 4 instead of the common regulating signal pwm . the control circuits for the first and second operating modes preferably operate simultaneously in this case , so the switch lv_ms shown in fig4 may be omitted . the control deviation fup_dif is supplied to blocks b 1 and b 5 simultaneously . fig5 shows a flow diagram illustrating control of the operating mode switch - over of the fuel supplying device 5 . processing starts with step s 1 which is preferably executed when the internal combustion engine starts . step s 1 may include additional steps , not shown here , such as initialization of variables to establish a defined initial state of the fuel supplying device 5 . a check is carried out in step s 2 as to whether a difference between a current time t and a time t_ms of the last operating mode switch - over is greater than a blocking time t_ms_wait . if this condition is not satisfied step s 2 is repeated after a waiting time t_w . since the last operating mode switch - over therefore at least the blocking time t_ms_wait must have elapsed before the operating mode can be switched again . if the condition is satisfied in step s 2 however , processing continues in step s 3 . in step s 3 both an error value fup_err of the fuel pressure and a delivery flow mff_pump of the high - pressure pump 54 are checked . the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure is dependant on a value or a factor by which the detected fuel pressure fup_av is greater or less than the specified fuel pressure fup_sp and is defined in this embodiment such that the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure is greater if the specified fuel pressure fup_sp is greater than the detected fuel pressure fup_av , as if the specified fuel pressure fup_sp is less than the detected fuel pressure fup_av . the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure is for example a quotient from the specified fuel pressure fup_sp and the detected fuel pressure fup_av or the difference between the specified fuel pressure fup_sp and the detected fuel pressure fup_av . if the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure is less than a specified lower tolerance limit fup_err_bol for the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure or if the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure is greater than or equal to the specified lower tolerance limit fup_err_bol for the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure and less than or equal to a specified upper tolerance limit fup_err_tol for the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure , and if the delivery flow mff_pump of the high - pressure pump 54 is simultaneously less than a lower switch - over threshold mff_pump_bol of the delivery flow mff_pump of the high - pressure pump 54 , processing continues in step s 4 in which the operating mode of the fuel supplying device 5 is switched to pressure - control mode pc . if the condition is not satisfied in step s 3 , step s 5 is carried out . the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure and the delivery flow mff_pump of the high - pressure pump 54 are again checked in step s 5 . if the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure is greater than a specified upper tolerance limit fup_err_tol for the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure or if the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure is greater than or equal to the specified lower tolerance limit fup_err_bol for the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure and less than or equal to the specified upper tolerance limit fup_err_tol for the error value fup_err of the fuel pressure and if the delivery flow mff_pump of the high - pressure pump 54 is simultaneously greater than an upper switch - over threshold mff_pump_tol of the delivery flow mff_ump of the high - pressure pump 54 , processing continues in step s 6 in which the operating mode of the fuel supplying device 5 is switched to volume - control mode vc . if the condition is not satisfied in step s 5 , processing continues with step s 2 following a waiting time t_w . after switching over the operating mode in step s 4 or step s 6 , step s 7 is in each case carried out in which the current time t is stored as the time of the last operating mode switchover t_ms if a switch was made before from the first operating mode to the second operating mode or from the second operating mode to the first operating mode . following step s 7 processing continues , again after a waiting time t_w , in step s 2 . the lower switch - over threshold mff_pump_bol and the upper switch - over threshold mff_pmp_tol of the delivery flow mff_pump of the high - pressure pump 54 may be determined as a function of the leakage flow of the volume flow control valve 56 and a possible leakage flow from the fuel accumulator 55 , so tolerances and potential errors and defects in components of the fuel supplying device 5 may be compensated , so the high - pressure pump 54 needs convey only as little fuel as possible , but as much fuel as is necessary , into the fuel accumulator 55 . fig6 shows a flow diagram showing the steps for determining an error value q_err of the flow of fuel in the fuel supplying device 5 . processing starts with step s 1 which is preferably executed if the internal combustion engine is in coasting mode , in other words if the crankshaft 21 is turning without fuel being dosed . step s 11 may also include additional preparatory steps , not shown here . a first fuel pressure fup_sp 1 is set in step s 12 . the first fuel pressure fup_sp 1 is preferably less than the current fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 . once the first fuel pressure fup_sp 1 is set such that the amount of the control deviation fup_dif is less than a specified threshold value a first fuel pressure fup_sv 1 and a first time t 1 are detected in step s 13 . a third operating mode of the fuel supplying device 5 is subsequently set in step s 14 and the operating mode is simultaneously prevented from being automatically switched . in the third operating mode all valves of the fuel supplying device 5 are controlled in such a way that they are closed . this operating mode can be set for example in that a switch is made to pressure - control mode pc and at the same time the specified fuel pressure fup_sp is set to a value that is large enough for the electromechanical pressure regulator 57 to be closed . in the pressure control mode pc the volume flow control valve 56 is controlled in such a way that it is closed . the injection valves 34 are also controlled in such a way that they are closed as no fuel is to be dosed . changes in the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator 55 can therefore only be caused as a result of the leakage flow of the volume flow control valve 56 or by the possible leakage flow from the fuel accumulator 55 . there is a wait in step s 15 until the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator is greater than or equal to a second specified fuel pressure fup_sp 2 or until a specified time has elapsed . a second fuel pressure fup_av 2 and a second time t 2 are detected in step s 16 . a difference fup_av_dif between the second detected fuel pressure fup_av 2 and the first detected fuel pressure fup_av 1 and a time t from the second time t 2 and the first time t 1 are determined in step s 17 . the error value q_err of the flow of fuel is determined as a function of the difference fup_av_dif of the detected fuel pressures and time t . the error value q_err of the flow of fuel may also be determined as a function of a volume v_rail of the fuel accumulator 55 , a fuel density r and a fuel compressibility b . the error value q_err of the flow of fuel represents the balance of the inflows of fuel into the fuel accumulator 55 and the fuel discharges from the fuel accumulator 55 if all valves of the valve supplying device 5 are controlled in such a way that the valves should be closed . the third operating mode is switched off in step s 18 and there is a switch to the operating mode switch - over described in fig5 . the identified error value q_err of the flow of fuel may , preferably following a check for possible errors and defects in the fuel supplying device 5 , be incorporated into control of the fuel supplying device 5 . the identified error value q_err in the flow of fuel can therefore be taken into account during continued operation of the fuel supplying device 5 . | 5 |
in the preferred circuit board embodiment depicted in fig1 both radiation sensitive switches and radiation sensitive fuse elements are deposited on the circuit pattern adjacent flash lamp locations for simultaneous actuation of each adjoining switch and fuse element by radiation being emitted from an adjacent flash lamp . accordingly , the circuit arrangement of fig1 is generally the same as disclosed in the aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 4 , 133 , 631 patent which includes a circuit board member 10 , in the form of a dielectric substrate constructed with a thermoplastic organic polymer , having connector tabs 12 and 14 located at each end for insertion of said circuit board member into an associated camera socket ( not shown ). the camera socket has contacts for conductor line 16 , 18 and 20 of the lamp firing circuit pattern to connect four flash lamps in parallel between conductive lines 16 and 18 when connector tab 12 has been inserted in the camera socket . correspondingly , a second group of four lamps is connected between conductor lines 18 and 20 when connector tab 14 has been inserted in the camera socket . while an entire illustrative circuit board is shown , there is need to discuss only a single group of four flash lamps since the operation of the second group of four flash lamps is essentially the mirror image of the first group . conductor lines 16 and 20 are interrupted by radiation switches 22 to prevent the flash lamps in a group from all being fired together on release of the camera shutter . as can be noted , the switches 22 are each arranged in a region of a flash lamp termination 24 so that the heat and light released when the flash lamp is fired operates to convert the respective switch from a non - conductive to an electrically conductive state , thus establishing a current path to the next lamp to be flashed . accordingly , when the particular flash lamp in the circuit is flashed , then the adjacent radiation switch is actuated providing a current path to the next lamp to be flashed . each of the radiation switches is serially connected between the branch circuits connecting the lamps in a parallel circuit relationship as better shown by the schematic diagram in fig2 . each of said radiation switches employ a material exhibiting an open circuit or high resistance condition and with said resistance thereafter becoming zero or a low value when said material absorbs radiation and / or heat from the adjoining flash lamp . individual fuse elements 26 are connected serially to each of the flash lamps in the branch circuits at locations proximate to the flash lamp terminations 24 so as to also be actuated by the heat and light released when the flash lamp is flashed . circular shaped indentations 28 ( shown in phantom ) surrounding each of said fuse elements 26 have been formed on the opposite side of the circuit board member to provide a lesser thickness than exists elsewhere on the circuit board and thereby assist interruption of the circuit path from conductor 18 to the already fired flash lamp . as can be noted , each of said fuse elements simply comprises a more narrow width of the circuit pattern at the fuse locations than the remaining width of said current pattern elsewhere . when the particular flash lamp adjacent to a given fuse element is flashed , the radiation and / or heat created thereby is absorbed by the circuit pattern at the fuse location whereupon the more narrow fuse element portions of said circuit pattern become sufficiently decomposed to disrupt the electrical connection to the already fired flash lamp . as previously indicated , such interruption of a circuit path is accomplished by physical separation of the electrically conductive filler particles in the circuit pattern which can simply produce a series of cracks in the circuit pattern itself at the fuse locations . there can also be additional thermal decomposition whereby the underlying reduced thickness portion of the circuit board member either thermally melts or decomposes to create an actual hole or opening at each fuse location . a more detailed description of the sequential firing operation for the circuitry of a four - lamp group in the above described circuit board can be provided in connection with the schematic drawing shown in fig2 . accordingly , in fig2 there is shown flash lamps 24 electrically connected in branch circuits to assure that the branch circuit of each lamp will become an open circuit upon flashing of the lamp in that circuit . the desired mode of operation is carried out starting with the leftmost branch circuit when the lamp in said circuit is flashed and causes fuse element 26 in the same branch circuit to physically interrupt the circuit path to said lamp while simultaneously opening the circuit path to the flash lamp in the adjacent branch circuit by actuating the radiation sensitive switch 22 serially connected between said branch circuits to the conductive state . this cooperative action is repeated between successive adjacent branch circuits until all four lamps in a group have been fired from simultaneous actuation of adjoining switch and fuse elements with radiation being emitted from an adjacent flash lamp . as previously indicated , a fuse element for operation in the above described lamp firing circuitry can simply comprise a more narrow width of the circuit pattern comprising an organic resin matrix having particulated electrically conductive material and a radiation absorbing material dispersed therein than the width of a current pattern elsewhere in the electrical circuit and which is located where said dielectric substrate has a reduced thickness relative to the remaining thickness of the dielectric substrate of the circuit board member . suitable fuse elements constructed in this manner are thereby modifications of the conductive ink compositions disclosed in the aforementioned 3 , 968 , 056 and 3 , 988 , 647 patents wherein a radiation absorbing material has been dispersed in the liquid ink to enhance thermal decomposition when actuated by radiation being emitted from the operatively associated flash lamps . accordingly , an illustrative circuit ink composition can have in proportions by weight 0 . 5 parts hydrocarbon soluble dye , 32 . 5 parts of an ultraviolet curable polyester resin , and 67 . 0 parts silver coated glass spheres . when cured to the solid state at ordinary temperatures the more narrow width fuse element portions of said circuit board pattern effectively interrupts the circuit path when actuated by an adjoining flash lamp to produce physical separation of the incorporated electrically conductive filler particles . the indentations or reduced thickness portions of the circuit board members at fuse locations serve to reduce dissipation of the absorbed thermal and / or light energy when the fuse elements are actuated in this manner as well as enhance localized melting or decomposition of the circuit board member at the fuse locations causing an actual opening in said underlying substrate . while preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described , various other embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to persons skilled in the art . for example , the desired circuit interruption can also be achieved in other firing circuit configurations such as one wherein the switch and fuse elements are both disposed appropriately in branch circuits with the flash lamps to provide the desired firing sequence . it is therefore intended to limit the present invention only by the scope of the following claims . | 7 |
referring to fig1 , there is illustrated a measurement system , generally designated by the numeral 10 , the hardware portions of which may be similar to those in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 115 , 927 . the system 10 may include probe and dynamic reference frame ( drf ) tools 11 including a hand - held probe including optical emitters and a digital reference frame which also carriers optical emitters , these emitters all being sensed or viewed by an array of camera sensors 12 , which may include three camera modules or sensors fixed relative to one another . in use , the emitters on the dynamic reference frame are fixed relative to one another and the dynamic reference frame is , in turn , fixed relative to the automobile body or other object being measured . the hand - held probe emitters are also fixed relative to one another and the camera sensors 12 are fixed relative to one another . the system 10 also includes a control unit 13 which includes a tool board 14 and tool board registers 15 to which the probe / drf tools 11 are coupled . the control unit 13 also includes a digital signal processing ( dsp ) board 16 which includes dsp registers 17 and 3 dsp applications 18 respectively coupled to the camera sensors 12 . the control unit 13 also includes a processor board 19 which runs an embedded software application 20 which is coupled to the tool board registers 15 , the dsp registers 17 and the dsp applications 18 . the embedded application 20 senses the probe / drf emitters and the camera sensors 12 and calculates , by triangulation , the three - dimensional coordinates of points on the object being measured which are engaged by the hand - held probe . the system 10 also includes a host computer 21 which includes a database 22 and host application software 23 . the database 22 stores standard or reference information regarding a number of different known vehicle bodies , including the standard distances between points of selected pairs of such points and / or coordinates of points which can be used to calculate such standard distances . the application software 23 is coupled to the database 22 and to a display device 25 , such as a crt display . referring now to fig2 and 3 , the operation of the system 10 will be described . fig2 illustrates , in flowchart form , the program software routine 30 which is run by the application program 23 in the host computer 21 for controlling the display device 25 to generate and display a screen display of the type illustrated in fig3 . initially , the user will select a predetermined vehicle with respect to which points and distances are to be measured , whereupon the host application 23 will cause to be displayed on the display device 25 a graphical representation of the object being measured and the locations thereon of suggested points to be measured . the user may then , utilizing the hand - held probe and the embedded application 20 and host application 23 , measure the locations on the vehicle of points corresponding to the displayed points or other points selected by the user , whereupon the embedded application will determine the coordinates for each such point . first , at 31 , the host application software routine obtains from the embedded application 20 in the control unit 13 measured data for a first vehicle point and then , at 32 , obtains the measured data for a second vehicle point and then , at 33 calculates the measured distance between the first and second vehicle points . the routine also , at 34 , obtains from the database 22 the standard data for the first vehicle point , at 35 obtains the standard data for the second vehicle point and , at 36 , calculates the standard distance between the standard first and second vehicle points . then , at 37 , the routine calculates the difference between the measured distance between the first and second points and the standard distance between those points and then , at 38 reads stored tolerance limits , which are either previously specified by the user or are default application tolerances . then , at 39 , the routine checks to see if the calculated difference from 37 is within the tolerance limits from 38 . these tolerance limits may include an upper limit and a lower limit . if the difference between measured and standard distances is within the tolerance limits for that distance , the routine then , at 40 , draws a line 49 between the measured vehicle points utilizing a predetermined color ( e . g . light gray , designated by solid lines ,) which immediately visually informs the user of a location of the distance measured and also immediately indicates visually that the difference between the measured and standard distances for that set of points is within tolerance limits . if , at 39 , the measured distance is less than the standard distance by a difference greater than the lower tolerance limit , the routine then , at 41 , draws a line between the measured vehicle points using a second color ( possibly red , designated in small dashed lines ), indicating the location of the distance being measured and immediately visually indicating that the measured distance is less than the standard distance by greater than the lower tolerance limit . if , at 39 , the measured distance is greater than the standard distance by a difference greater than the upper tolerance limit , the routine then at 42 draws a line between the measured vehicle points using a third color ( possibly blue , designated by long dashed lines ), providing an immediate graphical indication of the location of the distance being measured and the fact that the measured distance is greater than the reference or standard distance by an amount which exceeds the upper tolerance limit . the system 10 will proceed through the software routine 30 for each pair of points , the distance between which is to be measured . referring to fig3 , there will be displayed on the display device 25 a screen display 45 , which includes a selector icon 46 , activation of which ( by touch screen or clicking on a mouse cursor or the like ) will permit the operator to select the identifying data for the vehicle to be measured . there will then be displayed on the display device 25 a graphical background diagram 47 of the vehicle or portion thereof being measured , including the locations of predetermined points thereon ( six of which are , respectively , designated l 1 - l 6 .) as the software routine 30 operates on selected pairs of these points , lines 49 which are drawn between the points of the pair in colors corresponding to whether the measured distance differs from the standard distance by an amount which ( a ) is within tolerance limits , or ( b ) which is less than the lower tolerance limit or ( c ) which is greater than the upper tolerance limit . the screen display 45 simultaneously displays the results of the measurement in a table 50 , which has column headings 51 , 52 , 53 and 54 which , respectively , indicate the designation of the points , the distance between which is being measured , the reference or standard distance between those points , the measured distance between those points , and the difference between the reference and measured distances between columns 52 and 53 . a column 55 indicating by a plus sign or a minus sign whether the measured distance is less than or greater than the standard distance . the data displayed in the table 50 utilizes the same color scheme as in the graphical display 47 , the rows for the differences which are within tolerance limits being depicted in a first color , the rows for distance differences which are less than the lower tolerance limit being illustrated in the second color , and the rows for distance differences which are greater than the upper tolerance limits being illustrated in the third color . fig4 illustrates another screen display 65 which relates to measured distances between points on another portion of the vehicle , such as the trunk area . the background display 67 includes an illustration of points ( designated l 1 - l 6 ), distances between which are to be measured and , as the distances are measured , draws lines 69 in appropriate colors to indicate whether the difference between the measured and standard distances are within or without tolerance limits , as explained above . the display 65 also includes a table 70 with column heading 71 - 75 respectively corresponding to columns 51 - 55 , described above , the tabulated data being depicted utilizing the same color scheme as is used on the graphical display 67 . while specific colors are referred to in the foregoing description , it will be appreciated that any desired colors could be utilized and graphical representations other than color could be used . for example , lines could be displayed in different weights or thicknesses , in different constructions , such as solid , dashed , etc ., or blinking at different rates . also , the specific number of measured points shown in the drawings is simply by way of illustration , and the display could include any number of pairs of points . the matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation . while particular embodiments have been shown and described , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants &# 39 ; contribution . the actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art . | 6 |
fig1 is a cross - section of a prior art fluid rotor 30 that is being rotationally driven , as indicated by rotation arrow 37 , by approaching fluids that are indicated by fluid flow arrows 36 . this is the arrangement of some vertical axis windmills or wind turbines . note that the driving fluid is pushing on the rotor blades 60 on the downwind or working part of rotation as shown by force arrows 35 on rotor blade working sides 32 that are generally concave in shape . these oncoming fluid forces are acting against rotation , as indicated by anti - rotation or rotational parasitic drag force arrows 67 , on the upwind part of rotor rotation where they act against what is generally termed the rotor blade non - working side 33 that is normally convex in shape . it is evident from the immediately preceding discussion that the rotor blades 60 have been angled backward or , as sometimes termed , backward inclined in efforts to reduce the parasitic rotational force drag that occurs during upwind rotation . fig2 presents a cross - section , as taken through plane 2 - 2 of fig6 and 10 , of a preferred embodiment fluid rotor 31 and related structural to the instant invention . note that : 1 ) more incoming fluid is directed toward the rotor 31 due to the enlarged capture area forward of the rotor 31 and 2 ) incoming fluid that would normally work against rotation on the upwind side of rotation has been redirected so that it adds positively to rotational force rather than creating a parasitic rotational drag force as is the case for the prior art rotor 30 presented in fig1 . this can be seen by looking at the force vector arrows 35 that are all providing positive rotational energy here . this compares to the prior art rotor 30 presented in fig1 where the rotational parasitic drag force arrows 67 are working against rotation on the upwind side of rotation . looking at fig2 in more detail , we have , as an optimum shape , an airfoil shaped nose cone structure 38 that smoothly directs and accelerates incoming fluids , positive rotation side capture plate ( s ) 55 , 61 , negative rotation side capture plate 54 , and fluid turning or redirecting vane ( s ) 53 . by use this or another arrangement whereby the negative rotation side incoming fluid flow is redirected forward , we are able to have positive rotational energy impacting both sides of the rotor . this contrasts to the prior art presented in fig1 whereby there is a negative or parasitic drag during the rotor blades upwind rotation . the optional flow passageway 62 provides an inlet to direct more positive direction incoming fluid flow 36 to the rotor blades 31 . fig3 presents a cross section of a mounting base assembly ( a ) 47 including a power generator 39 . on top of that is an adapter assembly or module ( b ) 48 that normally includes gearing 42 that drives the generator gear 40 . the procedure for assembly at a site is to first position and set the mounting base assembly ( a ) 47 in concrete or other material . the generator 39 and bearings 43 are then set into place . at that point the adapter module 43 is aligned and put in place . other items shown are shaft bearing 51 , seals 63 , and rotational drive motor and gear 41 . fig4 is a cross section , as taken through plane 44 of fig3 , that shows workings of gears 42 that drive the power generator gear 40 . note that , while an electric generator is most common , any type of power generator 39 including hydraulic or other may be used to absorb the fluid power from the turbine rotor ( s ). further , it may be desirable to incorporate a disconnect clutch , not shown , so that the power generator 39 may be disengaged for maintenance or during very high fluid velocity situations , such as may occur in windstorms . it is important to note that the instant invention may be utilized with any fluid media . this means that , in additional to use as a wind turbine , it may be used as a water turbine in rivers , the gulf stream , or the like . fig5 shows an end view of a rotor assembly module ( c ) 56 including a splined drive shaft 44 to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention . fig6 gives a side view of the rotor assembly module ( c ) 56 presented in fig5 . cutaway views show shaft support bearings 51 , female spline adapter 45 , and male spline adapter 44 . a further cutaway view shows portions of a rotor 31 . fig7 is an end view of a cover ( d ) 50 including a female bearing adapter 45 to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention . fig8 presents a side view of the cover ( d ) 50 of fig6 . fig9 gives an end view , in this case a top view , of an assembled and functional fluid rotor with energy enhancement ( free ) power generation system 64 to a preferred embodiment of the invention . fig1 gives a side view of an assembled and functional free power generation system 64 to the instant invention . in this instance , two rotor modules ( c ) 56 have been employed . note that any number of rotor modules ( c ) 56 may be employed . a gear track 52 used during rotation of the free power generation system 64 is also shown here . direction of fluid flow is indicated by fluid flow arrows 36 . fig1 presents a front view of an assembled free generator 64 . note the simple construction of this pre - fabricated unit . the base ( a ) 46 , normally including the power generator , is first set in concrete or a similar material ; the geared adapter housing assembly ( b ) 48 is installed next , followed by one , two , or more rotor module assemblies ( c ) 56 , and then an end cap ( d ) 50 . this pre - fabrication approach of the instant invention allows for very low cost fabrication , shipping , and assembly . further , it is physically and environmentally acceptable and attractive . fig1 shows an end , or top , view of a rotor 31 with longitudinally straight blades 60 . fig1 is a side view of the rotor 31 of fig1 with a cutaway showing a female drive spline 45 . a preferred rotor construction for wind turbine rotors utilizes a lightweight high strength composite material skin with an internal filling of structural foam . in the case of water turbines , it is generally preferred to use a corrosion resistant sheet metal construction . fig1 is an end view of an optional twisted or curved rotor 34 to the instant invention . fig1 is a side view of the twisted rotor 34 presented in fig1 . the twisted rotor 34 offers some structural advantages and possibly efficiency over the straight blade design . fig1 shows an alternative approach where a number of rotor modules ( c ) 56 may be mounted side by side and / or end to end to create a very large and efficient oncoming fluid capture area . in this embodiment , the entire assembled unit may rotate around a common base 49 as indicated by rotation arrow 37 . in the case of a water turbine version for use in such more or less constant flow direction water flows , such as in the gulf stream , it is not necessary to have a rotatable base . fig1 gives an internal view of connecting structure ( g ) 58 that houses double ended power generators 65 in this instance . fig1 is a cross section , as taken through plane 18 - 18 of fig1 , that shows details of a mount base ( e ) 47 and adapter housing ( f ) 49 that cradles two double ended power generators 65 . fig1 is a cross section , through plane 19 - 19 of fig1 , showing an end support 66 . fig2 is a cross section , as taken through plane 20 - 20 of fig1 , showing bearing supports 45 internal to end support 66 . while the invention has been described in connection with a preferred and several alternative embodiments , it will be understood that there is no intention to thereby limit the invention . on the contrary , there is intended to be covered all alternatives , modifications , and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims , which are the sole definition of the invention . | 5 |
referring in more particularity to the drawings , fig1 illustrates a diagram of a standard refrigeration system which includes a compressor 26 driven by an electric motor in a conventional manner . the discharge side of the compressor 26 connects with a discharge line 42 which delivers the compressed refrigerant in a gaseous state to a condenser 10 or in some systems multiple condensers . near the outlet of the compressor 26 a discharge temperature sensor 36 is connected with the discharge line 42 . the gaseous refrigerant condenses into a liquid state in the condenser 10 . located at the inlet air side of the condenser 10 is an outdoor temperature sensor 28 . exiting the condenser 10 , the liquid refrigerant travels in the liquid line 44 to a receiver 12 which stores excess refrigerant during low load conditions . exiting the receiver 12 the refrigerant travels through the liquid line 46 . located on the supply line 46 near the exit of the receiver 12 are a high pressure transducer 30 and a subcooling temperature sensor 32 . the liquid supply line 46 typically travels through a filter - dryer 14 , then through a sight glass 16 and a solenoid valve 18 before entering an expansion valve 20 where the liquid refrigerant changes state back to a gas . gaseous refrigerant enters an evaporator 22 where heat is exchanged with the building or refrigerated enclosure . refrigerant vapor leaves the evaporator 22 and travels through a suction line 48 into a suction accumulator 24 and finally back to the compressor 26 . situated on the suction line 48 after the suction accumulator 24 is a low pressure transducer 40 . situated on the suction line 48 after the suction accumulator 24 but before the compressor 26 is a suction temperature sensor 34 . both the low pressure transducer 40 and the suction temperature sensor 34 are located from 6 ″ to 18 ″ from the compressor . fig2 is a functional block diagram of the present invention in which a device 102 includes a conventional microprocessor 104 which receives power from a power supply and isolation circuits 152 connected to the power interface 128 which receives power from external ac supply 154 . the device 102 is factory programmed but can be modified in the field with dip switches 134 on a circuit board . a liquid crystal display ( lcd ) module 162 may be attached to the device 102 . a detachable module 162 includes an lcd 168 for monitoring of system conditions and a key pad 170 for scrolling through the various system readings . the detachable module 162 has a suitable interface 164 with the microprocessor 104 , and the keypad 170 has an interface 166 with the microprocessor 104 . the detachable module 162 communicates with the microprocessor 104 through the keypad and display control interface 136 . a real time clock 150 connects to the microprocessor 104 through a suitable interface 126 . a reset key 172 is provided on the device 102 and permits the device to be reset by a service technician after a system lockout . a light emitting diode ( led ) display bank 160 has a number of leds to show system status at all times . these individual leds include , but are not limited to , “ system ok ”, “ low pressure failure ”, “ high pressure failure ”, “ discharge temperature failure ”, “ sensor failure ”, “ superheat ok ”, “ superheat warning ”, “ superheat failure ”. the self diagnosis led interface 132 on the microprocessor 104 sends a voltage output to the display bank 160 based on inputs from external sensors and calculations performed in the microprocessor 104 . there are six external sensor inputs : outdoor temperature sensor 106 , suction temperature sensor 108 , discharge temperature sensor 110 , liquid line temperature sensor 112 , low pressure sensor 114 and high pressure sensor 116 . all the external sensors communicate with the microprocessor 104 through a sensor signal interface 118 . the device 102 is provided with memory circuits that connect with the microprocessor 104 through a memory interface 124 . the memory circuits includes random access memory ( ram ) 146 having a battery backup 148 , programmable read only memory ( prom ) 144 and an electrically erasable read only memory ( eeprom ) 142 . an equipment cut off and alarm relay control 130 on the microprocessor 104 communicates with a normally open relay 158 which controls power to the compressor 26 . a subcooling relay interface 120 on the microprocessor 104 is a normally open contact that would be closed based on calculations performed in the microprocessor 104 . voltage output would energize a subcooling relay 138 which would operate an external device to maintain proper subcooling . a fan cycling relay interface 122 on the microprocessor 104 is also a normally open contact that would be closed based on calculations performed in the microprocessor 104 . voltage output would de - energize a fan motor relay 140 , shutting off the condenser fan . this will help to maintain a constant refrigerant head pressure during low ambient temperature conditions . the condenser fan would be allowed to resume operation when system conditions demand . a communications port interface 174 sends information to the communications port 156 so the information from the microprocessor 104 can be shared with existing building control systems . fig3 is a logic flow chart of the software in the microprocessor controller 104 . from a start block 202 , block 204 is entered to get readings from all sensors , including refrigerant pressure before the compressor , refrigerant pressure after the compressor , refrigerant discharge temperature , refrigerant suction line temperature , refrigerant temperature at the receiver and ambient temperature . these values are stored for future use . in block 206 the values returned from block 204 are evaluated for plausibility . if they are zero or outside the possible high limit it is determined that there is a sensor failure . block 208 evaluates the result of the sensor check performed in block 206 . if it is determined that a sensor failure has occurred we proceed to block 234 , a fault and logging subroutine , from there to block 242 for a system shut down , and then to block 244 to terminate the logic loop . if all sensors respond and pass plausibility test in block 208 , block 210 is entered and a two minute start up delay is initiated . this delay is to prevent an operator from initiating repeated system starts in rapid succession . if a system shutdown were to occur , a two minute delay may be enough time for minor system difficulties to stabilize enough for a successful startup and to provide protection against compressor short cycling . after the two minute startup delay , block 212 is entered wherein the compressor start relay is energized causing the compressor to start . block 214 polls all sensors as in block 204 . block 216 tests for sensor validity as in block 206 . block 218 evaluates the response from block 216 . if there is a sensor failure then block 236 , a fault and logging subroutine , is entered . if all sensors respond and pass plausibility in block 218 then block 220 is entered , wherein the discharge side refrigerant temperature is evaluated . if the refrigerant temperature is found to be within acceptable limits , block 222 is entered . block 222 evaluates the liquid refrigerant pressure , and if the pressure is found to be within acceptable limits then block 224 is entered . block 224 checks for refrigerant low pressure . if the refrigerant pressure is found to be above the low limit then block 226 is entered . block 226 evaluates the calculated value for superheat to determine if it is within preset limits . if superheat is acceptable then block 228 is entered to determine if external system subcooling is required . if external subcooling is required block 230 is entered and an external subcooling relay is energized . after block 230 or if subcooling was not required , block 232 is entered where “ system ok ” led is energized and all other system warning leds are turned off . block 234 is then entered where a 0 . 5 second logic delay is entered . this delay is built in to reduce the number of sensor polling events to a reasonable number . polling 20 or 30 times a second is not required . after the logic delay in block 234 , block 214 is reentered , all sensors are polled and the logic loop continues . in the first logical pass through blocks 220 , 222 , 224 and 226 , the dectections are as follows . if block 220 detects a value higher than the compressor manufacturer specified maximum for discharge temperature then a system fault has occurred . if block 222 detects a value higher than the compressor manufacturer specified maximum for refrigerant pressure then a system fault has occurred . if block 224 detects a value lower than the compressor manufacturer specified minimum for refrigerant pressure then a system fault has occurred . if block 226 detects a value lower than the compressor manufacturer specified minimum for superheat ( typically 3 degrees ) then a system fault has occurred . if a system fault is determined in blocks 220 , 222 , 224 or 226 then a fault and logging subroutine 236 is entered . after returning from block 236 , block 238 determines if the system has faulted more than three times for the same reason . if three sequential faults have occurred then a system shut down 242 is initialed . if less than three sequential faults have occurred then block 240 is entered initiating a 90 second system delay before attempting a compressor re - start . fig4 is a logic flow chart of the software in the sensor polling subroutine 204 . entering in block 302 , block 304 communicates with the discharge temperature sensor 36 . this value is stored in memory . block 306 communicates with the high pressure transducer 30 . this value is stored in memory . block 308 communicates with the low pressure transducer 40 . this value is stored in memory . block 310 communicates with the suction line temperature sensor 34 . this value is stored in memory . block 312 communicates with the subcooling temperature sensor 32 . this value is stored in memory . block 314 communicates with the outdoor temperature sensor 28 . this value is stored in memory . block 316 consults the temperature / pressure table for the selected refrigerant ( example : r - 22 ) stored in the programmable read only memory ( prom ) 160 and converts the value returned by the low pressure transducer to the low side saturated temperature value . block 318 calculates system superheat . superheat is the low side saturated temperature minus the actual suction line temperature . the result is expressed in degrees fahrenheit and stored in memory . block 320 evaluates the calculated superheat value . if superheat is greater than twenty degrees it is determined to be acceptable and block 328 is entered wherein the “ superheat ok ” led is energized . if block 320 determines that superheat is less than twenty degrees then block 322 is entered . block 322 evaluates the calculated superheat value . if superheat is greater than three degrees then block 326 is entered wherein the “ superheat warning ” led is energized . if block 322 determines that superheat is less than three degrees then block 324 is entered . block 324 energizes the “ superheat failure ” led . after one of the three superheat indicator leds are energized block 330 is entered . block 330 consults the temperature / pressure table for the selected refrigerant ( example : r - 22 ) stored in the programmable read only memory ( prom ) 160 and converts the value returned by the high pressure transducer to the high side saturated temperature value . block 332 calculates system subcooling . subcooling is the high side saturated temperature minus the actual liquid line temperature . the result is expressed in degrees fahrenheit and stored in memory . fig5 is a logic flow chart of the software in the sensor validity check subroutine 206 . entering in block 402 , block 404 checks the value returned by the discharge temperature sensor 144 to see if it is greater than zero . block 406 checks the value returned by the high pressure transducer 30 to see if it is greater than zero . block 408 checks the value returned by the low pressure transducer 40 to see if it is greater than zero . block 410 checks the value returned by the suction line temperature sensor 34 to see if it is greater than zero . block 412 checks the value returned by the subcooling temperature sensor 32 to see if it is greater than zero . block 414 checks the value returned by the outdoor temperature sensor 28 to see if it is greater than zero . if any of the above values are determined to be zero then the variable sensors_respond_ok = no is determined in block 418 . otherwise if all the values are determined to be greater than zero then the variable sensors_respond_ok = yes is determined in block 416 . fig6 is a logic flow chart of the software in the fault logging subroutine 234 . entering in block 502 , block 504 enters the senor check subroutine 206 ( see fig5 ). in block 506 the result of the sensor check performed in block 504 is evaluated . if it is determined that a sensor failure has occurred we proceed to block 534 and set the variable system_shutdown = yes . block 536 then performs any event logging specified by the system configuration ( example : output to printer , output to message display ). block 538 energizes a remote dial module if the system is equipped with one . block 540 energizes the appropriated leds to indicate which system fault has occurred while de - energizing the leds that indicate positive system status . if in block 506 it is determined that the sensors have responded properly , then block 508 evaluates the discharge side refrigerant temperature . if the refrigerant temperature is found to be within acceptable limits , block 510 is entered . block 510 evaluates the liquid refrigerant pressure , and if the pressure is found to be within acceptable limits then block 512 is entered . block 512 checks for refrigerant low pressure . if the refrigerant pressure is found to be above the low limit then block 514 is entered . block 514 evaluates the calculated value for superheat to determine if it is within preset limits . if the four system conditions evaluated in blocks 508 , 510 , 512 and 514 are all found to be within acceptable limits then the variable system_shutdown = no in block 532 is determined . if in any of the four block 508 , 510 , 512 or 514 it is determined that the value is outside the acceptable range then a counter for that value is incremented by one ( blocks 516 , 518 , 520 and 522 ). in blocks 524 , 526 , 528 and 530 each of the four fault counters are evaluated to see if any one of the four system values has faulted more than three times . if any one of the four system values has faulted more than three times the variable system_shutdown = yes in block 534 is determined , otherwise the variable system_shutdown = no in block 532 is determined . logic then flows through blocks 536 , 538 , 540 and 542 as described previously . fig7 illustrates a display panel of the present invention . this configuration consists of a main display and control module 602 and a separate diagnostic tool 624 . the main display and control module 602 consists of a case 604 which houses the microprocessor 104 and other component parts . this case would typically be attached to the exterior of the refrigeration unit that it is protecting and controlling . the led display bank 160 can be seen on the face of the case 604 . these leds indicate system conditions : “ system ok ” 606 , “ high pressure failure ” 608 , “ low pressure failure ” 610 , “ discharge temperature failure ” 612 , “ sensor failure ” 614 , “ superheat ok ” 616 , “ superheat warning ” 618 , “ superheat failure ” 620 . the hand held diagnostic tool 624 is connected to the main display and control module 602 through the use of a female modular connection 622 mounted on the case 604 and a male modular connection 628 connected to the hand held diagnostic tool 624 with an appropriate cable connection 630 . the hand held diagnostic tool 624 consists of a case 626 on which is mounted an lcd display 632 for quantitative viewing of system conditions monitored by the microprocessor 104 . this diagnostic tool 626 is equipped with buttons 634 and 636 for selecting the system readings to be displayed on the lcd screen 632 . a manual reset button 638 is used by service personnel to reset the system after a lockout has occurred . fig8 is an illustration of an alternative device display panel with led and lcd displays . this configuration of the present invention consists of a main display and control module 702 without a separate diagnostic tool as in fig7 . the main display and control module 702 consists of a case 704 which houses the microprocessor 104 and other component parts . this case would typically be attached to the exterior of the refrigeration unit that it is protecting and controlling . the led display bank 160 can be seen on the face of the case 704 . these leds indicate system conditions : “ system ok ” 706 , “ high pressure failure ” 708 , “ low pressure failure ” 710 , “ discharge temperature failure ” 712 , “ sensor failure ” 714 , “ superheat ok ” 716 , “ superheat warning ” 718 , “ superheat failure ” 720 . an lcd display 722 is mounted on the case 704 for quantitative viewing of system conditions monitored by the microprocessor 104 . buttons 724 and 726 are used to for select the system readings to be displayed on the lcd screen 722 . a manual reset button 728 is used by service personnel to reset the system after a lockout has occurred . u . s . pat . no . 6 , 318 , 108 , granted nov . 20 , 2001 , is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all useful purposes . as explained therein a water spray onto the heat exchange coil of a condenser is utilized to wash and clean the condenser coil for more efficient operation . | 5 |
although the principles of the invention are applicable to other surgical fastening instruments , the invention will be fully understood from an explanation of its application to a surgical stapler for performing anastomosis of holow body organs . as shown in fig1 instrument 10 includes a handle portion 12 at the proximal end of an elongated hollow cylindrical tube or shaft 14 . at the opposite distal end of shaft 14 is an assembly 16 in which the forces required to perform the anastomosis are produced . the anastomosis is actually performed between staple containing assembly 20 and anvil assembly 30 which are located at the distal end of force producing assembly 16 . instrument 10 is particularly adapted for performing end - to - end anastomosis of the large intestine using the rectal approach . shaft 14 is therefore preferably curved as shown to facilitate positioning of the instrument during a procedure of this kind . the instrument is manipulated and controlled primarily by means of handle 12 outside the patient , while the anastomosis is actually performed by elements 20 and 30 at the distal end of the instrument . the anastomosis procedure is best illustrated in fig1 , 13 , 19 , 20 , and 21 , which show successive steps in the procedure . as shown for example in fig1 , staple containing assembly 20 initially contains a plurality of surgical staples 22 pointing toward anvil assembly 30 and arranged in two concentric annular rows ( see also fig1 and 18 ). staple containing assembly 20 also contains annular knife 24 concentric with but inside the annular staple array ( see also fig1 and 18 ). anvil assembly 30 is mounted opposite the distal end of staple containing assembly 20 on the end of rod 32 . anvil assembly 30 is held in place on the end of rod 32 by knurled nut 31 , and ( as shown in fig5 and 14 ) is prevented from rotating reative to rod 32 by cooperation of the flat - sided segment 33 of rod 32 and similarly shaped aperture 35 in anvil assembly 30 . as best seen in fig5 anvil assembly 30 has two concentric annular rows of staple crimping pockets 34 and annular knife anvil 36 . each staple pocket 34 is aligned with a respective one of staples 22 , and knife anvil 36 is similarly aligned with knife 24 . anvil assembly 30 is movable axially toward and away from the distal end of staple containing assembly 20 by reciprocation of rod 32 . vents 37 in anvil assembly 30 and staple containing assembly 20 prevent fluid pressure from building up unduly in any part of the apparatus during any phase of the anastomosis procedure . after the diseased tissue has been removed by conventional techniques , the anastomosis procedure begins as shown in fig1 by inserting the distal end of instrument 10 through one section 40 of the tissue to be anastomosed ( e . g ., through the rectum in anastomosis of the large intestine using the rectal approach ) so that only anvil assembly 30 extends beyond the end of tissue section 40 . anvil assembly 30 is separated from staple containing assembly 20 ( if necessary ) by operation of handle 12 as described below to expose a section of rod 32 . the end of tissue 40 is tied around rod 32 by suture 42 . the end of the other section 44 of tissue to be anastomosed is fitted over anvil assembly 30 and tied around rod 32 by suture 46 . handle 12 is then operated again as described below to bring anvil assembly 30 and staple containing assembly 20 together , thereby approximating the tissue to be anastomosed as shown in fig1 and 19 . another portion of handle 12 is then operated as described below to release a self - powering mechanism ( also described below ) in assembly 16 to cause staples 22 to be driven through the approximated tissue and crimped by means of anvil pockets 34 as shown in fig2 . knife 24 also advances as shown in fig2 and cuts through the excess tissue inside the annular staple array . hande 12 is then operated again as described below to separate anvil assembly 30 from staple containing assembly 20 as shown in fig2 . tissue sections 40 and 44 remain attached together ( anastomosed ) by means of staples 22 , and the instrument can be withdrawn from tissue section 40 . the excess tissue cut away by knife 24 remains tied around rod 32 and is removed with the instrument . considering now the construction and operation of instrument 10 in more detail , and returning again to fig1 handle 12 includes rotatable knob 50 on the proximal end of the handle for controlling the position of anvil assembly 30 relative to staple containing assembly 20 . handle 12 also includes control mechanism 60 for controlling the operation of the self - powering mechanism which drives staples 22 and knife 24 as mentioned above . because in normal operation knob 50 is first operated to position anvil assembly 30 , that portion of the apparatus will be described in detail before a detailed description of control mechanism 60 and its associated apparatus is given . as shown for example in fig4 knob 50 is mounled on the end of a short , hollow , cylindrical shaft 70 which is rotatably mounted in the end of handle body 80 . shaft 70 is prevented from moving axially relative to handle body 80 by annular shaft collars 72 and 74 in cooperation with annular bearing portion 82 of handle body 80 . a portion 76 of shaft 70 inside handle body 80 is threadably engaged with indicator member 90 via threaded collar 92 ( see also fig3 ). indicator member 90 is slidable longitudinally of handle body 80 to indicate the position of anvil assembly 30 relative to staple containing assembly 20 as will be described in more detail below . continuing with fig4 the proximal end of flexible connection 100 is fitted into knob 50 so that flexible connection 100 rotates with knob 50 . flexible connection 100 may be any type of flexible mechanical connection ( e . g ., a cable of the type used in speedometers ) which is capable of transmitting torque along its length . flexible connection 100 extends through handle body 80 and coaxially through shaft 14 . at the distal end of shaft 14 , flexible connection 100 fits into rotatably mounted annular bushing 110 ( see fig1 - 14 ). bushing 110 engages hollow cylindrical shaft 120 which is rotatably mounted coaxially in assembly 16 . accordingly , the rotation of knob 50 is transmitted to shaft 120 via flexible connection 100 and bushing 110 . shaft 120 is prevented from moving axially by collar 122 which is located on the distal end of the shaft between collar 190 and the distal end of shaft 310 . as shown for example in fig1 - 14 , shaft 120 is threaded internally to engage the threaded end 130 of rod 32 . anvil assembly 30 is mounted on the other end of rod 32 as described above . rod 32 is axially movable relative to shaft 120 , but is prevented from turning with shaft 120 by fixed keys 132 on collar 190 in cooperation with longitudinal keyways 134 in rod 32 ( see aso fig6 ). accordingly , rod 32 moves anvil assembly 30 axially toward or away from staple containing assembly 20 when shaft 120 is rotated by knob 50 . anvil assembly 30 moves toward staple containing assembly 20 when knob 50 is rotated in one direction , and away from staple containing assembly 20 when knob 50 is rotated in the opposite direction . because anvil assembly 30 cannot rotate relative to staple containing assembly 20 , anvil staple pockets 34 always remain properly aligned with staples 22 . it should be noted that the force required to move and / or hold anvil assembly 30 relative to staple containing assembly 20 is developed largely in assembly 16 by the threaded connection between shaft 120 and rod 32 . because of the mechanical advantage of that connection , a relatively small torque in flexible connection 100 can produce a large force for moving assembly 30 as may be required , for example , to approximate and clamp the tissue lo be anastomosed . the tissue approximating and clamping force may be approximately 200 - 300 lbs . since it may be difficult or impossible for the user of the instrument to see or judge the spacing between staple containing assembly 20 and anvil assembly 30 when the instrument is in use , indicator member 90 , mentioned above and shown in fig1 - 4 , provides a visible indication of this spacing at the proximal end of the instrument . because of the threaded connection 76 and 92 between indicator member 90 and shaft 70 , indicator member 90 moves axially of the instrument in proportion to the axial motion of anvil assembly 30 when knob 50 is rotated . a portion of indicator member 90 is visible through aperture 84 in handle body 80 and has on it a transverse indicator mark or line 94 . another transverse indicator mark 86 is provided on body 80 on each side of aperture 84 . indicator marks 86 and 94 are arranged so that mark 94 coincides with marks 86 when and only when anvil assembly 30 is spaced from staple containing assembly 20 by a distance which allows proper staple formation . thus the user of the instrument knows that the staples can be fired when mark 94 is observed to coincide with marks 86 . the direction of motion of mark 94 relative to marks 86 is also a visible indication of the direction of motion of anvil assembly 30 relative to staple containing assembly 20 . as mentioned above , staples 22 and knife 24 are advanced by a self - powering mechanism in assembly 16 . this self - powering mechanism is best seen in fig1 - 16 . the principal element of this mechanism is an initially prestressed compression coil spring 150 which is compressed between annular collar 160 at the proximal end of assembly 16 and a releasable spring retention mechanism 170 at the distal end of assembly 16 . the elements restraining compression spring 150 are best seen initially in fig1 and 13 . annular collar 160 bears against the end of annular connector 162 which provides a threaded connection between shaft 14 and the tubular outer shell 164 of assembly 16 . the other end of spring 150 bears on annular cam follower ring 172 of spring retention mechanism 170 ( see also fig1 and 15 ). the inner surface of ring 172 has a purality of circumferentially spaced , inwardly projecting longitudinal cam followers 174 . as best seen in fig1 , the distal end of each of cam followers 174 initially bears on a respective one of inclined cam surfaces 182 on annular cam ring 180 adjacent cam follower stop surfaces 184 . cam ring 180 bears in turn on annular shoulder 192 on annular collar 190 as shown , for example , in fig1 and 13 . the actual construction of collar 190 is better seen in fig1 - 18 . as shown in those figures , collar 190 includes concentric inner and outer rings 194 and 196 joined by a plurality of radial spokes 198 . annular surface 192 is on inner ring 194 , while ( as shown for example in fig1 ) outer ring 196 bears against inwardly projecting flange 166 near the distal end of shell 164 . accordingly , substantially all of the force exerted by spring 150 prior to release as described below is resisted by the mechanical circuit including collar 160 , connector 162 , shell 164 , collar 190 , cam ring 180 , and cam follower ring 172 . because the force of spring 150 is used to drive staples 22 and knife 24 as described below , spring 150 is required to exert a relatively large force . for example , the force required to drive the staples may be as much as 300 lbs ., and the force required to drive the knife may be of the order of 200 lbs . in the assembly just described , cam ring 180 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the instrument . the slope of cam surfaces 182 is such that spring 150 cannot turn cam ring 180 by itself , but this slope is also such that a relatively small additional rotational force applied to cam ring 180 will cause it to rotate clockwise as viewed in any of fig1 - 16 . accordingly , when it is desired to release spring 150 to cause it to advance staples 22 and knife 24 , a relatively small rotational force is applied to cam ring 180 by operation of control mechanism 60 is described below . in response to this rotational force , cam ring 180 rotates ( clockwise as viewed in fig1 - 16 ) from its initial position shown in fig1 to its final position shown in fig1 . cam followers 174 on ring 172 ( which does not rotate ) follow cam surfaces 182 until reaching axial slots 186 at the end of cam surfaces 182 . can followers 174 then pass through slots 186 as shown in fig1 , thereby abruptly completing release of spring 150 . when thus reeased , spring 150 drives cam ring 172 axially of the instrument toward staple containing assembly 20 . as shown in fig1 - 18 , cam follower ring 172 has a plurality of axially extending fingers 176 which pass through apertures 199 between spokes 198 in collar 190 ( see especially fig1 and 18 ). as is best seen in fig1 , prior to release of spring 150 , the distal ends 178 of fingers 176 are adjacent axially movable collar 200 in staple containing assembly 20 . collar 200 contacts staple pusher assembly 210 which includes a plurality of staple pushers 212 , each of which extends into a respective one of staple containing apertures 222 in staple holder 220 . collar 200 also contacts knife holder 230 , to which knife 24 is attached . collar 200 has a plurality of vent holes 202 extending therethrough to prevent fluid pressure from building up unduly inside staple containing assembly 20 during any phase of the operation of the instrument , and especially during release of spring 150 . when spring 150 is released as described above , spring 150 drives cam follower ring 172 and fingers 176 toward the distal end of the instrument as shown in fig2 . the distal ends 178 of fingers 176 contact collar 200 and drive it in the distal direction . collar 200 in turn drives staple pusher assembly 210 and knife holder 230 in the distal direction . this causes staple pushers 212 to force staples 22 out of holder 220 , through the approximated tissue , and against anvil assembly 30 where the staples are crimped to enable them to hold the tissue together . as the staples are being crimped , knife 24 is forced through the excess tissue and against resilient knife anvil 36 , thereby cutting through the excess tissue inside the staple array . knife 24 may also cut through knife anvil 36 ( which may be of resilient material ) as indicated by cut 236 in fig2 . the anastomosis procedure is now complete and the instrument can be removed by operating knob 50 to separate anvil assembly 30 from staple containing assembly 20 as shown in fig2 and withdrawing the instrument from tissue section 40 as described above . two features associated with release of spring 150 have not yet been described . if desired , a safety pin 240 can be initially positioned as shown in fig6 to project through shell 164 and into cam ring 180 to prevent the cam ring from turning as required to release spring 150 . accordingly , spring 150 cannot be released until safety pin 240 has been removed . this will normally be done when the instrument is being readied for use . another desirable feature also visible in fig6 is shock absorbing ring 242 of compressible rubber foam or the like between a portion of cam follower ring 172 and collar 190 . as shown in fig2 , shock absorbing ring 242 is compressed toward the end of the stroke of cam follower ring 172 after release of spring 150 , thereby absorbing a substantial part of the shock which would otherwise occur at the end of the stroke . the mechanism for applying the relatively small rotational force required to release spring 150 is shown in part in fig4 . this mechanism is operated by pivotable control lever 60 which is pivotally mounted on axis 252 through radial projection 254 from hollow shaft 250 inside handle body 80 . control lever 60 is initially positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of handle 12 as shown in full lines in fig4 ( see also fig1 and 3 ). when the user of the instrument is ready to release spring 150 and drive the staples , the user pivots control lever 60 outward perpendicular to handle 12 to the second broken line position shown in fig4 ( also the solid line position shown in fig2 ). a safety interlock is provided between the mechanism for positioning anvil assembly 30 and control lever 60 to prevent the control lever from being pivoted out to the operative position unless the anvil is positioned to provide proper staple formation . this safety interlock is best seen in fig3 and includes fingers 96 projecting forward from anvil position indicator 90 and extending under the rear end 62 of lever 60 unless indicator 90 has been moved proximally a sufficient distance to place indicator mark 94 between indicator marks 86 to indicate that anvil assembly 30 is in position for proper staple formation . as long as fingers 96 extend under the end 62 of lever 60 , fingers 96 prevent lever 60 from being pivoted out to its operative position . when indicator mark 94 is aligned between marks 86 , however , fingers 96 are withdrawn from beneath lever 60 , and lever 60 can be pivoted out for operation . returning to fig4 shaft 250 is rotatably mounted in handle body 80 . rotation of shaft 250 is coupled to a further rotatable hollow shaft 260 by longitudinal key and slot interconnection 256 . shaft 260 is coupled to a hollow , flexible , rotatable torque transmission assembly 270 which transmits the rotation of shaft 260 along the length of curved shaft 14 to further elements in assembly 16 . flexible torque transmission assembly 270 is shown in greater detail in fig7 - 11 . as shown in those figures , assembly 270 is made up of a plurality of separate toothed rings 280 which are held together in a longitudinal stack or series by an internal tension coil spring 290 . each ring 280 has a plurality of ratchet teeth 282 on each of its opposite faces . the teeth on each ring mesh with the teeth on the adjacent rings and are shaped so that torque is transmitted by the assembly only in the angular direction required to release spring retention mechanism 170 . tension coil spring 290 holds rings 280 together , but also allows the assembly to curve or bend as is required to transmit torque along curved shaft 14 . torque is applied to assembly 270 by teeth 262 on the end of shaft 260 , and the torque transmitted by assembly 270 is coupled to the succeeding elements by toothed ring 300 . compression coil spring 264 ( fig4 ) biases shaft 260 and torque transmission assembly 270 distally of the instrument to maintain the engagement of teeth 262 and the teeth on ring 300 with assembly 270 . as shown for example in fig1 , toothed ring 300 is connected to the proximal end of hollow shaft 310 which is rotatably mounted in assembly 16 . cam ring 180 is mounted on the distal end of shaft 310 . elements 250 , 260 , 264 , 270 , and 300 are all made hollow to accommodate flexible connection 100 which passes coaxially through them . in operation , when anvil assembly 30 has been properly positioned relative to staple containing assembly 20 ( as indicated by the alignment of indicator marks 94 and 86 ) and it is desired to release spring 150 to drive staples 22 and knife 24 , control lever 60 is pivoted out to the position shown in full lines in fig2 . from that position lever 60 is rotated clockwise as viewed in fig2 to the dotted line position shown in that figure . the amount of rotation is somewhat less than 90 degrees . this rotation of control lever 60 causes corresponding rotation of shaft 250 , which in turn rotates shaft 260 , flexible torque transmission assembly 270 , ring 300 , shaft 310 , and finally cam ring 180 . rotation of cam ring 180 releases spring 150 which then drives staples 22 and knife 24 as described above . although instrument 10 could be reused by resetting spring 150 and reloading staple containing assembly 20 , the instrument is preferably intended to be discarded after a single use , thereby avoiding all difficulty and expense of cleaning and sterilizing between uses . the instrument is particularly suitable to manufacture as a disposable item because most of the instrument is never subjected to any large forces such as those required to approximate and clamp the tissue and drive staples 22 and knife 24 . this is because all such large forces operate only in the area of assembly 16 , staple containing assembly 20 , and anvil assembly 30 and are not transmitted to the remainder of the instrument . accordingly , while many of the parts in assemblies 16 , 20 , and 30 may be metal , much of the remainder of the instrument can be of relatively light construction and inexpensive materials such as plastic . this includes most of the parts associated with handle 12 and shaft 14 , with the possible exceptions of flexible connection 100 and springs 264 and 290 . the overall cost of the instrument can therefore be relatively low . this aspect of the invention is particularly significant with respect to curved shaft 14 which could not withstand large forces along its length without significant deformation ( e . g ., a change in curvature ) unless made of heavy construction and probably of metal . any significant change in curvature of shaft 14 would of course be unacceptable in an instrument requiring precise and steady positioning during use . such heavy construction of shaft 14 is not necessary in the instrument of this invention because shaft 14 is not required to carry any large forces . although the invention has been illustrated in its application to instruments for performing end - to - end anastomosis of hollow body organs , the invention is equally applicable to other types of surgical fastening instruments and methods , especially those requiring relatively large forces at a location remote from the location at which the instrument is manipulated . for example , the principles of the invention are applicable to other types of surgical stapling instruments such as the thoracic - abdominal surgical staplers shown , for example , in green u . s . pat . no . 3 , 494 , 533 . the invention is also applicable to surgical fastening instruments and methods employing fasteners other than staples , for example , fasteners of the type shown in noiles u . s . pat . no . 4 , 060 , 089 . it will be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and that various modifications can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . for example , although an instrument with a curved shaft 14 has been shown and described , the shaft could be straight . in that event , relatively inflexible connections could be used in place of flexible connections 100 and 270 . similarly , if the instrument shown and described herein were made reusable , staple containing assembly 20 and anvil assembly 30 could be made as a removable disposable cartridge to facilitate reuse of the instrument . | 0 |
referring to the drawings and in particular to fig1 represents a conventional dump truck having a bed 12 with two side walls 14 , a rear wall 16 and a front wall 18 . a cab shield 20 extends from the front wall 18 to partially cover the truck cab roof 22 . two hollow lateral support members 24 extend from the cab shield 20 along the top portion of the side walls 14 to the rear wall 16 . a plurality of slats 26 extends transversely between the lateral support members 24 . these are covered and attached to a flexible tarpaulin 28 by means of screws 30 extending through the tarpaulin 28 and into the slats 26 . ( see fig1 ) a plurality of l - shaped lateral tarpaulin supports 32 are attached to each end portion of each slat 26 by bolts 36 and extend downwardly over the edge of hollow lateral support members 24 . tarpaulin 28 is attached to the end portion of lateral tarpaulin supports 32 by means of lateral bolts 34 extending through both lateral tarpaulin support 32 and tarpaulin 28 . tarpaulin 28 also extends from the cab shield 20 to the rear wall 16 , supported by slats 26 positioned at about two foot intervals along the support members 24 . tarpaulin 28 is attached to cab shield 20 by clamp member 21 , as shown in fig1 , which extends the width of the cab shield 20 . clamp bolts 23 extend through tarpaulin 28 , clamp member 21 and into cab shield 20 to clamp tarpaulin 28 . thus in its extended phase , the tarpaulin 28 extends completely over the top of truck bed 12 and over the side of the side walls 14 to completely enclose the contents of bed 12 . as may be seen , l - shaped lateral tarpaulin supports 32 extend over the top of tarpaulin 28 , over the sides of hollow lateral support members 24 and are secured to slats 26 by means of bolts 36 . referring to fig1 and 13 , a channel member 27 welded to each side wall 14 , extends across the bed 12 . rear retaining member 31 ( usually wood ) is bolted to channel member 27 by bolts 29 . stationary tarpaulin cover 35 ( fig1 ) extends from retaining member 31 to the outer portion of rear wall 16 where it is bolted by rear wall bolts 41 which pass through a transverse rear retaining strip 43 and into rear wall 16 . the other end portion of stationary tarpaulin cover 35 is transversely bolted to retaining member 31 through a top retaining strip 45 which extends across the truck bed 12 . when the tarpaulin 28 is in its extended position , rear slat 60 and tarpaulin 28 extend over rear retaining member 31 and stationary tarpaulin cover 35 , thus sealing or shielding the rear portion of bed 12 from the outside . likewise the front portion of tarpaulin cover 28 is clamped to cab shield 20 sealing or shielding the front portion of bed 12 from the outside . hence , in its extended position tarpaulin 28 completely seals or encloses bed 12 on the front , rear and sides . the mechanism for extending and retracting the tarpaulin 28 is as follows : referring to fig2 , 7 , 8 and 9 , two forward pulleys 38 connected by a hollow shaft 40 are attached to lateral portions of cab shield 20 by means of forward pulley brackets 42 . forward pulleys 38 are attached to a short shaft 44 extending through a bearing 46 and attached to hollow shaft 40 by means of a shaft pin 48 which extends through hollow shaft 40 and short shaft 44 . as shown in fig3 , and 9 , rear pulleys 50 are attached to either side of the rear portion of hollow lateral support members 24 by means of brackets 52 . rear pulleys 50 are attached to rear brackets 52 by means of rear bearing bolt 56 extending through rear bearing 54 within rear pulley 50 . a looped cable 58 ( fig9 and 13 ) extends around forward pulleys 38 and rear pulleys 50 in a loop - like fashion and are attached to rear slats 60 by means of threaded rods 62 and nut 63 . threaded rods 62 are hollowed out , the ends of cable 58 inserted and sweat welded together . threaded rods 62 then extend through rear slat 60 . nut 63 is screwed on threaded rod 62 to bear against rear slat 60 and tighten cable 58 . the tensions on cable 58 ( fig1 ) may be varied by turning nuts 63 . the upper loop of cable 58 extends through each slat 26 around forward pulley 38 and rear pulley 50 and through hollow lateral support members 24 . as may be seen , the tension on the cables 58 may be adjusted by adjusting the nut 63 positioned on threaded rod 62 . it should be noted that forward pulleys 38 and rear pulleys 50 are fully contained within the lateral truck frame and do not extend laterally therefrom . this has distinct advantage in lessening damage to these pulleys and also contains the pulleys within the legal width of the truck which is regulated frequently by state law . pennsylvania state law requires the truck width to be no more than 96 inches . the forward and rearward movement of the tarpaulin 28 over the top of the truck bed 12 is controlled by a hand crank device 64 ( fig2 , 5 and 6 ), and is mounted upon the forward position of front wall 18 by means of mounting bracket 66 . a crank shaft 68 extends through two bearings 70 which are attached to mounting bracket 66 . a chain sprocket 72 is positioned on crank shaft 68 between bearings 70 . removable hand crank 74 has a hollow tube portion 75 attached which slides easily over the end portion of crank shaft 68 . notches 77 in the end of tube portion 75 engage a permanent shaft pin 76 which extends outwardly from crank shaft 68 . thus the hand crank can be inserted on crank shaft 68 to engage shaft pin 76 and turn the crank shaft 68 . upon completion of use , the hand crank 74 is completely removed so as not to protrude laterally from the side of the truck 10 . as shown in fig2 and 6 , a looped chain 78 extends about the chain sprocket 72 and about an axle sprocket 80 positioned on short shaft 44 . as may be seen , when the hand crank 74 rotates chain sprocket 72 , chain 78 will rotate axle sprocket 80 and hollow shaft 40 . cables 58 will then cause rear slat 60 to extend or retract the tarpaulin 28 . alternatively , an electric motor 82 may be substituted for hand crank device 64 ( fig1 ). electric motor 82 is of a reversible type which may be activated by motor switches ( not shown ) to extend or retract the tarpaulin 28 as did the hand crank device 64 . electric motor 82 has a motor sprocket 84 and motor chain 86 connected to an auxiliary sprocket 88 upon crank shaft 68 . in operation either hand crank 74 or electric motor 82 may be used to rotate crank shaft 68 which in turn rotates shaft 40 . shaft 40 then rotates forward pulleys 38 which cause cables 58 to extend or retract attached rear slat 60 . rear slat 60 extends or retracts the tarpaulin 28 to cover or uncover the truck bed 12 . it should be noted that the upper sides of truck bed 12 are completely covered by the tarpaulin 28 extending over l - shaped lateral tarpaulin supports 32 . likewise the truck bed 12 is completely covered and sealed or shielded by tarpaulin 28 at the front portion of the truck by the attachment of the tarpaulin 28 to the cab shield 20 . the rear of the truck is likewise sealed or shielded and covered by stationary tarpaulin 35 which seals or shields the truck bed 12 in the rear portion . the truck bed 12 is thus completely sealed or shielded from the outside when the tarpaulin 28 has been extended completely over the truck bed 12 . no other known similar invention accomplishes this total sealing or shielding . total covering and sealing or shielding is important in covering such truck loads as asphalt or other volatile mixtures as well as sand , gravel and the like . some states ( pennsylvania ) require that the truck bed of asphalt containing trucks be completely covered and sealed or shielded from the outer atmosphere . truck bed sealing or shielding devices which do not create this total seal or shield may not legally operate in such states . further , the present invention is contained solely within the lateral limits of the truck bed 12 . no protruding devices extend laterally from the truck 10 , hence the legal width of the truck is not compromised nor are extending parts damaged . in operation hollow tube 75 of removable hand crank 74 is placed over crank shaft 68 allowing notches 77 to engage shaft pin 76 . assuming that the truck cover is in the open position , removable hand crank 74 is turned , turning shaft 68 and attached chain sprocket 72 , turning chain 78 which rotates short shaft 44 , hollow shaft 40 and forward pulleys 38 . attached cable 58 then moves pulling rear slat 60 and attached tarpaulin 28 toward the rear of the truck bed 12 . rear slat 60 and attached tarpaulin 28 pass over stationary tarpaulin cover 35 and abut rear pulleys 50 thus sealing or shielding the rear of bed 12 . l - shaped lateral tarpaulin supports 32 and attached tarpaulin 28 extend downwardly over the outer side walls 14 completely covering and sealing or shielding the interior of bed 12 from the outside . reversing the direction of the removable hand crank 74 will cause cable 58 to pull rear slat 60 and attached tarpaulin 28 toward the front wall 18 , thus exposing the interior of bed 12 . although the invention has been applied specifically to truck beds , it is contemplated that it may be used to cover other enclosures as well , such as bins , cans or containers , or used as roof covering for buildings , trailers or the like . the device has been described with certain specificity . it is understood , however , that numerous modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention . referring now to fig1 a and 14 which illustrate a partial view in perspective of a side enclosing feature of the invention , there is shown tarpaulin 28 held against the interior surface of supports 32 by bolts 34 , and held close to the side wall support members 24 of the truck by lateral tarpaulin supports 32 . the ends of slats 26 extend only minimally beyond the outer edges of the truck side wall lateral support members 24 to create an operating clearance or gap 90 between the side portions of tarpaulin 28 , together with lateral tarpaulin supports 32 , and the truck side wall lateral support members 24 such that tarpaulin 28 may be easily extended or retracted over the truck bed 12 without a binding problem , that is , without the tarpaulin 28 becoming jammed as it is extended or retracted over the truck bed 12 . preferably , gap 90 is approximately one - half inch . as shown in fig1 , since the bolt head of each bolt 34 is countersunk into the corresponding lateral tarpaulin support 32 , the bolt head does not extend inwardly towards the truck side wall lateral support members 24 to an extent that it interferes with extension or retraction of the tarpaulin 28 over the truck bed 12 . since gap 90 is very small , the flow of air into or from the truck bed 12 through gap 90 is correspondingly small . accordingly , the sides of truck bed 12 are substantially enclosed or covered thereby limiting the passage of air into or from truck bed 12 . accordingly , when tarpaulin 28 is in a fully extended position , the truck bed 12 is substantially completely enclosed , and the contents of the truck bed are shielded from the atmosphere outside the truck bed . referring now to fig1 and 16 , there is shown a tarpaulin support apparatus 101 for supporting tarpaulin 28 over truck bed 12 . a plurality of tarpaulin support apparatuses 101 may be used in place of slats 26 . tarpaulin support apparatus 101 comprises a slat 103 , slat support platforms 105 and 107 mounted on slat 103 , and a lateral tarpaulin support 109 mounted on the end of each slat 103 over the tarpaulin 28 and extending downwardly over and adjacent to the side walls 14 of the truck 10 for holding the side portions 111 of the tarpaulin 28 close to the side walls 14 of the truck 10 . slat 103 , which is preferably made of one - inch square hollow metal tubing , has a central portion 113 that extends between the side walls 14 of truck 10 . a first end portion 115 of slat 103 extends from one end of the central portion 113 downwardly over and adjacent to one of the truck side walls 14 , and a second end portion 117 of slat 103 extends from the other end of the central portion 113 downwardly over and adjacent to the other truck side wall 14 . slat support platforms 105 and 107 provide means for supporting slat 103 on the top of side walls 14 of the truck 10 . each of slat support platforms 105 and 107 comprises three six - inch long , one - inch square hollow metal tubings 119 welded together . slat support 105 is welded to the slat first end portion 115 and slat support platform 107 is welded to the second slat end portion 117 . slat support platforms 105 and 107 have a bottom portion 121 that is adapted to rest on and to slide on the top of truck side walls 14 . each slat support platform 105 and 107 is provided with a pair of bores 123 that extend through slat support platforms 105 , 107 , and that are adapted to receive operating cables 125 . bores 123 are provided with a hollow sleeve insert or nipple 127 which receives the frictional forces provided from cables 125 , 126 . preferably , the sleeve inserts 127 are made from metal such as a copper and brass composite . the lateral tarpaulin supports 109 act as a means for holding the tarpaulin 28 on the slats 103 . tarpaulin 28 is held in place by being sandwiched between a lateral tarpaulin support 109 and a slat 103 , the lateral tarpaulin support 109 and slat 103 being secured together by a plurality of self - drilling screws 129 . lateral tarpaulin supports 109 also act as side holding means for holding the tarpaulin side portions close to the side walls of the truck and for minimizing the space between the tarpaulin side portions and the side walls of the truck to limit the passage of air into and from the truck bed via the space between the tarpaulin side portions and the side walls of the truck while permitting the tarpaulin to be extended and retracted freely over the truck bed . as shown in fig1 , a bolt , with a corresponding nut and washer , is used to secure the lower side portion of tarpaulin 28 between lateral tarpaulin support 109 and slat 103 . however , a self - drilling screw 129 may also be used in its place . preferably , slat 103 , slat support platforms 105 and 107 , and lateral tarpaulin supports 109 are made of aluminum or steel . preferably , slat first and slat second end portions 115 and 117 , and the corresponding lateral tarpaulin supports 109 , extend approximately six inches below slat support platforms 105 , 107 and twelve inches above slat support platforms 105 , 107 . the slat central portion 113 is preferably bow - shaped . accordingly , under this configuration , the truck bed is provided with approximately an additional foot in height of storage space above the side walls 14 of truck 10 . the actual dimensions , however , may be varied to obtain the desired storage dimensions . in operation , the slats 103 , together with tarpaulin 28 attached thereto , are extended and retracted over the truck bed 12 using substantially the same operating mechanisms previously described . however , under this embodiment , cable 125 extends twice through slat support platform 105 , and operating cable 126 extends twice through slat support platform 107 and , except for the rear slat 103 , in a sliding relationship . rear slat 103 , as shown in fig1 , has the end portions of cables 125 , 126 secured to it with the use of a lock washer and nut 130 screwed onto the ends of the cables which are provided with threaded rods . referring to fig1 , a one - inch wide , three - eighths - inch thick plastic strip 131 , such as one made of polyethylene , is mounted on the top of each side wall 14 of the truck 10 . a hole 133 is counterdrilled every seven inches in the top of the truck side walls 14 , and the plastic strip 131 is secured to the top of the truck side walls 14 by pan - head metal screws 135 screwed into the holes 133 . this strip 131 reduces the frictional forces between the slats and the top of the truck side walls as the tarpaulin is extended and retracted over the truck bed . | 1 |
fig1 - 10 concern an inventive transmission mechanism for connecting the reciprocating piston or pistons of an internal combustion engine to a rotating driveshaft , such that the piston or pistons are effected with a true straightline movement along the longitudinal axis of its respective cylinder . in other words , no force component angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder is applied to the piston . these figures illustrate the inventive transmission mechanism in the application with an internal combustion engine ; however , it will be understood that the invention can also have application to other reciprocating piston machines , such as a compressor or a pump . furthermore , the internal combustion engine can be made to run as an otto cycle , diesel cycle , or dual cycle in manners known in the art . since the charging , firing , and exhaust mechanisms for the internal combustion engines illustrated may be of conventional , known type , a detailed description of these features is not necessary . fig1 - 4 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention . with reference to these figures , an internal combustion engine 10 is provided with a vertically directed cylinder casing 11 defining a cylinder chamber space 12 by virtue of top and sidewall portions . the cylinder 11 is disposed on a crankcase 13 defining an open interior volume which communicates with the cylinder chamber 12 . the engine 10 is of a diesel type , such that the cylinder is provided with pressurized air port means 14 and exhaust gas discharge port means 15 . a diesel fuel inlet port means 16 extends through the top surface of the cylinder 11 . a piston head 17 is disposed for reciprocation within the cylinder chamber 12 to define a variable volume working space between the upper surface of the piston 17 and the top surface of the cylinder 11 . in accordance with the invention , the piston 17 is moved back and forth within the cylinder chamber 12 in true straightline motion , that is , by application of a driving force directly and solely applied at the piston along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder chamber 12 . rigidly connected to the undersurface of the piston 17 is a translator element 18 disposed in a longitudinal plane defined by the cylinder chamber 12 . the translator element 18 is formed with a vertically directed neck portion 19 connected at its upper end with the piston 17 and formed at its lower end with a relatively enlarged base portion 20 which is disposed within the interior volume of the crankcase 13 . a pair of cam means 21 in the form of discs journaled for rotation in the translator element base 20 are disposed on opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the cylinder chamber 12 , each equadistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis . these discs are adapted for eccentric rotation in relatively opposite directions within the corresponding journal spaces of the translator base 20 to provide the back and forth straightline movement of the translator element 18 . with reference to fig2 - 3 , the arrangement for bringing about the opposite sense rotation of the discs 21 will be described . a rotatable driveshaft 22 is supported within the crankcase 13 and formed with a drive gear 23 disposed coaxially between a pair of parallel extending drive transmission trains 24 , each respectively coinciding with a corresponding one of the rotatable discs 21 . each of the drive transmission trains 24 is identically constructed , such that one need only be described . a rotatable pick - up gear 25 keyed for rotation on a shaft 26 is drivingly engaged with the driveshaft gear 23 on one side thereof . the shaft 26 rotates a wheel 27 having an eccentric arm 28 extending linearly outward adjacent an edge of the wheel 27 in a direction which perpendicularly intersects with the longitudinal plane in which the translator element 18 is disposed . the eccentric arm 28 extends through the translator base 20 in a journaled opening disposed through and eccentrically of the corresponding rotatable disc 21 . the eccentric arm 28 extends through the translator element 18 for eccentric connection with a rotatable wheel 29 having a diameter equal to that of the wheel 27 and disposed for rotation on the opposite side of the translator element 18 about a common linear axis of rotation with that of the wheel 27 . the bearing journal supports for the wheels 27 and 29 can be brought relatively close to the cylinder linear axis due to the controlled straightline movement of the translator element 18 , such that the engine transmission mechanism does not require excess structure or interior spacing and can handle relatively higher pressure loads due to reduced moment arm lengths . the wheel 29 is formed with a further linearly extending stub shaft 30 rotatable about the axis of the wheel 29 and formed with a relatively enlarged balance gear 31 . the balance gears 31 of the drive transmission trains 24 directly intermesh with one another , as shown in fig3 to coincide the rotational movement of the drive trains 24 with one another . it will be noted that the eccentric arm 28 and its opposed end wheel connections 27 and 29 may be in the form of a conventional crankarm assembly eliminating the need for the large journal supports for the wheels 27 and 29 by instead rotatably supporting the shaft portions 26 and 30 . however , this crankarm arrangement does not afford the higher strength support features resulting from the version shown in fig1 - 3 . by virtue of this arrangement , the drive trains 24 rotate with the same relative movement , but in opposite directions of one another . as a result of this contra or mirror image rotation of the drive trains 24 , the engine 10 is in complete balance . the movement of the eccentric arm 28 causes rotation of the corresponding disc 21 within its journaled space in the translator element base 20 , such that the translator element 18 is effected with back and forth movement directed solely along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder chamber 12 and this movement is imparted to the piston 17 . for bringing about this movement , the portions 25 - 28 of each drive train 24 serves as a crankshaft means disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the cylinder chamber 12 and equadistantly spaced from that longitudinal axis . because of the straightline motion imparted to the piston 17 , sidewall pressure by the piston 17 on the chamber sidewalls of the cylinder 11 is eliminated , which reduces debilitating friction and preserves the cylinder wall oil film . much greater compression ratios are achievable with any power input by the driveshaft 22 , since combustion pressure is distributed on two crankshaft means , instead of one as is conventional , and due to the elimination of cylinder sidewall friction . the relative eccentricity of the eccentric arm 28 relative to the linear axis of the disc 21 may be varied in order to tailor the timing of the piston stroke . accordingly , as shown in fig5 the designer is able to adjust the angle θ of crankshaft means rotation during which the piston will remain at top dead center . as shown in the drawings , this angle is set to preferably be about 40 degrees of the full circle of crankshaft means rotation . this inventive arrangement boosts the horsepower and efficiency of the engine 10 , since a higher compression is achieved in the cylinder . the compression stage is enhanced by a longer period of dwell time afforded the piston at top dead center by virtue of the eccentric rotation of the cam discs 21 as shown in fig1 . correspondingly , the position of the eccentric arms in the cam discs 21 could be adjusted by 180 ° as shown in fig1 for the top dead center stage of piston movement to construct an inventive crankshaft means which affords enhanced dwell time for the piston at bottom dead center , such as to permit more time for cylinder evacuation of exhaust gases in contrast to an enhanced compression stage . due to the use of eccentrically rotated discs in this embodiment , much shorter piston strokes can be utilized to achieve greater rpm without increasing piston speed . the higher achievable compression renders an internal combustion engine adapted with the inventive arrangement to run with virtually any fuel , such as liquid , powder , or gas , that can be injected to burn completely at top dead center , since the higher achievable compressions also raise the working space temperature to significantly higher levels . this would also make possible use of the inventively adapted engine to run on a hydrogen - oxygen reaction . since the drive trains 24 of both crankshaft means are geared together by the balance gears 31 , an idler gear 32 , as shown in fig4 is disposed between the pick - up gear 25 of one drive train 24 and the drive gear 23 to enable relative contra - rotation of the drive trains 24 . an additional power take - off may be taken from either crankshaft means since both drive trains 24 are co - balanced and co - rotating . the arrangement of the first embodiment may be used to operate a single piston as shown or operate a pair of opposed pistons connected with the translator element 18 . fig6 - 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention in which the internal combustion engine 10 is provided with a pair of opposed cylinders 11 in which a pair of oppositely acting pistons 17 respectively reciprocate . the construction of the engine 10 and translator element 18 is similar to that of the first embodiment , such that like reference numerals are used and repeated features will not again be described . this second embodiment of the invention utilizes a modified drive train crankshaft means for effecting the true straightline motion of the translator element 18 along the longitudinal axes of the cylinder spaces 12 contained in the directly opposed cylinders 11 . as in the case of the first embodiment , a pair of oppositely rotatable crankshaft means are disposed on opposed sides of the longitudinal axes of the opposed cylinder spaces 12 . since the construction of each crankshaft is identical , only one will be described with reference to fig7 . the modified drive train labeled 24 &# 39 ; commences with the pick - up gear 25 in the manner of the first embodiment . the pick - up gear 25 is keyed for rotation on a linearly directed shaft 36 which rotates a crankshaft piece 37 having a linearly directed crosspiece offset from the axis of rotation of the shaft 36 and extending through the plane of the translator element 18 . the base 20 of the translator element 18 is formed with a circular hollow space 39 in which the crankshaft crosspiece 38 is rotated . here , a pair of connecting rods 40 are disposed on opposed sides of the translator element base 20 , journaled for rotation at their lower ends about the axis of the crosspiece 38 and journaled for rotation at their upper ends on a common pin 41 journaled linearly through the translator base wall 20 . while an opposed pair of connecting rods 40 are illustrated associated with each crankshaft piece , it will be understood that a single rod 40 may be used or that a u - shaped piece having its base end journaled on the crosspiece 38 and its arms journaled at opposed ends of the pin 41 may be used instead of two separate rods . the crankshaft piece 37 operates in the manner of the eccentric arm 28 described above and the connecting rod assembly 40 , 41 serves as the cam means in place of the eccentrically rotated discs 21 described above . the crankshaft 37 is connected for rotation at its end opposite the shaft 36 with a further shaft 42 disposed for rotation about the same axis of rotation as the shaft 36 and having a diameter identical to the shaft 36 . the shaft 42 serves to rotate the balance gear 31 . as in the manner of the first embodiment , portions 25 and 36 - 41 of the drive train 24 &# 39 ; serve as a crankshaft means by which rotational movement of the driveshaft 22 is imparted as solely linear back and forth motion to the translator element 18 and the pistons 17 in true straightline fashion along the longitudinal axis of the directly opposed cylinder chambers 12 . the features and advantage of the first embodiment also apply to this second embodiment . however , to vary the timing in the piston operation , the designer adjusts the position at which the connecting rod pin 41 is disposed through the translator base 20 relative to the longitudinal axis of the opposed cylinder chambers 12 and along an imaginary horizontal line sl perpendicular to the cylinder axis . as in the case of the first embodiment , the crankshaft means of the drive train pairs 24 &# 39 ; are oppositely rotating and disposed on opposed sides of the cylinder chamber longitudinal axis , equadistantly spaced from that longitudinal axis . the location of the pins 41 are set to be equadistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder chambers 12 along the line sl ; however , that distance may be selected as necessary to be closer to or further from the longitudinal axis , as shown in fig8 and 9 , in order to vary the portion of angle of rotation of the crankshaft means circle at which the piston 17 remains at top dead center in its cylinder 11 . fig1 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention similar to that of the second embodiment , except that the connecting rod and pin cam means 40 , 41 are replaced by a pair of slider elements 45 , each journaled about the eccentric arm crankshaft crosspiece 38 of a respective one of the pair of drive train crankshaft means . each slider element 45 is disposed for lateral movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder chambers 12 within a laterally directed track space 46 formed in the base portion 20 of the translator element 18 . the crankshaft means in this embodiment are likewise oppositely rotating and disposed on opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the opposed cylinder chambers 12 . this transmission arrangement also causes the translator element 18 and the pistons 17 to be imparted with back and forth movement in a true straightline motion along the longitudinal axis of the opposed cylinder chambers 12 , affording the above - described advantages in operation of the engine 10 . fig1 - 13 are directed to an inventive system for removing a piston head from an engine cylinder for maintenance purposes . this system is especially practical for pistons operated in straightline motion since it is necessary that the fastening devices associated with the piston head be accessible and removable in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder . in accordance with this piston removal invention , a cylinder 50 defines a cylinder chamber 51 in which a piston 52 is disposed on the free end of a translator mechanism 53 for imparting back and forth reciprocal motion to the piston in the cylinder , preferably in a straightline fashion along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder . the piston 52 is formed with a central recess 54 defined by serrated longitudinal sidewalls extending inward from the upper surface of the piston . extending longitudinally through the piston from the bottom of the recess 54 is a threaded bore 55 communicating at its open lower end with a connector portion of the translator mechanism 53 . the connector portion of the translator 53 has a threaded bore 56 aligned with the longitudinal axis of the piston bore 55 , such that a bolt 57 can be easily passed through the piston threaded bore 55 into engagement with the translator threaded passage 56 . the enlarged head of the bolt 57 presses against the bottom wall of the piston recess 54 upon tightening of the bolt 57 so as to removably fasten the piston 52 to the translator 53 . in order to permit removal of the piston out of the cylinder , the head plate of the cylinder 58 is made removable along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder . the normal cylinder head plate 58 is replaced by a special mounting plate 59 , which may be fastened by bolts across the top of the cylinder 50 as shown in fig1 - 12 . the mounting plate 59 is formed with a centrally disposed longitudinally extending passage defined by a sidewall 60 formed with exterior serrations for lockingly engaging the piston recess sidewall serrations to hold the piston 52 against twisting in the cylinder chamber . at this step of the piston removal operation , the piston 52 is preferably disposed at its top dead center position in the cylinder . a wrench 61 , such as a socket wrench , is passed longitudinally through the top of the cylinder 50 and through the interior of the mounting plate passage to engage with the head of the bolt 57 . the wrench may then be rotated to remove the bolt 57 from the translator passage 56 and thus free the piston 52 from attachment with the translator 53 . it will be noted that the diameter of the piston threaded bore 55 is substantially greater than the diameter of the threaded portion of the bolt 57 , such that the bolt shank can be easily passed through the piston bore for engagement with the translator threaded passage 56 and also to prevent deformation of the threads in the piston bore 55 which are used to permit the piston to be lifted out of the cylinder . as shown in fig1 , the mounting plate 59 is removed from attachment to the top of the cylinder 50 after the bolt connection 57 has been removed . at this point , with the piston 52 seated freely on the connection portion of the translator mechanism 53 , a special screw element tool 62 having a ring - shaped upper end 63 to permit manual turning and a downwardly extending screw threaded shank 64 , is applied to the piston 52 to access the piston out of the cylinder . the threaded shank 64 of the tool 62 is specially sized to permit mating engagement with the threaded bore 55 . the shank 64 is screwed into the piston bore 55 , such that the shank passes through the bore 55 to engage the upper surface of the translator 53 . at this point , the operator is aware that the tool shank 64 has fully engaged the threaded bore 55 of the piston . then , the operator simply lifts the tool upper end at the ring 63 in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder such that the piston is drawn out of the cylinder , permitting maintenance or replacement of the piston , as well as visual inspection of the cylinder interior . although various minor modifications may be suggested by those versed in the art , it should be understood that i wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art . | 5 |
this invention will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings . in one embodiment of the present invention , when a user specifies a desired scene while viewing a television program on a television receiver , the user can get the content associated with the specified scene on the internet by means of an information apparatus separate from this television receiver . the following describes the concept of the present invention with reference to fig1 a and 1b . for example , as shown in fig1 a , a television receiver 1 displays a scene 2 of which information is needed by a user . when the user issues a command to the television receiver 1 so as to clip this scene , this command is transmitted to a center which provides the services associated with the present invention . in response , the center searches its database for the contents on the internet associated with the content specified for clipping and gets the information such as uri ( universal resource identifier ) for example . the obtained information is transmitted , by use of an electronic mail on the internet for example , to the user from whom the above - mentioned command was transmitted . receiving the electronic mail by an information apparatus such as a personal computer for example , which is separate from the television receiver 1 , the user can browse the necessary information on the screen of the personal computer as shown in fig1 b . in the above - mentioned example in which information is requested about a sports program , the player &# 39 ; s name , an image 2 ′ of the clipped scene 2 , and the uri at which the associated information can be browsed are transmitted from the center to the user in response to the clipping command issued by the user . receiving these pieces of information , the user can get the necessary information by accessing the internet on the basis of the uri . also , the user can search web sites browsed on the basis of the uri for further associated information . thus configured , the above - mentioned system according to the invention allows the user to get the associated information with the viewing of television broadcasting not interrupted , and at the same time , get the information which is uniquely useful for the user . referring to fig2 there is shown a schematic diagram illustrating the system according to the invention . a television receiver 10 , a personal computer 21 , and a mobile information terminal ( pda ) 22 are items on the side of an audience 14 . a television station 17 transmits digital television signals through broadcasting facilities 16 . these digital television signals are transmitted to the television receiver 10 on the side of audience 14 through a broadcasting satellite 15 to be received by a broadcasting satellite antenna 12 . in the above , the broadcasting from the television station 17 is the satellite broadcasting in which television signals are transmitted from the television station 17 to the broadcasting satellite 15 . the present invention , however , is not restricted thereto . for example , the system according to the invention may execute the digital ground wave broadcasting in which the television station 17 transmits digital television signals by use of ground waves . in this case , television station 17 transmits digital television signals based on ground waves through a ground - wave broadcasting facilities 16 ′. these digital television signals are received at a ground - wave antenna 12 ′ of the television receiver 10 on the side of the audience 14 . likewise , in the above , the broadcasting from the television station 17 is bs ( broadcasting satellite ) broadcasting to be executed through the broadcasting satellite 15 . the present invention , however , is not restricted thereto . for example , the present invention is also applicable to cs ( communication satellite ) broadcasting which uses a general - purpose communication satellite . further , the present invention is applicable to catv ( cable television ) which transmits television signals in a wired manner by use of optical cables for example . the television receiver 10 has an stb ( set - top box )/ ird ( integrated receiver decoder ) 11 in a connected or installed manner for receiving digital television signals . the ird also functions as a socket for the digital data multiplexed with the information associated with programs and audience in addition to video and audio data and personal computer data for example , being capable of executing complex and various kinds of processing operations . also , the ird has a modem for example in an installed or connected manner for the communication with the outside of this system . in the example shown in fig2 the stb / ird 11 and the television station 17 are interconnected via a telephone line 18 for transmitting data from the audience 14 to the television station 17 via the telephone line 18 . a remote control commander ( hereinafter , referred to as remote controller ) 13 transmits a time id indicative of a time at which the user has performed a predetermined operation to the stb / ird 11 by use of an infrared signal for example . for example , while viewing a program broadcast by the television station 17 on the television receiver 10 by selecting that program by the stb / ird 11 , if the audience 14 determines that necessary information is included in that program , then the audience 14 performs a corresponding predetermined operation on the remote controller 13 . the time id indicative of the time at which the remote controller 13 has been operated is transmitted to the stb / ird 11 . for the time id , a relative time from a program start time is used . in addition , the information indicative of an absolute time in one day may also be used as the time id . in the above description , the time id is transmitted from the remote controller 13 . the present invention , however , is not restricted thereto . for example , only a trigger signal corresponding to a predetermined operation may be transmitted from the remote controller 13 and the stb / ird 11 which received this trigger signal may generate the time id . the time id transmitted from the remote controller 13 is received by the stb / ird 11 . in the stb / ird 11 , a user id unique to each device is registered in advance and stored in a memory for example thereof . in the case of the stb which receives digital bs signal , a cas card is installed , so that it may be used as a user id . the time id received by the stb / ird 11 is transmitted along with this user id to a host computer , not shown , installed in the television station 17 via the telephone line 18 for example . the host computer has a database 19 . the database stores at least a program database and a content database and , in the example shown in fig2 an audience database . for the program database , a relationship between the content of programs broadcast by television station 17 and the information held in the content database to be described later , is stored for each program , in association with the broadcast elapsed time of each program . for the content database , the content used in each program broadcast by the television station 17 and the location ( uri ) on the internet of information associated with the content are stored . for the audience database , the electronic mail addresses of the audience 14 corresponding to the above - mentioned user ids are stored . it should be noted that the specific examples of the database 19 will be described later . in the television station 17 , the host computer searches the program database on the basis of the time id to check which content was broadcast at the time indicated by the time id . on the basis of a result of this search operation , the content database is searched to check the uri indicative of the location on the internet of the content concerned and the information associated with that content . further , on the basis of the user id , the host computer searches the audience database for the electronic mail address of the user corresponding to that user id . then , an electronic mail message written with the uri obtained as a result of the content database search operation is transmitted to the internet 20 at the electronic mail address obtained as a result of the audience database search operation . the transmitted electronic mail message is received by the information apparatus of the audience 14 , the personal computer 21 for example , via the internet 20 . on the basis of the received electronic mail message , the audience 14 can acquire or browse the content existing on the internet associated with the information determined necessary during the viewing of a television broadcasting on the television receiver 10 . [ 0102 ] fig3 illustrates one example of an electronic mail message 40 to be transmitted to the audience 14 . as shown in fig3 the electronic mail message 40 contains the name of a program viewed by the audience 14 and the location ( uri ) on the internet of the information associated with the content of a clipping made in accordance with the operation through the remote controller 13 . many software programs ( called mailers ) for transferring the electronic mail message 40 have capabilities of accessing the uri by performing a predetermined operation on the description of the uri with a pointing device like a mouse . by use of these mailer capabilities , the audience 14 can obtain the necessary information from the internet 20 . it should be noted that , if an electronic mail message is received by the mobile information terminal 22 , the content may be downloaded into the mobile information terminal 22 on the basis of the uri described in the electronic mail message to allow the user to carry the mobile information terminal 22 outdoors to browse the downloaded content . fig4 illustrates an example in which content is displayed on the mobile information terminal 22 . in this example , the map information indicative of the location of a restaurant called “ katsudon ooo ” introduced by a program is the content . a display section 30 of the mobile information terminal 22 shows a map indicative of the location of the restaurant “ katsudon ooo ” which is the downloaded content . carrying this mobile information terminal 22 , the audience 14 can actually find this restaurant by referencing the map shown on the display section 30 . [ 0104 ] fig5 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the database 19 described above . as shown in fig5 a by way of example , in a program database 51 , one record has items “ time id ,” “ still picture ,” “ music id ,” and “ other content .” item “ time id ” is set in a relatively short unit such as one second for example . the time unit is not restricted to one second ; for example , several seconds to ten - odd seconds or several tens of seconds if the realtime nature is maintained after the time divided by a time unit is reconfigured . item “ time id ” is represented in a relative time from the program start time . for item “ still picture ,” still picture data obtained by clipping the video broadcast at the time indicated by item “ time id ” is stored . actually , each piece of still picture data is attached with a unique id and managed by the program database 51 in which the still image id , the file name or uri of the still image data corresponding to the still image id , and other attribute information are stored , as with a content database 52 to be described later . in the program database 51 , the still picture id is stored in item “ still picture ,” so that the still picture data corresponding to the still image id can be referenced via a database like the content database 52 . the present invention is not restricted to the above configuration . for example , a pointer such as the file name or uri of still picture which points the storage location of still picture data may be stored in item “ still picture .” item “ music id ” stores the music id indicative of the music broadcast at the time indicated by item “ time id .” like the above - mentioned still picture id , the music id is related to the information about the storage location of the corresponding music data and other attribute information . like the above - mentioned item “ still picture ,” storing the music id into item “ music id ” allows the reference of the music data corresponding to the music id via the content database 52 to be described later . item “ other content ” stores a pointer , a uri for example , which points the location of the content other than the above - mentioned still picture and music , among the content broadcast at the time indicated by item “ time id .” the content which is stored in item “ other content ” may include the product and store information , the text information such as news and cooking recipes , and the numeric information such as financial information , for example , broadcast at the time indicated by the time id . this content may also include the detail information of contents broadcast in commercials , television personality information , and map information . as with the above - mentioned still picture data and music data , item “ other content ” may be attached with a unique id to reference other databases . [ 0109 ] fig5 b illustrates an exemplary configuration of the above - mentioned content database 52 . the content database 52 shown in fig5 b stores the information about music data . in the content database 52 , each record is formed by item “ music id ,” item “ music data ,” item “ author ,” and item “ meta data .” item “ music id ” is a unique id for identifying each piece of music data . item “ music data ” describes the location at which music data are stored . for example , the file name of music data and the uri indicative of the location of music data are stored in item “ music data .” item “ author ” stores the information of the author of music data . item “ meta data ” stores the information associated with music data . for example , if a particular record indicates a part of music data , item “ meta data ” describes the start time and end time of the music data indicated by that record . as described above , still picture data and other content may also be stored in a database as with music data . in the example shown in fig5 b , music data are stored in the content database 52 , the present invention being not restricted thereto ; for example , data of various types , still picture data and other content for example , may be stored in the content database 52 together . [ 0112 ] fig5 c illustrates an exemplary configuration of an audience database 53 . in the audience database 53 shown in fig5 c , each record is formed by item “ audience id ,” item “ mail address ,” and item “ other information .” item “ audience id ” stores the above - mentioned user id . item “ mail address ” stores the mail address at which electronic mail can be transmitted to the audience 14 corresponding to the audience id . item “ other information ” stores the attribute information of the audience 14 corresponding to item “ audience id .” item “ other information ” may be further formed by many items . [ 0113 ] fig6 more specifically illustrates the system practiced as one embodiment of the invention . with reference to fig6 components similar to those previously described with reference to fig2 are denoted by the same reference numerals , and their descriptions will be skipped . when the necessary information is broadcast on the television broadcast received by the television receiver 10 , the audience 14 , not shown , transmits the time id by use of the remote controller 13 . the stb / ird 11 adds the user id to the transmitted time id and the resultant signal is transmitted to a broadcasting station call center 17 ′ of the television station 17 via a network 18 ′ which is a telephone line for example . the broadcasting station call center 17 ′ provides a socket for the information transmitted from the audience 14 . in this example in which the network 18 ′ is a telephone line , many modems are installed in the broadcasting station call center 17 ′ and the time ids and user ids transmitted from a plurality of audience 14 to a main phone number for example are separately received by these plural modems . the received time ids and user ids are once accumulated in an accumulating means , not shown , of the broadcasting station call center 17 ′. it should be noted that the configuration of the broadcasting station call center 17 ′ is not restricted to the above - mentioned configuration . for example , if the network 18 ′ is not a telephone line but the internet , the modem facilities are not required . in this case , too , the time id and user id transmitted from each audience 14 are once accumulated in the accumulating means of the broadcasting station call center 17 ′. the time ids and user ids accumulated in the accumulating means of the broadcasting station call center 17 ′ are read by a database server 50 in a predetermined manner . the database server 50 manages the above - mentioned program database 51 , content database 52 , and audience database 53 . in addition , the database server 50 controls the transfer of electronic mail in the present system in a mail server 54 to be described later . thus , the database server 50 plays the role of the central core of the present system . the programs necessary for operating this system are provided in such a recording medium to which the database server 50 corresponds in hardware as a cd - rom ( compact disc read only memory ) and installed on the database server 50 . alternatively , these programs may be installed on the database server 50 via a predetermined network . the database server 50 may be equivalent to a generally - used database server and the technologies supporting it are well known , so that their descriptions will be skipped . the database server 50 generates a search key in a predetermined manner based on the time id and user id read from the accumulating means of the broadcasting station call center 17 ′ and searches the program database 51 , the content database 52 , and audience database 53 by use of the generated search key . for example , the database server 50 searches the program database 51 and the content database 52 as described above to extract the uri of the content which was broadcast at the time indicated by the time id and the uri of the information associated with that content . in addition , on the basis of the user id , the database server 50 searches the audience database 53 to extract the mail address of the audience 14 who transmitted that time id and that user id . then , by use of the extracted mail address as the address , the database server 50 generates the electronic mail message 40 with the above - mentioned uri described . the electronic mail message 40 is transmitted by the mail server 54 to the audience 14 at the mail address via the network 20 ′. the mail server 54 may be equivalent to a mail server generally used on the internet and the technologies supporting it are well known , so that their descriptions will be skipped . the electronic mail message 40 is received by the audience 14 , not shown , at an information device such as the personal computer 21 or the mobile information terminal 22 . on the basis of the uri described in the received electronic mail message 40 , the audience 14 can access a web server 55 for example via a network 20 ″ to browse or download necessary information . downloadable content may be preferably placed in the web server 55 beforehand to save the processing time necessary for downloading . the web server 55 may be equivalent to such a web server generally used on the internet as apache for example and the technologies supporting it are well known , so that their descriptions will be skipped . it should be noted that , in the above , the network 20 ′ and the network 20 ″ are each the internet 20 for example . the present invention , however , is not restricted thereto ; for example , the network 20 ″ for accessing the web server 55 may be the internet 20 , while the network 20 ′ to which electronic mail is transmitted at the address of the audience 14 from the mail server 54 may be a network other than the internet 20 . in the above , the network 18 ′ is a telephone line , the present invention being not restricted thereto ; for example , the network 18 ′ may also be the internet 20 . it is more preferable for the television station 17 to make , when starting broadcasting , an announcement such as “ please have a memo close at hand ” for example in a program , thereby explicitly prompting the audience 14 for information clipping . this reduces the load of the audience 14 for the selecting job , making the embodiment more effective . further , charging the audience 14 by the television station 17 every time the audience 14 performs an information clipping operation allows the television station 17 to extract profits . the charge is about 10 yen per clipping operation , for example . moreover , compiling , by the television station 17 , the clip operations performed by the audience 14 allows the television station 17 to get the information usable in the production or organization of programs for example . the compiled data may also be used as a barometer for programs in place of the conventional audience appreciation rating . in the above , the audience 14 clips necessary information by viewing television broadcasting , the present invention being not restricted thereto . for example , clipping may be performed on radio broadcasting . the television broadcasting is not restricted to that via the broadcasting satellite 15 ; for example , the present invention is also applicable to the broadcasting based on satellite broadcasting and conventional ground - wave broadcasting . in addition , the present invention is also applicable to the ground - wave broadcasting based on the above - mentioned digital method . obviously , the present invention is applicable to the cable television broadcasting . moreover , in addition to the digital television broadcasting , the present invention is applicable to the analog television broadcasting . while the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described using specific terms , such description is for illustrative purposes only , and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims . | 7 |
reference will now be made in detail to the embodiment of the present invention . the embodiment is described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures . as shown in fig1 , the drum washing machine comprises a drum - type water tub 11 mounted in a machine body 10 to receive water , and a drum - type washing tub 12 rotatably mounted in the water tub 11 . the water tub 11 mounted in the machine body 11 is disposed at a predetermined angle ( a ) to the installation surface of the washing machine so that the front part of the water tub 11 , at which an inlet 11 a is formed , is higher than the rear part of the water tub 11 . similarly , the washing tub 12 mounted in the water tub 11 is disposed at the same angle as the water tub 11 so that the front part of the washing tub 12 , at which an inlet 12 a is formed , is higher than the rear part of the washing tub 12 . that is , the washing tub 12 is disposed so that the rotating center line a of the washing tub 12 is at the predetermined angle ( α ) to the installation surface of the washing machine while the front part of the washing tub 12 having the inlet 12 a formed thereat faces the front upper part of the washing machine . to the center of the rear part of the washing tub 12 is attached a rotary shaft 15 a , which is rotatably supported at the center of the rear part of the water tub 11 so that the washing tub 12 is rotated in the water tub 11 . at the circumferential part of the washing tub 12 are formed a plurality of through - holes 12 b , and to the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub 12 are attached a plurality of lifters 14 , by which the laundry is lifted and dropped when the washing tub 12 is rotated . at the rear of the water tub 11 is mounted a washing motor 15 to rotate the rotary shaft 15 a connected to the washing tub 12 . at the front part of the machine body 10 is formed an inlet 16 , through which the laundry is put into the washing tub 12 or removed from the washing tub 12 , corresponding to the inlet 12 a of the washing tub 12 and the inlet 11 a of the water tub 11 . the inlet 16 is closed by a door 17 hingedly attached to the front part of the machine body 10 . between the water tub 11 and the inlet 16 of the machine body is mounted a diaphragm 13 . above the water tub 11 are mounted a detergent supply device 18 to supply a detergent to the water tub 11 , a steam device 30 to supply steam to the water tub 11 , a water supply device 20 to supply water to the water tub 11 and the steam device 30 . under the water tub 11 are mounted a drainage device 19 , comprising a drain pipe 19 a , a drain valve 19 b and a drain motor 19 c , to drain water from the water tub 11 , and a lower heater 40 to heat water in the water tub 11 . the detergent supply device 18 has a detergent receiving space defined therein . the detergent supply device 18 is disposed at the front part of the machine body 10 so that a user can easily put detergent into the detergent supply device 18 . the steam device 30 comprises a steam generator 31 to generate steam and a steam supply device 32 to supply the generated steam to the water tub . the steam supply device 32 comprises a steam supply pipe 34 connected between the steam generator 31 and the water tub 11 , and a steam supply valve 33 mounted on the steam supply pipe 34 . in the steam generator 31 is mounted a heater ( not shown ) to heat water supplied into the steam generator 31 . the water supply device 20 comprises a first water supply pipe 21 to supply water to the water tub 11 , and a first water supply valve 22 mounted on the first water supply pipe 21 to control water supply through the first water supply pipe 21 . the first water supply pipe 21 is connected to the detergent supply device 18 so that water supplied from outside the washing machine is supplied to the detergent supply device 18 . between the detergent supply device 18 and the water tub 11 is mounted a connection pipe 23 to supply water passing through the detergent supply device 18 to the water tub 11 . in this way , water passes through the detergent supply device 18 and is then supplied to the water tub 11 . as a result , the detergent in the detergent supply device 18 is supplied to the water tub while being dissolved in the water . the water supply device 20 further comprises a second water supply pipe 24 to supply water to the steam generator 31 , and a second water supply valve 25 mounted on the second water supply pipe 24 to control supply of water to the steam generator 31 . as shown in fig2 , the drum washing machine further comprises : a water level detection unit 52 to detect a level of water supplied to the water tub ; a washing motor drive unit 53 to drive the washing motor 15 ; a lower heater drive unit 54 to drive the lower heater 40 ; a water supply valve drive unit 55 to drive the first and second water supply valves 22 and 25 ; a steam supply valve drive unit 56 to drive the steam supply valve 33 ; a drain valve drive unit 57 to drive the drain valve 19 b ; and a microcomputer 51 to control the respective devices of the drum washing machine . now , a method of cleaning the washing tub of the drum washing machine shown in fig1 and 2 will be described with reference to fig3 and 4 . when a user selects a washing tub cleaning process , the first water supply valve 22 is opened to initially supply a portion of washing tub cleaning water , the amount of which is predetermined , to the water tub 11 through the detergent supply device 18 ( step 60 ). when the water is initially supplied , it is preferable to control the amount of water to be supplied using a value detected by the water level detection unit 52 so that the water arrives at the lowest surface of the diaphragm 12 mounted at the inlet of the drum washing machine . a detergent or a disinfectant is put in the detergent supply device 18 so that water containing the detergent or the disinfectant dissolved therein is supplied to the water tub 11 . after the initial water supply is completed , the washing motor 15 is driven for a predetermined period of time ( for example , repetitively turned on for 10 seconds and then off for 5 seconds — see fig4 ) to rotate the washing tub 12 , and the steam generator 31 generates steam , which is supplied to the water tub 11 and the washing tub 12 through the steam supply pipe 34 ( step 62 ). as the steam is supplied to the water tub 11 and the washing tub 12 , the interior temperature of the water tub 11 is increased , since the temperature of the steam is high , for example , above approximately 70 ° c ., and therefore , the cleaning or disinfecting activity of the detergent or the disinfectant is activated . when the washing tub 12 is cleaned with only the initially supplied water , the washing motor 15 can be operated at a relatively high rotating speed . consequently , strong current of flow is generated by the washing motor 15 , and therefore , a cleaning force is increased . in the illustrated embodiment , the steam is supplied while the washing tub 12 is rotated after the water is initially supplied , although various other devices may be used to increase the interior temperature of the water tub 11 . for example , a drying device disclosed in korean unexamined patent publication no . 10 - 2004 - 0022828 may be used to supply hot air to the water tub and the washing tub to increase the interior temperature of the water tub . after the initial water supply and the first cleaning are completed , the first water supply valve 22 is reopened to further supply washing tub cleaning water to the water tub 11 ( step 64 ). while the water is heated by the lower heater 40 , the washing motor 15 is driven ( repetitively turned on for 10 seconds and then off for 5 seconds — see fig4 ) to rotate the washing tub 12 ( step 66 ). during the second cleaning , the washing tub is rotated while a great quantity of water is heated to clean the washing tub 12 and wash out various contaminants separated from the washing tub 12 during the first cleaning . after the supplementary water supply and the second cleaning are completed , rinsing and dewatering operations are performed ( step 68 ). in this way , the washing tub cleaning process is completed . as apparent from the above description , the interior temperature of the water tub is highly increased as steam or hot air is supplied to the water tub when the washing tub is cleaned , and therefore , the cleaning or disinfecting activity of the detergent or the disinfectant is activated . consequently , the present invention has the effect of cleaning and disinfection efficiency . also , the washing tub is cleaned only with a portion of the washing tub cleaning water during the first cleaning , and therefore , the rotating speed of the washing motor can be increased , which increases a mechanical force affecting the decontamination . consequently , the present invention has the effect of increasing a cleaning force . as the cleaning force is increased as described above , the washing tub is cleaned within a relatively short period of time . consequently , the present invention has the effect of reducing the time necessary to clean the washing tub . although an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described , it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in this embodiment without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention , the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents . | 3 |
fig2 is a schematic of a plated through hole at the initial stages of building a pcb stackup , according to certain embodiments . specifically , fig2 shows that a plated blind via of a desired aspect ratio that is greater than 8 : 1 can be made by first forming a sub - composite structure 209 that comprises conductive layers 204 and dielectric layers 206 . a blind via hole is then drilled through the sub - composite layer , extending from the top layer to the bottom layer 212 . bottom layer 212 will subsequently form the inner conductive layer of the pcb after one or more additional laminate structures , such as laminate 216 , is added to sub - composite structure 209 . the initial stages of building a pcb stackup in the context of making a high aspect plated through hole in the pcb is described in greater detail herein with reference to the flowchart of fig5 . fig3 is a schematic of a plated through hole that is filled with a conductive medium , according to certain embodiments . fig3 shows a sub - composite structure 309 comprising conductive layers 304 and dielectric layers 306 . a via hole 308 is drilled through the sub - composite structure 309 , extending from the surface of the sub - composite structure through the conductive layer 312 . the via hole 308 is plated with a conductive layer 310 , after which the via hole 308 is filled with a conductive medium 318 . after the via hole 308 is filled with a conductive medium 318 , one or more additional cores that make up the pcb , such as laminate 316 , is added to sub - composite structure 309 . the process of plating and filing the via hole 308 is described in greater detail herein with reference to the flowchart of fig5 . fig4 is a schematic that illustrates a drilled hole through a conductive medium filling a plated through hole in a pcb , according to certain embodiments . fig4 shows sub - composite structure 409 comprising conductive layers 404 , and dielectric layers 406 . fig4 also shows that a core 416 of the pcb has been added to the sub - composite structure at layer 412 after filing the previously plated hole 408 with a conductive medium 418 . after completing the manufacturing of the pcb and applying a layer of solder mask 420 to protect the pcb , the conductive medium 418 is drilled out to form a hole 426 . the process of drilling through the conductive medium is described in greater detail herein with reference to the flowchart of fig5 . fig5 is a flowchart that illustrates some high - level steps in making a plated through hole in a pcb , according to certain embodiments . the flowchart of fig5 is not limited to the making of one plated through hole in a pcb . the method described with reference to fig5 may apply to the making of one or more plated through holes in a pcb . at block 502 , a sub - composite structure comprising several layers , such as sub - composite structure 209 of fig2 , is made through normal pcb processes . the conductive layers can be copper foil layers or some other suitable conductive layer . the dielectric layers can be layers of prepreg material . at block 504 , a via hole of a desired aspect ratio is drilled through the sub - composite structure . for example , a via hole with an aspect ratio greater than 8 : 1 is drilled through the sub - composite 209 by indexing from the surface of the sub - composite structure and drilling down to the conductive layer 112 of fig2 to which the via hole is required to connect . at block 506 , the drilled holes are cleaned and desmeared . for example , a chemical process by which the coating of resin that is produced by the heat of drilling is removed from the drilled hole walls and edges of the drilled hole . additionally , metal burrs and other debris caused by the drilling can be removed and cleaned from the drilled hole . at block 508 , the drilled hole is catalyzed in preparation for deposition of an activation layer . as a non - limiting example , a thin coating of electroless copper is chemically deposited on the surface of the sub - composite structure and on the walls of the drilled hole . such an activation layer creates a metallic base for subsequent electroplating operations . at block 510 , an image of a desired circuit is deposited on the inner conductive layer , such as conductive layer 212 of fig2 . for example , the desired image can be deposited by applying a light sensitive film , using heat and pressure , to the inner conductive layer of the sub - composite structure . the light sensitive film is exposed and developed . since the drilled hole is to be plated , any film that is tenting the hole is developed off . areas that are not to be plated are protected by the hardened polymerized resist coat . at block 512 , a layer of conductive material is deposited on the exposed areas of the imaged inner conductive layer , the surface of the external conductive layer and walls of the drilled hole . for example , additional copper is electrically plated through an electroplating process onto the exposed electroless copper surfaces of the sub - composite structure including the walls of the drilled hole . at block 514 , a protective metal is deposited on the exposed electroplated areas of the sub - composite structure . for example , solder or tin - lead can be plated onto the copper plated surfaces . at block 516 , the resist coat described at block 510 is removed from the patterned inner layer of the sub - composite structure . for example , the plating resist can be chemically removed from the patterned inner layer . at block 518 , any unwanted base conductive material is etched away from the patterned inner layer at areas that are not protected by the solder or tin - lead protective layer . at block 520 , the protective metal layer ( solder or tin - lead ) is removed . for example , the solder or tin - lead is chemically stripped from all the surfaces . at block 536 , the plated via hole , such as hole 308 is filled with a conductive medium , such as conductive medium 318 of fig3 . as a non - limiting example , a conductive polymer compound that includes silver is deposited as a paste into the plated hole and then cured . the conductive polymer compound protects the plated through hole against chemical degradation during subsequent manufacturing processes for completing the pcb . further , the conductive polymer compound fills in any holes or thin spots in the plated copper layer on the walls the via hole . at block 538 , one or more additional cores that make up the pcb stackup , such as core 316 of fig3 is attached to layer 312 of the sub - composite structure 310 . at block 540 , normal pcb manufacturing steps are performed until after the process of depositing a layer of soldermask , such as layer 420 of fig4 , to the pcb . as a non - limiting example , a photo - sensitive liquid mask , such as probimer , is applied to the surfaces of the pcb . at block 542 , a hole , such as hole 426 of fig4 , is controlled drilled , by indexing for example , through the conductive medium , such as conductive medium 418 of fig4 , up to a desired depth . at block 544 , normal pcb manufacturing processes are followed , thereafter . as an alternate process , according to certain embodiments , after the process of block 508 , a conductive layer is deposited on all exposed surfaces of the sub - composite structure at block 522 . next at block 524 , an image of a desired circuit is deposited on the inner conductive layer , such as conductive layer 212 of fig2 . next , control is returned to previously described block 514 . the process as described with reference to fig5 results is the creation pf a blind via hole that can serve as a receptacle for a press fit connector pin as in a connector assembly . further , the process of fig5 allows blind via holes of a wide variety of aspect ratios to be created with accurate diameter size in order to accommodate many types of press fit connector pins . the accuracy in the diameter size of the blind vias provides improved retention force of the press fit connector pins . fig6 is a schematic that shows a plated through hole in a pcb with a connector pin . fig6 shows a pcb with soldermask layer 620 , conductive layers 604 , dielectric layers 606 and plated through hole 608 that connects conductive layer 603 with conductive layer 612 . fig6 also shows a connector pin 622 that is inserted into plated through hole 608 . fig7 is a schematic that shows a plurality of plated through holes in a pcb stackup . fig7 shows several plated through holes 708 in which are inserted corresponding connector pins 722 . fig7 also shows that the pcb stackup is connected to an electrical component 724 . in the foregoing specification , embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation . the specification and drawings are , accordingly , to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense . | 7 |
referring now to fig1 - 3c the fuse tube assembly of the present invention , generally indicated by the numeral 10 , is shown . it can be seen that the assembly 10 is of generally standard configuration having an elongated insulator 20 from which extend , at opposing ends , stationary contact members 22 , 24 . the insulator 20 may be supported by a bracket 26 or the like , or by any suitable means . an upper contact assembly 27 having stationary and moving parts , the stationay part including a latching means 28 which is attached to and extends from the upper stationary contact member 22 , the latching means 28 essentially a terminal adapted for removable engagement with the electrically conductive portion of the upper end 30 of the fuseholder 32 of the assembly 10 , the upper end comprising the movable portion of the upper contact assembly . the latching means 28 is spring loaded and fashioned for automatically disengaging the upper end of the fuseholder 32 when the fuse melts as is well known . any of several well known configurations may be used for this purpose , except as indicated below . lower stationary contact member 24 is attached to lower contact assembly 35 , which includes means for supporting the lower end of the fuseholder 32 of the assembly . as is customary , a double hinge support for the lower end of the fuseholder 32 is provided , which includes trunnions 48 , formed of electrically conducting material , for engaging spaced jaws 49 so that the fuseholder 32 is initially mounted with the trunnions 48 arranged in the jaws 49 and is then rotated about the trunnions 48 to cause the upper end of the fuseholder 32 to become engaged with the latching means 28 . thus , the fuseholder 32 of the assembly 10 is physically and electrically connected in parallel with insulator 20 via upper and lower contact assemblies 27 , 35 which assemblies include the corresponding components of the fuseholder 32 . the fuseholder 32 of the assembly 10 includes an elongated fusible link 38 contained within a fiberglass fuse barrel 37 . the function of the fusible link 38 in cutout assemblies is well known and does not form a part of the present invention . a sleeve 39 attached to the upper end of the fuse barrel 37 , also known as a ferrule , includes a pull ring 40 which attaches to and extends outwardly from the sleeve 39 to provide both a target and a cooperating means for the engagement of the functional end of a hook stick ( not shown ), the hook stick allowing a lineman to access the fusible link 38 by pulling down on the pull ring 40 with the hook stick to effectuate temporary removal of the fuseholder 32 from the cutout assembly 10 . it can be seen that the ring 40 includes a pair of cooperating arcuate protrusions 44 and 46 which allow for a more facile engagement of the hook stick with the pull ring 40 . another arcuate projection 47 , extending from the lower end of the fuseholder 32 allows for another tool to be employed for disengaging and removing the fuseholder 32 , as will be discussed in more detail later . when servicing fuse cutout assemblies there are two basic operations to be performed when replacing the fusible link 38 contained within the fuseholder 32 . the first is removal of the fuseholder 32 to gain access to the fusible link 38 , followed by replacement of the fuseholder 32 once a replacement fusible link 38 has been securely positioned . it can be appreciated that in order to ensure proper operation of the cutout assembly 10 , the fuseholder 32 must be properly positioned when replaced or it will fall from the assembly 10 with the attendant risks of injury as noted above . more particularly , great care must be taken to ensure that trunnions 48 , which form a part of the lower contact assembly 35 and extend from the lower end of the fuse portion 32 of the assembly , are properly seated in trunnion sockets 50 which essentially form a cradle within which the fuse portion is rotatably supported . accordingly , many modifications made to cutout assemblies concern means for ensuring that the fuse portion 32 is properly seated so that it may be rotated upwardly to engage the upper contact assembly 27 . in one aspect of the present invention , trunnions 48 are extended laterally with respect to the fuseholder 32 to provide a larger visual target for alignment purposes . this visual aid , in accordance with a preferred embodiment , is further enhanced by the addition of reflectors 52 positioned on and secured to the forward facing portion of the outer surface of the trunnions 48 . the reflectors 52 may be formed of a reflective material coated onto a flexible substrate having an adhesive on the opposing side as is well known . due to the configuration of the trunnions 48 , the reflectors are arranged in spaced relation so that the relative position and angle of the fuseholder 32 can be determined from a distance . of course , any type of reflective material may be placed onto the trunnions 48 including hard plastic reflectors . the reflective material is preferably red or yellow or some non - metallic color so as to be easily distinguished from other metallic components of the assembly 10 , but any highly reflective material may be used . as the reflective material is not electrically conductive , it must not cover the entire trunnion so as to interfere with the electrical connection of the lower contact assembly 35 . the trunnions 48 are axially extended so that they protrude laterally from the outer edges of jaws 49 and trunnion sockets 50 at least an inch when placed therein so that the reflectors 52 provide a sufficiently large visual target , but any extension visually discernible from about 20 feet would be within the spirit and scope of the invention . spring 51 coiled about shaft 53 connected between trunnions 58 is biased to urge the fuseholder 32 to the closed position as is well known . attached to the lower contact assembly 35 by a bolt or any convenient means is a slide member 60 which acts as a guide to “ funnel ” the lower end of the fuse portion 32 , including trunnions 48 into position for re - closure of the cutout assembly 10 . the slide member 60 may be formed of a single piece of hard plastic or other non - conducting material . the slide member 60 may be attached to the stationary portion of the lower contact assembly 35 with the front end 66 of the slide 60 immediately adjacent trunnion sockets 50 . has a right triangular side profile as can be seen in fig2 b , with an interior portion defined by a contoured inner surface 62 . the contoured surface 62 forms a channel 64 , and the slide member 60 is graduated from front 66 to rear 68 thereby forming opposing graduated surfaces 70 on opposite sides of the channel 64 . of course , slide member may be formed with a single continuous graduated surface . the graduated surfaces 70 are sized and spaced in accordance with the size and spacing of the trunnions 48 , each surface 70 effectively acting as a ramp for one of the trunnions 48 . thus , if the opposing trunnions 48 are placed anywhere along the respective inclined surfaces 70 during the replacement of the fuse portion 32 , the force of gravity will tend to urge or “ funnel ” trunnions 48 into position within trunnion sockets 50 assuring the fuseholder 32 is properly positioned . rear wall 69 is flat and includes an indentation 71 corresponding to the position of the channel 64 . reflectors 72 , 74 positioned on bolts 76 cooperate with reflectors 52 to allow for proper centering and to ensure alignment as will be discussed below . specifically , reflectors 72 , 74 may be spaced to be slightly wider than the spacing of reflectors 52 to provide a centering target when repositioning the fuseholder 32 . the spacing of the reflectors 72 , 74 is a function of the width of the slide member 60 , and the spacing and size of the reflectors 72 , 74 should be chosen so that the reflectors 52 on trunnions 48 can be seen even when directly aligned with reflectors 72 , 74 . the reflectors 72 , 74 may be made of hard plastic and shaped for frictional fit over the entire bolt 76 . reflectors 72 , 74 must extend laterally from the slide member 60 so as to be viewable from the front of the assembly 10 . as has been previously mentioned , pull ring 40 is modified to include a pair of cooperating arcuate protrusions 44 and 46 . the protrusions 44 , 46 are sized to allow for engagement of the hook stick without requiring insertion of the operating end of the stick within the eye 78 of the ring 40 . it can be seen that the ring 40 extends from a tab 80 with the lower inside portion of the tab having an arcuate indentation 82 extending roughly from the tab portion proximate the ring to the tip of the protrusion 44 . protrusion 46 is also curved and is extended relative to protrusion 44 from ring 40 to provide a larger arcuate indentation 84 . an additional pull tab 47 is mounted onto the lower end of fuseholder 32 by a bolt or other means , the tab extending upwardly in an arched configuration and sized for engagement with a finger tool ( not shown ), which may optionally provide a means for removal of the fuseholder 32 . in operation , a lineman can disengage the fuseholder 32 of the cutout 10 by sliding the operating end of the hook stick up the fuse barrel 37 until it is engaged within indentation 82 , this procedure does not require visual verification as the hook stick will stop traveling up the fuse barrel 37 at the point when the operation end becomes seated within the indentation 82 . the lineman may then , totally by feel , slide the operating end down until it engages within indentation 84 , and proceed to disengage the fuse portion by pulling down with sufficient force to effect release of latching means 28 , which causes downward rotation of the fuseholder 32 , which may then be removed . once a new fusible link 38 has been replaced within the fuseholder 32 , the lineman may then lower the fuse portion 32 until trunnions are seated within trunnion sockets 50 . this process is enabled by positioning the lower end of the fuseholder proximate to the slide member 60 , using reflectors 52 , 72 , and 74 to ensure centering . specifically , centering of the fuseholder 32 can be verified by determining the point at which reflectors 52 are aligned with reflectors 72 and 74 . once visual verification of the centering is complete , the lineman may then allow the lower end of the fuseholder 32 to come to rest upon inclined surfaces 70 , still holding the fuse portion 32 by the hook stick until gravity causes the lower end of the fuse portion to slide down inclined surfaces 70 until trunnions 48 are properly seated within trunnion sockets 50 . the lineman may then slide the hook stick up the fuse barrel 37 until it is engaged within indentation 82 , again totally by feel , and rotate the fuseholder 32 upward until latching means 28 latches the top portion of the fuseholder 32 , returning the assembly to the operative position . in the event that the fusible link 38 melts , the spring loaded latch 28 is forced down thereby disengaging the latch 28 and causing the downward rotation of the fuseholder 32 . the fuseholder 32 may then be removed by positioning the operating end of a finger tool to engage arcuate pull tab 47 and then lifting the entire fuseholder 32 out . once the fuse 38 has been replaced , the cutout 10 may be repositioned into the operative ( closed ) position as described above . from the foregoing description , one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and , without departing from the spirit and scope thereof , can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions . it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above , but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims : | 7 |
referring now to fig1 there is shown an overall schematic diagram of a circuit for measuring per unit slip of an electric motor . the motor 12 has its input connected to a source of alternating current voltage 11 . the output of the motor 12 is directly coupled to a self - excited dc shunt generator 13 which is used to load the motor 12 . a variable load 14 is connected across the output windings of the dc generator 13 . the variable load 14 may simply be a rheostat capable of varying the resistance across the output windings of the generator 13 . as the resistance across the output windings of the generator is reduced , the load current on the generator increases and , correspondingly , the load on the ac motor 12 . an ac tachometer generator 15 is mechanically coupled to the shaft of the dc generator 13 . the tachometer generator 15 is connected to the shaft of the generator 13 as a matter of convenience and could be connected to the shaft of the test motor 12 without affecting the operation of the invention . suitable ac tachometer generators for use in this test circuit are widely available commercially as off - the - shelf items . the ac tachometer generator chosen in the preferred embodiment of this invention is a 60 hertz , 1800 rpm , 4 pole , 125 volt ac synchronous generator with a permanent magnet rotor . the magnetic interaction between the rotor and its stator coils produces an ac voltage at the stator terminals having a magnitude and frequency which are both proportional to rotor speed . frequency , number of poles , and speed are related to each other by the expression , rpm = 120f / p , where rpm is speed , f is frequency , p is number of poles . in this application , it is advantageous to operate with variations of frequency rather than voltage level since frequency is unaffected by circuit impedance , loading , and temperature . a precise frequency transducer 16 is electrically connected to the output of the ac tachometer generator 15 . the frequency transducer 16 accepts frequency as its input and provides a constant dc current output into a variable impedance load with a 0 . 02 % load resistance effect . by using a 10k ohm resistor 24 , a 0 - 5 volt dc signal is available at the output of the frequency transducer 16 with 0 . 02 % linearity and 0 . 5 % accuracy when 55 - 60 hertz is present at the input . a second frequency transducer 18 with a similar load resistor 25 is used to monitor the input line frequency to the test motor 12 . an example of a suitable precision frequency transducer for use in this test circuit is the series fcx - 1 frequency transducer manufactured by rochester instrument systems , inc . the ac tachometer generator frequency signal and the reference frequency signal are converted to proportional dc levels by transducers 16 and 18 whose outputs are connected to high gain operational amplifiers 17 and 19 respectively . the amplifiers 17 and 19 are connected with negative feedback to enhance stability . to use an operational amplifier without feedback in an instrumentation chain would require continual recalibration of the system , but by using negative feedback on the amplifier , gain is made largely dependent on stable passive components and independent of the gain of the amplifier . the output of frequency transducer 16 is connected to the negative input of operational amplifier 17 which produces the signal v i at its output having a negative polarity when the output of the frequency transducer 16 is positive . in this configuration , operational amplifier 17 is used to invert its input signal . the output of frequency transducer 18 is connected to the positive input of the operational amplifier 19 which follows the polarity of its input . the outputs of operational amplifiers 17 and 19 are connected to the input of subtractor 20 . subtractor 20 , in the preferred embodiment , is a third operational amplifier which preforms the subtractions by adding the two input signals which are of opposite polarity . it will be understood that operational amplifiers 17 and 19 could be connected in such a fashion as to produce output signals of the same polarity and that other means could be used to subtract the two signals without departing from the scope of this invention . the output of amplifier 19 is also connected to the divisor input of the divider 21 . the output of subtracter 20 is connected to the dividend input of the divider 21 . an example of a suitable precision divider circuit which can be used to perform the desired function is shown in the third edition of motorola &# 39 ; s linear integrated circuits data book published november , 1973 . the output of the divider 21 has a voltage magnitude that is ten times the actual value . this output is connected to amplifier 22 where it is attenuated by a factor of 10 . the output of the amplifier 22 , whose value is equivalent to the per unit slip of the test motor 12 , is connected to digital panel meter 23 for display . referring now to fig2 there is shown apparatus for calculating per unit rotor slip of an ac motor using digital components only . the circuit shown employs a shaft encoder 36 to digitize the speed of the rotor . the shaft encoder 36 provides output pulses proportional to the number of revolutions of the rotor of the motor 12 under test . as in the embodiment of fig1 the motor 12 under test has fixedly attached to its rotor shaft a dc generator 13 driving a variable load 14 . the output signal of the shaft encoder 36 may be sinusodial or a square wave , depending on the type of encoder used . the number of pulses available per revolution range from 1 to 500 . an example of a suitable shaft encoder which can be used is the combination of an emitter wheel having light and opaque areas about its periphery and a light emitting diode and photodiode placed on opposite sides of the emitter wheel for producing a pulse when one of the light areas is positioned between them . the ac voltage source 11 is connected to a schmitt trigger 30 . the schmitt trigger is a well known bistable circuit which can be set to change states on the slope of an input signal to produce a binary output signal . the schmitt trigger 30 samples the input ac voltage source 11 . a second schmitt trigger 37 samples the output of the shaft encoder 36 . the output of schmitt trigger 30 is connected to control circuit 33 and to gate 31 . the control circuit 33 samples the output of schmitt trigger 30 and opens gates 31 and 38 when the output of schmitt trigger 30 is at the proper level , e . g ., at binary one . gates 31 and 38 connect the outputs of schmitt triggers 30 and 37 respectively to decade counter modules 32 and 39 . the decade counter modules 32 and 39 respectively are used to count the reference 60 hertz frequency signal and the actual speed of the test motor 12 that is proportional to the number of pulses generated by the shaft encoder 36 for a given time period . these counters 32 and 39 are gated on and off for a given time interval and reset by the control circuitry 33 when the required control sequence is completed . the decade counter modules 32 and 39 each contains four cascaded decade counters that provide two four digit bcd signals that are fed into the bcd adder / subtracter 35 . the bcd adder / subtracter 35 adds and subtracts four bcd numbers in less than three miliseconds . the subtraction is accomplished by parallel loading of two four digit numbers in two sets of four cascaded up / down bcd decade counters . the two counters , a and b , are synchronously clocked together in the down count direction until the output of counter b reaches zero , and thus the desired difference is present in counter a . the output of counter a is labeled c 0 , c 1 , c 2 , c 3 in fig2 . after the subtraction is completed , the remainder is outputted to the divider 42 as the dividend for the divide operation to determine per unit slip . the divisor is derived from the synchronous speed of the motor 12 determined by the input ac voltage signal 11 and the decade counter 32 . the output of the divider 42 is connected to latch module 40 for data storage . a decoder 41 decodes the data stored in the latch module 40 and drives a display 43 to produce a visible output of the per unit slip . it will be seen that the foregoing invention provides testing apparatus for determining per unit slip in an electric motor very rapidly and very completely . however , it will be noted that the apparatus shown could be used to monitor the performance of an electric motor or generator and the output used to activate a control system to maintain the motor or generator at the optimum speed or voltage output with only minor modifications . while this invention has been described using particular embodiments , it will be apparent that improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . | 6 |
referring now to the drawings , and more particularly to fig1 and 3 , the integral gas compressor and internal combustion engine of the present invention is shown , and generally designated by the numeral 10 , as forming a portion of a compressor package 12 . integral gas compressor and internal combustion engine 10 will also be referred to herein as simply compressor 10 . compressor package 12 as illustrated is of a type particularly well adapted for use in recovering natural gas from a well , but may be used for other flammable gases or gases with elevated inlet pressures . the invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated compressor package 12 . fig1 and 2 have been greatly simplified to eliminate much of the piping and wiring associated with package 12 . the omitted items are known in the art and not necessary for an understanding of the invention . compressor 10 in package 12 is mounted on a skid or baseplate 14 by a mounting means 16 of a kind known in the art . compressor 10 is preferably constructed by modifying a known internal combustion engine , such as a 460 cubic inch ford v - 8 engine . referring now also to fig3 the v - shaped configuration of compressor 10 may be seen . compressor 10 includes a cylinder block 18 with a crankcase portion 20 at the lower end thereof . below crankcase 20 is an oil pan 22 . cylinder block 18 , crankcase 20 and oil pan 22 are standard components of the original ford or other engine . at the upper end of cylinder block 18 is an engine manifold with a carburetor 26 and air cleaner 28 connected thereto . connected to cylinder block 24 on the left bank of cylinders , as viewed in fig3 is a standard engine head 30 with a valve cover 32 thereon . an exhaust manifold 33 carries away the exhaust gases of the engine . this left side of compressor 10 remains basically a standard engine and includes all of the normal engine components such as valve train , spark plugs , wiring , etc . for simplicity , these engine components are not illustrated . the right side of compressor 10 , as viewed in fig3 is the modified side of the engine used for gas compression . a compressor head 34 is attached to cylinder block 18 on the right bank of cylinders . it will be seen by those skilled in the art , that compressor head 34 replaces engine head 30 on this side . connected to compressor head 34 is a compressor inlet manifold 36 . attached to inlet manifold 36 is a flange 38 . details of the compressor side of apparatus 10 will be further discussed herein . referring again to fig1 and 2 , an inlet tank and liquid separator 40 is attached to skid 14 . a valve 42 is in communication with tank 40 and is adapted for connection to the source of the gas to be compressed . in one embodiment , this gas would be natural gas from a wellhead ( not shown ). tank 40 is of a kind generally known in the art and includes a means for separating liquids out of the incoming gas . a pump 44 is connected to tank 40 by a line 46 and is used to pump liquids collected in tank 40 to any desired location . at the top of tank 40 is a connection 48 having a flange 50 connected thereto . a line or hose 52 with flanges 54 and 56 on opposite ends thereof interconnects flange 50 and flange 38 on inlet manifold 36 . thus , line 52 is an inlet or suction line to compressor 10 . positioned adjacent to tank 40 is a fuel vessel 58 with a pressure relief valve 59 connected thereto . relief valve 59 may be piped away as desired . fuel vessel 59 has an inlet 60 adapted for connection to a fuel source , such as the natural gas wellhead . a line 60 with a regulator 62 therein interconnects fuel vessel 58 and crankcase 20 of compressor 10 . another line 64 with a regulator 66 therein interconnects fuel vessel 58 with carburetor 26 on the engine . a standard engine radiator 68 is positioned adjacent to compressor 10 and connected thereto by radiator hoses 70 and 72 of a kind known in the art for cooling of both the compressor and engine sides . a fan ( not shown ) of a kind known in the art may be used to draw air across radiator 68 . at the opposite end of skid 14 is an aftercooler 74 , of a kind known in the art , which is used to cool gas discharged from compressor 10 . aftercooler 74 is of a finned tube type with a fan shroud 76 connected thereto with a cooling fan 78 rotatably disposed therein . a drive shaft 80 extends from compressor 10 to drive fan 78 . a discharge line 82 connects the outlet of compressor head 34 with aftercooler 74 . a combination pressure gauge and shutoff switch 84 is disposed in discharge line 82 to deenergize the engine portion if the compressor discharge pressure exceeds a predetermined level . an aftercooler outlet line 86 is connected to aftercooler 74 and extends toward the opposite end of skid 14 such that a threaded end 88 of line 86 is positioned generally adjacent to tank 40 . a drain valve 90 may be positioned in line 86 , preferably adjacent to aftercooler 74 , so that moisture and other liquids may be drained from aftercooler 74 as necessary . an electrical control panel 92 for controlling the apparatus may be positioned on skid 14 . control panel 92 is of a kind generally known in the art , and the connections thereto are omitted for clarity . turning again to fig3 standard engine pistons 94 are reciprocably disposed in the cylinders on the left bank of cylinder head 18 , and the engine pistons are connected to crankshaft 96 by connecting rods 98 . again , pistons 94 , crankshaft 96 and connecting rods 98 are the original components of the modified engine used to construct compressor 10 . in the right bank of cylinder block 18 are a plurality of reciprocably disposed compressor pistons 100 . each compressor piston 100 is connected to crankshaft 96 by additional connecting rods 98 . compressor pistons 100 may be of special configuration , but connecting rods 98 are preferably the same used in the original engine . referring now to fig6 and 8 , the details of compressor head 34 and the components therein will be discussed . compressor head 34 is positioned adjacent to cylinder block 18 with a sealing means , such as gasket 102 , disposed therebetween . compressor head 34 defines a plurality of valve pockets 104 therein with one valve pocket for each cylinder bore 106 in cylinder head 18 . each valve pocket 104 is substantially coaxial with the corresponding cylinder bore 106 and includes a first bore 108 and a relatively smaller second bore 110 therein . an annular shoulder 112 extends between first bore 108 and second bore 110 . a concentric compressor valve 114 , of a kind generally known in the art , is disposed in each of valve pockets 104 . each valve 114 comprises an upper body 116 and a lower body 118 . a center post 120 is engaged with lower body 118 and extends upwardly therefrom and through upper body 116 . a set screw or dowel pin 122 prevents separation of center post 120 and lower body 118 and further prevents relative rotation therebetween . a lock nut 124 is threadingly engaged with an upper end 126 of center post 120 to clamp upper body 116 against lower body 118 . upper body 116 has an outside diameter 126 adapted for close , spaced relationship with first bore 108 in valve pocket 104 . lower body 128 has a first outside diameter 128 which is substantially the same size as outside diameter 126 . lower body 118 further has a second , smaller outside diameter which is in close , spaced relationship with second bore 110 in valve pocket 104 . an annular shoulder 132 extends between first outside diameter 128 and second outside diameter 130 on lower body 118 . a sealing means , such as valve gasket 134 , provides sealing engagement between lower body 118 and valve pocket 104 in compressor head 34 . upper body 116 defines a plurality of inlet ports 136 therein , and lower body 118 defines a plurality of outlet ports 138 therein in communication with a recess 140 . a suction or inlet valve plate 142 is disposed in recess 140 and covers inlet ports 136 when in a closed position . a leaf spring 144 or other type of spring is also disposed in recess 140 and biases suction valve plate 142 toward its closed position . radially outwardly of outlet ports 138 , lower body 118 defines an inlet port 146 . radially outwardly of inlet ports 136 , upper body 116 defines outlet ports 148 therein which are in communication with a recess 150 . a discharge or outlet valve plate 152 is disposed in recess 150 and covers inlet port 146 when in a closed position . at least one spring 154 is disposed in recess 150 to bias discharge valve plate 152 toward its closed position . a valve chair 156 has an outside diameter 158 which extends into first bore 108 of valve pocket 104 . a sealing means , such as o - ring 160 , provides sealing engagement between valve chair 156 and compressor head 34 . valve chair 156 also includes an upper flange portion 162 adjacent to top surface 164 of compressor head 34 . flanged portion 162 is spaced from top surface 164 such that a gap 165 is defined therebetween . outside diameter 158 is the outer surface of a substantially cylindrical outer wall 166 . a substantially cylindrical inner wall 168 is disposed radially inwardly from outer wall 166 . inner wall 168 defines a suction or inlet flow passage 170 in communication with inlet ports 136 in upper body 116 of valve 114 . outer wall 166 and inner wall 168 define an annular discharge or outlet flow path 172 therebetween which is in communication with outlet ports 148 in upper body 116 of valve 114 . a sealing means , such as gasket 174 , is provided between the lower end of inner wall 168 and the upper end of upper body 116 for sealing engagement between valve chair 156 and valve 114 . it will be seen that gasket 174 also sealingly separates inlet flow path 170 and discharge flow path 172 . outer wall 166 of valve chair 156 defines a plurality of openings 176 therein . openings 176 are in communication with a discharge passageway 178 defined in compressor head 34 . as seen in fig6 discharge passage 178 interconnects all of valve pockets 104 in compressor head 34 , thus forming an internal discharge manifold within the compressor head . still referring to fig6 compressor head 34 has a discharge flange 180 at one longitudinal end thereof , and the discharge flange defines a discharge opening 182 therethrough . discharge opening 182 is a longitudinally outer end portion of discharge passageway 178 . discharge flange 180 is adapted for connection to a corresponding flange 184 at one end of discharge line 82 . this connection is also shown in fig1 , 4 and 5 . in fig6 four valve chairs 156 are illustrated and identified as 156a , 156b , 156c and 156d . a plurality of short studs 186 and long studs 188 extend from compressor head 34 through corresponding holes in flange portions 162 of valve chairs 156 . in the preferred embodiment , two long studs 188 extend through valve chair 156a adjacent to longitudinal end 190 of compressor head 34 . two short studs 186 extend through the other holes in valve chair 156a . one long stud 188 extends through the upper right corner , as viewed in fig6 of valve chair 156b , and short studs 186 extend through the other holes in valve chair 156b . in a similar fashion , a long stud 188 extends through the lower left corner of valve chair 156c , and three short studs 186 extend through the other holes in valve chair 156c . the stud arrangement for valve chair 156d is essentially a mirror image of that for valve chair 156a . that is , two long studs 188 extend through valve chair 156d adjacent to discharge flange 180 , and two short studs 186 extend through the other holes in valve chair 156d . short studs 186 are of sufficient length that a nut 192 may be engaged therewith to clamp the corresponding valve chair 156 against compressor head 34 , as best seen in fig8 . nuts 192 are similarly engaged with each long stud 188 . it will be seen that gap 165 insures that valve chair 156 bears against gasket 174 and valve 114 bears against gasket 134 when the valve chair is clamped in place by nuts 192 . referring now to the bottom view of inlet manifold 36 shown in fig7 a plurality of holes 194 are defined through top portion 196 thereof . holes 194 are located to correspond with long studs 188 extending from compressor head 34 . long studs 188 are of sufficient length so that they will extend upwardly through holes 194 in inlet manifold 36 when the inlet manifold is installed as shown in fig4 and 5 . a nut 198 is engaged with each stud 188 to fasten inlet manifold 36 in place . a sealing means , such as gasket 200 , provides sealing engagement between top portion 196 of inlet manifold 36 and the corresponding nut 198 and stud 188 . referring to fig4 and 7 , a substantially rectangular groove 202 is defined in the bottom of inlet manifold 36 . a sealing means , such as o - ring 204 , is disposed in groove 202 to provide sealing engagement between inlet manifold 36 and top surface 164 of compressor head 34 . inlet manifold 36 defines a substantially rectangular inner wall 206 which fits around all of valve chairs 156 when the inlet manifold is installed . thus , it will be seen by those skilled in the art that o - ring 204 seals against top surface 164 of compressor head 34 at a position thereon outwardly of all of valve chairs 156 . it will be seen that an inner cavity 208 defined by wall 206 in inlet manifold 36 is thus in communication with each of inlet flow paths 170 in valve chairs 156 . at the upper end of inlet manifold 36 are a pair of opposed elbow portions 210 which are joined at a neck portion 212 . elbow portions 210 have holes 211 therein in communication with inner cavity 208 in inlet manifold 36 . neck portion 212 is attached to flange 38 , previously described . thus , a flow path is formed between flange 38 and cavity 208 in inlet manifold 36 , and thus a path is formed to direct gas into inlet flow paths 170 in compressor 10 . referring again to fig8 compressor piston 100 defines a plurality of piston grooves 214 therein . disposed in each groove 214 are a pair of piston rings 216 . each pair of piston rings 216 in a single groove 214 are positioned such that any circumferential gaps 217 in the piston rings are substantially diametrically opposed from one another so that gas leakage by the piston rings into the compressor crankcase are minimized . referring now to fig9 an oil viscosity sensing system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral 220 . a first needle valve 222 is placed in communication with an oil passage 224 from an oil pressure source such as engine bearing header 226 which is a part of crankcase 20 or cylinder block 18 . a downstream side of first needle valve 222 is connected to a first tee 238 which in turn is connected to a second needle valve 230 and a first side 232 of a differential pressure switch - gauge 234 . a second side 236 of switch gauge 234 and the downstream side of second needle valve 230 are connected to a second tee 238 . second tee 238 is also connected back to crankcase 20 through an oil passage 240 . after the engine has been converted to form compressor 10 and the apparatus installed in package 12 , it is ready for operation such as the compression of natural gas from a wellhead . a line from the wellhead is connected to inlet valve 42 on tank 40 , and the appropriate connection is also made to inlet line 60 on fuel vessel 58 . similarly , threaded end 88 of discharge line 86 is connected to whatever is downstream , such as a storage vessel or pipeline . if the gas being handled is suitable as fuel for the engine portion of compressor 10 , this fuel flows from fuel vessel 58 through fuel line 64 into carburetor 26 . pressure regulator 66 insures that the fuel pressure at carburetor 26 is maintained at a constant , predetermined level as required by the carburetor . the engine portion of compressor 10 , which is the left side as seen in fig3 operates in a normal manner to rotate crankshaft 96 and thus operate the compressor side , which is the right side of fig3 . in this way , compressor pistons 100 are reciprocated within cylinder bore 106 . as previously described , the gas enters inlet manifold 36 of compressor 10 through hose 52 . the gas is then in communication with each of inlet flow paths 170 , and thus in communication with each of compressor valves 114 . referring to fig8 as piston 100 moves downwardly from its top dead center position , a variably sized volume 218 is formed in cylinder bore 106 . when the pressure in volume 218 drops below that of the incoming gas in inlet flow path 170 , a pressure differential is formed across suction valve plate 142 . when the force exerted by this pressure differential exceeds that exerted by spring 144 , suction valve plate 142 will be moved downwardly to its open position , and the gas and inlet flow path 170 will flow through inlet ports 136 in upper body 116 and outlet ports 138 in lower body 118 into volume 218 . when the gas pressure in inlet flow path 170 and in volume 218 are substantially equalized , it will be seen that spring 144 will return suction valve plate 142 to its closed position . as piston 100 reaches its bottom dead center position , and starts to move upwardly again within cylinder bore 106 , the gas in volume 218 is obviously compressed . eventually , the gas pressure in volume 218 exceeds the downstream gas pressure in discharge flow path 172 such that a pressure differential is formed across discharge valve plate 152 . when the force exerted by this pressure differential exceeds that exerted by spring 154 , discharge valve plate 152 is moved upwardly to its open position so that the compressed gas is forced out of volume 218 through inlet port 146 in lower body 118 and outlet ports 148 in upper body 116 , and thus into discharge flow path 172 and discharge passage 178 in compressor head 34 . when the pressures in volume 218 and discharge flow path 172 are substantially equalized , spring 154 will return discharge valve plate 152 to its closed position , so the cycle may start again . the gas transferred by compressor 10 is discharged through discharge opening 182 into discharge line 82 . the compressed gas is at an elevated temperature and flows into aftercooler 74 for cooling and eventual discharge to the downstream location through discharge line 86 . even though piston rings 216 are designed to minimize leakage thereby , there will always be some gas leakage , and the result is a gas buildup in crankcase 20 of compressor 10 . crankcase 20 is , of course , the original automotive component and is not designed for significant pressurization , so a means is provided to vent the crankcase . in the case of flammable or other hazardous gases , obviously this venting cannot be to the atmosphere . in the embodiment shown , the gas is vented through line 60 back to inlet vessel 58 . regulator 62 regulates the pressure and is adapted to open when the crankcase reaches a predetermined level and thereby allow gas to enter inlet vessel 58 at a constant , predetermined level . should too much gas accumulate in fuel vessel 58 , the excess is exhausted through relief valve 59 . relief valve 59 may be piped away to another location . thus , a means is provided for venting crankcase 20 to prevent the accumulation of gas therein . even with the venting of crankcase 20 , the low pressure gas that is present will eventually result in some contamination of the engine oil . for example , the use of natural gas or other hydrocarbons , will eventually dilute the oil until its viscosity is so low that it will no longer properly lubricate the engine bearings . the present invention includes oil viscosity sensing means 220 to prevent damage to the compressor when the oil viscosity falls below a predetermined level . referring to fig9 when the engine portion of compressor 10 is running , engine bearing oil pressure is supplied to first needle valve 222 . needle valve 222 is adjusted so that only a predetermined volume of oil flows therethrough . it will be seen that differential pressure switch gauge 234 is adapted for actuating in response to the differential pressure across second needle valve 230 . by adjusting second needle valve 230 , a set point or initial level for the differential pressure is obtained . this adjustment is preferably made when the oil in crankcase 20 of compressor 10 is new and has a substantially known viscosity . as the oil in crankcase 20 is gradually diluted , the viscosity thereof is reduced . this reduction is viscosity results in a reduction in differential pressure across second needle valve 230 as oil flows therethrough in viscosity sensing system 220 . differential pressure switch gauge 234 is set to actuate when this differential pressure across second needle valve 230 drops below a predetermined level which corresponds to the minimum oil viscosity level . differential pressure switch gauge 234 is connected to the controls of the engine portion of compressor 10 and will deenergize the engine when actuated . thus , the engine portion of compressor 10 is shut down when the oil viscosity falls below a predetermined level so that damage to the bearings and other drive components in crankcase 20 is avoided . it will be seen , therefore , that the integral gas compressor and internal combustion engine of the present invention is well adapted to carry out the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein . while a presently preferred embodiment of the apparatus has been described for the purposes of this disclosure , numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts may be msde by those skilled in the art . all such changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the appended claims . | 5 |
referring now to the drawings , there is shown in fig1 a block diagram showing a fundamental construction of a documentation machine or european language processing machine with a spelling correction function according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention . this machine is generally equipped with an input device 1 in the form of a keyboard , tablet device , optical input device such as an optical character reader ( ocr ), magnetic tape , verbal input device or the like for inputting word information data in a european language , such as english . a memory device 2 such as a core memory , ic memory , magnetic disc or the like , connected with the input device 1 for storing character information inputted from the input device 1 , an output device 3 in the form , for example , of a printer , display unit , magnetic tape , magnetic disc or the like , coupled with the memory device 2 for outputting character word data after editing , stored in the memory device 2 , a dictionary device 4 connected to the memory device 2 and having a main dictionary region , a user dictionary region and a segmentation table for supplying useful information with respect to inquiry of spelling information for characters and word data stored in the memory device 2 , and a control device 5 constituted , for example , by a computer and coupled with the input device 1 , memory device 2 , output device 3 and dictionary device 4 for controlling transmission and reception of signals therebetween , and also for effecting correction processing of character strings for the input words to be described later . the control device 5 is provided with a character discrimination means , a character addition and discrimination means and a character replacement and discrimination means . the segmentation table referred to above memorizes characters or character strings of correct candidates to correspond to input data of character strings or characters to be mis - read due to 1 character cut or 2 character contacting , respectively . the 1 character cut is a phenomenon in which one character is incorrectly read as two characters whereas the 2 character contacting is a phenomenon in which two characters are incorrectly read as one character . referring also to fig2 there is shown a flow - chart for explaining the correction processing of the european language processing machine with the spelling correction function according to the present invention as described so far . it is judged at step s1 whether or not a character string of an input word stored in the memory device 2 is contained in the main dictionary . when this character string is contained in the main dictionary , the character string is regarded as correct in spelling and stored in the memory device 2 so as to be further outputted from the output device 3 . otherwise , the procedure proceeds to step s2 . it is judged at step s2 whether or not the character string is contained in the user dictionary . when the character string is contained in the user dictionary , the character string is regarded as correct in spelling and stored in the memory device 2 so as to be further outputted from the output device 3 . otherwise , the procedure proceeds to step s3 . in the above case , the dictionary structure may be of any of known methods such as the method employing hash practice , method using the branch system , and the dictionary constructing method of the old word star of micro / pro co . ( i . e ., the method based on the two - dimensional index in which capital letter data are horizontally arranged in the order of &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; z &# 34 ;, with the character numbers constituting words being vertically arranged ), etc . if the character string is not registered in such main dictionary or user dictionary , the four processings as described earlier are carried out at steps s3 , s4 , s5 and s6 . more specifically , when it is judged at steps s1 and s2 that a certain word ( length : l , constituent characters c = c 1 . . . c i . . . c l ) is not present in both the main and user dictionaries , a correct word candidate ( correctly spelled word ) can be newly derived by the following processings . a character c i located at a position ( i ) ( 1 ≦ i ≦ l ) is replaced by another character c * other than the character c i . a character c i located at a position ( i ) (= b 1 ≦ i ≦ l ) is deleted . an imaginary character c * is inserted between neighboring two characters c i and c i + 1 located at positions ( i ) and ( i + 1 ) ( 0 ≦ i ≦ l ), respectively . neighboring two characters located at positions ( i ) and ( i + 1 ) ( 1 ≦ i ≦ l - 1 ) are inverted . thereafter , it is judged whether or not each character string obtained in this way is present in the main dictionary or user dictionary . if the character string is present in the main dictionary or user dictionary , it is stored in the memory device 2 . if not , the procedure proceeds to step s7 , at which the character string can be obtained more accurately by reference to the segmentation table stored in the dictionary device 4 . more specifically , in the segmentation table , characters and character strings of correct candidates are so stored as to correspond to the character strings and characters to be mis - read due to the 1 character cut and the 2 character contacting , respectively . each word which has been mis - read is divided into individual characters or character strings . when these characters or character strings include the same ones as the characters or character strings to be mis - read which have already been registered in the segmentation table , the mis - read characters or character strings are replaced by the character strings or characters of correct candidates corresponding thereto so that a correct word candidate may be selected . thereafter , it is judged whether or not this correct word candidate is present in the main dictionary or user dictionary . if the correct word candidate is present in the main dictionary or user dictionary , it is outputted as a correct word into the memory device 2 and output device 3 . in this way , the correct word can be obtained more accurately . fig3 depicts a probability table according to a first embodiment of the present invention , which indicates the frequency of appearance of a character appearing immediately after a specified character . this table is used during the processing of 1 character addition to be carried out at step s5 . the probability table is stored in the dictionary device 4 and has a leftmost row in which all alphabet letters ( a ) through ( z ) are vertically lined up in order . this table also has a topmost line in which all alphabet letters ( a ) through ( z ) are horizontally lined up in order . in an intersection between a line of a character , for example , ( p ) in the leftmost row and a row of a character , for example , ( a ) in the topmost line , a figure ( 27 ) is entered which indicates the frequency of the character ( a ) in the topmost line appearing immediately after the character ( p ) in the left - most row . it is to be noted here that the frequencies of appearance of the other characters ( a ) to ( o ) and ( q ) to ( z ) in the leftmost row is omitted . if a word &# 34 ; apple &# 34 ; has erroneously been read in and a character string &# 34 ; appe &# 34 ; has been inputted , the character addition and discrimination means in the control device 5 deals with this kind of error as follows in selecting a suitable character to be inserted after a character string &# 34 ; app &# 34 ;. according to the table of fig3 the frequencies of characters ( a ), ( e ), ( h ), ( i ), ( 1 ), ( m ), ( o ), ( p ), ( r ), ( s ), ( t ), ( u ) and ( y ) appearing after the character ( p ) are 27 , 35 , 5 , 8 , 20 , 1 , 25 , 10 , 32 , 3 , 6 , 7 and 1 , respectively . in these characters , the character ( e ) is the highest one in the frequency of appearance . accordingly , this character ( e ) is inserted between &# 34 ; app &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; e &# 34 ; of the incorrectly inputted character string &# 34 ; appe &# 34 ;. as a result , a character string &# 34 ; appee &# 34 ; is given which may coincide with the operator &# 39 ; s intended word . thereafter , it is judged whether or not the character string &# 34 ; appee &# 34 ; is contained in the main or user dictionary . if the former is not contained in the latter , the character &# 34 ; r &# 34 ;, which is the next highest one in the frequency of appearance , is inserted in place of the character &# 34 ; e &# 34 ;. such a process is repeatedly executed until the correct word is obtained . in the case of the character string &# 34 ; appe &# 34 ;, the correct word &# 34 ; apple &# 34 ; can be obtained upon five times repetition of character insertion . in this way , each character is successively inserted from the highest one in order of the frequency of appearance , thus enabling the correct word to be found out within a shorter length of time as compared with a case in which each alphabet is successively inserted from the first character &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; in turn . in the foregoing embodiment , a character following the character located immediately before a position for character insertion in an incorrectly inputted character string is selected from the probability table . however , a character may be selected which is followed by the character located immediately after the position for character insertion . fig4 depicts another probability table according to a second embodiment of the present invention , which indicates the frequency of appearance of an operator &# 39 ; s intended character to be inputted in place of an incorrectly inputted character . this table is tabulated on the basis of operator &# 39 ; s keystroke errors through a keyboard and is used in the process of one character replacement to be carried out at step s3 . this table is stored in the dictionary device 4 and has a leftmost row in which all alphabet letters ( a ) through ( z ) are vertically lined up in order . in this table , each alphabet in the leftmost row has on its right side a plurality of alphabet letters lined in order of probability , which may contain an operator &# 39 ; s intended alphabet to be primarily inputted through the keyboard . a figure in parentheses of each alphabet indicates the probability thereof . in the table of fig4 the operator &# 39 ; s intended keys corresponding to incorrectly inputted keys &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; g &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; z &# 34 ; are omitted . for example , when a character &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; is incorrectly inputted through the keyboard and is replaced by an operator &# 39 ; s intended one , the character replacement and discrimination means in the control device 5 deals with this kind of error as follows . more specifically , among from the characters listed in the line of the character &# 34 ; h &# 34 ;, a character &# 34 ; y &# 34 ; which is the highest one in probability is used in place of the character &# 34 ; h &# 34 ;. thereafter , it is judged whether or not a new character string produced by the replacement is contained in the main or user dictionary . if the former is not contained in the latter , a character &# 34 ; e &# 34 ; which is the next highest one in probability is used for the replacement . such a process is repeatedly executed until the correct word is obtained . in this way , the character replacement is done using probable characters in order of probability , thus enabling the correct word to be obtained within a relatively short length of time as compared with a case in which the replacement is merely done from the first alphabet &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; in turn . it is to be noted that in this embodiment , although the probability table is tabulated on the basis of the operator &# 39 ; s keystroke errors through the keyboard , the table may be tabulated on the basis of read errors by the ocr , recognition errors in the event of verbal input or the like . as is clear from the above , according to the present invention , the correct word can be obtained within a relatively short length of time through one character addition or one character replacement , preferentially using characters which are considered high in the frequency of correctness . although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be noted here that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art . therefore , unless such changes and modifications otherwise depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention , they should be construed as being included therein . | 6 |
it is to be understood that while the present invention will be described below in the context of exemplary information - seeking applications such as a real - estate application , the invention is not so limited . rather , the invention is more generally applicable to any application in which it would be desirable to provide optimization - based media allocation techniques and services . further , the invention is more generally applicable to any application in which it would be desirable to provide quality presentations of information or such presentation service . as used in the following context , we first define the following terms . we use the term “ data objects ” to broadly refer to any type of data content that is intended to be presented ( e . g ., a list of house listings residing in a real - estate database or a list of hotels existing on a website ). we use the term “ media objects ” broadly to refer to any type of media that is available to be used to present the data content , such as but not limited to speech , text , and graphics . we also use the term “ context ” to refer to the situation where the presentation of the intended data content is given . this may include information , such as but not limited to , the tasks that users are performing , the conversation context that has been established during the user - computer interaction , the user model including user preferences and interests , and the environment model including device properties . as will be explained in illustrative detail below , the present invention provides a framework , system , and methods for providing context - sensitive , extensible components using dynamic media allocation . that is , the invention provides an optimization - based framework for media allocation , which can dynamically determine the most suitable media allocation by balancing all relevant constraints , including data - media capability ( e . g ., visual media are allocated to convey spatial data ) and presentation design constraints ( e . g ., usage of suitable media ). more particularly , the invention provides methods for modeling various media allocation constraints uniformly as extensible , feature - based quantitative metrics . further , optimization - based algorithms are provided for balancing all relevant allocation constraints , including cross - data , cross - media allocation constraints to obtain the desired media allocation . still further , an intelligent , context - sensitive information - seeking system is provided that can generate multimedia responses tailored to user interaction situation using a dynamic media allocation module . referring initially to fig1 , a diagram illustrates an intelligent , context - sensitive information - seeking system employing a media allocation component , according to one embodiment of the present invention . it is to be appreciated that such a system may also be referred to as a “ conversation system ” since a sequence of one or more queries and one or more responses between a user and the system may generally be referred to as a conversation . as shown , information - seeking system 100 comprises interpretation module 102 , conversation management module 104 , content determination module 106 , media allocation module 107 , context management module 108 and presentation design module 110 . while the invention is not limited thereto , in one embodiment , techniques described in k . houck , “ contextual revision in information - seeking conversation systems ,” icslp 2004 , and / or in j . chai et al ., “ context - based multimodal input understanding in conversation systems ,” the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein , may be used by interpretation module 102 . further , in one embodiment , techniques described in s . pan , “ a multi - layer conversation management approach for information - seeking applications ,” isclp 2004 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein , may be used by conversation management module 104 . also , in one embodiment , techniques described in the above - referenced j . chai et al ., “ context - based multimodal input understanding in conversation systems ” article may be used by context management module 108 . still further , in one embodiment , techniques described in m . zhou et al ., “ automated authoring of coherent multimedia discourse in conversation systems ” acm mm 2001 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein , may be used by presentation design module 110 . furthermore , in one embodiment , techniques described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 969 , 581 , filed oct . 20 , 2004 and entitled “ optimization - based data content determination ,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein , may be used by content determination module 106 . it is to be understood that the above references cited for techniques that may be employed by the various components are merely examples of techniques that such components may employ . that is , such components are not limited to implementing such example techniques . the input to system 100 is a user request , given in one or more forms ( e . g ., through a graphical user interface or by speech and gesture ). given such a request , interpretation module 102 is employed to understand the meaning of the request . based on the interpretation result , conversation management module 104 decides the suitable system actions at a high level . depending on the context , it may decide to honor the user request directly by presenting the requested data or it may choose to ask the user additional questions . since a high - level system act does not describe the exact content to be presented , it is then sent to content determination module 106 to be refined . content determination module 106 decides the proper data content of a response based on the interaction context ( e . g ., how much data is retrieved based on the current user query and the available presentation resource such as time and space ). context management module 108 manages and provides needed contextual information for making various decisions ( e . g ., the user interests and preferences ). while not limited thereto , there are three common types of contexts : conversation context ; user context ; and the environment context . such information may be stored in one or more databases . the conversation information records the sequences of user requests and the computer responses . the user information includes user preferences and interests . the environment information includes the information about the system environment , e . g ., what type of display is used . after the data content is determined , media allocation module 107 allocates different media to convey the intended data ( in the form of one or more data - media mappings ), in accordance with principles of the present invention to be described in illustrative detail below . such results are then sent to presentation design module 110 to be presented . referring now to fig2 , a diagram illustrates a media allocation framework , according to one embodiment of the present invention . more particularly , fig2 depicts an example embodiment of an optimization - based media allocation framework . the input to framework 200 includes a set of one or more data objects 202 to be conveyed and a set of one or more available media objects 204 . for example , the data objects may be a set of houses requested by a user to be presented , and the media objects include available media to be used such as speech , text , and graphics . the framework exploits various contextual information 206 coming from different sources . this may include , but is not limited to , conversation context , user context , environment context , and data model . such contextual information is stored in one or more databases . to provide the desired extensibility , framework 200 uses a set of feature - based , quantitative metrics 208 to model various context - sensitive media allocation constraints . specifically , these metrics dynamically measure the desirability of one or more data - media mappings . as used herein , a data - media mapping refers to a mapping between a data object and one or more media objects ( e . g ., speech and graphics ). for example , when presenting a set of houses to a user , the images of houses ( data ) are mapped to graphics ( a medium ), while the house prices ( data ) are mapped to text ( medium ). moreover , framework 200 uses an optimization - based algorithm 210 ( e . g ., as described in detail below in the context of fig6 ) that uses these metrics to map every data object to one or more media objects such that an overall desirability of each mapping is maximized . the output from media allocation module 200 is a set of data - media mappings 212 . referring now to fig3 a , a diagram illustrates a representation of a set of input data objects , according to one embodiment of the present invention . more particularly , fig3 a describes an example embodiment of a structure 300 representing a set of data objects to be presented . in this structure , each node represents a data item to be presented ( e . g ., d 1 , d 2 , d 3 and d 4 ), and each link ( line connecting each node ) denotes the relationships between two items . each node / link is annotated using a set of presentation - related data features . such annotation may be as described in the above - cited u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 969 , 581 , and in y . arens et al ., “ the knowledge underlying multimedia presentations ,” intelligent multimedia interfaces , chap . 12 , pp . 280 - 306 , 1993 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein . assume , in a real estate information - seeking system application , that node d 1 denotes “ price ,” and is associated with features like semantic category ( category ), presentation task ( task ), and presentation importance ( importance ). in addition , assume that link ( d 2 , d 4 ) is attached with features such as “ semanticdist ” ( the semantic distance of two nodes ) and “ importancedist ” ( the difference in their presentation importance ). while not limited thereto , fig3 b lists common node / link features that may be used by the system . as an example embodiment , a data ontology may be defined to encode all static data feature values ( e . g ., media - suitability ). normally , an information - seeking system ( e . g ., the example system described in fig1 ) dynamically builds such a structure after the system determines the data content to be conveyed . for each intended content item , the system creates a node and extracts all its features from different sources . for example , the system may query a data ontology to obtain the semantic category of a data object , while receiving the presentation importance from the content selector . content determination module 106 ( fig1 ) dynamically computes the presentation importance for all data items during its content selection process . to build a connected graph , the system links every two nodes and computes the link features using the relevant node features . referring now to fig4 a , a diagram illustrates a representation of a set of input media objects , according to one embodiment of the present invention . more particularly , fig4 a shows an example embodiment of a structure representing a set of available media objects . each node denotes an available medium to be allocated , and each link captures the relationships between two media . each node / link is annotated using relevant media features . such annotation may be as described in the above - cited y . arens et al ., “ the knowledge underlying multimedia presentations ,” intelligent multimedia interfaces . in fig4 a , node m 1 has features such as type and transience . the link between m 2 and m 3 has features such as “ mediadist ” ( how similar two media are ) and “ compatibility ” ( how complementary two media are ). while not limited thereto , fig4 b lists common media features that may be used by the system to characterize the properties of a media object . as an example embodiment , a media ontology may be defined to encode the feature values for each medium ( e . g ., detectability ) and each pair of media ( e . g ., mediadist ). unlike a data graph , which is built from scratch during each turn of user interaction , a structure of media objects may be constructed during the system &# 39 ; s initialization . that is , the information - seeking system ( e . g ., the system described in fig1 ) creates a node for each available medium and extracts its features from data sources ( e . g ., a defined media ontology ). the system also connects every two media nodes and computes the link features . during a user session , the system may update the structure of the media objects ( e . g ., deleting or adding a node ), if the availability of a medium changes ( e . g ., graphics may become unavailable in a mobile application ). referring now to fig5 , a diagram illustrates a process for modeling a data - media mapping desirability metric 502 , according to one embodiment of the present invention . this hierarchical model 500 first measures the individual data - media mapping desirability 504 including task - media compatibility 506 ( i . e ., allocated media helps users to perform his / her intended tasks ), user - media suitability 508 ( i . e ., allocated media are user preferred media ), and data - media compatibility 510 ( i . e ., the allocated media are effective in conveying the intended data ). the model 500 then measures the cross - media data - media mapping desirability 512 ( used to measure how desirable it is to use multiple media together to convey one data object ) including recallability 514 ( i . e ., how well the presented data can be recalled by a user ) and affordance 518 ( i . e ., how well the presented data can attract the user &# 39 ; s attention ). when allocating media for multiple data objects , the model 500 also measures cross - content , cross - media mapping capability 520 including presentation ordering 522 ( i . e ., maintaining a presentation ordering of data ), presentation consistency 524 ( i . e ., similar data presented similarly and the same data presented consistently during the entire course of interaction ), and data dependency 526 ( i . e ., inter - dependent data presented coherently ). each metric is modeled as a function of a set of parameters . we now describe the example metrics used in this illustrative implementation . where m t is the medium ( e . g ., graphics ) most suitable for achieving the task t ( e . g ., a comparison task ), and m is a medium to be allocated for accomplishing this task . the function media distance measures how similar the two medium m , and m are . the closer these two media are , the more desirable is to choose medium m for accomplishing task t . in similar fashion , we can define every metric to measure how desirable is to use a medium to present a particular piece of data content . an effective multimedia presentation must also be tailored to individual user preferences . for example , a user may indicate her media preferences explicitly in a profile or implicitly in a query , such as “ show the airport ” and “ tell me about the city ”. to assess how well a medium m matches a user preferred medium m u , we define a user - media compatibility metric : the mediadist function is similar to the one given above . this metric states that the shorter the distance between the two media is , the more similar the two media are . the two media are the same if their distance is 0 . 0 . in addition to fulfilling presentation tasks and satisfying user preferences , we assign media that can best express the intended content using a data - media compatibility metric d ( d , m ). it uses two features : data - media suitability s ( d , m ) and capability c ( d , m ): here suitability assesses the effectiveness of using medium m to express d , while capability specifies the implemented capability of a media - specific designer . now both suitability and capability values may be defined for each semantic category ( e . g ., spatial data ) in a data ontology . one way of combining equations 1 - 3 is to define a single metric to evaluate the desirability of selecting medium m for data d : φ ( d , m )= g [ t ( t , m ), u ( m u , m ), d ( d , m )] where function g could be any mathematical function , such as computing the average or simply taking the maximal value of the parameters . the next two metrics are used to measure cross - media usage : presentation recallability and affordance . while recallability assesses how well a presented data item can be recalled , affordance measures how well the data item can catch a user &# 39 ; s focus of attention . the recallability of a presentation is directly affected by two media features : transience and overhead ( as described in y . arens et al ., “ the knowledge underlying multimedia presentations ,” intelligent multimedia interfaces , chap . 12 , pp . 280 - 306 , 1993 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein ). studies reveal that data items expressed by less - transient , lower - overhead media ( e . g ., text versus animation ) are easier to recall . on the other hand , increasing data volume may reduce the recallability due to a user &# 39 ; s limited working memory . in practice , a proper mix of media is often used to increase the overall recallability of a presentation ( e . g ., written text accompanying speech ). studies however show that improper use of multiple media may compete for a user &# 39 ; s attention . to avoid such situations , we define an overall compatibility across multiple media . generally , we obtain a higher compatibility if complementary media are used . for example , text and speech are considered more compatible than text with graphics . currently the compatibility of two media m i and m j can be defined manually . for example , text and speech are more compatible than text and graphics . the value is 1 . 0 if two media are fully complementary ( e . g ., text and speech ). incorporating all features discussed above , the recallability for using a medium m i to express d is : an affordance metric evaluates how well a user can focus on the presented content . two media features , detectability and overhead , ( as referred to in y . arens et al ., “ the knowledge underlying multimedia presentations ,” intelligent multimedia interfaces , chap . 12 , pp . 280 - 306 , 1993 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein ) directly impact affordance . normally , a medium with a higher detectability ( e . g ., speech versus written text ) allows a user to notice the presentation more easily . a medium with a high overhead ( e . g ., animation ) reduces the affordance , since it may distract the user . the affordance also drops when a low - detectable medium ( e . g ., text ) is used to present a large volume of data . using complementary media helps to gain proper affordance ( e . g ., speech accompanying graphics ). however , we must avoid the use of multiple attention gaining media . to incorporate all factors mentioned here , we define the affordance metric of using medium m i to convey data d : while the above two metrics regulate the usage of multiple media , the next set of metrics coordinate the media assignments across data items . specifically , we define the metrics by three data relationships : data importance ordering , data dependency , and data similarity . a proper presentation order aids users in comprehending the intended content . to establish such an order , we first constrain that important items be expressed effectively in their most compatible media ( as given above ). in addition , we require that the important items be easily recalled and attended to ( as given above ). to model these constraints , we formulate the presentation importance as the weight to promote more important items to be expressed more effectively : φ w ( d , m )= importance ( d )× φ ( d , m ), where m is the media assigned for d . this metric is especially useful when presentation resources are limited ( e . g ., on a personal digital assistant or pda ), since it forces that the proper media be reserved for presenting the most important information . data dependency states that if data item a depends on item b , and a is selected to be presented , so is b . to maintain data dependency , similar media should be used to tie relevant data items together . consider the effects where the city name is conveyed in speech but the boundary is expressed in graphics . in this case , the user must integrate both auditory ( speech ) and visual ( graphics ) channels to connect the two pieces of information . we define a desirability metric to model the correlation between data dependencies and the corresponding media similarity . given two data items d i and d j , and their corresponding assigned media m i and m y , if d i and d j are inter - dependent and m i and m y are similar , the overall desirability is high . otherwise , the desirability is low : ψ 1 ( d i , d j , m i , m j )= dependent ( d i , d j )× sim ( m i , m j ) ( 4 ) where data d i , d j εd , m i and m j are the media used for d i and d j , respectively . function dependent ( d i , d j )= 0 . 0 , if the two elements are unrelated ; otherwise , dependent ( d i , d j )= 1 . 0 . function sim ( m i , m y ) is defined using the media distance : sim ( m i , m j )= 1 − media dist ( m i , m y ). ( a ) to maintain presentation consistency , we define a metric to model the correlations between data similarity and the corresponding media similarity . similar to the data dependency metric , the consistency metric ensures a higher overall desirability , if any two similar items d i , d j are expressed by similar media m i and m j , the consistency score would be high : ψ 2 ( d i , d j , m i , m j )= sim ( d i , d j )× sim ( m i , m j ) ( 5 ) where d i , d j εd , m i , m j εm and are the media chosen for d i and d j , respectively . function sim ( d i , d j ) defines data similarity and sim ( m i , m j ) measures media similarity ( see equation ( a ) above ). the data similarity is computed using the semantic distance defined in a data ontology : sim ( d i , d j )= 1 − semantic dist ( d i , d j ). in a continuous user - system interaction , another desired consistency criterion is that the same data be expressed consistently through the course of conversation . for example , the data attributes such as house price and style attributes that have been presented in the course of conversation , in the follow - up conversation , whenever possible these attributes should be conveyed consistently . we define a temporal consistency metric to regulate that every data item be expressed in the similar media during the course of an interaction : ψ 3 ( d i , m i , m i ′)= sim ( m i , m i ′) ( 6 ) where d i εd , m i εm is the media assigned to d i now , and m i ′ is the media previously used for conveying d i . function sim ( m i , m i ′) measures media similarity ( see equation ( a ) above ). combining equations 4 - 6 , we define a single formula to measure the cross - data media allocation desirability : ψ ( d i , d j , m i , m j )= avg ( ψ k ( d i , m i , m j )), k = 1 . . . 3 . using these metrics above , an overall objective function is then defined to measure the overall desirability of a set of data - media mappings . below is an example embodiment of such a function that combines the different desirability metrics together : ∑ i ∑ x p ( d i , m x ) × ϕ ( d i , m x ) + ∑ i [ ∑ x p ( d i , m x ) × r ( d i , m x ) ] × compatibility ( m i ) + ∑ i [ ∑ x p ( d i , m x ) × a ( d , m x ) ] × compatibility ( m i ) + ∑ i ∑ j ∑ x ∑ y p ( d i , m x ) × p ( d j , m ) ] × ψ ( d i , d j , m x , m y ) ( 7 ) here d i , d j εd are the data to be presented , m x , m y εm are the media assigned to d i and d j respectively , and m 1 is a set of media assigned to convey data item d i after iterating through all available media . moreover , p ( d i , m x ) and p ( d j , m y ) are the probabilities of assigning the corresponding media to the desired data elements . metrics φ ( d i , m x ), r ( d i , m x ), a ( d , m x ), and ψ ( d i , d j , m x , m y ) measure desirabilities for the overall single data - mapping , recallability , affordance , and for any given two data - media mappings , respectively . it is to be understood the metrics as well as their according definitions ( formulas ) given above are merely examples used in this embodiment . the usage or type of metrics is not be limited to just those described above , nor do the definitions of such alternative metrics need to be as precise as those described herein . referring now to fig6 , a diagram illustrates a graph - matching methodology for performing media allocation , according to one embodiment of the present invention . more particularly , fig6 shows an example embodiment of a graph - matching algorithm that obtains the desired media allocation results by maximizing the overall desirability of data - media mappings . this algorithm is performed , for example , by media allocation module 200 ( fig2 ). while not limited thereto , in this particular embodiment , a graduated assignment algorithm ( as is known and , for example , described in s . gold et al ., “ a graduated assignment algorithm for graph - matching ,” ieee trans . pattern analysis and machine intelligence , 18 ( 4 ): 377 - 388 , 1996 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein ) is used to approximate the np - complete graph - matching in o ( n 2 × m 2 ). here n and m are the total number of nodes in the data and media graphs , respectively . algorithm 600 first initializes the probabilities of media assignment for each data node . specifically , the algorithm selects a medium that produces the highest data - media compatibility to initialize the probabilities . during each iteration , algorithm 600 measures one or more data - media mapping desirability using the metrics that are described above ( step 602 ). it then uses the gradient descent method ( step 604 ) to increase the probabilities of assigning a medium to a data item in a small step . the algorithm then solves a media assignment m i for each d i . if m k εm i is the most compatible medium for d i , it is tagged as the primary medium for d i ; otherwise , as a supplementary one . during each iteration , a total cost scost ( d i , m i ) is tested to determine whether it exceeds the allowed presentation budget . for example , in a real - estate information - seeking system application , using speech to utter a list of house prices may exceed the time budget , which limits how long a spoken output can last . when this occurs , the system has a choice : discard the offending medium or modify its usage to reduce the cost . the system may use media references to reduce the presentation cost . for example , the system may use speech to refer to the prices instead of describing them . in addition , these references help to make a better presentation . the speech reference improves the overall presentation affordance . to avoid repetitiveness in its responses ( e . g ., frequent spoken references ), the system may randomly choose whether to discard the medium or to modify its usage . when algorithm 600 eventually converges in step 606 ( i . e ., the gradient reaches a target threshold ), a set of data - media mappings that maximizes the objective function and meet the presentation budget constraints is obtained . for example , as shown in fig7 , a set of data objects 701 to be presented may include a set of objects that describe a set of houses to be presented . for example , this may include the house location , image , multiple listing service ( mls ) number , number of baths and bedrooms , and the total number of houses found ( count ) etc . fig7 also shows a set of media objects 702 that are available for use to present this set of data objects . the media objects include speech , text , and graphics . taking 701 and 702 as inputs , the inventive media allocation algorithm 703 ( described in detail above in the context of fig6 ) produces a set of data - media mappings 704 . in a set of mappings , for example , house location can be presented using graphics , house image can be presented using graphics , the number of bedrooms of the houses can be presented using text and speech , the number of bathrooms can be presented using text , and the count can be presented using speech . as a result of this set of data - media mappings , an example output presentation 800 of this set of houses is shown in fig8 . referring lastly to fig9 , a diagram illustrates a computer system suitable for implementing an information - seeking system , according to one embodiment of the present invention . for example , the illustrative architecture of fig9 may be used in implementing any and all of the components and / or steps described in the context of fig1 through 8 . as shown , the computer system 900 may be implemented in accordance with a processor 902 , a memory 904 , i / o devices 906 , and a network interface 908 , coupled via a computer bus 910 or alternate connection arrangement . it is to be appreciated that the term “ processor ” as used herein is intended to include any processing device , such as , for example , one that includes a cpu ( central processing unit ) and / or other processing circuitry . it is also to be understood that the term “ processor ” may refer to more than one processing device and that various elements associated with a processing device may be shared by other processing devices . the term “ memory ” as used herein is intended to include memory associated with a processor or cpu , such as , for example , ram , rom , a fixed memory device ( e . g ., hard drive ), a removable memory device ( e . g ., diskette ), flash memory , etc . in addition , the phrase “ input / output devices ” or “ i / o devices ” as used herein is intended to include , for example , one or more input devices ( e . g ., keyboard , mouse , etc .) for entering data to the processing unit , and / or one or more output devices ( e . g ., speaker , display , etc .) for presenting results associated with the processing unit . still further , the phrase “ network interface ” as used herein is intended to include , for example , one or more transceivers to permit the computer system to communicate with another computer system via an appropriate communications protocol . accordingly , software components including instructions or code for performing the methodologies described herein may be stored in one or more of the associated memory devices ( e . g ., rom , fixed or removable memory ) and , when ready to be utilized , loaded in part or in whole ( e . g ., into ram ) and executed by a cpu . it is to be further appreciated that the present invention also includes techniques for providing media allocation services . by way of example , a service provider agrees ( e . g ., via a service level agreement or some informal agreement or arrangement ) with a service customer or client to provide media allocation services . that is , by way of one example only , the service provider may host the customer &# 39 ; s web site and associated applications . then , in accordance with terms of the contract between the service provider and the service customer , the service provider provides media allocation services that may include one or more of the methodologies of the invention described herein . although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments , and that various other changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention . | 6 |
the memory used to store data often has a significant impact on how quickly a program operates . for example , a multiple engine processor , such as a network processor , may provide memory shared by different engines . this shared memory can be used to store variables accessed by threads executing on the engines . shared memory provides a convenient inter - thread / inter - engine communication mechanism . however , using shared memory to store a variable may introduce delays , for example , as the different threads contend with one another for access to the memory storing the variable . fig1 illustrates operation of a compiler 100 that can process instructions 110 to reduce shared memory access requested by different threads without altering program functionality 110 . as shown in fig1 , the compiler 100 operates on source code 110 to produce target code 116 . in the example , shown , the source code 110 defines a variable , “ shared_var ”, and includes instructions that ( 1 ) write a value to the variable . in this example , the value written to the variable is not determined during compilation . the source code 110 also includes instructions that later ( 2 ) read the variable value . potentially , the same program 110 may be intended for independent execution by different threads . thus , many threads executing the program 110 may each read the variable value . potentially , the compiler 100 could simply generate instructions that allocate a portion of shared memory 112 to store shared_var 114 and repeatedly access the shared memory . however , repeated accesses of shared memory may slow thread execution due to the latency penalty associated with each shared memory 114 access . additionally , since the resulting instructions may be executed by many different threads , this latency penalty may be endured many times over . as shown in fig1 , instead of leaving the program to access shared memory 112 again and again , the compiler 100 can generate instructions 116 that ( 1 ) copy the value of the variable 114 from shared memory 112 at , or after , a point in the execution flow of program 110 where the compiler 100 determines that the variable value will , thereafter , remain constant . as shown , once copied , the compiler 100 can replace instructions that access the variable value with instructions that ( 2 ) access the copy instead . though the copy operation imposes a fixed , initial processing cost , repeated accesses to the variable within the program and across threads executing the program will generally improve overall execution speed . as shown in fig1 , the generated instructions 116 copy shared_var to memory 118 . memory 118 may be a memory uniquely associated with an engine ( e . g ., an engine memory cache ) or may be some other memory with a lower latency than memory 114 with respect to a thread executing the generated instructions 116 . as shown in fig2 , the compiler 100 may generate different sets of instructions 124 , 126 a - 126 n from the same source code 116 . the sets of instructions 124 , 126 a - 126 n may be processed by different engines and / or by different engine threads . as shown , the instructions generated by the compiler 100 may vary . fig3 illustrates an example of this in greater detail . as shown in fig3 , a first set of instructions 124 generated by the compiler 110 includes instructions that specify ( 1 ) write operations to the variable 114 in shared memory 112 . the first set 124 also includes instructions that ( 2 ) notify other threads after the variable 114 assumes a non - changing value . assuming the write operations were only intended to be executed once for all threads ( e . g ., as part of thread initialization ), the remaining instruction sets 126 a - 126 n need not include the write operations of the first set 124 . instead the remaining sets 126 a - 126 n include instructions that ( 3 ) copy the variable 114 after awaiting ( or polling ) for notification . thereafter , the sets 126 a - 126 n can ( 4 ) access the copy instead of the actual variable in shared memory 112 . fig1 - 3 illustrated the compiler 100 output 116 , 124 , 126 in the same instruction set as the source code . that is , the compiler 100 output shown is in the same “ c ”- like instruction set as the source . while this is possible when the compiler 100 operates as a source code pre - processor , the actual output may instead be in a lower level instruction set such as assembly code or engine executable code expressed in the engine &# 39 ; s instruction set . fig4 illustrates a process implemented by a compiler using techniques described above . as shown , the compiler identifies 150 a variable to be accessed by different threads included in source code . a variable may be explicitly ( e . g ., declared “ global ” or “ shared ”) or implicitly declared ( e . g ., by the location of the declaration or by references to the variable or the variable &# 39 ; s address ) as being shared by different threads . for such variables , the compiler determines 152 whether the variable assumes a constant value after a certain point in program execution . such a determination may be made by data - flow analysis ( e . g ., by identifying instructions that access the variable or a variable alias ). alternately , the source code may include an instruction to declare the onset of an unchanging variable value ( e . g ., “ read_only ( shared_variable )”) or may reserve a section of code (“ init ( ){ }”) to set the values of variables that remain constant thereafter . for such variables , the compiler can generate 154 instructions that , first , copy the variable to a lower latency memory with respect to the executing thread and , subsequently , replace read accesses of the variable to read accesses of the copy . techniques described above may be used by compilers for a variety of multi - engine systems . for example , techniques described above may be implemented by a compiler for a network processor . many network processor architectures feature multiple engines that process packets , for example , by classifying the packets , determining where to forward the packets , applying quality of service ( qos ), and so forth . since two packets may have little relation to one another ( e . g ., they may be part of a different flow between different network end points ), network processors often do not feature hardware support for caching frequently accessed data . thus , techniques described above can effectively cache shared variables in engine or thread local memory ( or at least lower latency memory ) even in the absence of caching hardware support . as an example of a network processor , fig7 depicts an intel ® internet exchange network processor ( ixp ). other network processors feature different designs . the network processor 200 shown features a core 210 processor ( e . g ., a strongarm ® xscale ®) and a collection of packet engines 204 that provide a collection of threads to process packets . the packet engines 204 may be reduced instruction set computing ( risc ) processors tailored for packet processing . for example , the packet engines 204 may not include floating point instructions or instructions for integer multiplication or division commonly provided by general purpose processors . an individual packet engine 204 may offer multiple threads . for example , a multi - threading capability of the packet engines 204 may be supported by hardware that reserves different registers for different threads and can quickly swap thread execution contexts ( e . g ., program counter and other execution register values ). in some network processors , such as the ixp shown , an engine executes the same instruction set for each thread . that is , the same program is independently executed by the threads of the engine . a packet engine 204 may feature local memory that can be accessed by threads executing on the engine 204 . the network processor may also feature different kinds of memory shared by the different engines 204 . for example , the shared “ scratchpad ” provides the engines with fast on - chip memory . the processor also includes controllers to external static random access memory ( sram ) and higher - latency dynamic random access memory ( dram ). thus , the compiler could allocate storage for a variable in the shared scratchpad , sram , or dram , and copy the variable into packet engine memory for threads accessing the variable after it assumes an unchanging value . as shown , the network processor 200 features other components including interfaces 202 that can carry packets between the processor 200 and other network components . for example , the processor 200 can feature a switch fabric interface 202 ( e . g ., a csix interface ) that enables the processor 200 to transmit a packet to other processor ( s ) or circuitry connected to the fabric . the processor 200 can also feature an interface 202 ( e . g ., a system packet interface level 4 ( spi - 4 ) interface ) that enables to the processor 200 to communicate with physical layer ( phy ) and / or link layer devices . the processor 200 also includes an interface 208 ( e . g ., a peripheral component interconnect ( pci ) bus interface ) for communicating , for example , with a host . as described above , the techniques may be implemented by a compiler . in addition to the compiler operations described above , the compiler may perform other compiler operations such as lexical analysis to group the text characters of source code into “ tokens ”, syntax analysis that groups the tokens into grammatical phrases , semantic analysis that can check for source code errors , intermediate code generation ( e . g ., whirl ) that more abstractly represents the source code , and optimizations to improve the performance of the resulting code . the compiler may compile an object - oriented or procedural language such as a language that can be expressed in a backus - naur form ( bnf ). | 2 |
referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views , fig1 shows the present invention ( 10 ) adjacent to a building ( 11 ) for loading bags of recyclable materials into a trailer ( 12 ). a loader ( 13 ) is placed on a pedestal ( 14 ) so that the loader ( 13 ) will be at a proper height and position with respect to the trailer ( 12 ), it being understood that the pedestal ( 14 ) could merely be a standard loading dock instead of a pedestal . a hopper ( 16 ) is disposed above the loader ( 13 ) and has a conveyor ( 17 ) extending into the top end thereof , with the bottom end of the conveyor ( 17 ) being ready to accept bags full of containers to be recycled . referring to fig3 it is noted that the conveyor ( 17 ) has side boards ( 18 ) for preventing the bags from falling off the sides and the top thereof is typically enclosed if it is outside of the building , whereas it is not covered if it is inside a building . the hopper ( 16 ) includes a photo cell ( 19 ) and a photo cell ( 21 ) which will be explained below . the loader ( 13 ) is constructed like a compactor except it is important to note that it is not being used as a compactor . a compactor typically operates off of pressure and pushes against something until a certain pressure is achieved after which it automatically stops , whereas this loader ( 13 ) always has the same stroke length every time and is merely intended to push bags of containers into the trailer and not to compact them . referring to fig4 it is noted that a computer ( 20 ) is used to control the apparatus shown in fig5 . the computer ( 20 ) is set to extend and then retract a ram ( 23 ) shown in fig6 and 7 . this extending and retracting is done hydraulically by a pump ( not shown ) associated with the loader ( 13 ). hydraulic cylinders ( not shown ) can be used in association with the pump . any standard compactor structure can be used as a loader ( 13 ). because no compaction is desired , the trailer is not anchored with respect to the loader ( 13 ), other than the normal step of applying the brakes on the trailer and / or using wheel chokes . referring to fig4 and 7 , it is noted that as long as the bags ( 25 ) of the cans or plastic bottles are dropping off of the conveyor ( 17 ) and dropping quickly past the loader photo cell ( 21 ), there is no signal sent to the computer ( 20 ) because the photo cell ( 21 ) has a three - second time delay . once the bags pile up in front of the loader photo cell ( 21 ), a signal is sent to the computer ( 20 ) to begin a stroke of the ram ( 23 ), for example , to move the ram from the position shown in fig7 to the position shown in fig6 . the bags that are in front of the ram ( 23 ) and below the hopper will be pushed to the left as shown in fig6 and 7 at the same time that the ram ( 23 ) moves to the left from fig7 to fig6 . a horizontal plate ( 27 ), which is attached to the ram structure ( 23 ) and moves with the ram back and forth , slides under the bags ( 25 ) above it to the position shown in fig6 as the ram ( 23 ) moves , to keep the bags ( 25 ) from falling into the chamber ( 28 ) while the ram ( 23 ) is in the position in fig6 . this plate ( 27 ) only allows bags to drop into the chamber ( 28 ) as it moves back to the position shown in fig7 in dashed lines . this plate ( 27 ) is essentially just a rectangular plate , although it is only shown in one edge view in fig6 and 7 . as the bags ( 25 ) pile up in the hopper ( 16 ), for example as shown in fig6 they will eventually cover up the photo cell ( 19 ). the photo cell ( 19 ) is designed to have a three - second delay , and is in that respect just like the photo cell ( 21 ) which controls the stroking of the compactor ram ( 23 ). once the bags ( 25 ) pile up and are in front of the photo cell ( 19 ) for more than the predetermined delay time of three seconds , for example , a signal is sent from the conveyor photo cell ( 19 ) to the computer ( 20 ) and the computer ( 20 ) shuts off the conveyor ( 17 ) so that bags do not pile up and start dropping off the top of the hopper ( 16 ). the computer ( 20 ) is programmed to deliver a predetermined number of strokes , x , and then to shut off the pump ( not shown ) of the loader ( 13 ). this prevents compaction of the bags within the trailer ( 12 ), which would cause damage to the trailer itself and furthermore would cause the cans or bottles to be compacted and therefore be very difficult to separate later . easy separation of the containers in the plastic bags at the recycling center is extremely important for recycling purposes . for example , in a typical trailer that is 53 - feet long , the compactor / loader ( 13 ) is set to make one hundred strokes before it shuts off . the computer ( 20 ) also is set so that when eighty - percent of the strokes have been completed , a light ( 22 ) begins to flash to tell the operator that it is getting close to the time when a new trailer will need to be brought in and the loaded trailer ( 12 ) removed . when one hundred percent of the pre - determined strokes of the ram ( 23 ) are done , i . e ., one hundred strokes in this example , the light ( 22 ) is set to be “ on ” continuously to indicate to the operator that the trailer ( 12 ) is completely full and should be removed and replaced with an empty trailer . this will occur , for example , at the time shown in fig8 wherein the last stroke of the ram ( 23 ) is just ready to occur . referring to fig2 it is noted that a portion of the device can be inside of a building , but is also to be understood that all or any part of the system can be outside of the building . one perhaps desirable arrangement would be that only the bottom input portion of the conveyor ( 17 ) would be inside the building and the rest of the structure could be outside of the building , for example , during winter conditions . a canvas or nylon curtain ( 29 ) prevents the bags in hopper ( 16 ) from just dropping in the top of the back opening of the trailer ( 12 ). the curtain ( 29 ) is attached to the roof and sides of the trailer and directs the bags ( 25 ) into the chamber ( 28 ) of loader ( 13 ). the curtain ( 29 ) has an opening in it the size of the loader and surrounds the part of the loader ( 13 ) that extends into the trailer ( 12 ). part ( 31 ) is one end of the housing of the compactor / loader ( 13 ). accordingly , it will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment shown herein does indeed accomplish the aforementioned objects . obviously many 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 . | 1 |
reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . wherever possible , the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts . the terminologies disclosed the present application are widely used in this fields of the present invention . however , some of them are defined by the inventors . in this case , the newly defined terminologies are described in detail in the following description . therefore , the terminologies in the present invention will be understood on the basis of the disclosure of the present application . enhanced data in the present application may be any of application program execution files , data having information , such as stock information , etc ., and video / audio data . known data may be data which is previously known in transmitting / receiving ends , based on a protocol . main data is indicative of data which can be received by the conventional receiving systems , including video / audio data . the present invention serves to multiplex the enhanced data having information and the known data known in the transmitting / receiving ends , and to transmit them , to enhance receiving performance of a receiver . especially , the present invention serves to initialize a memory in a trellis encoder at the beginning portion of the known data stream , and apply a block encoding for the enhanced data at the transmitting / receiving ends , using the initialization characteristics , to perform additional encoding / decoding . fig1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a digital broadcast transmitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention . the digital broadcast transmitting system includes an e - vsb preprocessor 101 , an e - vsb packet formatter 102 , a packet multiplexer 103 , a data randomizer 104 , a scheduler 105 , an e - vsb post - processor 110 , an rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 , a data interleaver 122 , a trellis encoding unit 123 , a compatible processor 130 , a frame multiplexer 140 , and a transmitting unit 150 . main data is outputted to the multiplexer 103 , based on transport packet units . enhanced data is outputted to the e - vsb preprocessor 101 . the e - vsb preprocessor 101 performs pre - processes , such as additional error correction code , interleaving , insertion of null data , etc ., regarding the enhanced data , and then outputs it to the e - vsb formatter 102 . the e - vsb packet formatter 102 includes at least one of the preprocessed enhance data and predetermined known data ( or known data place holder ), under control of the scheduler 105 , and adds a 4 - byte mpeg header thereto to form a mpeg packet based on 188 bytes . after that , the mpeg packet is outputted to the packet multiplexer 103 . the packet multiplexer 103 serves to perform time multiplexing , based on transport stream ( ts ) packet unit , for the main data packets and the enhanced data packet , according to pre - defined multiplexing method , under the control of the scheduler 105 . here , the main data packets and the enhanced data packet are formed on the basis of 188 byte unit . namely , the scheduler 105 generates a control signal such that the packet multiplexer 103 multiplexes main data packets and enhanced data packets , and then output them to the packet multiplexer 103 . the packet multiplexer 103 receiving the control signal multiplexes the main data packets and the enhanced data packets , based on ts packet units , and outputs the multiplexed result . the output of the packet multiplexer 103 is inputted to the data randomizer 104 . the data randomizer 104 removes an mpeg synchronous byte from the input packet and randomizes the remaining 187 bytes using pseudo random bytes , which are generated therein , to output them to the e - vsb post - processor 110 . the e - vsb post - processor 110 includes an rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 , a data interleaver 112 , an e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 , a data de - interleaver 114 , and an rs byte remover 115 . the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 performs a systematic rs encoding or a non - systematic rs parity holder insertion for the randomized data . namely , when the 187 byte packet , which is outputted from the data randomizer 104 , is main data packet , the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 performs systematic rs encoding , which is identical to that of a conventional atsc vsb system , and adds a parity of 20 bytes to the end of the 187 byte data , to output it to the data interleaver 112 . on the other hand , when the 187 byte packet , which is outputted from the data randomizer 104 , is enhanced data packet , the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 inserts rs parity place holder , which is composed of null data of 20 bytes , in the packet , and inserts data of the enhanced data packet to places of the remaining 187 byte packet , correspondingly , to output them to the data interleaver 112 . the data interleaver 112 performs data interleaving for the output of the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 to output it to the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 . the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 performs additional ½ encoding for only the enhanced data , which is outputted from the data interleaver 112 , to output it to the data de - interleaver 114 . the data de - interleaver 114 performs data de - interleaving for the inputted data to output it to the rs byte remover 115 . here , the data de - interleaver 114 performs a reverse process of the data interleaver 112 . data interleaving of the data interleaver 112 and encoding of the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 will be described later . the rs byte remover 115 removes the 20 byte parity which is added in the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 . here , when the inputted data is main data packet , the last 20 bytes of the 207 bytes are removed . when the inputted data is the enhanced data packet , parity place holders of 20 bytes of 207 bytes are removed , in which the parity place holders are inserted thereto to perform non - systematic rs encoding . namely , such procedures for the enhanced data serve to re - calculate parity because original data is changed by the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 . the output of the rs byte remover 115 is inputted to the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 . when the 187 byte packet , which is outputted from the rs byte remover 115 , is main data packet , similar to the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 , the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 performs systematic rs encoding , which is identical to a conventional atsc vsb system , and inserts parity of 20 bytes to the end of the data of 187 bytes . when the packet is enhanced data packet , byte places of 20 parities are determined in the packet to perform non - systematic rs encoding in the rear end of the compatible processor 130 . after that , parities obtained after non - systematic rs encoding may be inserted in the determined byte places of parities or null byte instead of the parities may be inserted thereto . the bytes in the enhanced data packet are sequentially inserted in the places of the remaining 187 bytes . the null byte is determined by a certain value . the null byte is substituted with a parity value which is calculated in the non - systematic rs encoder 133 of the compatible processor 130 . therefore , the null byte serves to secure a place of parity byte of non - systematic rs code . the output of the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 is outputted to the data interleaver 122 . also , when the packet is enhanced data packet , the output is inputted to the compatible processor 130 to re - calculate parity . the data interleaver 122 performs interleaving for the inputted data , like the interleaving rule of data interleaver 112 . fig3 illustrates a schematic block diagram for a structure of a data interleaver ( 122 or 112 ) of fig1 , or a convolution interleaver of which branch number is 52 and the number m of a unit memory byte is 4 . as shown in fig3 , when a first byte is inputted thereto , it is outputted through the first branch , and a second byte is inputted thereto through a second branch . therefore , a value before 52 * 4 bytes is outputted . fig4 illustrates a view for describing a sequence of output of a data interleaver of fig3 in the vsb frame . the data is sequentially inputted from the lower part to the upper part , based on segment units , in which bytes in the segment are sequentially inputted thereto from left to right . the numerals of fig4 are indicative of the output sequence of the data interleaver . the data interleaver is operated on the basis of unit of 52 segments . the output of the data interleaver 122 is inputted to the trellis encoding unit 123 . the trellis encoding unit 123 encodes the inputted 2 bits to 3 bits to output it thereto . the output of the trellis encoding unit 123 is inputted to the frame multiplexer 140 . the frame multiplexer 140 inserts a field synchronization bit and a segment synchronization bit to the output of the trellis encoding unit 123 to transmit it to the transmitting unit 150 . the transmitting unit 150 includes a pilot inserter 151 , a vsb modulator 152 , and an rf converter 153 . since the transmitter unit 150 is operated as the conventional vsb transmitter , its detailed description will be omitted . in order to use the output data of the trellis encoding unit 123 as the known data which was defined in the transmitting / receiving ends , it is necessary to initialize a memory of the trellis encoding unit 123 before the known data inserted in the enhanced data packet is processed . the input of the trellis encoding unit 123 is needed to perform substitution for the initialization . rs parity affected by the changed data is re - calculated to be substituted with the original parity data . such a procedure is performed in the compatible processor 130 . fig2 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a trellis encoding unit 123 of fig1 , which is initializable . the trellis encoding unit 123 which is initializable includes a byte - symbol converter 201 , a multiplexer 202 for selecting one of inputs thereof , a trellis encoder 203 for inputting the selected input from the multiplexer 202 , and a trellis state initialization controller 204 for initializing the trellis encoder 203 . such trellis encoding unit is operated as follows . the byte - symbol converter 201 inputs interleaved data based on byte units to convert it to interleaved data based on symbol units , and then performs 12 - way interleaving for the data to output it to the multiplexer 202 . for a normal case , the output of the byte - symbol converter 201 is selected by the multiplexer 202 such that the output can be transmitted to the trellis encoder 203 through the multiplexer 202 . on the other hand , when the interleaved data is known data and the known data is the beginning portion of the successively inputted known data stream , it is necessary to initialize the trellis encoder 203 , since the trellis encoder 203 has a memory and thus its present output is affected by present and past inputs . therefore , in order to output a predetermined signal at a certain time , the memory of the trellis encoder 203 must be initialized at a certain value . when the memory of the trellis encoder 203 requires initialization thereof , a part of the known data is substituted with an initialization data to be outputted to the trellis encoder 203 . afterwards , the memory of the trellis encoder 203 is initialized to a predetermined value based on the initialization data . therefore , from the time point of the initialization , the output of the trellis encoder 203 can be the known data which is encoded to comply with the transmitting / receiving ends . the trellis state initialization controller 204 for initializing the trellis encoder 203 inputs a memory value of the trellis encoder 203 to generate initialization data to be inputted to the trellis encoder 203 and then outputs it to the compatible processor 130 . namely , the trellis encoder 203 is operated such that upper bit of the two bits composing a symbol is encoded to a single bit using a single memory to be outputted , and the lower bit is encoded to two bits using the two memories to be outputted . here , when the input data is known data and thus the known data is the beginning of the successively inputted known data stream , the memories must be initialized to output the inputted data as desired known data , after the inputted data undergoes trellis encoding . therefore , when the memory of the trellis encoder 203 requires initialization , the trellis state initialization controller 204 generates initialization data according to a present state and a desired initialization state of the memory , and then outputs it to the multiplexer 202 . the initialization data is formed by 4 bits , or two symbols . here , there may be a plurality of the trellis encoder 203 , for example , 12 . the 12 bytes outputted from the multiplexer 202 are sequentially inputted to the each of the trellis encoders 203 . here , the beginning 4 bits of each byte , or two symbols , can be initialization data . namely , the initialization controller 204 generates initialization data and then outputs it to the multiplexer 202 and the compatible processor 130 , in which the initialization data initializes the memory of the trellis encoder 203 in first two symbol intervals at which the known data symbol stream is started . the compatible processor 130 inputs the output of the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 and the output of the initialization controller 204 and then generates non - systematic 20 byte parity to be outputted to the multiplexer 202 of the trellis encoding unit 123 . namely , since the memory of the trellis encoding unit 123 is initialized by new data but not by data which is interleaved in the data interleaver 122 , rs parity must be re - generated to substitute the original parity data . such procedure is performed in the compatible processor 130 . the compatible processor 130 includes a packet buffer 131 , a symbol - byte converter 132 , a non - systematic rs encoder 133 , and a byte - symbol converter 134 . namely , the output of the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 is inputted to the data interleaver 122 and the packet buffer 131 . the initialization data of the initialization controller 204 is inputted to the multiplexer 202 of the trellis encoding unit 123 and the symbol - byte converter 132 of the compatible processor 130 . here , since the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 inputs and outputs its input and output based on byte unit , the symbol - byte converter 132 converts the initialization data of symbol unit to the initialization of byte unit and then outputs it to the packet buffer 131 . the packet buffer 131 inputs the byte output from the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 and the byte output from the symbol - byte converter 132 to temporarily store them and then outputs them to the non - systematic rs encoder 133 . the non - systematic rs encoder 133 inputs the byte output from the packet buffer 131 to generate parity of non - systematic 20 bytes and then outputs the parity based on symbol unit to the multiplexer 202 of the trellis encoding unit 123 through the byte - symbol converter 134 . when the inputted data , which is interleaved and then converted to symbols , is the beginning of known data stream , the multiplexer 202 selects the initialization symbol of the initialization controller 204 instead of the inputted symbol , and then outputs it . when the inputted data is rs parity or parity place holder , the multiplexer 202 selects the output symbol of the symbol - byte converter 134 of the compatible processor 130 instead of the inputted symbol . except for the above cases , the multiplexer 202 selects inputted data , which is interleaved and then converted to symbol , and then outputs it to the trellis encoder 203 . namely , substitution of initialization symbol occurs at places of first two symbols in the known data stream , to be inputted to the trellis encoder 203 . also , substitution of parity symbol , which is re - calculated in the compatible processor 130 , occurs at the parity place of each packet , to be outputted to the trellis encoder 203 . especially , when the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity holder inserter 121 does not insert a non - systematic rs parity to the enhanced data packet but instead inserts a null byte , the compatible processor 130 calculates non - systematic rs parity of the enhanced data packet , regardless of initialization of the trellis encoder , to perform substitution using the calculation result . the trellis encoder 203 performs trellis encoding for the data outputted from the multiplexer 202 , based on symbol unit , and then outputs it to the frame multiplexer 140 . also , the trellis encoder 203 outputs its memory state to the initialization controller 204 . the following is a description for insertion of known data and setting of a non - systematic rs parity place . fig5 a illustrates data configuration at the input end of the data interleaver as known data is inserted thereto . fig5 b illustrates data configuration at the output end of the data interleaver as the data of fig5 a is inserted thereto . namely , a receiver sequentially inputs data from the output end of the data interleaver outputted as the data interleaver output . also , known data must be successively inputted thereto in response to the sequence of number of fig4 , such that the receiver can receive timely successive known data . as shown in fig5 b , in order that a single data segment , which is received in the receiver , is all known data , the single data segment is divided into 52 byte units , as shown in fig5 a . afterwards , the known data is inserted thereto at a place of data segment at each 52 byte unit . here , the beginning part of the known data stream needs initialization byte . therefore , when the place of known data is determined in the data segment , a place of the initialization byte is determined as the place at which normal data ends and the known data is started , from the point of view of the output end of the data interleaver . when the place of initialization byte of the known data is determined , the place of a non - systematic rs parity byte can be determined . the place is preferably located such that the parity bytes can be outputted latter than the initialization bytes , from the point of view of the output end of the data interleaver . namely , for a single segment , as shown in fig4 , the lower order bit is outputted earlier from the data interleaver than the larger one . therefore , the rs parity is preferably located later than the sequence number of the initialization bytes . the following is another embodiment of a method for inserting known data thereto . as shown in fig5 b , when the known data is inserted after the mpeg header in a first segment , from the point of view of the output end of the data interleaver , or the known data is inserted from after the mpeg header to the end of the segment , since mpeg header bytes of a second segment have a certain value for enhanced data packets , the mpeg header bytes can be regarded as continuation data . as such , the present invention serves to perform substitution of data to initialize the memory of the trellis encoder to a predetermined initial state when the known data stream is started . also , the present invention serves to perform non - systematic rs encoding for enhanced data packets to keep compatibility with conventional receivers by the substituted data or to insert known data in conventional systematic rs parity regions . on the other hand , the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 performs additional encoding for enhanced data and then outputs it thereto . namely , when the output of the data interleaver 112 is main data , the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 does not change mpeg header byte , which is added in the e - vsb packet formatter 102 , or rs parity or rs parity place byte , which are added to the enhanced data packet in the rs encoder / non - systematic rs parity place holder inserter 111 , and outputs them thereto . also , similar to main data , the known data is outputted thereto without additional encoding procedure . however , the method for processing the known data may be different from that for processing the main data . for example , there is a method for outputting known data which is generated in a symbol region , instead of a known data place holder , in the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 , in a state where the known data place holder is inserted in the e - vsb packet formatter 102 . also , there is another method in which the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 does not change data but outputs the data , in state where the known data is inserted in the e - vsb packet formatter 102 . the former method is described through fig6 a and fig7 a , and the latter method is described through fig6 b and fig7 b . firstly , as shown in fig6 a , the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 includes a demultiplexer 610 , a buffer 620 , a u / c encoding unit 630 , and a multiplexer 640 . the u / c encoding unit 630 serves to encode u bit of the enhanced data to c bit and then to output it thereto . for example , when 1 bit of the enhanced data is encoded to two bits to output it thereto , u is 1 and c is 2 . the u / c encoding unit 630 includes a byte - bit converter 631 , a u / c encoder 632 , a block interleaver 633 , and a bit - byte converter 634 . the u / c encoder 632 is implemented with a ½ encoder . the u / c encoder 632 and the block interleaver 633 ( which is optional ) are defined as an “ enhanced encoder core ” in the present invention . as shown in fig7 a , the demultiplexer 610 outputs its output to the buffer 620 when inputted data is main data , and to the u / c encoding unit 630 when the inputted data is enhanced data . the buffer 620 delays main data for a certain time , and then outputs it to the multiplexer 640 . namely , when main data is inputted to the demultiplexer 610 , the buffer 620 is used to compensate time delay which is generated while the enhanced data is additionally encoded . afterwards , the main data , whose time delay is controlled by the buffer 620 , is transmitted to the data deinterleaver 114 through the multiplexer 640 . when the known data is inputted , the known data place holder is inserted thereto in the e - vsb packet formatter 102 . the multiplexer 640 of the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 selects the training sequence t instead of the known data place holder and then outputs it thereto . therefore , the known data can be outputted without additional encoding . on the other hand , the byte - bit converter 631 of the u / c encoding unit 630 converts the enhanced data byte to enhanced data bits and then outputs them to the ½ encoder 632 . the ½ encoder 632 encodes inputted one bit to two bits to output them thereto . the ½ encoder 632 is implemented with a convolution encoder or a low density parity check ( ldpc ) encoder , etc ., which can use block codes . also , the ½ encoder 632 may selectively adopt a block interleaver 633 according to implementation objectives . for example , assuming that one byte of the enhanced data is extended to two bytes as null bits are inserted among bits thereof in the e - vsb pre - processor 101 . the byte - bit converter 631 removes the null bits of inputted bytes and then outputs only effective data bits to the ½ encoder 632 . the ½ encoder 632 encodes one bit input to two bits , on the basis of block coding , and the block interleaver 633 inputs the two bits to perform block interleaving therefor . the block interleaving is related to the total system performance and may be used in any interleavings , such as a random interleaving . here , the ½ encoder 632 performs encodings based on block units . the block size must be determined such that the block interleaver 633 can perform block interleaving . according to the present invention , the block size can be determined by input format of the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 , as shown in fig5 b . the following is a description for a method for determining block size with reference to the input format of fig5 b . fig5 b shows that the number of parts to initialize the memory of trellis encoder is 5 when interleaving unit is 52 segments . in this case , it can be divided from one block into four blocks . namely , for high block code performance of fig5 b , the block size can be preferably determined by the bit number of the enhanced data from first trellis initialization to fifth trellis initialization . according to another embodiment , the block size can be determined by the bit number of the enhanced data from among the first trellis initialization to third trellis initialization . in this case , the enhanced data of one data interleaving unit , which must be encoded in the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 , is divided into two blocks and then encoded . namely , the enhanced data among the first trellis initialization and third trellis initialization is encoded on the basis of one block size , and the enhanced data among the third trellis initialization and the fifth initialization is encoded on the basis of another block size . also , according to a further embodiment , the block size can be determined as the bit number of the enhanced data between the first trellis initialization and the second trellis initialization . in this case , the enhanced data of one data interleaving unit , which must be encoded in the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 , is divided into four blocks and then encoded . the enhanced data , which was used to determine the block size , must be additionally encoded in the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 . here , the enhanced data does not include the known data and non - systematic rs parity . the block size can be set with reference to the trellis initialization , since data after trellis initialization is not affected by inputs before the initialization . namely , since the enhanced data have limited lengths with reference to the data of the trellis initialization , start and end of classified blocks are determined . therefore , encoding performance of the enhanced data , which is performed in the block coding , can be further increased . the bit - byte converter 634 serves to convert output bits of the block interleaver 633 to bytes and then outputs them to the multiplexer 640 . the multiplexer 640 selects main data outputted from the buffer 620 , when the inputted data is main data , and enhanced data , which is encoded in the u / c encoding unit 630 , when the inputted data is the enhanced data . also , when the inputted data is known data place holder , the multiplexer 640 selects training sequence to output it to the deinterleaver 114 . fig6 a illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the e - vsb enhanced encoder , and fig6 b illustrates a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the e - vsb enhanced encoder . fig6 a and fig6 b are different from one another , regarding a known data processing part . namely , fig6 b is identical to fig6 a except that , when the inputted data is known data , the demultiplexer 660 outputs the known data to the buffer 670 such that the buffer 670 can delay a certain time and then output it to the deinterleaver 114 through the multiplexer 680 . therefore , the detailed description for fig6 b will be omitted . such processes are performed under the assumption that the known data is already inserted in the enhanced data packet in the e - vsb packet formatter 102 . as such , the present invention serves to initialize the memory of the trellis encoder at the beginning part of the know data stream and perform additional encoding for the enhanced data , based on block coding , using the initialization . therefore , performance of the additional encoding for the enhanced data can be increased . fig7 a illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the e - vsb enhanced decoder 113 , and fig7 b illustrates a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the e - vsb enhanced decoder 113 . firstly , as shown in fig7 a , the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 includes a demultiplexer 710 , a buffer 720 , an n - way encoder 730 , and a multiplexer 740 . the n - way encoder 730 includes an n - way interleaver 731 , an n - way deinterleaver 733 and n enhanced encoding units 7321 ˜ 732 n , which are connected , in parallel , between the n - way interleaver 731 and the n - way deinterleaver 733 . each enhanced encoding unit includes a symbol - bit converter , an enhanced encoder core , and a bit - symbol converter . the enhanced encoder core includes a u / c encoder and a block interleaver . the u / c encoder is preferably implemented with a ½ encoder . the ½ encoder may use block codes of a convolution encoder or a low density parity check ( ldpc ) encoder . also , the ½ encoder may selectively use a block interleaver according to implementation objectives . as shown in fig7 a , when the inputted data is main data , the demultiplexer 710 outputs the main data to the buffer 720 . when the inputted data is enhanced data , the demultiplexer 710 outputs the enhanced data to the n - way interleaver 731 of the n - way encoding unit 730 . the buffer 720 delays main data for a certain time , and then outputs it to the multiplexer 740 . namely , when main data is inputted to the demultiplexer 710 , the buffer 720 is used to compensate time delay which is generated while the enhanced data is additionally encoded . afterwards , the main data , whose time delay is controlled by the buffer 720 , is transmitted to the data deinterleaver 114 through the multiplexer 740 . when the known data is inputted , the known data place holder is inserted thereto in the e - vsb packet formatter 102 . the multiplexer 740 of the e - vsb enhanced encoder 113 selects the training sequence t instead of the known data place holder and then outputs it thereto . therefore , the known data can be outputted without additional encoding . on the other hand , the n - way interleaver 731 converts the enhanced data bytes to symbols , such that each of the symbols can be distributed to corresponding enhanced encoding unit . namely , the enhanced data of the demultiplexer 710 are formed into n divided symbol outputs by the n - way interleaver 731 of the n - way encoding unit 730 . the n divided symbols are sequentially distributed to the n enhanced encoding units or non - sequentially distributed to the encoding units based on a pre - set interleaving sequence . for example , when n is 4 , one byte is changed to 4 symbols . therefore , the 4 symbols are distributed to the four enhanced encoding units , in sequence or in a predetermined interleaving sequence . also , symbols located at the same places in each of the four bytes are distributed to 4 enhanced encoding units based on a predetermined sequence . the enhanced encoding units have the same structure , such that they can operate identically . therefore one of the enhanced encoding units will be described in detail . namely , the symbol - bit converter in the enhanced encoding unit inputs a symbol distributed from the n - way interleaver 731 to convert it to bits . afterwards , a null bit of the bits is removed , such that only effective data bits can be outputted to the enhanced encoder core , in which the null bit is inserted thereto through null extension in the e - vsb pre - processor 101 . for example , let &# 39 ; s assume that on byte of enhanced data is extended to two bytes as null bits are inserted among bits in the e - vsb pre - processor 101 . then , the symbol - bit converter removes the null bits and outputs only effective data bits . the ½ encoder in the enhanced encoder core encodes one bit of input to two bits , based on block coding , and then outputs them thereto . the block interleaver inputs the output of the ½ encoder to perform block interleaving . here , the block size for block coding or block interleaving is determined as the block size defined in fig6 a and fig6 b is divided by the number of ways n of n - way interleaving . for example , the largest block size can be determined as the bit number of effective enhanced data is divided by n , in which the effective enhanced data is located among the first initialization to the last fifth initialization , of trellis initialization to form known data as shown in fig5 b . on the other hand , as described above , block interleaving having the block size may be used in any interleaving operations is related to the total system performance and may be used in any interleavings , such as a random interleaving . the output of the enhanced encoder core is converted to symbols in the bit - symbol converter and then outputted to the n - way deinterleaver 733 . the n - way deinterleaver 733 performs deinterleaving for the symbols outputted from the respective enhanced encoding units and then outputs them to the multiplexer 740 . here , the n - way deinterleaver 733 performs a reverse operation of the n - way interleaver 731 . when inputted data is main data , the multiplexer 740 selects the main data outputted from the buffer 720 . when the inputted data is enhanced data , the multiplexer 740 selects the enhanced data outputted from the n - way encoding unit 730 . also , when the inputted data is known data place holder , the multiplexer 740 selects training sequence to output it to the data deinterleaver 114 . fig7 a and fig7 b are different from one another , regarding a known data processing part . namely , fig7 b is identical to fig7 a except that , when the inputted data is known data , the demultiplexer 760 outputs the known data to the buffer 770 such that the buffer 770 can delay a certain time and then output it to the deinterleaver 114 through the multiplexer 780 . therefore , the detailed description for fig7 b will be omitted . such processes are performed under the assumption that the known data is already inserted in the enhanced data packet in the e - vsb packet formatter 102 . fig8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a digital broadcast receiving system according to an embodiment of the present invention , in which the digital broadcast receiving system receives data , which are transmitted from the digital broadcast transmitting system of fig1 , and performs modulation and equalization for the received data to restore original data . the digital broadcast receiving system includes a tuner 801 , a demodulator 805 , an equalizer 803 , a known data detector / generator 804 , an enhanced decoder 805 , a data deinterleaver 806 , an rs decoder / non - systematic rs parity remover 807 , and a derandomizer 808 . also , the digital broadcast receiving system further includes a main data packet remover 809 , an e - vsb packet deformatter 810 , and an e - vsb data processor 811 . namely , the tuner 801 serves to tune a particular channel frequency to perform down converting and then outputs it to the demodulator 802 and the known data detector / generator 804 . the demodulator 802 performs carrier restoring and timing restoring for the tuned channel frequency to generate a base band signal and then output it to the equalizer 803 and the known data detector / generator 804 . the equalizer 803 compensates distortion in the channel included in the demodulated signal and then outputs it to the enhanced decoder 805 . here , the known data detector / generator 804 detects known data place , which is inserted in the transmitting end , from input / output data of the demodulator 802 , and then outputs symbol stream of the known data , which is generated in the known data place , to the equalizer 803 and the enhanced decoder 805 . here , the input / output data of the demodulator 802 are indicative of data before or after performing demodulation . also , the known data detector / generator 804 outputs information to the enhanced decoder 805 , such that enhanced data , which performs additional encoding through the enhanced decoder 805 , can be discriminated from the main data , which does not perform additional encoding , and such that a beginning point of a block of the enhanced encoder core , which is discriminated by the trellis initialization of fig5 b , can be notified . the demodulator 802 enhances its modulation performance using the known data symbol stream when performing timing restoration or carrier restoration . the equalizer 803 enhances its equalization performance using the known data . the enhanced decoder 805 identifies the beginning and end of a block and restores data based on the identified result . namely , the enhanced decoder 805 performs encoding for main data symbols and enhanced data symbols , which are outputted from the equalizer 803 , to convert them to bytes and then outputs them to the deinterleaver 806 . such processes will be described in detail as follows . the deinterleaver 806 performs deinterleaving and outputs the deinterleaving result to the rs decoder / non - systematic rs parity remover 807 . here , the deinterleaver 806 performs a reverse operation of the data interleaver at the transmitting end . when the inputted packet from the rs decoder / non - systematic rs parity remover 807 is main data packet , systematic rs decoding is performed . when the inputted packet is enhanced data packet , non - systematic rs parity byte , which is inserted to the packet , is removed and then outputted to the derandomizer 808 . the derandomizer 808 performs derandomizing for output of the rs decoder / non - systematic rs parity remover 807 and then inserts mpeg synchronization byte to the front part of each packet to output it , based on 188 byte packet unit , thereto . here , the derandomizer 808 operates a reverse operation of the randomizer . the derandomizer 808 outputs its output to a main mpeg decoder ( not shown ) and the main data packet remover 809 , simultaneously . the main mpeg decoder performs decoding for only packet corresponding to the main mpeg , since the enhanced data packet is not used in a conventional vsb receiver or has null or reserved pid . therefore , the enhanced data packet is not used in the main mpeg decoder and is thus ignored . the main data packet remover 809 removes a main data packet of 188 byte unit from the output of the derandomizer 808 and outputs it to the e - vsb packet deformatter 810 . the e - vsb packet formatter 810 removes mpeg header of 4 bytes from the enhanced data packet which is outputted from the main data packet remover 809 , in which the mpeg header of 4 bytes is inserted to the enhanced data packet by the e - vsb formatter at the transmitting end . also , the e - vsb packet formatter 810 removes bytes to which place holder ( not enhanced data ) is inserted at the transmitting end , for example place holders for known data , and then outputs them to the e - vsb data processor 811 . the e - vsb data processor 811 performs a reverse operation of e - vsb pre - processor 101 at the transmitting end for the output of the e - vsb packet deformatter 810 , and then outputs enhanced data . on the other hand , the data inputted to the enhanced decoder 805 may be any of main data or known data , or enhanced data . here , the main data and known data do not undergo additional encoding but only trellis encoding . also , the enhanced data undergoes all the additional encoding and trellis encoding . when the inputted data are main data or known data ( or known data place holder ), the enhanced decoder 805 performs viterbi decoding for the inputted data or performs hard determination for soft determination value , and then outputs the result thereto . also , the transmitting end regards rs parity byte and mpeg header byte , which are added to the enhanced data packet at the transmitting end , as main data , and does not perform additional encoding therefor . therefore , viterbi decoding is performed or hard determination is performed for soft determination value , such that the result can be outputted . on the other hand , when the inputted data is enhanced data , the enhanced decoder 805 performs soft determination decoding to obtain a soft determination value , and performs decoding for the soft determination value , such that decoding processes for the enhanced data can be completed . here , the decoding for the soft determination value is a reverse operation of the enhanced encoder core at the transmitting end . here , when the enhanced encoder core includes a ½ encoder and a block interleaver to perform a reverse operation thereof , the receiving end must include a block deinterleaver and a ½ decoder , as reversely arranged . in this situation , the block deinterleaver performs deinterleaving for the received data and then the ½ decoder performs ½ decoding for the deinterleaving result . on the other hand , when the block interleaver was not used at the transmitting end , the receiving end does not need the block deinterleaver . namely , the enhanced decoder 805 performs decoding for the enhanced data as a decoder whose structure is configured such that a trellis decoder , a block deinterleaver ( optional ), and a ½ decoder are adjacently connected to each other . when the trellis decoder and ½ decoder are configured as an enhanced decoder to output a soft determination value , the soft determination value of the trellis decoder can assist determination of then ½ decoder . the ½ decoder receiving such assistance of the trellis decoder can return its soft determination value to the trellis decoder , such that it can assist determination of the trellis decoder . such decoding is referred to as turbo decoding . when the turbo decoding is adopted , the total decoding performance can be enhanced . there are algorithms to output the soft determination value , such as soft output viterbi algorithm ( sova ), sub - optimum soft output algorithm ( ssa ), and maximum a posteriori ( map ), etc . here , from the point of view of symbol errors , the map algorithm is superior to the sova algorithm . the map algorithm calculates probability in log domain while its performance does not decrease , and does not need estimation of noise distribution . as the transmitting method of the present invention is described above , when a block is used for initialization of a memory state of the trellis encoding unit such that the memory of the trellis encoding unit is returned from a predetermined state value to another the predetermined state value , the receiving end determines a soft determination value using algorithms , such as a map algorithm or a sova , etc ., thereby obtaining optimal performance . as described above , the digital broadcast system and the process method thereof according to the present invention have advantages in that errors hardly occur when enhanced data are transmitted through channels and they also are compatible with the conventional vsb receivers . also , the digital broadcast system and the process method thereof can receive enhanced data without errors through channels in which ghost images and noise are a serious problem , compared with the conventional vsb system . also , as known data are inserted to a particular place in data region and then transmitted , receiving performance of a receiving system , whose channel variation is serious , can enhanced . especially , the present invention initializes a memory of a trellis encoder at the beginning part of the known data stream , and performs additional encoding , based on block coding for the enhanced data at the transmitting end , using the initialization , thereby increasing its encoding performance . also , the receiving end performs soft determination decoding for enhanced data , which is encoded on the basis of block coding , thereby increasing its decoding performance . the present invention is more effective as it is applied to portable and mobile receivers whose channels vary significantly . also , the present invention remarkably shows its effect in receivers which require robustness against noise . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions . thus , it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents . | 7 |
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