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reference is now made to fig1 which is schematic illustration of a linear resonator of a laser constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . the linear resonator preferably consists of reflectors , preferably fill reflector 20 and 21 and a partial reflector or an output coupler 22 , a gain medium 24 , a thin film polarizing beam splitter 26 and two mode controlling elements 28 and 29 . the beam splitter 26 reflects one polarization , hereinafter called polarization โ 1 โ, through control element 28 towards full reflector 21 , and transmits the polarization orthogonal to polarization โ 1 โ, hereafter called polarization โ 2 โ. two modes of oscillation , indicated by reference numbers 30 and 31 are thus established between the output coupler 22 and the reflectors 20 and 21 respectively . both radiation associated with both modes 30 and 31 propagate through the gain medium 24 . however , the radiation associated with mode 30 propagates through the mode controlling element 28 while that of mode 31 propagates through the mode controlling element 29 . in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention , the laser resonator of fig1 is characterized in that the elements 28 and 29 are operative to select modes 30 and 31 respectively such that they have different intensity and phase distributions , and element 26 is operative to provide that mode 30 has polarization โ 2 โ while mode 31 has polarization โ 1 โ. elements 28 and 29 are designed and oriented in such a way that the high intensity regions or lobes of mode 30 in the gain medium 24 fall on the nodes or low intensity regions of mode 31 , and vice versa . since modes 30 and 31 interact in the gain medium 24 only through the gain depletion which each one introduces , they can co - exist stably in the resonators . other undesirable modes are suppressed by the mode controlling elements , thereby improving the quality of the output beam 33 . there are a number of alternative preferred optical configurations of such linear resonators . the output coupler and full reflectors , 20 , 21 and 22 , may have surfaces of different radii of curvature , whether concave or convex , or may even be flat . the amount of curvature can be designed so as to compensate for the thermal lensing of the gain medium , particularly in solid state lasers . furthermore , any of the end reflectors may be porro prisms , phase conjugate mirrors , or any other type of appropriate reflector . in the preferred embodiment of fig1 reflectors 20 and 21 need not be identical . furthermore , provided the resonators formed by the elements 22 , 26 , 29 , 21 and 22 , 26 , 28 , 20 are designed in such a way that each correctly supports the respective modes 31 and 30 independently , with compensation for the thermal lensing of gain medium 24 , the distances between the polarizing beam splitter 26 and the reflectors 20 , 21 , need not be identical . in fact , since each of the nodes 30 and 31 generally occupies a separate portion of the gain medium 24 , because of the different influence of the thermal distribution in the gain medium 24 on the distortion of the two modes , optimum performance is generally reached when the two resonators are different in design . [ 0103 ] fig2 is a schematic illustration of another preferred alternative to the thin film polarizing beam splitter shown in fig1 and is constructed , of a birefringent prism 27 , such as a โ glan - thompson โ or โ glan - laser โ type of prism . reference is now made to fig3 which is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodiment of the present invention . the beam splitter 26 of the embodiment of fig1 is replaced by a polarizing beam displacer 34 . the beam displacer 34 transmits one polarization , polarization โ 1 โ, without any displacement , and transmits the polarization orthogonal to polarization โ 1 โ, polarization โ 2 โ, with a lateral displacement 35 of its line of propagation . the beam displacer is constructed of a birefringent material , preferably calcite , yvo 4 or ฮฑ - bbo . two modes of oscillation , indicated by reference numbers 30 and 31 are established between the output coupler 22 and the reflectors 20 and 21 respectively . the energy of both modes 30 and 31 propagate through the gain medium 24 . in a similar manner to the configuration of fig1 the energy of mode 30 propagates through the mode - controlling element 28 , while that of mode 31 propagates through the mode - controlling element 29 . in accordance with this preferred embodiment of the invention , the laser resonator of fig3 is characterized and operative in the same way as the embodiment of fig1 except that the resonator comprised of the elements 22 , 34 , 29 , 21 is not folded . the section 34 , 29 , 21 is displaced laterally with respect to the section 34 , 28 , 20 instead of being at an angle to it . this alternative preferred embodiment is more compact than that of fig1 and also has the advantages that the elements 28 and 29 , and the reflectors 20 and 21 can be respectively combined , each pair on the same physical piece of optics . such an embodiment , with the two mode control elements on a single component , and the two end reflectors on another single component is shown in fig4 . the mode control elements 38 , 39 are constructed on the same physical element 36 , and also the reflectors 20 , 21 , on another single physical element 37 . in the embodiment shown in fig4 ., the reflectors 20 and 21 are preferably flat , but the element 37 could also be preferably constructed using a technique such as diamond tuning , whereby the reflectors 20 and 21 could be given any suitable radius of curvature . [ 0108 ] fig5 is an example of a combined mode control element constructed on a single piece of optics 36 . pattern 38 is an etched or deposited phase pattern designed and operative to select the mode tem 02 , while the aperture 39 is designed and operative to select the tem 00 mode . the centers of the pattern 38 and the aperture 39 are displaced by the distance 35 , which is the exact displacement created by the polarizing beam displacer element 34 . reference is now made to fig6 a to 6 e , which present schematic illustrations of different preferred mode controlling elements . [ 0110 ] fig6 a illustrates an element in the form of an aperture designed to select the tem 00 mode . the aperture introduces loss to all modes higher than the tem 00 mode . it can be drilled or etched into a substrate . generally , when such an aperture is introduced as the sole mode - limiting element into a high power laser resonator , the aperture tends to suffer damage at its edges . it is therefore preferably made of a high damage resistant materials such as molybdenum or ceramic materials . however , when such an aperture is introduced in conjunction with other mode selectors , into the resonators of the present invention , such as those illustrated in fig1 or fig3 the other mode selectors too are operative in confining the mode ten 00 thus effectively preventing or significantly reducing damage to the aperture . [ 0111 ] fig6 b illustrates an element in the form of a cross made of thin wires designed and operative to select the tem 02 mode and higher modes . it introduces losses in the resonator to the tem 00 and the tem 01 modes , thus preventing their oscillation . in high power lasers , however , the wires are worn out by damage caused by the laser radiation . [ 0112 ] fig6 c illustrates an element in the form of a discontinuous phase element designed and operative to select the tem 02 mode . since this element does not introduce amplitude loss , and its phase pattern matches that of the tem 02 mode , it prevents lasing of both higher order and lower order modes . the element can preferably be etched or deposited on any transparent optical material such as fused silica , glass , zinc selenide , or the like . [ 0113 ] fig6 d illustrates an element in the form of a spiral continuous phase element designed and operative to select the tem 01 * mode . [ 0114 ] fig6 e illustrates an element in the form of an absorptive apodizer designed and operative to select a super - gaussian mode . [ 0115 ] fig7 is a schematic illustration of an example of an element consisting of a combination of two discontinuous phase elements oriented in different directions . each element is designed and operative to select a tem 01 mode . when introduced into a resonator according to the present invention , such as that shown in fig1 or fig3 mutually rotated at 90 degrees to each other , two tem 01 modes with orthogonal polarizations exist in the resonator . [ 0116 ] fig8 is a schematic illustration of the near - field intensity distribution of the combination of modes of the resonator of fig1 or fig3 resulting from the use of the mode control elements 40 , 42 , shown in fig7 . the arrows represent the polarizations of the high intensity regions of the modes . regions 44 and 45 arise from the mode existing in the path containing mode control element 42 , while regions 48 and 49 arise from the mode existing in the path with mode control element 40 . [ 0117 ] fig9 is schematic illustration of a further preferred embodiment of a pair of mode control elements , consisting of an aperture 50 that selects the tem 00 mode and a discontinuous phase element 52 that selects the tem 02 mode . when introduced into a resonator such as that shown in fig1 or fig3 a combination of modes with orthogonal polarizations exists in the resonator . [ 0118 ] fig1 is a schematic illustration of the near - field intensity distribution of such a combination of modes . the arrows represent the polarizations of the high intensity regions . the tem 00 mode fills the central zone 54 of the gain medium while the high intensity regions 56 of the tem 02 mode fill the outer zone , thus achieving good filling of the entire diameter of the gain medium 24 . according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention , modification of the mode control element , by predetermined changes in the phase shift of the sections of the phase element of fig9 that selects the tem 02 mode , can be used for compensation of the birefringence introduced in high power solid state lasers , as described in the prior art . [ 0120 ] fig1 is schematic illustration of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a combination of an aperture 50 that selects the tem 00 mode , and a continuous phase element of spiral phase distribution 60 that selects the tem 01 * mode . when introduced into a resonator such as that shown in fig1 or fig3 a combination of modes with orthogonal polarizations exist in the resonator . [ 0121 ] fig1 is a schematic illustration of the near - field intensity distribution pattern of such a combination of modes using the mode control elements shown in fig1 . the arrows represent the polarizations of the lobes . the central part 62 arises from the tem 00 mode , while the outer ring arises from the tem 0 * mode . since both modes have rotational symmetry they complement each other efficiently and extract a high level of power from the gain medium volume . [ 0122 ] fig1 is schematic illustration of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention , showing a combination of elements consisting of an aperture 50 that selects the tem 00 mode and a discontinuous phase element 66 that selects the tem 04 mode . when introduced into a resonator such as those of fig1 or fig3 a combination of modes with orthogonal polarizations exist in the resonator . [ 0123 ] fig1 is a schematic illustration of the near - field intensity distribution lobes of such a combination of modes resulting from the use of the combination of mode control elements of fig1 . the arrows represent the polarizations of the high intensity regions . the central part 68 arises from the tem 00 mode , while the outer parts 70 arise from the tem 04 mode . since the lobes 70 of the tem 04 modes are smaller than the high intensity regions 56 of the tem 02 mode shown in fig1 , the combination of the tem 04 mode with the tem 00 mode is more efficient in filing the entire cross - section of the gain medium . reference is now made to fig1 which is a schematic illustration of a linear resonator of a laser constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention . the resonator consists of a gain medium 24 , a full reflective element 81 , an output coupling reflective element 22 and a unified polarizing and mode control element 80 . inside the resonator a beam 32 travels back and forth between the reflectors 22 and 81 . the beam consists of two sets of modes , each set at a different polarization , and the resonator is designed so that the high intensity regions of one set fall generally on the low intensity regions of the other set of modes . [ 0125 ] fig1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a unified polarizing and mode control element 80 , constructed and operative to select a combination of the mutual orthogonal polarized modes tem 00 and tem 04 . element 80 has an etched or deposited pattern on its face . it acts as a discontinuous phase element , in which the zones 84 create a phase shift of ฯ with respect to the zones 82 . the element with this specific phase shift pattern presents a low loss to the tem 04 mode thus preferentially selecting it to oscillate in the resonator . the central disk 83 has low loss in one polarization , and the zones 82 and 84 have low loss in the orthogonal polarization . thus , when the element 80 is introduced into a laser resonator with the gain medium 24 , the tem 00 mode which is selected by the zone 83 possesses one polarization , while the mode tem 04 which is selected by the zones 82 and 84 has the orthogonal polarization . in one preferred embodiment the zones are constructed and operative to have a polarization dependent loss by etching or deposition of a diffractive grating having subwavelength period , as is known in the art . the element 80 can preferably be made of any material such as fused silica , glass , zinc selenide , or any other suitable material used for transmissive or reflective optical components . [ 0126 ] fig1 is a schematic illustration of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention , showing a combined polarizing and mode control element 90 constructed and operative to select a combination of two orthogonally polarized tem 01 modes . element 90 has an etched or deposited pattern on its surface . this pattern acts as a discontinuous phase element , in which zone 97 creates for both polarizations , a phase shift of ฯ with respect to the zone 95 . the patterns of zones 96 and 98 introduce different phase shifts to the two different orthogonal polarizations , zone 96 introducing a phase shift of ฯ with respect to zone 95 for the โ 1 โ polarization and no phase shift for the โ 2 โ polarization , and zone 98 introducing a phase shift of ฯ with respect to the โ 2 โ polarization and no phase shift for the โ 1 โ polarization . this is preferably achieved with the aid of a diffractive grating of subwavelength period , as described for the element shown in fig1 . thus , the single element 90 acts in a similar manner to the two elements described in fig5 allowing two tem 01 modes with orthogonal polarizations to co - exist when inserted into a laser resonator according to the present invention , preferably of the type shown in fig1 . [ 0127 ] fig1 is a schematic illustration of yet another preferred embodiment of a laser resonator according to the present invention . the resonator consists of the same elements as the resonator of fig1 , but the unified polarization and mode control element 80 is introduced close to the output coupling reflecting element 22 . in this configuration , the lobes of the output beam 33 are generally in phase . as a result , no additional adjusting phase element is needed outside the resonator to properly focus the beam 33 to a small spot for various applications . [ 0128 ] fig1 is a schematic illustration of a laser resonator according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention . the resonator is similar to the embodiments of fig1 and fig2 but is constructed such that two laser output beams , each of a different polarization , emerge separately . the polarizing element 106 can preferably be either a thin film beam splitter 26 or a prism beam splitter 27 . a total reflector 102 replaces the partial reflector ( output coupler ) 22 of fig1 and two partial reflectors ( output couplers ) 100 and 101 replace the total reflectors 20 and 21 respectively of fig1 . in this embodiment , therefore , two output beams 103 and 104 are obtained . one output beam 103 , possesses mode 30 , and emerges through output coupler 100 , and the other output beam 104 of mode 31 , emerges through the output coupler 101 . these two beams can then be combined into a single beam using an additional external optical system that includes a polarizing beam splitter ( combiner ) element such as 26 or 27 . [ 0129 ] fig2 is a schematic illustration of a laser resonator according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention . the resonator is similar to the embodiment of fig3 but two laser output beams , each of a different polarization , emerge separately . a total reflector 102 replaces the partial reflector ( output coupler ) 22 of fig3 and two partial reflectors 100 and 101 replace the total reflectors 20 and 21 respectively of fig3 . like the embodiment shown in fig1 , two output beams 103 and 104 exist . one output beam 103 , has mode 30 , and emerges through output coupler 100 , and the other output beam 104 has mode 31 , and emerges through the output coupler 101 . these two beams can then be recombined into a single beam using an additional external beam displacer ( combiner ) element 34 . reference is now made to fig2 , which is a schematic illustration of a laser resonator according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention . the resonator is similar to the embodiments of fig1 except that only one mode control element 29 is used in one arm of the resonator . this mode control element is operative to select one mode or set of modes of one polarization , while a second mode or set of modes of orthogonal polarization is preferentially selected by means of gain depletion of this first mode in the gain medium 24 . reference is now made to fig2 a and 22b , which are schematic drawings of the manner in which coherent superposition of two orthogonally polarized modes result in azimuthally or radially polarized beams . fig2 a depicts an azimuthally polarized beam 110 , obtained by a coherent summation of a vertically polarized tem 01 ( hor ) mode 112 and a horizontally polarized tem 01 ( ver ) mode 114 , as obtained according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . fig2 b shows a radially polarized beam 116 , obtained by a coherent summation of an horizontally polarized tem 01 ( hor ) mode 118 and a vertically polarized tem 01 ( ver ) mode 120 , as obtained according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention . the suffixes ( hor ) and ( ver ) refer to the orientation of the tem 01 mode lobes with respect to the nominal horizontal and vertical directions of the drawing . reference is now made to fig2 a , which is a schematic drawing of the laser resonator configuration , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention , in which specific transverse modes are selected and coherently summed . this preferred embodiment is similar in construction and operation to the laser configuration shown in fig4 but with the addition of a phase adjusting element 122 , whose function will be described hereinbelow . in fig2 a , the light propagating inside the laser and through the gain medium 139 is preferably split and displaced by means of a birefringent beam displacer 124 to obtain two separate paths 126 , 128 , wherein the beams are orthogonally polarized with respect to each other . path 126 is shown having polarization in the vertical direction , and path 128 in the horizontal direction . differently oriented discontinuous phase elements 130 , 132 , are inserted into each path , preferably adjacent to the back mirror 134 , to select the tem 01 mode . specifically , one of these modes is selected to be tem 01 ( hor ) , and the other to be tem 01 ( v ) . in the embodiment shown in fig2 a , the two phase elements are fabricated on the same substrate 136 , as previously shown in the embodiment of fig5 . in order to add the two modes coherently with the appropriate phase between them , a phase adjusting element 122 is inserted into one of the paths , in the region after separation , so as to control the optical path length in that path , and hence the phase difference between the beams propagating in the two paths . according to various preferred embodiments of the present invention , this phase adjustment element could be a transmissive plate , and the phase relation adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the plate in the beam path . according to other preferred embodiments , this phase adjustment element could be a material whose refractive index can be adjusted by application of an electric field , or any other suitable element capable of adjusting the phase of the beam propagating in its path . at the back mirror 134 , two spatially separated tem 01 modes evolve , each with a different linear polarization . however , as a result of the coherent summation of these two modes , produced by correct adjustment of the relative phase of the two beams with the adjuster 128 , a circularly symmetric doughnut shaped beam 137 radially or horizontally polarized emerges from the output coupler 138 . reference is now made to fig2 b , which is a schematic drawing of the laser resonator configuration , according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention , in which specific transverse modes are selected and coherently summed . this preferred embodiment is similar in construction and operation to the laser configuration shown in fig2 a , but differs in that each path of the two differently polarized beams has its own rear mirror 140 , 142 , and the phase adjustment is performed by mechanical adjustment of the length of one of the beam paths preferably by a mechanical micrometric motion mechanism 144 on its end mirror . according to other preferred embodiments , the motion of one of the reflectors along the beam optical axis may alternatively be performed by using a piezoelectric device , a motion device actuated by heat expansion , a pressure dependent device , a magnetostrictive device , a linear stepping motor , or any other device capable of providing accurately controlled micro - motion . the embodiments shown in fig2 a and 23b utilize a birefringent beam displacer 124 to obtain the two paths with orthogonally polarized modes , similar to the embodiment shown in fig3 above . it should be understood , though , that according to other preferred embodiments of the present invention , in the generation of azimuthally or radially polarized beams by means of coherent superposition of two orthogonally polarized modes , the orthogonally polarized modes can also be separated by using any other configuration of polarizing beam separation elements , such as that in the preferred embodiment shown in fig1 where a thin film polarizing beam splitter is used , or in the preferred embodiment of fig2 where a birefringent prism , such as a โ glan - thompson โ or a โ glan laser โ, prism is used . in any of these other preferred embodiments , the phase adjustment element is disposed in one of the orthogonally polarized beam paths . it should be pointed out that it is the use of the phase adjustment element shown in the embodiments of fig2 a and 23b which constitutes an important difference between the method of performing coherent summation according to these preferred embodiments , and the methods used in the previous embodiments of fig1 to 21 , where the mode summation is not performed coherently , and the object is to increase the utilization of the gain medium , without regard to the relative phase of the beams propagating in the two orthogonal paths . it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereabove . rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereto which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the above description and which are not in the prior art .
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in the following the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the system of fig5 , the encoder 1 of fig6 and decoder 2 of fig7 . the pictures to be encoded can be , for example , pictures of a video stream from a video source 3 , e . g . a camera , a video recorder , etc . the pictures ( frames ) of the video stream can be divided into smaller portions such as slices . the slices can further be divided into blocks . in the encoder 1 the video stream is encoded to reduce the information to be transmitted via a transmission channel 4 , or to a storage media ( not shown ). pictures of the video stream are input to the encoder 1 . the encoder has an encoding buffer 1 . 1 ( fig6 ) for temporarily storing some of the pictures to be encoded . the encoder 1 also includes a memory 1 . 3 and a processor 1 . 2 in which the encoding tasks according to the invention can be applied . the memory 1 . 3 and the processor 1 . 2 can be common with the transmitting device 6 or the transmitting device 6 can have another processor and / or memory ( not shown ) for other functions of the transmitting device 6 . the encoder 1 performs motion estimation and / or some other tasks to compress the video stream . in motion estimation similarities between the picture to be encoded ( the current picture ) and a previous and / or latter picture are searched . if similarities are found the compared picture or part of it can be used as a reference picture for the picture to be encoded . in jvt the display order and the decoding order of the pictures are not necessarily the same , wherein the reference picture has to be stored in a buffer ( e . g . in the encoding buffer 1 . 1 ) as long as it is used as a reference picture . the encoder 1 also inserts information on display order of the pictures into the transmission stream . from the encoding process the encoded pictures are moved to an encoded picture buffer 5 . 2 , if necessary . the encoded pictures are transmitted from the encoder 1 to the decoder 2 via the transmission channel 4 . in the decoder 2 the encoded pictures are decoded to form uncompressed pictures corresponding as much as possible to the encoded pictures . the decoder 1 also includes a memory 2 . 3 and a processor 2 . 2 in which the decoding tasks according to the invention can be applied . the memory 2 . 3 and the processor 2 . 2 can be common with the receiving device 8 or the receiving device 8 can have another processor and / or memory ( not shown ) for other functions of the receiving device 8 . let us now consider the encoding - decoding process in more detail . pictures from the video source 3 are received by the encoder 1 and advantageously stored in the encoding buffer 1 . 1 . the encoding process is not necessarily started immediately after the first picture is received by the encoder , but after a certain amount of pictures are available in the encoding buffer 1 . 1 . then the encoder 1 tries to find suitable candidates from the pictures to be used as the reference frames . the encoder 1 then performs the encoding to form encoded pictures . the encoded pictures can be , for example , predicted pictures ( p ), bi - predictive pictures ( b ), and / or intra - coded pictures ( i ). the intra - coded pictures can be decoded without using any other pictures , but other type of pictures need at least one reference picture before they can be decoded . pictures of any of the above mentioned picture types can be used as a reference picture . the encoder advantageously attaches two time stamps to the pictures : a decoding time stamp ( dts ) and output time stamp ( ots ). the decoder can use the time stamps to determine the correct decoding time and time to output ( display ) the pictures . however , those time stamps are not necessarily transmitted to the decoder or it does not use them . the nal units can be delivered in different kind of packets . in this advantageous embodiment the different packet formats include simple packets and aggregation packets . the aggregation packets can further be divided into single - time aggregation packets and multi - time aggregation packets . the payload format of rtp packets is defined as a number of different payload structures depending on need . however , which structure a received rtp packet contains is evident from the first byte of the payload . this byte will always be structured as a nal unit header . the nal unit type field indicates which structure is present . the possible structures are : single nal unit packet , aggregation packet and fragmentation unit . the single nal unit packet contains only a single nal unit in the payload . the nal header type field will be equal to the original nal unit type , i . e ., in the range of 1 to 23 , inclusive . the aggregation packet type is used to aggregate multiple nal units into a single rtp payload . this packet exists in four versions , the single - time aggregation packet type a ( stap - a ), the single - time aggregation packet type b ( stap - b ), multi - time aggregation packet ( mtap ) with 16 bit offset ( mtap16 ), and multi - time aggregation packet ( mtap ) with 24 bit offset ( mtap24 ). the nal unit type numbers assigned for stap - a , stap - b , mtap16 , and mtap24 are 24 , 25 , 26 , and 27 respectively . the fragmentation unit is used to fragment a single nal unit over multiple rtp packets . it exists with two versions identified with the nal unit type numbers 28 and 29 . there are three cases of packetization modes defined for rtp packet transmission : the single nal unit mode is targeted for conversational systems that comply with itu - t recommendation h . 241 . the non - interleaved mode is targeted for conversational systems that may not comply with itu - t recommendation h . 241 . in the non - interleaved mode nal units are transmitted in nal unit decoding order . the interleaved mode is targeted for systems that do not require very low end - to - end latency . the interleaved mode allows transmission of nal units out of nal unit decoding order . the packetization mode in use may be signaled by the value of the optional packetization - mode mime parameter or by external means . the used packetization mode governs which nal unit types are allowed in rtp payloads . in the interleaved packetization mode , the transmission order of nal units is allowed to differ from the decoding order of the nal units . decoding order number ( don ) is a field in the payload structure or a derived variable that indicates the nal unit decoding order . the coupling of transmission and decoding order is controlled by the optional interleaving - depth mime parameter as follows . when the value of the optional interleaving - depth mime parameter is equal to 0 and transmission of nal units out of their decoding order is disallowed by external means , the transmission order of nal units conforms to the nal unit decoding order . when the value of the optional interleaving - depth mime parameter is greater than 0 or transmission of nal units out of their decoding order is allowed by external means , the order of nal units in an multi - time aggregation packet 16 ( mtap16 ) and an multi - time aggregation packet 24 ( mtap24 ) is not required to be the nal unit decoding order , and the order of nal units composed by decapsulating single - time aggregation packets b ( stap - b ), mtaps , and fragmentation units ( fu ) in two consecutive packets is not required to be the nal unit decoding order . the rtp payload structures for a single nal unit packet , an stap - a , and an fu - a do not include don . stap - b and fu - b structures include don , and the structure of mtaps enables derivation of don . if a transmitter wants to encapsulate one nal unit per packet and transmit packets out of their decoding order , stap - b packet type can be used . in the single nal unit packetization mode , the transmission order of nal units is the same as their nal unit decoding order . in the non - interleaved packetization mode , the transmission order of nal units in single nal unit packets and stap - as , and fu - as is the same as their nal unit decoding order . the nal units within a stap appear in the nal unit decoding order . due to the fact that h . 264 allows the decoding order to be different from the display order , values of rtp timestamps may not be monotonically non - decreasing as a function of rtp sequence numbers . the don value of the first nal unit in transmission order may be set to any value . values of don are in the range of 0 to 65535 , inclusive . after reaching the maximum value , the value of don wraps around to 0 . a video sequence according to this specification can be any part of nalu stream that can be decoded independently from other parts of the nalu stream . in the following the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the system of fig5 , the encoder 1 of fig6 and decoder 2 of fig7 . the pictures to be encoded can be , for example , pictures of a video stream on a signal received from a video source 3 , e . g . a camera , a video recorder , etc . the pictures ( frames ) of the video stream can be divided into smaller portions such as slices . the slices can further be divided into blocks . in the encoder 1 the video stream is encoded to reduce the information to be transmitted via a transmission channel 4 , or to a storage media ( not shown ). pictures of the video stream are input to the encoder 1 . the encoder has an encoding buffer 1 . 1 ( fig6 ) for temporarily storing some of the pictures to be encoded . the encoder 1 also includes a memory 1 . 3 and a processor 1 . 2 in which the encoding tasks according to the invention can be applied . the memory 1 . 3 and the processor 1 . 2 can be common with the transmitting device 6 or the transmitting device 6 can have another processor and / or memory ( not shown ) for other functions of the transmitting device 6 . the encoder 1 performs motion estimation and / or some other tasks to compress the video stream . in motion estimation similarities between the picture to be encoded ( the current picture ) and a previous and / or latter picture are searched . if similarities are found the compared picture or part of it can be used as a reference picture for the picture to be encoded . in jvt the display order and the decoding order of the pictures are not necessarily the same , wherein the reference picture has to be stored in a buffer ( e . g . in the encoding buffer 1 . 1 ) as long as it is used as a reference picture . the encoder 1 also inserts information on display order of the pictures into the transmission stream . a subset of pictures in multiple video sequences is depicted below in output order . the encoding ( and decoding ) order of these pictures is from left to right as follows : decoding order number ( don ) for a picture is equal to the value of don for the previous picture in decoding order plus one . the frame rate of the sequence is constant , each picture consists of only one slice , each slice is encapsulated in a single nal unit packet , pictures are transmitted in decoding order , and pictures are transmitted at constant intervals ( that is equal to 1 / frame rate ). the num - reorder - vcl - nal - units parameter is set to 0 , because no buffering is needed to recover the correct decoding order from transmission ( or reception order ). the decoder has to buffer for one picture interval initially in its decoded picture buffer to organize pictures from decoding order to output order as depicted below : the amount of required initial buffering in the decoded picture buffer can be signalled in the buffering period sei message or in the value of the num_reorder_frames syntax element of h . 264 video usability information . num_reorder_frames indicates the maximum number of frames , complementary field pairs , or non - paired fields that precede any frame , complementary field pair , or non - paired field in the sequence in decoding order and follow it in output order . for the sake of simplicity , it is assumed that num_reorder_frames is used to indicate the initial buffer in the decoded picture buffer . in this example , num_reorder_frames is equal to 1 . it can be observed that if the idr picture i00 is lost during transmission , and a retransmission request is issued when the value of the system clock is 62 , there is one picture interval of time ( until the system clock reaches timestamp 63 ) to receive the retransmitted idr picture i00 . let us then assume that idr pictures are transmitted two frame intervals earlier than their decoding position , i . e ., the pictures are transmitted in the following order : let variable id1 be specified according to prior art ( as disclosed in draft - ietf - avt - rtp - h264 - 01 . txt ), i . e ., it specifies the maximum amount of vcl nal units that precede any vcl nal unit in the nal unit stream in nal unit decoding order and follow the vcl nal unit in rtp sequence number order or in the composition order of the aggregation packet containing the vcl nal unit . let variable id2 be specified according to the present invention , i . e ., it specifies the maximum amount of vcl nal units that precede any vcl nal unit in the nal unit stream in transmission order and follow the vcl nal unit in decoding order . in the example , the value of id1 is equal to 2 and the value of id2 is equal to 1 . as already shown in section 2 , the value of id1 is not proportional to the time or buffering space required for initial buffering to reorder packets from reception order to decoding order . in this example , an initial buffering time equal to one picture interval is required to recover the decoding order as illustrated below ( the figure presents the output of the receiver buffering process ). this example also demonstrates that the value of initial buffering time and buffering space can be concluded according to the invention . again , an initial buffering delay of one picture interval is needed to organize pictures from decoding order to output order as depicted below : it can be observed that the maximum delay that idr pictures can undergo during transmission , including possible application , transport , or link layer retransmission , is equal to num_reorder_frames + id2 . thus , the loss resiliency of idr pictures is improved in systems supporting retransmission . the receiver is able to organize pictures in decoding order based on the value of don associated with each picture . the transmission and / or storing of the encoded pictures ( and the optional virtual decoding ) can be started immediately after the first encoded picture is ready . this picture is not necessarily the first one in decoder output order because the decoding order and the output order may not be the same . when the first picture of the video stream is encoded the transmission can be started . the encoded pictures are optionally stored to the encoded picture buffer 1 . 1 . the transmission can also start at a later stage , for example , after a certain part of the video stream is encoded . the decoder 2 should also output the decoded pictures in correct order , for example by using the ordering of the picture order counts . the de - packetization process is implementation dependent . hence , the following description is a non - restrictive example of a suitable implementation . other schemes may be used as well . optimizations relative to the described algorithms are likely possible . the general concept behind these de - packetization rules is to reorder nal units from transmission order to the nal unit delivery order . next , the operation of the receiver 8 will be described . the receiver 8 collects all packets belonging to a picture , bringing them into a reasonable order . the strictness of the order depends on the profile employed . the received packets are stored into the receiving buffer 9 . 1 ( pre - decoding buffer ). the receiver 8 discards anything that is unusable , and passes the rest to the decoder 2 . aggregation packets are handled by unloading their payload into individual rtp packets carrying nalus . those nalus are processed as if they were received in separate rtp packets , in the order they were arranged in the aggregation packet . hereinafter , let n be the value of the optional num - reorder - vcl - nal - units parameter ( interleaving - depth parameter ) which specifies the maximum amount of vcl nal units that precede any vcl nal unit in the packet stream in nal unit transmission order and follow the vcl nal unit in decoding order . if the parameter is not present , a 0 value number could be implied . when the video stream transfer session is initialized , the receiver 8 allocates memory for the receiving buffer 9 . 1 for storing at least n pieces of vcl nal units . the receiver then starts to receive the video stream and stores the received vcl nal units into the receiving buffer . the initial buffering lasts until at least n pieces of vcl nal units are stored into the receiving buffer 9 . 1 , or if max - don - diff mime parameter is present , until the value of a function don_diff ( m , n ) is greater than the value of max - don - diff , in which n corresponds to the nal unit having the greatest value of absdon among the received nal units and m corresponds to the nal unit having the smallest value of absdon among the received nal units , or until initial buffering has lasted for the duration equal to or greater than the value of the optional init - buf - time mime parameter . if don ( m )== don ( n ), don_diff ( m , n )= 0 if ( don ( m )& lt ; don ( n ) and don ( n )โ don ( m )& lt ; 32768 ), don_diff ( m , n )= don ( n )โ don ( m ) if ( don ( m )& gt ; don ( n ) and don ( m )โ don ( n )& gt ;= 32768 ), don_diff ( m , n )= 65536 โ don ( m )+ don ( n ) if ( don ( m )& lt ; don ( n ) and don ( n )โ don ( m )& gt ;= 32768 ), don_diff ( m , n )=โ( don ( m )+ 65536 โ don ( n )) if ( don ( m )& gt ; don ( n ) and don ( m )โ don ( n )& lt ; 32768 ), don_diff ( m , n )=โ( don ( m )โ don ( n )) where don ( i ) is the decoding order number of the nal unit having index i in the transmission order . a positive value of don_diff ( m , n ) indicates that the nal unit having transmission order index n follows , in decoding order , the nal unit having transmission order index m . absdon denotes such decoding order number of the nal unit that does not wrap around to 0 after 65535 . in other words , absdon is calculated as follows : let m and n are consecutive nal units in transmission order . for the very first nal unit in transmission order ( whose index is 0 ), absdon ( 0 )= don ( 0 ). for other nal units , absdon is calculated as follows : if don ( m )== don ( n ), absdon ( n )= absdon ( m ) if ( don ( m )& lt ; don ( n ) and don ( n )โ don ( m )& lt ; 32768 ), absdon ( n )= absdon ( m )+ don ( n )โ don ( m ) if ( don ( m )& gt ; don ( n ) and don ( m )โ don ( n )& gt ;= 32768 ), absdon ( n )= absdon ( m )+ 65536 โ don ( m )+ don ( n ) if ( don ( m )& lt ; don ( n ) and don ( n )โ don ( m )& gt ;= 32768 ), absdon ( n )= absdon ( m )โ( don ( m )+ 65536 โ don ( n )) if ( don ( m )& gt ; don ( n ) and don ( m )โ don ( n )& lt ; 32768 ), absdon ( n )= absdon ( m )โ( don ( m )โ don ( n )) where don ( i ) is the decoding order number of the nal unit having index i in the transmission order . when the receiver buffer 9 . 1 contains at least n vcl nal units , nal units are removed from the receiver buffer 9 . 1 one by one and passed to the decoder 2 . the nal units are not necessarily removed from the receiver buffer 9 . 1 in the same order in which they were stored , but according to the don of the nal units , as described below . the delivery of the packets to the decoder 2 is continued until the buffer contains less than n vcl nal units , i . e . n โ 1 vcl nal units . the nal units to be removed from the receiver buffer are determined as follows : if the receiver buffer contains at least n vcl nal units , nal units are removed from the receiver buffer and passed to the decoder in the order specified below until the buffer contains n โ 1 vcl nal units . if max - don - diff is present , all nal units m for which don_diff ( m , n ) is greater than max - don - diff are removed from the receiver buffer and passed to the decoder in the order specified below . herein , n corresponds to the nal unit having the greatest value of absdon among the received nal units . a variable ts is set to the value of a system timer that was initialized to 0 when the first packet of the nal unit stream was received . if the receiver buffer contains a nal unit whose reception time tr fulfills the condition that ts โ tr & gt ; init - buf - time , nal units are passed to the decoder ( and removed from the receiver buffer ) in the order specified below until the receiver buffer contains no nal unit whose reception time tr fulfills the specified condition . the order that nal units are passed to the decoder is specified as follows . let pdon be a variable that is initialized to 0 at the beginning of the an rtp session . for each nal unit associated with a value of don , a don distance is calculated as follows . if the value of don of the nal unit is larger than the value of pdon , the don distance is equal to don โ pdon . otherwise , the don distance is equal to 65535 โ pdon + don + 1 . nal units are delivered to the decoder in ascending order of don distance . if several nal units share the same value of don distance , they can be passed to the decoder in any order . when a desired number of nal units have been passed to the decoder , the value of pdon is set to the value of don for the last nal unit passed to the decoder . the dpb 2 . 1 contains memory places for storing a number of pictures . those places are also called as frame stores in the description . the decoder 2 decodes the received pictures in correct order . the present invention can be applied in many kind of systems and devices . the transmitting device 6 including the encoder 1 advantageously include also a transmitter 7 to transmit the encoded pictures to the transmission channel 4 . the receiving device 8 include the receiver 9 to receive the encoded pictures , the decoder 2 , and a display 10 on which the decoded pictures can be displayed . the transmission channel can be , for example , a landline communication channel and / or a wireless communication channel . the transmitting device and the receiving device include also one or more processors 1 . 2 , 2 . 2 which can perform the necessary steps for controlling the encoding / decoding process of video stream according to the invention . therefore , the method according to the present invention can mainly be implemented as machine executable steps of the processors . the buffering of the pictures can be implemented in the memory 1 . 3 , 2 . 3 of the devices . the program code 1 . 4 of the encoder can be stored into the memory 1 . 3 . respectively , the program code 2 . 4 of the decoder can be stored into the memory 2 . 3 .
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the general configuration of the invention is illustrated in fig1 in which the room , generally at 10 , is raised above the existing floor 11 of the building by means which will be more fully elucidated in fig2 . the room rests upon and is suspended above a sheet of aluminum 12 which sits upon the existing floor 11 . the room is generally constructed of an outer enclosure 13 constructed of mumetal sheets , the thickness of which is determined by the amount of shielding required for the purpose of which the room is used . the mumetal sheets are each hydrogen annealed at a temperature of 2050 ยฐ f . the walls , ceiling and floor of the outer enclosure are constructed of mumetal sheets comprised of individual squares 14 the dimensions of which are dependent upon the ultimate size of room desired and size of available stock materials . the individual sheets are punched and drilled prior to annealing and installation to provide optimum shielding without disturbing the annealing process . the sheets of mumetal are butted one against another to provide a minimum of space between , and are attached to one another by application of mumetal strips which overlap both edges of the abutted sheets . the mumetal strips are then covered by aluminum flat bar 15 and all thicknesses are clamped in place by use of self - tapping stainless steel screws . it should be noted that the sheets which comprise the floor of the outer enclosure have holes drilled through them to receive the doweling 16 as more fully described in fig2 . a wood lattice rests upon the floor of the outer enclosure , against the aluminum sheet , supporting the inner enclosure , and provides a buffer between the inner and outer enclosures from electrical contact . upon the wooden lattice is placed strips of nylon which are attached to the wooden lattice by brass wood screws . the nylon strips provide further electrical isolation , as well as provide ease of construction of the outer enclosure . the structural frame of the outer enclosure may be made of any non - ferris metal material , but in order to reduce or alleviate eddie currents , the frame must be constructed of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum . aluminum is used in the preferred embodiment and provides protection from not only eddie currents but from e waves , h waves , plain waves , johnson effect and radio frequencies as well . in addition to providing structural support , the aluminum sheets serve as the means for clamping the joints of the mumetal and aluminum strips and angles . the aluminum sheets are butt welded together to provide a continuous eddie current shield , as well as to shield from the above - mentioned waves . the inner room 17 is constructed in the reverse order as described for the outer enclosure in terms of materials such that the characteristic square arrangement 18 is visible within the room . in other words , to the aluminum sheets are attached the mumetal sheets , followed by placement and affixing of the mumetal and aluminum strips . this reverse construction is followed in order to provide maximum spacing for the mumetal sheets , but spacing there between can range from 1 / 4 inch to 96 inches . the spacing of the mumetal provides for a double shield in the magnetic frequency range . &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; beams 19 are welded to the outer surface of the ceiling of the inner enclosure , and provide maximum strength to the ceilings of the inner and outer enclosures when equipment is attached thereto . one or more large cable throughways 20 are constructed in the walls of the inner and outer enclosures , the design of which allows cables to be fed through a square mumetal lattice at the base of the cable penetration . the cables are then fed into a copper rfi - shielded plate which allows for cable penetration without radio frequency interference penetration . the cables are connected to the rfi panel , then a raised mumetal hood 21 is secured to the panel mumetal by means of the same clamping procedure described above for connection of the mumetal sheets . finally , a copper grounding strap ( not shown ) connects the two enclosures at one common point . this provides maximum shielding from all types of interferences . in fig2 a cross - sectional view of the room , it can be seen that the entire structure rests upon an aluminum sheet 12 which is placed directly on the floor 11 of the existing building . the outer enclosure 13 of the room is raised above the aluminum sheet 12 by means of pneumatic air isolators 25 , made of rubber or rubber - like material , which are equally spaced around the bottom of the outer enclosure . the pneumatic isolators reduce vibrational noise and decrease harmonic distortion . they also provide a buffer against vibration from earthquakes . the work floor of the room , generally at 26 , is raised above the floor of the inner enclosure 17 and floor of the outer enclosure 13 by means of a plurality of fiberglass dowel supports 16 . the fiberglass dowels , approximately 7 / 8 inch in diameter , are used to reduce vibrational noise and to electrically and mechanically isolate the work floor 26 from the inner enclosure 17 and outer enclosure 13 . each fiberglass dowel , at its lower end , rests within an sch40 aluminum pipe stub 29 approximately one inch high , each stub having been welded to the aluminum floor sheet 12 . each dowel passes through holes drilled in the floor of the outer enclosure and through holes drilled in the floor of the inner enclosure . the upper end of each dowel passes through a hole drilled through a 1 / 4 inch thick strip of aluminum flat bar 15 which runs the length of the room work floor and is attached to the underside of the floor . the uppermost end of each dowel is embedded into a one inch pipe stub 29 with a cap , which is itself embedded in the underside of the room floor . each pipe stub 29 is welded to the aluminum flat bar 15 . the floor of the room , generally at 26 , is raised approximately two inches above the mumetal 18 of the inner enclosure to protect the latter . the floor of the room is comprised of a one 3 / 4 inch thick sheet of plywood 33 , attached to another 3 / 4 inch sheet of plywood 34 , the two sheets being joined by construction glue and brass wood screws . the second sheet of plywood 34 provides added structural strength to the work floor . atop the upper sheet of plywood 34 is affixed an adhesive - type tile flooring 35 to protect the wood . from the view in fig2 the configuration of the mumetal sheets , aluminum structural frame , and sealing means is further illustrated . the mumetal sheets 14 are butted one against the other , and the seam produced thereby is sealed by a three inch wide strip of mumetal 37 laid on , and straddling the butted joint of mumetal sheets 14 . to the mumetal strip is then applied a pressure seal of aluminum flat bar 15 1 / 4 inch thick and two inches wide . it should be noted that aluminum flat bar covers all flat joints of the entire room construction . the aluminum flat bar 15 is attached to the mumetal strip by means of countersunk 316 series stainless self - tapping screws 39 . the screws also enter into a aluminum sheet 12 of the structural frame . with respect to the inner enclosure 17 , the mumetal sheets 18 can also be seen to be abutted and sealed by means of mumetal strips 37 and aluminum flat bar 15 , with the mumetal sheets being attached to the aluminum structural frame 43 . again it should be noted that the order of construction , in terms of materials , is reversed in the inner enclosure relative to the outer enclosure , as described above . upon the upper surface of the floor of the outer enclosure is a crossed network of wooden beams 44 which provides a support upon which the inner enclosure rests upon the outer enclosure . fig3 is a cross - sectional close - up view of a fiberglass dowel 16 shown passing through the mumetal sheets 14 and aluminum sheet 12 of the outer enclosure and the aluminum sheet 12 and mumetal sheets 14 of the inner enclosure . the upper end of the dowel passes through the aluminum flat bar 15 and is embedded into a pipe stub 29 which is embedded into the underside layer of plywood 33 which comprises the floor of the room . the aluminum flat bar is attached to the plywood by means of brass wood screws 53 . the penetrations for the dowels are both magnetically and rf protected via the magnetic wave guide 54 and the rf wave guide 55 . each fiberglass dowel also may have an rf wave guide built into it . this wave guide is constructed of 1 / 4 inch 20 tpi copper allthread rod which has been screwed into the fiberglass dowel . a 174 inch mesh copper screen is silver soldered to the copper allthread and the entirety is attached to the aluminum sheet 12 by means of 10 / 32 self - tapping stainless steel screws 39 . the use of the screen provides a flexibility such that the outer enclosure can move without the inner enclosure moving . this feature also prevents the residual stress risers from moving in the annealed mumetal sheets . notably , the hydrogen atmosphere in which the mumetal is annealed makes the annealing bond very brittle , and damage may occur through any stress or shock to the mumetal sheets . the floor of the room is illustrated in fig4 in which two layers of plywood 33 and 34 are joined by brass wood screws and construction glue , and a floor of vinyl or other suitable self - adhesive tiling 35 is placed over the top layer 34 of plywood for protection . the joining and sealing of the corners of the outer enclosures is illustrated in fig5 in which mumetal sheets 14 are abutted at a 90 degree angle . the aluminum structural sheet 12 is seen to underlay the mumetal sheets . the seam of the corner sheets is covered by a 11 / 2 inch mumetal angle strip 65 bent at 90 ยฐ to which is applied a 11 / 2 inch aluminum angle 66 bent at 90 ยฐ and the entirety is joined by the screws 39 described above with respect to all other joints . ( joined corners are cut at 45 ยฐ) this means of joining the corners prevents the formation of any gaps through which magnetic lines of flux might pass . fig6 illustrates the placement of the &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; beams 19 to the upper surface of the ceiling of the inner enclosure 67 to provide structural support to the roof of the inner enclosure when equipment is attached to the ceiling . the &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; beams are welded to the surface of the inner enclosure . along the length of the upper face of the &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; beam is placed a nylon insulating strip 70 to protect and isolate the inner surface of the roof of the outer enclosure 68 from the inner enclosure . fig7 illustrates the enclosure air vent system . the vent system consists of two identical wave guide systems 71 mounted on the outside mumetal sheet 72 of the outer enclosure , and the inside mumetal sheet 73 of the inside enclosure . these assemblies consist of two tubes 71 fabricated from mumetal , and welded to alternate sides of a perforated mumetal sheet 74 . perforations in the mumetal sheet are 1 / 4 with 1 / 8 spacing all around . an aluminum collar 75 is fabricated to fit around the mumetal tube . the assembly is mounted to the wall of either enclosure by drilling a hole through the mumetal sheets 72 , 73 and aluminum sheets 76 , 77 of the wall , and passing the short end of the tube through the wall . the aluminum collar 75 is passed over the tube and clamps the mumetal perforated sheet 74 to the mumetal 72 , 73 and aluminum 76 , 77 sheets of the wall using 10 - 32 stainless steel self - tapping screws 78 . prior to inserting the alternate vent assembly , a flexible all plastic spiral wound hose 79 is attached to the inside tube 71 of each assembly . then the remaining assembly is screwed to the remaining wall as described above . following the above steps an rf filter mesh is installed inside the exposed portion of each mumetal assembly ( not shown ). the outer hood of the cable feed - through port is illustrated in fig8 in which the hood 21 is attached to the outer wall 13 of the outer enclosure by means of screws 39 . the magnetic , shielding lattice 83 for ingress and egress of cable is disposed downwardly . as an alternative to the single layer mumetal sheets used in construction of the walls of the enclosures , as described above , the sheets may be comprised of multiple layers of laminated mumetal , as shown in fig9 . the laminated layers of metal 85 are bonded together by means of glue or other suitable bonding agent , preferably one which is highly permeable . the layers , arranged in overlapping and interlocking configuration , are then joined together by use of stainless steel rivets , screws , or any other austinetic fastener . the staggered or overlapping arrangement of the layers provides the required shielding protection without need for clamping . the number of layers required is dictated by the amount of shielding needed , and any of the metals of suitable permeability listed above may be utilized . rf shielding may or may not be used with this embodiment . when construction of the walls makes use of this embodiment , the penetrations and vents may be described above for the preferred embodiment using appropriate shielding methods , or the penetrations may be of a honeycomb - type configuration . in a further embodiment of this design , the laminated sheets are not overlapping or &# 34 ; stepped &# 34 ;. the bonding and joining is accomplished by the same means as described above for the overlapped design . fig1 illustrates an alternative design to that of the preferred embodiment in which multiple layers of mumetal 86 are installed on a structural support 87 without mumetal or aluminum clamping strips . the joint of any one layer is neither directly above , below , or parallel to the joint of the layer above ; see generally at 88 and 91 . corner pieces are prefabricated with three sides prior to annealing . the inner corner piece 89 is of a different size than the outer corner piece 90 in order to maintain the offset joint arrangement . fig1 illustrates another alternative for construction of the enclosures in which an aluminum frame 92 is constructed , and sheets of highly permeable mumetal screen 93 are attached thereto . the mumetal screen is coupled with rf screening ( not shown ). in a further alternative of this design , mumetal cloth , which is highly permeable and effective in shielding against frequency interference , is attached to the aluminum frame . fig1 is illustrative of an alternative design for joining the mumetal sheets 95 in which the sheets are joined in a staggered fashion using the same technique for sealing by use of mumetal strips and aluminum flat bar 96 as described for the preferred embodiment . the staggered arrangement provides less opportunity for the flux lines to penetrate the enclosure . there are a number of possible alternatives for design and features in addition to those described above . for example , the mumetal sheets , joined in any of the described alternative configurations , may be beveled along each edge in order to achieve greater surface contact between mumetal sheets . the work floor of the room , rather than being mechanically and electrically isolated as in the preferred embodiment , may be mechanically and electrically joined to the inner enclosure floor or may be isolated by means of any insulating material such as foam rubber or fiberglass insulation . use of the pneumatic isolators supporting the outer enclosure above the aluminum sheet is optional . further , the outer enclosure may be built directly on the existing floor of the building in which the room is placed . although the preferred embodiment is comprised of a series of enclosures within enclosures , the room may be constructed of a single enclosure , or more than two enclosures . the number of enclosures which may be used is limitless . the overall shape and dimension of the room may vary , and may be a square , rectangle , sphere , geodesic , or another shape . the thickness of the materials used may be from 0 . 0001 inch to 20 . 00 inches . substitution of suitable materials may occur in any part of the enclosure . either annealed or unannealed metals may be used . the mumetal may be joined in any manner including the use of rivets , screws , bolts , or bonding materials . the structural frame , aluminum in the preferred embodiment , may be of any structurally sound non - ferris material , including aluminum , copper coated aluminum , aluminum angle , channel , non - ferris pipe , or wood . an electronically developed field may be used in lieu of , or in combination with , metal shielding . this may be accomplished through the use of mylar / foil laminations , interwoven or overlapping , in a manner so as to create a magnetic field which funnels all magnetic interferences around the structure . electronic shielding may also be accomplished by enclosing the entire structure in an inductor and applying the appropriate current and frequency patterns to create a magnetic shield . the use of such a field would increase the magnetic protection from outside , but would also provide a source of interference to the inside of the structure . this interference could be diminished through physical distance and added use of conventional metal shielding materials . further , electronic shielding may be accomplished through the use of magnetized metal arranged in such a way as to provide flux line continuum around the entire structure . again , metal shielding would probably be necessary to some extent around the interior of the enclosure .
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a preferred embodiment of a conveyor 10 is illustrated in fig1 . the conveyor 10 comprises a main boom 12 and conveyor mechanism 28 , 128 , such as a belt or chain . the main boom 12 comprises a first end 14 and a second end 16 , and is attached to a base support . preferably , the conveyor 10 comprises means for adjusting the pitch of the main boom 12 vertically and for translating the main boom 12 radially or horizontally . in a preferred embodiment , a rotatable pedestal 24 of a type known in the art is attached near the first end 14 to a base support . the rotatable pedestal 24 provides radial movement of the main boom 12 . rotatable pedestal 24 also preferably includes at least one hydraulic actuator 22 that facilitates movement of the main boom 12 vertically . as such , the main boom 12 is preferably adjustable both vertically and horizontally . the controls for the rotatable pedestal 24 and hydraulic actuator 22 are both of a type generally known in the art . the main boom 12 additionally comprises upper or top surface 18 and lower or bottom surface 20 . an endless conveyor mechanism 28 , such as a belt , chain , or other structure known in the art may be operably attached to the main boom 12 , such that materials to be transported are loaded onto the upper surface 18 of the main boom 12 near the first end 14 . the materials are then conveyed toward the second end 16 of the main boom 12 and are unloaded accordingly . it is also contemplated that the main boom 12 may comprise a ladder device with rungs 128 in lieu of an endless conveyor mechanism 28 . referring now to fig2 , the conveyor 10 further comprises platform 30 , which may be extendable from the second end 16 and / or rotatable or pivotable downward from the main boom 12 . preferably , the platform 30 is of sufficient width to enable a person to walk across it . additionally , the platform is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as steel or aluminum alloy , although any sufficiently rigid material can be utilized without deviating from the scope of the present invention . the platform 30 is preferably pivotally attached at one end to a support means , which in fig2 is illustrated as carriage 40 . the carriage 40 is preferably rollably or slidably attached to the main boom 12 . in a preferred embodiment , the carriage 40 comprises inwardly - projecting flanges 42 that forms slots 44 . slots 44 receive outwardly - projecting flanges 26 on main boom 12 . in such an embodiment , carriage 40 is slidably attached to boom 12 . alternatively , a plurality of rollers could be utilized instead of flanges 26 , without deviating from the scope of the present invention . it is also contemplated that the carriage 40 may be fixed in relation to the boom , with the platform 30 being telescopically extendable . the platform 30 is preferably rotatably attached to carriage 40 at or near one end of the platform 30 , such that the platform is selectively pivotable downward . as such , the user can position the platform 30 to provide a more level walking surface for the person or persons approaching the main boom 12 to unload materials from the conveyor 10 . any rotatable connection as is known in the art may be utilized . a preferred embodiment for the rotatable connection comprises pins or rods 48 that are received in apertures ( not shown ) in the carriage 40 . to facilitate rotation of the platform 30 , a hydraulic actuator 46 may by attached to the carriage 40 on one end and to the underside of the platform on the other end , as illustrated in fig2 . in such an embodiment , retraction of the hydraulic actuator 46 causes downward rotation of the platform 30 . in the same manner , extension of the hydraulic actuator 46 causes the platform to rotate upwardly back to a position substantially parallel to main boom 12 . rather than carriage 40 , it is also contemplated that the platform 30 may be slidably or rollably attached to the main boom by any suitable support means as is known in the art , without deviating from the scope of the present invention . for example , the platform 30 may be supported by cage or track 126 and slidably or rollably extendible and retractable from the cage or track 126 . in such an embodiment , illustrated in fig6 , the platform 30 may be rotatably attached to a drive member 50 , such that after a predetermined critical distance of extension , when the joint between the platform and the drive member approaches the end of the cage or track 126 , the platform passively rotates downwardly . additionally , the platform 30 may be slidably or rollably attached to an elongated support means attached to the main boom 12 , such that the platform 30 is extendible and retractable along the length of the support means but not rotatable in relation to the support means . in such an embodiment , the support means , itself may be rotatable downwardly to adjust the angle of the platform 30 . extension and retraction of platform 30 is preferably hydraulically actuated . for example , carriage 40 may be translatable longitudinally in relation to the main boom 12 via opposing hydraulic winches 60 ( fig7 ) located at or near the ends of the main boom 12 . to translate the platform 30 , one winch 60 would wind its cable , while the opposing winch unwinds its cable . alternatively , the hydraulic actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder 52 having its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the main boom 12 . alternatively , extension and retraction of the platform 30 may be any other chain or winch drive as is known in the art . for example , opposing sides of the carriage 40 may be attached to chains or cables or the like . the chains or cables may additionally be attached to rotatable spools or drums , powered by any means known in the art , such that by winding the cable around one drum , while simultaneously unwinding the cable from the second drum translates the platform 30 forward or backward in relation to the main boom 12 . optionally , platform 30 may further comprise at least one stabilizing member or leg 38 . stabilizing member 38 is preferably adjustable or rotatable downwardly in relation to platform 30 . optional stabilizing leg 38 may be used , for example , when only one side of the platform is touching a surface such as a roof . in operation , the user first adjusts the elevation and direction of conveyor 10 . the conveyor can either be fixed , manually moveable , or attached to a vehicle 70 . after the elevation and direction of the conveyor 10 is selected , the user subsequently extends the platform 30 from the main boom 12 a predetermined distance , preferably via a hydraulic winch 60 , hydraulic cylinder 52 , or other chain or cable drive . after the platform 30 extends from the main boom 12 a predetermined distance , the user next rotates the platform 30 downwardly , with the end of the platform 30 resting on , if possible , a roof or other upper surface . it should be understood that if the platform 30 is extendible from a rotatable platform support , the user would rotate the platform support , itself , either before or after extension of the platform 30 . additionally , if the platform 30 is passively rotatable downwardly after extension a predetermined distance , the user only needs to extend the platform a predetermined distance to facilitate its rotation downwardly . if the platform 30 is angled such that only one side of the platform 30 is touching the roof , optional support leg 38 can be engaged downwardly to ensure that both sides of the platform 30 are supported by the roof . the forgoing disclosure is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof . although one or more embodiments of the invention have been described , persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications could be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention . as such , it should be understood that all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention . the written description and drawings illustrate the present invention and are not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed .
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in order to make objects , technical details and advantages of the embodiments of the invention apparent , the technical solutions of the embodiment will be described in a clearly and fully understandable way in connection with the drawings related to the embodiments of the invention . it is obvious that the described embodiments are just a part but not all of the embodiments of the invention . based on the described embodiments herein , those skilled in the art can obtain other embodiment ( s ), without any inventive work , which should be within the scope of the invention . an embodiment of the invention provides a touch substrate , which comprises a substrate , and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the substrate and as intersecting each other . in the embodiment of the invention , the first electrode and the second electrode contact each other at intersecting positions and form heterojunction . those skilled in the art would understand that the heterojunction may be an area formed by contact of two kinds of semiconductor materials , i . e ., a p - n junction , or may be an area formed by contact of a conductor and a semiconductor , i . e ., a schottky junction . the heterojunction has a unidirectional conduction property , that is , the two kinds of materials forming the heterojunction will not conduct each other even if they contact . in the embodiments of the invention , the heterojunctions are formed at intersecting positions where the first electrode contacts the second electrode by taking advantage of the unidirectional conduction property of the heterojunction , and a space charge region ( the space charge region is a virtual region ) is formed in accordance with heterojunction theory , thereby preventing the current transmission along the vertical direction at intersecting positions where the first electrode contacts the second electrode . as a result , the signals respectively transmitted in the first electrodes and the second electrodes will not interfere each other , which further eliminates the insulation layer needed to separate the layer having the first electrode from the layer having the second electrode , thus simplifying the fabrication process . in the meantime , the stacked structure at the position of bridge connection on the touch substrate in conventional technology no longer exists , solving the visibility of the bridge connection spot , and enhancing the anti - esd performance . the embodiment of the invention provides a touch substrate , which comprises a substrate 9 , a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the substrate 9 and as intersecting each other . as illustrated in fig4 to 6 , in the embodiment of the invention , a drive electrode 1 is the first electrode , a sense electrode 2 is the second electrode ; the first electrode is made of a metal material and the second electrode is made of a semiconductor material such as graphene . the above configuration is due to the following consideration : when the second electrode is made of the semiconductor material graphene and the first electrode is made of a metal material , the resistance of the first electrode is relatively smaller than that of the second electrode . as the drive electrodes 1 generally need lower resistance to enhance its loading ability to load a relatively larger signal , the first electrode is more suitable as the drive electrode 1 . it can be understood that , it is also possible to use the sense electrode 2 as the first electrode and the drive electrode 1 as the second electrode , as long as the connection relation between the electrodes and the touch chip is changed , which will not be elaborated herein . in the embodiment of the invention , the drive electrode 1 is the first electrode , and the sense electrode 2 is the second electrode . accordingly , the drive sub - electrode 1 - 1 is the first sub - electrode , and the sense sub - electrode 2 - 1 is the second sub - electrode . each of the drive electrodes 1 comprises a plurality of drive sub - electrodes 1 - 1 , and the neighboring drive sub - electrodes 1 - 1 are connected to each other through the first connection portion 1 - 2 . each of the sense electrodes 2 comprises a plurality of sense sub - electrodes 2 - 1 , and the neighboring sense sub - electrodes 2 - 1 are connected to each other through the second connection portion 2 - 2 . moreover , the first connection portion 1 - 2 of the drive electrodes 1 intersects with and contacts the second connection portion 2 - 2 of the sense electrodes 2 . furthermore , a structure of the drive sub - electrodes 1 - 1 is for example a metal mesh , thereby reducing the resistance of the drive electrodes 1 , and increasing the aperture ratio . the touch substrate typically comprises a plurality of โ sub - electrodes โ disposed spaced from each other , and the structure of the sub - electrodes may be rhombus , thus filling up the touch substrate . furthermore , the plurality of drive sub - electrodes 1 - 1 disposed in one row is connected to each other through the first connection portions 1 - 2 , thus forming one of drive electrodes 1 ; and the plurality of sense sub - electrodes 2 - 1 disposed in one column is connected to each other through the second connection portions 2 - 2 , thus forming one of sense electrodes 2 . it is seen that capacitors may be formed at adjacent marginal regions of the sense sub - electrodes 2 - 1 and the drive sub - electrodes 1 - 1 , thereby functioning for touching . as the first connection portion 1 - 2 of the drive electrodes 1 intersects with and contacts the second connection portion 2 - 2 of the sense electrodes 2 , the sense electrodes 2 may be fabricated above the drive electrodes 1 directly . in this sense , the fabricating of the insulation layer disposed between the first connection portions 1 - 2 and the second connection portions 2 - 2 in conventional technology is omitted , thereby simplifying the fabricating process while making the touch substrate thinner . that is , the heterojunctions are formed at positions where the first connection portion 1 - 2 intersects with and contacts the second connection portion 2 - 2 . as the material of the first connection portions 1 - 2 is metal and the material of the second connection portions 2 - 2 is graphene which is a semiconductor material , the heterojunctions are schottky junctions . as a result , both the first connection portions 1 - 2 and the second connection portions 2 - 2 are unidirectionally conductive . it can be understood that , the drive electrodes 1 and the sense electrodes 2 are unidirectionally conductive , therefore the signals transmitted in the drive electrodes 1 and the sense electrodes 2 will not interfere each other , and the anti - esd ability is increased . it can be understood that , as long as the heterojunctions are formed at positions where the first electrode intersects with and contacts the second electrodes , the first and second electrodes will not conduct with each other , thus the signals transmitted in the first electrodes and second the electrodes will not interfere each other . as a result , in the embodiment of the invention , the first sub - electrodes , the first connection portions 1 - 2 and the second sub - electrodes are made of metal materials , and the second connection portions 2 - 2 are made of semiconductor materials . alternatively , it is also possible that the second sub - electrodes , the second connection portions 2 - 2 and the first sub - electrodes are made of metal materials , and the first connection portions 1 - 2 are made of semiconductor materials . as illustrated in fig7 , the embodiment of the invention provides a touch substrate , which differs from the touch substrate of the embodiment 1 in that the drive electrodes 1 are made of an n - doped semiconductor material and the sense electrodes 2 are made of a p - doped semiconductor material . as an example , the drive electrodes 1 are made of nitrogen - doped graphene , and the sense electrodes 2 are made of phosphorus - doped graphene . it is similar to the above - mentioned touch substrate in that each of the drive electrodes 1 in the present touch substrate preferably comprises a plurality of drive sub - electrodes 1 - 1 , the neighboring drive sub - electrodes 1 - 1 are connected to each other through first connection portion 1 - 2 ; each of the sense electrodes 2 comprises a plurality of sense sub - electrodes 2 - 1 ; the neighboring sense sub - electrodes 2 - 1 are connected to each other through second connection portion 2 - 2 ; and the first connection portion 1 - 2 of the drive electrodes 1 intersects with and contacts the second connection portion 2 - 2 of the sense electrodes 2 . in this case , considering that the drive electrodes 1 are made of an n - doped semiconductor material and the sense electrodes 2 are made of a p - doped semiconductor material , the heterojunction formed at positions where the first connection portion 1 - 2 intersects with and contacts the second connection portions 2 - 2 is p - n junction , thereby the first connection portion 1 - 2 and the second connection portion 2 - 2 are both unidirectionally conductive . it can be understood that since the drive electrodes 1 and the sense electrodes 2 are unidirectionally conductive , the signals transmitted in the drive electrodes 1 and the sense electrodes 2 will not interfere each other , and the anti - esd ability is enhanced . it can be understood that , as long as the heterojunctions are formed at positions where the first electrode intersects with and contacts the second electrode , the first electrode and the second electrode will not conduct to each other , thus the signals transmitted in the first electrodes and the second electrodes will not interfere each other . that is , in the embodiment of the invention , one of the first connection portions 1 - 2 and second connection portions 2 - 2 intersecting each other is made of an n - doped semiconductor material and the other is made of a p - doped semiconductor material . therefore , the first sub - electrodes and the second sub - electrodes may also be made of metal materials . the difference is that the fabricating process is a bit more complicated . the above embodiments may have various modifications . as an example , each of the sub - electrodes has a shape of a strip and the like . meanwhile , it is noted that the semiconductor materials used in the embodiments , being they n - doped or p - doped , are all heavily doped materials , thus guaranteeing good conductivity of the semiconductor materials . those skilled in the art would understand that the conductivity of heavily doped semiconductor material is equal to that of conductors &# 39 ;. the embodiment of the invention provides a display device , which comprises any of the above touch substrate . the display device may be a lcd display panel , an e - paper , an oled panel , a mobile phone , a tablet pc , a television , a display , a laptop computers , a digital photo frame , a navigator or any products or components with a display function . what is described above is related to the illustrative embodiments of the disclosure only and not limitative to the scope of the disclosure ; the scopes of the disclosure are defined by the accompanying claims . this application claims the priority of chinese patent application no . 201410531442 . 9 , filed on oct . 10 , 2014 , and which application is incorporated herein by reference .
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an embodiment of the invention will be described herein below with reference to the drawings . fig2 shows an example of a computer system for carrying out the invention . the computer system has a microprocessor 201 including a cache memory 202 , a main memory 203 , and a disk 204 . a program is stored in the disk 204 . a compiler and a source program are stored in the disk 204 and loaded to the processor 201 to perform a compiling process . a program for a result of compiling is stored in the disk 204 , similarly , loaded to the processor 201 and executed . in the case of executing a normal memory referring instruction by the processor 201 , first , whether data to be referred to exists in the cache memory 202 or not is checked . if the data exists in the cache memory 202 , the data is referred to . if the data to be referred to does not exist in the cache memory 202 , the data on the main memory 203 is referred to and a copy of a cache line to which the data is belonging is stored in the cache memory 202 . since the cache memory is referred to at speed higher than the main memory , when data to be referred to exists on the cache memory , waiting time which occurs by referring to the memory can be reduced . a prefetch instruction is an instruction for moving the cache line to which data to be referred to belongs from the main memory 203 to the cache memory 202 concurrently with execution of another instruction . by issuing a prefetch instruction in advance only by the number of cycles sufficient to move the cache line from the main memory 203 to the cache memory 202 , another instruction can be executed during transfer of data from the main memory 203 to the cache memory 202 , so that waiting time for referring to the data is eliminated . fig1 shows an example of the structure of the flow of an optimization process of a compiler which carries out the invention . in fig1 , solid lines indicate the flow of control , and broken lines indicate the flow of data . although the flow of the optimization process of the compiler generally includes various optimization processes , only processes related to the present invention are shown here . in the embodiment shown in fig1 , an optimization processing 101 for generating a prefetch instruction for indirect reference is applied to an intermediate language 105 to generate an intermediate language 109 . in the optimization processing 101 , first , the intermediate language 105 is analyzed by a loop structure recognition processing 102 to recognize a loop in the program , and an intermediate language 106 and a loop table 108 are generated . subsequently , in an indirect reference recognition processing 103 , an analysis is made regarding the loop recognized by the loop structure recognition processing 102 to recognize indirect reference in the loop . in an indirect reference prefetch generation processing 104 , a prefetch instruction for the recognized indirect reference is generated , and the optimized intermediate language 109 is generated . among the above processings , the loop structure recognition processing 102 and the indirect reference recognition processing 103 can be performed by conventional techniques as disclosed in , for example , โ compilers : principles , techniques and tools โ, by a . v . aho et al ., addison - wesley , 1986 ( chapter 9 : code generation , pp . 513 โ 584 , and chapter 10 : code optimization , pp . 585 โ 722 . fig4 shows the flow of the indirect reference prefetch generation processing 104 as a process characterizing the invention . the indirect reference prefetch generation processing 104 is started in step 401 . in step 402 , a loop set in the program is assigned to a variable l by referring to the loop table 108 in fig1 . in step 403 , whether the set l is an empty set or not is determined . if no loop to be processed exists , the control shifts to step 410 where the processing is finished . if there is a loop to be processed , one element is taken out from l and assigned to a variable l . in step 405 , with reference to the result of the indirect reference recognition processing 103 in fig1 , an indirect reference set in an loop l is assigned to a variable m . in step 406 , whether the set m is an empty set or not is checked . if yes , the control is shifted to step 403 and the next loop is processed . if no , the control is shifted to step 407 where one indirect reference is taken out from the set m and assigned to a variable m . in step 408 , the indirect reference assigned to the variable m is checked to see whether the reference to ( m ) is continuous or not . if yes , an effect of hiding the cycle of referring to the main memory by prefetching can be expected , so that the control is shifted to step 409 where a prefetch instruction for indirect reference is generated . if no , the effect of hiding the cycle of referring to the main memory by prefetching cannot be expected , so that the control is shifted to step 406 where the next indirect reference is processed . with respect to the generation of a prefetch instruction in step 409 , by using techniques as disclosed in literature by v . santhanam et al ., โ data prefetching on the hp pa - 8000 โ, in proceedings of the 24th annual international symposium on computer architecture , pp . 264 โ 273 , 1997 , issuing of a prefetch instruction for referring to the same cache line is reduced and a prefetch instruction is generated . in step 408 , whether the indirect reference in the loop is continuous or not is determined . as described above , the invention has been achieved by paying attention that the values of elements of an index array are not completely discrete values but almost continuous values when seen locally such as { 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 56 . . . }. in the example , the values have to be determined as โ continuous โ without regarding the gap between 10 and 50 . ( 1 ) automatic determination by analyzing code of a source program ( 2 ) instruction by the user as a compiler option ( 3 ) instruction by the user on source code by a compiler directive ( 4 ) user &# 39 ; s dialogue instruction on presented source code fig5 shows the processing flow 408 of the case ( 1 ) where automatic analysis is made by the compiler . the automatic analyzing process of fig5 is started in step 501 , and an array to be analyzed is assigned to a variable m in step 502 . subsequently , in step 503 , an expression for defining ( m ) is obtained and assigned to a variable ( e ). in step 504 , the equation ( e ) is a linear expression of โ i * ฮฑ + ฮฒ โ or not is checked . it is assumed that ( i ) denotes here a recurrence variable . if the expression is not a linear expression , the control shifts to step 507 where it is determined that ( m ) is not continuous . the control shifts to step 508 and the processing is finished . if the expression is a linear expression , whether an increment value | ฮฑ | of ( e ) is less than a predetermined value or not is determined . if yes , the control shifts to step 506 where ( m ) is determined as continuous . in step 508 , the processing is finished . if | ฮฑ | is not less than the predetermined value , the control is shifted to step 507 where ( m ) is determined as discontinuous , and the processing is finished in step 508 . as an example , it is assumed that the loop for defining the index array l is that shown in fig8 . since the expression of defining an index of l is โ i * 2 โ, it is understood that the increment value of the index is 2 . when it is assumed that a determination value of the threshold for determining continuity is 4 , the indirect reference using l as an index array is recognized as an object to which prefetching is applied . fig6 shows an example of an instruction by the compiler option of ( 2 ) described above . in the example , the increment value of the index array l is indicated as 2 by an option . a compiler determines whether prefetching can be applied or not on the basis of the increment value in a manner similar to the case of the above - described automatic analysis . similarly , fig7 shows an example of use of the compiler directive in the above - stated ( 3 ). in the example , the directive of โ* option increase ( l , 2 )โ indicates that the increment value of the index array l in the subsequent loop is 2 . in a manner similar to the example of fig5 , on the basis of the increment value , whether prefetching can be applied or not is determined . in the case where the user give a directive instruction to a loop as shown in fig7 , the user may describe the directive directly in the source program . as described in ( 4 ), when a loop including an indirect reference recognized in the indirect reference recognizing process 103 in fig1 is displayed on the display of a computer , it is also possible that the user instructs prediction of a change amount of the index with respect to each indirect reference in an interactive manner . fig9 shows code as a result of realizing optimization by applying the invention to the case of fig3 a . it is assumed that the increment value of the index array l of indirect reference a [ l [ i ]] is found to be 2 as a result of automatic analysis of the index array or analysis of a user instruction by a directive or the like . assuming now that the size of the cache line is 32 bytes and the length of data to be referred to is 4 bytes , when the loop is unrolled four times and , as shown in fig9 , prefetching of the arrays l and a is performed each time the original source code is repeated four times . consequently , as obviously understood in comparison with fig3 c that , while reducing an instruction overhead caused by prefetching , prefetching of the indirect reference can be performed . according to the invention , by effectively applying data prefetching to a program which performs indirect array reference , the execution performance of the program can be improved .
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reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . hereinafter , an external operating handle mechanism for a mold cased circuit breaker in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings . referring to fig3 , an external operating handle mechanism 20 for a mold cased circuit breaker in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may include : an external operating handle 22 ; a pinion gear 110 coupled to the external operating handle 22 to thus rotate in response to a rotation of the external operating handle 22 ; a movable member 120 having a rack gear portion coupled to the pinion gear to linearly move according to the rotation of the pinion gear , and having a handle connecting portion connected to a handle 15 ( refer to fig5 ) of the mold cased circuit breaker 8 ( refer to fig1 ) to thus allow the handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker 8 to linearly move ; and a pair of guide rail members 130 as guide members for guiding the linear movement of the movable member 120 . as illustrated in fig3 , unexplained reference numeral 21 denotes a case for supporting the components of the external operating handle mechanism 20 and for coupling the external operating handle mechanism 20 to the mold cased circuit breaker 8 for installation thereof . also , reference numeral 21 a denotes a screw hole for inserting a coupling member such as a screw therein to thus couple the case 21 to the mold cased circuit breaker 8 . preferably , four screw holes 21 a are provided at a bottom surface of the case 21 . reference numeral 22 a denotes a pair of power transferring shafts extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the external operating handle 22 and inserted into connecting holes 110 b ( refer to fig6 ) formed at the pinion gear 110 . reference numeral 100 denotes a converting unit for converting a rotative power of the external operating handle 22 including the pinion gear 110 , the movable member 120 and the guide rail member 130 into a linear power . reference numeral 124 denotes a spring support for supporting one end portion of a spring s ( refer to fig7 b and 8b ) which biases the movable member 120 toward an off - position . the other end portion of the spring s is supported by a spring support ( not designated as reference numeral ) provided at the case 21 as shown in fig7 b . the external operating handle mechanism 22 , for example , is a type of device which protrudes outwardly from a front panel 9 ( refer to fig1 ) of a power system such as a power distributing board so as to allow a user to grab and rotate a handle of the mold cased circuit breaker to an on - position or an off - position . the external operating handle mechanism 22 is rotatably installed at an upper surface of the case 21 . on the other hand , fig4 is a perspective view illustrating a detailed construction of the movable member 120 according to the present invention , which will be explained in more detail . as illustrated in fig4 , the movable member 120 may include a body 121 , and guide shoes 123 a , 123 b , 123 c and 123 d protruding outwardly from both side surfaces of the body 121 , respectively , and corresponding to the guide rail members 130 . referring to fig4 , the guide shoes 123 a and 123 b at a right side of the body 121 are provided between an inner wall surface of a guide shoe block 123 and a right outer wall surface of the body 121 , and more particularly , provided to protrude outwardly from predetermined upper and lower positions on the inner wall surface of the guide shoe block 123 . a space formed between the guide shoe 123 b and the right outer wall surface of the body 121 has a width greater than a thickness of the guide rail member 130 by a predetermined gap . accordingly , it is possible to insert the guide rail member 130 into the space formed between the guide shoe 123 b and the right outer wall surface of the body 121 upon assembling the movable member 120 to the guide rail member 130 . also , the right guide shoes 123 a and 123 b are spaced from each other with a gap greater than a height of the guide rail member 130 . as illustrated in fig3 , the left side guide shoes of the body 121 , although only the guide shoe block 123 is shown in fig4 , include the guide shoe 123 c extending in an alphabet โ l โ shape from the left side wall surface of the body 121 , and the guide shoe 123 d protruding horizontally from the lower portion of the left side wall surface of the body 121 by a predetermined length . a spaced distance between the guide shoes 123 c and 123 d is greater than a thickness of the guide rail member 130 so as to allow the guide rail member 130 to be inserted therein . the body 121 is a generally square shaped block . a handle connecting hole 121 a which has the generally square shape corresponding to the end portion shape of the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker is formed at the center of the block body 121 , and a handle contact wall portion 121 b contacts with the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker to pressurize the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker and thus to allow the handle thereof to move . a rack gear portion 122 is provided at one side of an upper surface of the body 121 to be meshed with the pinion gear 110 shown in fig3 and thus to convert the rotative power transferred from the pinion gear 110 into a linear power . fig5 is a perspective view showing a handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker is coupled to the handle connecting hole 121 a of the movable member 120 according to the present invention viewed from the bottom . referring to fig5 , a connection between the external operating handle mechanism according to the present invention and the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker and an operation thereof will now be explained . an operating lever portion 15 a of the handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker is penetratingly inserted into the handle connecting hole 121 a formed at the center of the movable member 120 , thereby connecting the external operating handle mechanism according to the present invention to the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker . when the user grabs and rotates the external operating handle 22 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction to move it to an on - position or an off - position thereof , the pinion gear 110 rotates in the same direction as the external operating handle 22 . the movable member 120 connected by the pinion gear 110 and the rack gear portion 122 linearly moves forwardly or backwardly . as a result , the operating lever portion 15 a of the handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker inserted into the handle connecting hole 121 a of the movable member 120 is pressurized by the handle contact wall portion 121 b to thus move , and accordingly the handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker moves in a direction of arrow โ d โ or a direction of arrow โ e โ to thus move to its on / off - position . fig6 , on the other side , is a perspective view illustrating only several main parts separately , in particular , a movable member , a pinion gear and a guide member assembled with one another in order to explain an assembly and an operation of the main components of an external operating handle mechanism according to the present invention . with reference to fig6 , such main parts will now be explained , beginning with an assembling procedure therebetween . a pair of power transfer shafts 22 a ( refer to fig3 ) of the external operating handle 22 are inserted into a pair of connecting holes 110 b of the pinion gear 110 corresponding thereto , respectively , to thus assemble the pinion gear 110 to the external operating handle 22 . afterwards , a rack gear portion 122 is installed to be meshed with a teeth portion 110 a of the pinion gear 110 . even in this state , two upper and lower guide rail members 130 illustrated in fig6 are inserted respectively between the guide shoes 123 c and 123 d illustrated in fig3 and between the guide shoe 123 b illustrated in fig4 and a right side outer wall of the body 121 . at this time , the two guide rail members 130 should be installed to be maintained in parallel therewith . next , screws ( not shown ) are inserted into screw inserting holes 132 of fixing members 132 a provided at both end portions of each guide rail member 130 . each screw is supported by a screw support ( not shown ) provided at the case 21 to correspond to the screw inserting hole 132 a . accordingly , as illustrated in fig7 b and 8b , the guide rail members 130 are fixed and the assemble is completed . a spring s for biasing the movable member 120 to the off - position may be selectively provided . at this time , one end portion of the spring s is supported by the spring support 124 of fig3 and the other portion thereof is supported by a spring support ( not shown ) of the case 21 as illustrated in fig7 b . in the assembly of the pinion gear 110 , the movable member 120 , and the guide rail members 130 , upon rotating the external operating handle 22 in the counterclockwise direction , the pinion gear 110 rotates in the counterclockwise direction shown in fig6 ( i . e ., a direction of arrow b ). thereafter , the movable member 120 meshed with the pinion gear 110 by the rack gear portion 122 linearly moves toward a right direction shown in fig6 , namely , toward the direction of arrow c . upon rotating the external operating handle 22 in the clockwise direction , the movable member 120 linearly moves toward a left direction shown in fig6 . at this time , the pair of the guide rail members 130 guide the movable member 120 to linearly move accurately . hereinafter , an operation of the external operating handle mechanism 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be explained . fig7 a is a plane view illustrating a position of an external operating handle when the external operating handle mechanism is in a turn - on state according to the present invention , fig7 b is a bottom view illustrating a moving position of a movable member relative to a pinion gear and a guide rail when the external operating handle mechanism is in the turn - on state according to the present invention , fig8 a is a plane view illustrating a position of the external operating handle when the external operating handle mechanism is in a turn - off state according to the present invention , and fig8 b is a bottom view illustrating a moving position of the movable member relative to the pinion gear and the guide rail when the external operating handle mechanism is in the turn - off state according to the present invention . an explanation will now be made with reference to fig7 a to 8b . upon desiring to move the mold cased circuit breaker from its on - position to its off - position , the user grabs the external operating handle 22 in a state in which the external operating handle 22 is positioned as illustrated in fig7 a , and then rotates it in the clockwise direction ( e . g ., by 135 ยฐ). the external operating handle 22 is then positioned in the state as illustrated in fig8 a . at this time , the pinion gear 110 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing together with the external operating handle 22 , and thus the movable member 120 positioned at an upper portion thereof moves toward a lower portion as illustrated in fig8 b . at this time , the pair of guide rail members 130 guide the movable member 120 to linearly move . as the movable member 120 moves downwardly , the handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker connected to the movable member 120 by being inserted into the handle contacting hole 121 a of the movable member 120 moves to the off - position for breaking a circuit . at this time , an energized elastic force of the spring s accelerates a moving speed of the external operating handle 22 and the handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker toward the off - position thereof , so that the mold cased circuit breaker is positioned in a state shown in fig8 b . accordingly , the off - operation of the mold cased circuit breaker using the external operating handle is completed . the converting of the mold cased circuit breaker from the off - position into the on - position is operated in an opposite way to the aforementioned way . that is , the user grabs the external operating handle 22 in a state that the external operating handle 22 is positioned as illustrated in fig8 a , and rotates it in the clockwise direction ( e . g ., by 135 ยฐ). the external handle 22 is then positioned as illustrated in fig7 a . at this time , the pinion gear 110 rotates in the clockwise direction in the drawing together with the external operating handle 22 , and thus the movable member 120 positioned at the lower portion thereof moves to the upper position as illustrated in fig7 b . at this time , the pair of guide rail members 130 guide the movable member 120 to linearly move . as the movable member 120 moves upwardly , the handle 15 of the mold cased circuit breaker connected to the movable member 120 by being inserted into the handle connecting hole 121 a of the movable member 120 moves toward the on - position for connecting a circuit . at this time , the spring s is in a state of being extended as illustrated in fig7 b . here , because the elastic force of the spring s is smaller than a force for moving the movable member 120 coupled to the pinion gear 110 , the spring s can continuously be energized with the elastic force . therefore , the on - operation of the mold cased circuit breaker using the external operating handle is completely performed . as aforementioned , the external operating handle mechanism for the mold cased circuit breaker in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention may have the following effects . first , because a converting unit has only one rotational center to convert the rotative power of the external operating handle into the linear moving force to transfer the linear moving force to the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker , the stroke required for an operation of the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker and the operational range of the external operating handle according to the stroke can effectively be controlled . also , the one rotational center allows an efficient transfer of power from the external operating handle to the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker without a great power loss . therefore , upon performing a reset operation requiring for a great power , deformation may occur in the handle lever or other moldings which causes a reset defect . second , because power is transferred from the operating handle to the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker via the pinion gear and the rack gear portion , transferring of the power can be improved as compared with the prior art operating handle . also using of the gear makes it effective to reduce variation and error of the operational position and the stroke . third , an operating lever portion of the handle of the mold cased circuit breaker is surface - contacted with the handle connecting hole of the rack gear portion , and accordingly it is effective to reduce the deformation of the molding as compared to the handle operation structure by the point - contact according to the prior art . as the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof , it should also be understood that the above - described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description , unless otherwise specified , but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims , and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims , or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims .
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the ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids suitable for use herein include acrylic , maleic , methacrylic , crotonic , fumaric , itaconic , citraconic and / or aconitic acids and mixtures thereof . however the acids are not restricted to being mono or dicarboxylic . acrylic , maleic and methacrylic acids are preferred . the preferred esters are the methyl , ethyl butyl and propyl derivatives . preferred copolymers are those of acrylic acid with ethyl acrylate or methyl methylacrylate with the copolymer of acrylic acid and methyl methacrylate being most preferred . as noted previously , in the broadest scope of the invention , the mole percentage of the acid in the copolymer is 33 to 95 %, preferably 60 to 85 % with the ester comprising the remainder of the polymer . in the embodiment wherein a third ethylenically unsaturated comonomer is present , the acid is used in amount of 45 to 90 mole %, preferably 60 to 80 %, the ester in an amount of 5 to 50 mole %, preferably 10 to 30 , and the third comonomer in an amount of 5 to 50 mole %, preferably 10 to 30 %. suitable polymers may be made by the copolymerization of the alkyl ester with the ethylenically unsaturated acid and , optionally the third monomer , using methods known in polymerization technology . the resultant copolymer or terpolymer may be neutralized with a suitable base such as sodium hydroxide or other soluble base to form a soluble salt and diluted with water to the required concentration for use in the cementiferous compositions and plasticizer additives provided by this invention . representative salt cations are preferably alkali metal , e . g . sodium , potassium , alkaline earth metals e . g . calcium , magnesium , organic bases , e . g . amines and their derivatives , and ammonia . absolute molecular weights of the polymers of this invention have not been determined . however , apparent molecular weights as calculated relative to sodium polyacrylate standards have been determined using gel permeation chromatography . the apparent molecular weight of the copolymer may be varied over a wide range , the preferred range being 1000 to 15000 , more preferably 1000 to 9000 . precise molecular weights have not been determined for all the copolymers used but in some cases viscosity determinations have been carried out . the preferred viscosity is less than 30 cps as a 15 % by weight aqeuous solution in 1 molar nac1 as measured by a brookfield viscometer model lvt with uv adaptor at 65 rpm and 25 ยฐ c . the water soluble copolymer or salt thereof is used as a plasticizer additive in cementiferous compositions in amount of 0 . 01 to 2 . 5 % by weight , preferably 0 . 03 to 2 . 0 %, of the cement . examples of sodium salts of the copolymers and terpolymers and their application in cementiferous compositions will now be given to illustrate but not limit the invention . ______________________________________portland cement 350 kg / m . sup . 3gravel ( 20 mm ) 780 kg / m . sup . 3gravel ( 10 mm ) 330 kg / m . sup . 3sand 700 kg / m . sup . 3water / cement ratio 0 . 57______________________________________ the aggregate ( gravels and sand ) was placed in a mixer with half the water and mixed for 30 seconds . after standing for one minute the mixer was restarted and the cement component added over 30 seconds . the remainder of the water was then added and mixing continued for a further two minutes . the plasticizer polymer admixture ( if present ) was then added at a level of 0 . 12 % by weight , i . e . as 0 . 4 % w / w of 30 % w / w solution , of cement component and the whole mixed for a further one minute . the cementitious compositions prepared were tested for slump , plastic density , compressive strength and setting time according to british standard 1881 . the flow properties were tested by the method of din 1048 . twelve copolymers and terpolymers were prepared and tested as their sodium salts against a copolymer sodium salt disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 473 , 406 ( european patent specification 0097513 ) as standard . appropriate measurements were also made on the two base cementiferous compositions not containing an admixture . the twelve examples and standard copolymer had the compositions set out in table i . the sodium salts of the polymers were prepared at 30 % w / w solutions and 0 . 25 % w / w tributyl phosphate added as anti - foamer . these admixtures were tested at a level of 0 . 4 % w / w of cement using two cement bases indicated as base 1 and base 2 in table ii . this table records the properties of the cementiferous compositions prepared . it will be seen that the copolymers of the invention substantially improve the properties of the cement bases and are as effective as the known more expensive hydroxy ester containing polymers . table i__________________________________________________________________________ admixturecomponent ( mole %) a b c * e f g h j ** k ** l n p r__________________________________________________________________________acrylic acid 60 85 70 90 95 -- 85 56 46 56 65 56 63methyl methacrylate 40 15 -- 10 5 15 -- 22 8 22 20 22 24methacrylic acid -- -- -- -- -- 85 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ethyl acrylate -- -- -- -- -- -- 15 -- -- -- -- -- -- vinyl alcohol -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 22 46 -- -- -- -- vinyl acetate -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 22 15 -- -- allyl alcohol -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 22 -- styrene -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 13hydroxy propyl -- -- 30 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- methacrylateviscosity ( cps ) 15 . 0 8 . 0 5 . 5 9 . 7 8 . 0 18 . 0 8 . 5 7 . 7 11 . 2 13 . 5 8 . 6 10 . 3 nm__________________________________________________________________________ * standard copolymer ** these polymers were prepared by hydrolysis of acrylic acid / vinyl acetate / methyl methacrylate terpolymers . nm -- not measured table ii__________________________________________________________________________property setting time compressive flow time ( hrs ) return to strength ( n / mm . sup . 2 ) slump plastic before after 500 4000 50 mm slump 1 7 28admixture ( mm ) density tamping psi psi ( hrs ) day days days__________________________________________________________________________base 1 55 2390 20 sheared 4 . 3 5 . 8 -- 11 . 9 34 . 0 -- a 2410 36 64 7 . 0 8 . 7 3 . 75 9 . 4 33 . 0 -- b 2400 35 63 7 . 4 9 . 4 3 . 50 9 . 5 36 . 5 -- c * 2410 36 64 7 . 2 9 . 4 3 . 75 9 . 5 35 . 5 -- j 2405 32 62 6 . 7 8 . 5 1 . 40 11 . 5 36 . 0 -- k 2400 32 61 7 . 0 8 . 7 1 . 10 12 . 3 35 . 0 -- l 2400 34 63 7 . 7 9 . 0 3 . 60 11 . 0 36 . 0 -- base 2 50 2400 20 sheared -- -- -- 16 . 1 -- 47 . 0 c * 2410 36 62 -- -- -- 16 . 1 -- 48 . 0e 2420 32 61 -- -- -- 14 . 4 -- 46 . 8f 2420 33 60 -- -- -- 14 . 1 -- 45 . 6g 2415 35 61 -- -- -- 15 . 8 -- 47 . 5h 2405 29 58 -- -- -- 14 . 6 -- 47 . 5n 2400 37 64 -- -- -- 15 . 1 -- 49 . 5p 2410 30 56 -- -- -- 15 . 6 -- 47 . 0r 2400 31 58 -- -- -- 12 . 3 -- 42 . 5__________________________________________________________________________ dash indicates measurement was not taken . sheared indicates the cement did not flow properly so an accurate measurement could not be made . it will be apparent that various changes and modifications may be made in the embodiments of the invention described above , without departing from the scope of the invention , as defined in the appended claims , and it is intended therefore , that all matter contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not as limitative of the invention .
| 2 |
embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail . the present inventors have succeeded in synthesizing novel compounds with low band gaps from thiophene monomers and diketopyrrolopyrrole monomers , which were reported to have high holemobilities and high absorbance values , and triphenylamine core structures with high hole conductivities , and in acquiring high photovoltaic efficiency of organic thin - film photovoltaic cells using the novel compounds . the present invention provides a triphenylamine derivative represented by formula ( i ): wherein the r 1 groups , whichmay be the same or different , each independently represent a straight or branched , saturated or unsaturated c 1 - c 20 alkyl group , and the armoieties , which may be the same or different , each independently represent a linking group selected from whereinthe r 2 groups , which may be the same or different , each independently represent a straight or branched , saturated or unsaturated c 1 - c 20 alkyl group . the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following examples . however , these examples are given to assist in a further understanding of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention . compounds ( 1 ), ( 3 ), ( 7 ), ( 8 ) and ( 12 ) shown in the reaction schemes were purchased from aldrich or lumtec . 2 - butyl - 1 - octanol ( formula 1 ) ( 6 . 4 ml , 28 . 6 mmol ), triphenylamine ( 15 . 0 g , 57 . 2 mmol ) and imidazole ( 3 . 89 g , 57 . 2 mmol ) were placed in dichloromethane ( 210 ml ) as a solvent in a 500 ml flask furnished with a magnetic stirring bar . the mixture was cooled to 0 ยฐ c . after slow addition of iodine ( 14 . 52 g , 57 . 2 mmol ) and slow heating to room temperature , the resulting mixture was allowed to react about 2 hr . after completion of the reaction , asaturated aqueous solution of sodium sulfite was added until no precipitate was observed . the reaction mixture was extracted with water and chloroform . the chloroform layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and the solventswere removed using a rotary evaporator . the residue was purified by column chromatography ( eluent = hexane ) to afford 8 . 0 g ( yield = 95 %) of 5 -( iodomethyl ) undecane ( formula 2 ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , ฮด ppm ) 0 . 88 ( t , 6h ), 1 . 23 ( m , 17h ), 3 . 24 ( d , 2h ) t - amyl alcohol ( 250 ml ) was placed in a 500 ml flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar and a condenser . after heating to 60 ยฐ c ., sodium pieces were slowly added . the reaction was allowed to proceed at 120 ยฐ c . for about 12 hr . thereafter , 2 - thiophenecarbonitrile ( formula 3 ) ( 10 . 0 ml , 107 . 4 mmol ) and di - n - butylsuccinate ( 12 . 6 ml , 53 . 69 mmol ) were slowly added . the mixture was allowed to react at 120 ยฐ c . for about 12 hr . the reaction mixture was cooled , and acetic acid ( 11 . 2 ml , 195 . 7 mmol ) and methanol ( 7 . 7 ml , 134 . 2 mmol ) were added thereto . after reaction at room temperature for about 30 min , the reaction mixture was left to stand at room temperature for about 30 min to give a precipitate . the precipitate was filtered and dried under vacuum to afford 8 . 2 g ( yield = 51 %) of 6 - di ( thiophen - 2 - yl ) pyrrolo [ 3 , 4 - c ] pyrrole - 1 , 4 ( 2h , 5h )- dione ( formula 4 ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso , ฮด ppm ) 4 . 85 ( dd , 2h ), 5 . 51 ( d , 2h , aromatic proton ), 5 . 76 ( d , 2h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 79 ( s , 2h , โ nh โ) 6 - di ( thiophen - 2 - yl ) pyrrolo [ 3 , 4 - c ] pyrrole - 1 , 4 ( 2h , 5h )- dione ( formula 4 ) ( 0 . 59 g , 1 . 96 mmol ) prepared in synthesis example 2 and 5 -( iodomethyl ) undecane ( formula 2 ) ( 1 . 75 g , 5 . 89 mmol ) prepared in synthesis example 1 were placed in a 500 ml flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar and a condenser . the mixture was dissolved in dimethylformamide ( 30 ml ) as a solvent . the reaction was allowed to proceed at 140 ยฐ c . for about 12 hr . after completion of the reaction , the reaction solution was slowly cooled to room temperature to obtain a precipitate . the precipitate was collected by filtration to remove the solvent , followed by extraction with ether and water . purification by column chromatography ( eluent = chloroform / hexane ( 1 : 1 )) afforded 0 . 6 g ( yield = 45 %) of 2 , 5 - bis ( 2 - butyloctyl )- 3 , 6 - di ( thiophen - 2 - yl ) pyrrolo [ 3 , 4 - c ] pyrrole - 1 , 4 ( 2h , 5h )- dione ( formula 5 ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , ฮด ppm ) 0 . 84 ( t , 6h ), 1 . 24 ( m , 64h ), 1 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 02 ( d , 4h ), 7 . 26 ( dd , 2h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 62 ( d , 2h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 85 ( d , 2h , aromatic proton ) 2 , 5 - bis ( 2 - butyloctyl )- 3 , 6 - di ( thiophen - 2 - yl ) pyrrolo [ 3 , 4 - c ] pyrrole - 1 , 4 ( 2h , 5h )- dione ( formula 5 ) ( 1 . 17 g , 1 . 84 mmol ) was dissolved in chloroform ( 40 ml ) as a solventin a 100 ml flask furnished with a magnetic stirring bar . the solution was cooled to 0 ยฐ c . thereafter , a solution of n - bromosuccinimide ( 0 . 34 g , 1 . 93 mmol ) in chloroform ( 20 ml ) as a solvent was slowly added dropwise to the flask through a dropping funnel . the reaction was allowed to proceed for about 2 hr . the reaction mixture was extracted with chloroform and water . the chloroform layer was collected and the solvent was removed using a rotary evaporator . the residue was purified by column chromatography ( eluent = dichloromethane / hexane ( 1 : 1 )) to afford 0 . 6 g ( yield = 45 %) of 3 -( 5 - bromothiophen - 2 - yl )- 2 , 5 - bis ( 2 - butyloctyl )- 6 -( thiophen - 2 - yl ) pyrrolo [ 3 , 4 - c ] pyrrole - 1 , 4 ( 2h , 5h )- dione ( formula 6 ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , ฮด ppm ) 0 . 84 ( t , 6h ), 1 . 24 ( m , 64h ), 1 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 02 ( d , 4h ), 7 . 22 ( d , 1h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 26 ( dd , 1h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 62 ( d , 1h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 59 ( d , 1h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 85 ( d , 1h , aromatic proton ) anhydrous toluene ( 20 ml ) as a solvent was placed in a 100 ml flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar and a condenser , and then tris ( 4 - bromophenyl ) amine ( 1 . 0 g , 2 . 1 mmol ) ( formula 7 ), 4 , 4 , 5 , 5 - tetramethyl - 2 -( thiophen - 2 - yl )- 1 , 3 , 2 - dioxaborolane ( 1 . 7 g , 7 . 88 mmol ) ( formula 8 ), dipalladiumtris ( dibenzylacetone ) ( pd 2 ( dba ) 3 ) ( 0 . 1 g , 0 . 11 mmol ), tri - o - tolyl phosphate ( p ( o - tolyl ) 3 ) ( 0 . 2 g , 0 . 4 mmol ), potassium carbonate ( k 2 co 3 ) ( 1 . 1 g , 8 . 3 mmol ) and trioctylmethylammonium chloride ( aliquat 336 ) ( 1 drop ) were added thereto . after oxygen was removed from the flask by vacuum - nitrogen cycling , the mixture was stirred at reflux under a nitrogen atmosphere at 85 ยฐ c . for 48 hr . the stirring was stopped , and the toluene layer was collected , filtered through a short column ( eluent = chloroform ), and dried . the residue was purified by column chromatography ( eluent = dichloromethane / hexane ( 1 : 1 )) to afford 0 . 88 g ( yield = 86 %) of tris ( 4 -( thiophen - 2 - yl ) phenyl ) amine ( formula 9 ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , ฮด ppm ) 7 . 07 ( dd , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 13 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 24 ( m , 6h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 52 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ) tris ( 4 -( thiophen - 2 - yl ) phenyl ) amine ( formula 9 ) ( 0 . 1 g , 0 . 203 mmol ) was placed in a 25 ml flask furnished with a magnetic stirring bar . flame drying was conducted to remove moisture from the flask , followed by vacuum - nitrogen cyclingto create a nitrogen atmosphere in the flask . anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ( the ) ( 5 ml ) as a solvent was added to the flask . the mixture was cooled to โ 78 ยฐ c ., and then n - butyllithium ( 0 . 05 g , 0 . 8 mmol ) and tetramethylethylenediamine ( 0 . 1 mg , 0 . 8 mmol ) were slowly added thereto . after slow heating to room temperature , the reaction was continued for 2 hr . the reaction mixture was cooled to โ 78 ยฐ c ., and then trimethyltin chloride ( snme 3 cl ) ( 0 . 2 g , 0 . 8 mmol ) was addedthereto . the temperature was allowed to rise to room temperature . the resulting mixture was allowed to reactfor 8 hr . the reaction mixture was extracted with water and ether . the ether layer was collected and the solventswere removed using a rotary evaporator . the residue was reprecipitated in chloroform and methanol , and dried in vacuo to afford 70 mg ( yield = 35 %) of tris ( 4 -( 5 - trimethylstannyl ) thiophen - 2 - yl ) phenyl ) amine ( formula 11 ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , ฮด ppm ) 7 . 12 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 15 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 34 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 52 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ) 3 -( 5 - bromothiophen - 2 - yl )- 2 , 5 - bis ( 2 - ethylhexyl )- 6 -( thiophen - 2 - yl ) pyrrolo [ 3 , 4 - c ] pyrrole - 1 , 4 ( 2h , 5h )- dione ( formula 12 ) ( 1044 . 8 mg , 1 . 35 mmol ) and tris ( 4 -( 5 - trimethylstannyl ) thiophen - 2 - yl ) phenyl ) amine ( formula 11 ) ( 487 . 2 mg , 0 . 41 mmol ) were placed in a 25 ml flask furnished with a magnetic stirring bar , and then toluene ( 40 ml ) and dimethylformamide ( 10 ml ) as solvents were added thereto . oxygen was removed from the flask by degassing . bis ( triphenylphosphine ) palladium ( ii ) dichloride ( pdcl 2 ( pph 3 ) 2 ) ( 15 . 1 mg 0 . 016 mmol ) as a catalyst was added , followed by heating to 80 ยฐ c . the mixture was allowed to react for about 4 hr . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , reprecipitated in methanol ( 150 ml ), and filtered to obtain a dark brown solid . the solid was dissolved in chloroform and purified by column chromatography ( eluent = dichloromethane / hexane ( 2 : 1 )) to afford 650 mg ( yield = 77 %) tdpp ( eh ) ( formula ia ) as the final product in the form of a black powder . 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , ฮด ppm ) 0 . 88 ( m , 36h ), 1 . 25 ( m , 48h ), 4 . 04 ( d , 12h ), 7 . 18 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 24 ( dd , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 27 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 31 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 33 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 55 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 62 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 85 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 94 ( d , 3 , aromatic proton ) 3 -( 5 - bromothiophen - 2 - yl )- 2 , 5 - bis ( 2 - butyloctyl )- 6 -( thiophen - 2 - yl ) pyrrolo [ 3 , 4 - c ] pyrrole - 1 , 4 ( 2h , 5h )- dione ( formula 6 ) ( 288 . 0 mg , 0 . 40 mmol ) and tris ( 4 -( 5 - trimethylstannyl ) thiophen - 2 - yl ) phenyl ) amine ( formula 11 ) ( 119 . 5 mg , 0 . 12 mmol ) were placed in a 25 ml flask furnished with a magnetic stirring bar , and then toluene ( 8 ml ) and dimethylformamide ( 2 ml ) as solvents were added thereto . oxygen was removed from the flask by degassing . bis ( triphenylphosphine ) palladium ( ii ) dichloride ( pdcl 2 ( pph 3 ) 2 ) ( 3 . 4 mg , 0 . 005 mmol ) as a catalyst was added , followed by heating to 80 ยฐ c . the mixture was allowed to react for about 4 hr . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , reprecipitated in methanol ( 150 ml ), and filtered to obtain a dark brown solid . the solid was dissolved in chloroform and purified by column chromatography ( eluent = dichloromethane / hexane ( 2 : 1 )) to afford 201 mg ( yield = 68 %) of tdpp ( bo ) ( formula ib ) as the final product in the form of a black powder . 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , ฮด ppm ) 0 . 88 ( m , 36h ), 1 . 25 ( m , 90h ), 4 . 04 ( d , 12h ), 7 . 18 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 24 ( dd , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 27 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 31 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 33 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 55 ( d , 6h , aromatic proton ), 7 . 62 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 85 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ), 8 . 94 ( d , 3h , aromatic proton ) each of the triphenylamine derivative tdpp ( eh ) ( formula ia ) prepared in synthesis example 7 and the triphenylamine derivative tdpp ( bo ) ( formula ib ) prepared in synthesis example 8 was used to fabricate a photovoltaic cell having astructure of ito / pedot : pss / triphenylamine derivative : pc 70 bm ( 1 : 3 . 5 )/ al in accordance with the following procedure . first , an ito substrate was sequentially washed with isopropyl alcohol for 10 min , acetone for 10 min and isopropyl alcohol for 10 min , and dried before use . a solution of pedot : pssin a ratio of 1 : 1 was diluted in methanol , spin coated at a rate of 4 , 000 rpm on the ito substrate , and dried at 110 ยฐ c . for 10 min . the triphenylamine derivative and pc 70 bm were dissolved in a ratio of 1 : 3 . 5 in chloroform to prepare a solution having a concentration of 15 mg / ml . the solution was spin coated at a rate of 2 , 500 rpm on the substrate , and an aluminum electrode was deposited to a thickness of 100 nm thereon . fig1 and 2 are absorbance curves for solutions and films of tdpp ( eh ) ( formula ia ) prepared in synthesis example 7 and tdpp ( bo ) ( formula ib ) prepared in synthesis example 8 , respectively . the maximum absorbance values and optical band gaps of the solutions and the films were determined from the absorbance data , and the results are shown in table 1 . from these results , it can be seen that the triphenylamine derivatives having low band gaps are suitable for use in the fabrication of highefficiency organic photovoltaic cells . the characteristics of the photovoltaic cells were measured , and the results are shown in fig3 and 4 . main parameters indicating the performance of the photovoltaic cells for the curves of fig3 and 4 are described in table 2 .
| 2 |
referring now more particularly to the drawings , and specifically to fig1 thereof , there is shown a conventional building construction including a wall 11 , being provided therein with a doorway 12 , including a door 13 in the doorway . the home exercise device is shown in position on the door 13 , and may include a pair of inverted , generally u - shaped mounting brackets or clips located in spaced relation and conformably engaged over the upper edge 16 of door 13 . outstanding from one end of each clip 15 is an extension or flange 17 . the clips 15 may be substantially identical , and may be fabricated of sheet metal , or other suitable material , the flanges 17 outstanding generally horizontally from the door 13 in the use condition . each flange is provided along its outer edge with one or more apertures 18 , being shown in the illustrated embodiment as a row of three apertures 18 , see fig1 . a pulley 20 is associated with each clip 15 , including a hanger or strap 21 , and a suspension member or s - shaped hook 22 suspending the respective pulley from the adjacent flange 17 . that is , each s - shaped hook 22 may have one end engaged through one hole 18 of one flange 17 , depending therefrom with its lower end engaged through mounting part or strap 21 of the adjacent pulley . trained over each pulley 20 is a flexible , elongate tension member , rope or cord 25 . one end region of cord 25 may be doubled back to form a loop , as at 26 , the doubled portion secured together by any means , such as a clinching member or collar 27 . each loop 26 may be provided with an annular end member or ring 28 extending through the respective loop ; and , each collar , cinch or clamp 27 may further embrace an additional hook 29 , which faces downwardly in the operative condition of fig1 for a purpose appearing presently . on the other end of each rope or cord 25 , there may similarly be formed a loop 31 , defined by a clamping collar 32 . a handgrip , ring or loop 33 may extend through each cord loop 31 , say of triangular formation as illustrated , or other suitable configuration , and may be provided on one side with a tubular handgrip 34 . in addition , each cord 25 , adjacent to its hand loop 33 , may be provided with a retainer 35 . the retainers 35 may each be defined by a plate , as best seen in fig3 having a pair of through openings 36 , through which is threaded the cord 25 . further , each retaining member or plate 35 includes an additional through aperture or hole 37 , which releasably receives the adjacent hook 29 , for a purpose appearing presently . removably carried by each ring or eye 28 , may be an additional s - shaped hook or suspension member , from which depends a weighted container or bag 41 . specifically , the bag 41 may each be fabricated of any suitable flexible sheet material , and provided at its upper end with a closure flap 42 removably secured in closed relation by any suitable fastener means 43 , such as snap fastener means . the closure flap 42 is provided with grommets or eyelets 44 which receive the lower end of hook 40 to suspend the bag 41 from the cord 25 . the bag may be filled with any suitable means , such as sand , shot or other , to acquire the desired weight , and suitable indicia or markings may be provided on the bags , as at 45 to indicate the level of contents corresponding to a desired weight . in operation , it will be apparent that a user may grasp the handholds 34 in respective hands and perform various manipulations to achieve the desired results while working against the weights of bags 41 . for a convenient nonuse condition , without removal of the exercise device from the door 13 , the hooks 29 may be engaged through respective retainer openings 37 to minimize free swinging of the handloops 34 upon door movement . of course , it is quite simple to remove and replace the entire exercise device , merely requiring upward movement of the clips 15 from the upper door edge 16 , and replacement , as desired . in accordance with the teachings of the present invention , there is provided a flexible support member or strap 50 removably extendable between the pair of handholds 34 , see fig4 . the support or strap 50 may include opposite end portions 51 extending through respective handholds 34 and detachably secured in interlooped relation with respective handholds , as by releasable fastener means 52 . by this means , the strap 50 may be employed to support one &# 39 ; s head , neck , torso , or the like during the performance of various exercises to utilize the weight of bags 41 in elevating body parts . for example , a user laying back downwardly upon the floor may support the head or neck in the strap 50 , whereby the weights 41 may serve to raise the torso during sit - ups . in this manner , persons wishing to take advantage of the slimming effects of sit - ups may perform relatively great numbers of sit - ups , which would otherwise require great strength and endurance . similarly , the body supporting member or strap 50 may be employed to aid in push - ups , or other desired exercises . while it is appreciated that the weights of bags 41 may be varied , as desired , by varying the contents thereof , it is also possible to suspend both pulleys 20 from a single clip 15 , and grasp both handholds 34 with a single hand , as for rebuilding a single arm , or two units may be employed in association with each clip 15 , if desired . also , rather than a pair of clips 15 , there may be substituted a single longer clip , if desired . from the foregoing , it is seen that the present invention provides a home exercise device which is extremely simple in construction , uniquely enabling advantageous operation and results , capable of quick and easy setup and knockdown for convenient storage , and otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects . although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding , it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention .
| 0 |
referring now to fig1 the positioning device 10 is illustrated as being fastened by means of a bolted clamp 12 to a steering column 14 which is universally mounted as schematically illustrated at 16 to the steering gear ( not shown ) of a vehicle . the positioning device 10 includes a support member 18 fixedly secured to the vehicle body , a slider member 20 received in the support member and fixedly secured to the clamp 12 by fasteners 13 , and a control lever assembly 22 operative to permit selective translational and pivotal movement of the slider member 20 in a manner to be described in detail below . referring now to fig2 , and 4 , the support member 18 is illustrated as comprising a pair of side plates 24 and 26 preferably formed as sheet metal stampings and arranged in a spaced parallel relationship by their attachment to a pair of spacer bars 28 . so positioned the slide plates 24 and 26 define a space 30 for receiving the slider member 20 . two pairs of antifriction pads 32 and 34 formed from a suitable antifriction material such as that manufactured and sold under the name of super dylan by the dylan corporation are bonded to the inner surfaces 36 and 38 of side plates 24 and 26 , respectively , proximate the free ends of the said plates as may best be seen in fig2 and 3 . also disposed between inner surfaces 36 and 38 and the slider member 20 are pairs of locking projections 40 and 42 whose use will be hereinafter described . these may be formed as metallic washers or the like and welded to the side plates or may be carried loosely by the control assembly 22 or they may be integrally formed with the side plates themselves as by stamping . they are positioned proximate the center of the control assembly 22 as may best be seen in fig2 . the slider member 20 , as shown in fig3 is illustrated as comprising an elongated bar having transversely formed therethrough upper and lower elongated slots 44 and 46 , respectively , extending parallel to its axis of the elongation . a central aperture 48 is formed through the slider member 20 and a plurality of axially spaced , arcuately shaped notches are formed on the upper edge of the slider member 20 as illustrated in fig1 - 3 . also included with the slider member 20 are a pair of antifriction pads 52 formed of the material of pads 32 and 34 and bonded proximate the inboard end of the slider member 20 as may be seen in fig3 . the control lever assembly 22 is illustrated in fig2 - 4 as comprising an actuating control handle 54 , which is fixedly secured to a locking cam member 56 , which is in turn fixedly mounted by means of pin connection 58 to a shaft 60 extending transversely through the side plates 24 and 26 , respectively , and passing through the aperture 48 formed in slider member 20 . axial retention of the shaft 60 is provided by an enlarged head portion 66 . fixedly secured to the shaft 60 for rotation therewith and interposed between the locking cam 56 and the side plate 26 is a release cam 68 shown in its inactive position in fig2 . the release cam 68 is configured to operatively engage a pivot control lever 70 and a translation control lever 72 . the pivotal control lever 70 includes a pair of arms 74a and 74b ( as shown in fig2 and 3 ) which are operatively connected to each other and pivotally mounted on the support member 18 by means of a pin 76 extending transversely to the side plates 24 and 26 . each arm 74a and 74b includes an elongated slot 78a and 78b formed proximate the free end thereof which slidingly receives and axially retains a floating guide pin 80 , which also is slidingly engaged in the lower slot 46 of slider member 20 . arms 74a and 74b may , of course , be formed together . the guide pin 80 is sized for engagement with any of a plurality of notches 82 formed on one edge of aligned apertures , 84a and 84b proximate the free end of the assembly . it will be clear to those skilled in the art that design modifications could be made which would reposition the notches 82 in other locations without affecting their function to be hereinafter described . it will likewise be clear that the generally sinusoidal shape of the notches 82 may be changed to a configuration presenting sides parallel to the slot 46 for retaining the pin 80 if forces on the pin 80 tend to drive it out of the notch 82 . translation control lever 72 likewise includes a pair of arms 86a and 86b which may be formed as a single u - shaped arm . the arms are operatively connected to each other and pivotally mounted to a second guide pin 88 which is secured to the side plates and extends traversely thereto slidingly engaging the upper slot 44 of slide member 20 . a locking pin 90 is carried at the free end of the arms and fixedly connected to them . it extends through an aperture 92 formed in the side plates 24 and 26 and is configured to engage any of the plurality of arcuately shaped notches 50 formed on the upper edge of the slider member 20 as may best be seen in fig3 . an extension spring 94 is secured to the arms 74b and 86b and applies a biasing load to urge the pins 80 and 90 into latching engagement with their respective notches . it will be appreciated that individual biasing springs may alternatively be used to load the arms 74b and 86b in other arrangements of the control levers . translational movement of the steering column 14 is effected by extending slider member 20 . this is accomplished by rotating the handle 54 counterclockwise as shown in fig2 to place a surface 85 of the release cam 68 in abutment with the lower edge 87 of the arm 86a . this movement overcomes the biasing force of the spring 94 to pivot the arms 86a and 86b , disengaging the pin 90 from one of the arcuately shaped notches 50 of slider member 20 . when in this position , the slider member 20 may be moved parallel to its longitudinal axis as guided by the sliding engagement of the fixed guide pin 88 in upper slot 44 and of floating guide pin 80 in the lower slot 46 , the pin 80 , of course , being biased into engagement with a notch 82 by action of the extension spring 94 . when the slider member 20 is moved to a new position wherein the pivotal path of the pin 90 again registers with a notch 50 , the handle 54 may be rotated to its original position , thereby allowing the biasing force of the spring 94 to urge the pin 90 into engagement in the new position . pivotal movement of the steering column 14 is accomplished by pivoting the slider member 20 about the fixed guide pin 88 . to allow this motion , the handle 54 is rotated clockwise from the position shown in fig2 until the surface 73 of release cam member 68 is in abutting engagement with the forward edge 75 of the arm 74a . this movement pivots the arms 74a and 74b about the pin 76 , moving the pin 80 slidingly along the lower slot 46 of the slider member 20 and along the longitudinal slot 78 in the arms 74a and 74b . in this movement the biasing force of the extension spring 94 is overcome and the floating pin 80 is disengaged from the notch 82 . when the pin 80 is free , the slider member 20 may be pivoted about the fixed guide pin 88 until the pin 80 again registers with a notch 82 at a point the handle 54 may be turned to its original position and the biasing force of the spring 94 returns the floating pin 80 into engagement . as the operation has been described translational and pivotal movement of the steering column are effected independently and by separate adjustment features . the independence of the two modes of positioning movement is related , however , to the configuration of the aperture 58 formed through the slider member 20 . the internal configuration of the driver &# 39 ; s compartment of the vehicle may prevent complete independence of motion . for example , the position of the vehicle &# 39 ; s dashboard may prevent the full leftward positioning of the steering column 14 when the column is moved to the pivotal position fully counterclockwise as shown in fig1 . to prevent adjustment to this position the inner surfaces 49 of the aperture 48 may be configured so that the position of the shaft 60 will prevent movement of the aperture 48 and hence the slider 20 into the undesired position . when the steering column 14 is in a selected position , such as is shown in the drawings , its translational and pivotal movement is prevented by the engagement of the pins 80 and 90 and their respective notches . the necessary manufacturing tolerances in the components of the positioning device 10 , however , yield a slight but possibly undesirable looseness in the assembly of the positioning device 10 . in the preferred embodiment , this looseness is eliminated by the operation of the locking cam 56 as may best be seen in fig4 . downward movement of the handle 54 from the position shown in fig4 causes the locking cam 56 to exert an axial force transverse to the side plates 24 and 26 , which are formed of a material having a thickness as to provide flexibility , by drawing the enlarged head 66 of the shaft 60 against the outer side 25 of plate 24 . this draws the plates 24 and 26 toward one another and brings the pairs of locking members 40 and 42 into contact with the slider member 20 , thereby providing firm transverse contact and eliminating the looseness in the assembly . reversal of the motion of the handle 54 is , of course , required before readjustment of the position of the column 14 can be made . fig5 illustrates an alternate means for applying the transverse locking force described above . in this embodiment the side plates 24a and 26a may be , but are not necessarily , formed of flexible material as in the preferred embodiment . the locking members 40 and 42 of the preferred embodiment are eliminated and and enlarged aperture 96 is formed about the axis of the shaft 60 and a thrust transferring element , such as a washer 98 , is carried under the head 66 of the shaft 60 . moving the handle 54 clockwise as previously described draws the enlarged head portion 66 against the washer 98 to urge the slider member 20 against the inside surface 38a of the side plate 26a . this effects a reduction in looseness in the assembly similar to that effected in the preferred embodiment described above . fig6 and 7 illustrate another alternative embodiment , including a means for controlling the transverse locking , whereby rotation of the handle 54 to create the transverse locking force is prevented unless the pin 80 is engaged in a notch 82 and the pin 90 is engaged in a notch 50 . in this embodiment the pivot control lever 70 and the translation control lever 72 are modified to include lock control arms 70a and 72a . each of these arms extends to pass between the locking cam 56a and the control cam 68 . this interposition is accomplished by providing a notch 100 on the under surface of one tine 102 of the bifurcated locking cam member 56a as may best be seen in fig7 . the arm 70a includes a slot 104 positioned to be aligned with the tine 102 only when the pin 80 is engaged in one of the slots 82 and the arm 72a includes a plurality of slots which are positioned for alignment with the tine 102 only when the pin 90 is engaged . when so aligned clockwise rotation of the handle 54 is possible , thereby creating the transverse locking force . when not aligned rotation will be prevented . although described here in only three embodiments , it will be clear that others are possible . for example , a device that affords only translational or pivotal movement can be constructed according to the teachings of the present invention .
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fig1 shows the basic components of one embodiment of gemstone holding apparatus of the invention . it will be noted from the ensuing description of fig2 to 5 that not all of these components are used at all times during the polishing of a gemstone . in fig1 a stone pot , in which the gemstone is actually held , is designated with the reference numeral 10 . the pot 10 is fastened to the remainder of the dop apparatus ( not illustrated ) by means of a pot fixing screw 12 . located alongside the pot 10 is a cooling jacket 14 which has a coolant inlet 16 and a coolant outlet 18 . the lower part of the jacket 14 is externally threaded at 20 . an internally threaded claw mounting ring 22 can be screwed onto the threads 20 . other components seen in fig1 are an optional jacket fixing nut 24 for fastening the holding apparatus to the dop apparatus and an optional table support 26 . referring now to fig2 to 4 , a gemstone which is to be held by the apparatus during polishing is indicated with the numeral 30 . in fig2 the gemstone 30 is still in a substantially uncut state . a thermally conductive putty 32 completely fills any voids between the gemstone and the stone pot 10 . it will be noted in fig2 that the stone pot 10 has a shape specifically designed to accommodate the irregular exterior of the gemstone 30 . it will also be seen in fig2 that the claw mounting ring , the jacket fixing nut and the table support are omitted , and that the cooling jacket 14 defines an annular coolant chamber 34 . polishing of the gemstone 30 is achieved by moving the holding apparatus to a position in which the gemstone 30 is held against the surface 36 of a rotating scaife , which polishes a facet 38 into the gemstone . as indicated previously , excessive heat generated by the abrasive action of the scaife on the gemstone can lead to temperature degradation of the gemstone . excessively high temperatures are avoided by making the stone pot 10 , retaining putty 32 and cooling jacket 14 of thermally conductive material , and by the fact that a coolant , typically water , is passed through the chamber 34 from the inlet 16 to the outlet 18 during polishing . thus heat generated by the polishing action is conducted to the coolant which removes it . the putty 32 not only acts as a heat sink to conduct heat away from the gemstone 30 , but it also cushions the gemstone to some extent relative to the pot 10 . a preferred putty 32 consists of a highly thermally conductive powder in admixture with a heat conductive silicone grease . typically , the powder which is used would be copper , aluminium , silver , graphite or diamond powder . in the case of a diamond powder , the particle size would typically be in the range 0 . 1 to 0 . 5 micron . larger particles are generally to be avoided because of their potential to scratch the gemstone 30 . the exact proportions of conductive powder and silicone grease will depend on the circumstances of each case , and will be chosen to balance the workability or malleability of the putty against the desired thermal conduction properties . suitable silicone grease may be that marketed under the names electrolube htc 010 or unick uh102 , which provide a re - usable and easily workable base for the putty 32 . in situations where a greater degree of workability is required , a suitable plasticiser can be added to the putty . fig3 shows a slightly different arrangement in which a table support 26 is mated with the pot 10 to provide an appropriately shaped surface for the gemstone 30 , which has already undergone substantial polishing . if necessary , a putty similar to the putty 32 can also be interposed between the gemstone and relevant surfaces of the table support to fill any voids and ensure adequate conduction of heat . it will be noted that the apparatuses seen in fig1 and 2 include thermal sensors 42 attached to the gemstone 30 at suitable positions for the purposes of monitoring the temperature of the gemstone . in fig4 the inner surface of the pot 10 has a lining of heat conductive solder or resin 42 which has a depression 44 precisely matched to the shape of the relevant part of the gemstone 30 , in this case the culet thereof . since it is critical that the gemstone 30 is properly immobilised during cutting , it is additionally clamped by means of a clamping arrangement as seen in fig5 which shows the claw mounting ring 22 in position on the cooling jacket 14 . the claw mounting ring is formed with a circumferential groove 50 in which projections 52 can be located . the projections 52 are pivoted to links 54 which carry claws 56 at their lower free ends and clamp screws 58 at their upper free ends . the claws have threaded shanks 60 which engage with locking nuts 61 engaged with the links 54 , so that the claws can be adjusted , in their longitudinal directions , according to the specific requirements of the gemstone . similarly , the clamp screws 58 are threaded through pivoting blocks 62 on the links 54 , so that they are also longitudinally adjustable . the clamp screws 58 carry pivoting formations 64 at their inner ends that bear against the periphery of the cooling jacket 14 . it will be appreciated that the combination of claws and clamp screws , properly tightened , will substantially immobilise the gemstone 30 during polishing , at any chosen one of a great variety of different diamond positions and orientations . fig6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of the invention holding a gemstone 100 , in this case a diamond , at an advanced stage of polishing . the holding apparatus in this case has a stone pot 102 in which the culet of the diamond is received . the crown of the diamond is gripped by a pair of claws 108 which are pivotally suspended on a body 110 . pivotal movement of the claws , in the manner indicated by the arrows 111 , is achieved by a control linkage , partially seen at 112 and controlled by a thumbscrew 114 . the claws have inclined surfaces 115 which bear against the crown of the diamond 100 and urge it upwards into firm engagement with the stone pot 102 . the stone pot 102 and the element 122 are omitted from fig7 . the stone pot 102 has a projecting tail portion 118 that is fixed , by means of a grub screw , inside a passage 120 in a hollow element 122 . the hollow element 122 has an internal coolant chamber 124 through which a suitable coolant is circulated via nipples 126 , only one of which is visible . the upper part of the element 122 is located in a bore 128 defined by a sleeve 130 and is locked in positon by a grub screw . a screw 132 passes through a threaded aperture in a cap 134 at the upper end of the sleeve and bears upon the upper part of the element 122 . the screw 132 is used to adjust the vertical position of the element 122 and hence of the stone pot 102 and diamond to position the diamond at a suitable height to be engaged firmly by the claws 108 which are , as stated above , moved by appropriate rotation of the thumbscrew 114 . the space between the surfaces of the stone pot 102 and the diamond is filled with a thermally conductive medium 136 , such as a putty , solder or resin . at least the element 122 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity , such a copper . the pot 102 is typically made of steel . the orientation of the diamond in fig6 is suitable for polishing the crown and table of the diamond , but a similar arrangement , with a suitable design of stone pot 102 and claws 108 , can be used for polishing of the bottom of the diamond . during polishing , the heat generated in the diamond by the scaife is conducted to the coolant flowing through the chamber 124 by the medium 136 , the stone pot 102 and the element 122 . the coolant removes a substantial mount of the heat , thereby preventing overheating and resultant temperature degradation of the diamond . a further advantage is that the apparatus is cooled down for ease of handling . in fig8 the culet of a diamond 200 is received within a stone pot 202 . the stone pot has a projecting tail portion 204 fixed in a passage in a body 206 . a fiat surface of an element 208 , similar to the element 122 of fig6 bears upon the table of the diamond . the element 208 has a portion 210 fixed into a passage in a body 212 . the bodies 206 and 212 are arranged so that the diamond 200 is clamped firmly in position for polishing of the appropriate girdle facets . the element 208 defines a coolant chamber 214 through which coolant is circulated via nipples 216 ( only one visible ). as in the previous embodiments , any space between the diamond and the stone pot can be filled with a thermally conductive medium 218 , and at least the element 208 is made of thermally conductive material . as before the presence of the coolant removes heat from the diamond during polishing and reduces the chances of excessive temperatures and thermal degradation of the diamond . initial testwork indicates that an apparatus of the kind described above is suitable for use in polishing diamonds of greater than one carat .
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the paper printability tester of the present invention is constructed on a base plate 10 having three upstanding , parallel rib plates 11 , 12 and 13 secured thereto . the front rib plate 11 cooperates with the center rib plate 12 to support bearings for the sample roll sector 20 and applicator roll swing arms 50 and 51 . sample roll drive shaft 21 , supported by bearings 22 and 23 , has a chordal sector of a roll 24 rigidly secured thereto for conveniently mounting specimen strips of paper 25 to be tested . electrically operated single revolution clutch 26 mounted on the back end of shaft 21 has an input belt sheave 27 for receipt of drive belt 28 . power for the roll sector 20 is derived from electric motor 40 which directly drives a stepped - gang sheave 41 . by connective v - belt , the gang sheave 41 drives a corresponding gang sheave 42 keyed to a jackshaft 43 . jackshaft 43 is bearing mounted to center rib plate 12 and back rib plate 13 with the gang sheave 42 keyed to the cantilevered end of the jackshaft projecting behind the back rib plate 13 in drive alignment with the motor gang sheave 41 . between the back and center rib plates 13 and 12 , output drive sheave 44 is keyed to jackshaft 43 in drive alignment with the drive belt 28 . to secure adequate belt tension in the drive belt connecting gang sheaves 41 and 42 , an idler roll 45 pivots about a pedestal 46 supported journal pin 47 into rolling engagement with the back side of the drive belt between sheaves 41 and 42 . a tension spring 48 loads the engagement . the applicator roll assembly comprises two , parallel bell cranks 50 and 51 pivoted about journal pin 52 that is mounted through front and center rib plates 11 and 12 . applicator roll 53 is positioned between the upper distal ends of bell cranks 50 and 51 pivoted about journal pin 52 that is mounted through front and center rib plates 11 and 12 . applicator roll 53 is positioned between the upper distal ends of bell cranks 50 and 51 for free rotation about an axle pin 54 . about the central periphery of applicator roll 53 is bonded a resilient cover 55 of approximately 30 durometer hardness . approximately midway along the bell crank legs , a strut pin 57 is provided to pivotally receive the eye of motor strut 58 . the cylinder eye 59 of linear motor 60 is journal pinned to frame bracket 61 . adjustable limit stops 62 and 63 secured to front and center rib plates provide a structural limit surface for the bell cranks 50 and 51 to engage under draw - stroke load from the motor 60 . an integral inking roll assembly comprises a drive roll 70 , reversing roll 71 and a transfer roll 72 . all three rolls are cantilever mounted from the center rib plate 12 to facilitate cleaning and removal . drive roll 70 and reversing roll 71 are normally of hard surface metallic materials such as steel or aluminum . transfer roll 72 is provided with a resilient cover of approximately 30 durometer hardness . electric motor 80 rotates the drive roll 70 by means of belt 82 connected between sheaves 81 and 83 . the axle of rotation 84 for transfer roll 72 is cantilever mounted to the distal end of crank arm 85 . manual crank lever 86 is attached to the journal base of crank arm 85 to facilitate removal of the transfer roll 72 from its axle 84 for cleaning and replacement . in addition to rotation about its axis , reversing roll 71 also axially reciprocates by means of a cylindrical cam mechanism 87 . such compound rotating - reciprocation facilitates rapid and uniform distribution of an ink film over the three roll surfaces of the distribution assembly . the ink source is usually from a syringe or other measured dispenser for manually depositing a precise quantity onto the surface of transfer roll 72 while engaged with the drive roll 70 . controls for the aforedescribed mechanisms are housed within panel 100 which includes a primary on / off electrical power switch 90 and utility air inlet 91 . for versatility , the system is provided with a circuit selector switch 92 for operator choice between a fully automatic mode of operation and a mode that permits manual timing respective to the applicator roll 53 inking cycle and the printing cycle . in the manual mode , each of these cycles is started independently by start switches 93 and 94 , respectively . when started by switch 93 , a solenoid valve opens air service to a pressure regulator 95 which admits air at the pressure indicated by gauge 97 to the piston end of motor 60 via flexible conduit 64 . this action extends the motor rod 58 to push the applicator roll 53 into engagement with the previously coated ink transfer roll 72 at a constant nip load that is proportional to the gauge 97 indicated pressure . engagement time of the applicator roll with the transfer roll is dependent on a time delay relay not shown . since the ink distribution system rotates at constant speed under the power of motor 80 , the exact number of rotations that the applicator roll 53 is engaged with the transfer roll 72 is regulated by the adjustable time delay relay . upon completion of the prescribed time delay , the first solenoid valve is closed and a second solenoid valve opened to admit service air to the regulator 96 by which air pressure to the rod end of motor 60 is admitted via flexible conduit 65 . gauge 98 informs the operator of the applied pressure . pressure to the rod end of motor 60 draws the rod 58 to swing bell crank arms 50 and 51 into engagement with the limit stops 62 and 63 . as bell crank arms 50 and 51 approach engagement with the limit stops 62 and 63 , a momentary contact limit switch closes an electrical arming circuit for the counter relay 99 which controls power to the single revolution clutch 26 . sample roll sector drive motor 40 is energized continuously through the primary switch 90 but the drive train is normally interrupted at the single revolution clutch 26 . upon signal command from the counter relay 99 , clutch 26 will connect the jack shaft 43 with the sample roll sector drive shaft 21 for one revolution of the drive shaft . depending on the count setting of counter relay 99 , the cycle will automatically repeat until the predetermined revolution count is obtained . upon completion of the predetermined sample roll revolutions , the arming circuit for relay 99 is opened . the counter relay and clutch 26 cannot be operated again until the bell crank arm limit switch is again momentarily closed to actuate the arming circuit . this would not normally occur until the bell crank arms are again rotated to engage the applicator roll with the transfer roll for another inking cycle . in the automatic operating mode , approach of the bell crank arms to the limit stops initiates the limit switch signal directly to the arming relay to start the print cycle automatically and without interruption . in the manual operating mode , however , the bell crank limit switch signal to the arming relay is interrupted . consequently , the bell crank arms come to rest against the limit stops without further action by the sample roll sector . initiation of such further action is controlled by the print cycle start switch 94 which provides the arming relay with the signal charge necessary to close the counting relay power circuit . it has been noted that sample roll 24 is only a sector of a full cylinder . consequently , limit stops 62 and 63 are set to position the periphery of applicator roll 53 for engagement with the specimen only upon rotation of the roll 24 . during such rotational engagement , the nip load between the applicator roll 53 and the specimen 25 is dictated by the controlled pressure of regulator 96 as is reported by gauge 98 . the time interval required for swinging the bell crank arms 50 and 51 from one operative position to the other is determined by the volumetric size of linear motor 60 and the air flow rate through the respective supply conduits . control may be asserted over these time intervals by the use of orifices or flow control valves in the conduits 64 and 65 . as the primary function of the present invention is to test paper for surface smoothness and ink absorbency , the test specimen should be of sufficient size for repetitive conclusions from what is an essentially subjective evaluation . we have found specimen dimensions of 2 . 25 inches wide and 14 inches long to satisfy this criteria . other specific operating conditions may include a motor 60 air pressure on the piston side of approximately 10 psi for transfer of ink film on the transfer roll 72 to the applicator roll 53 . approximately 20 psi has been used on the motor rod side to load the applicator roll against the specimen 25 . the number of sample roll test revolutions is variable depending on the number of print stations in the press on which the paper is to be used . due to characteristics of ink solvent volatility or rheology , printing difficulties with a particular paper may not become apparent until the web approaches the final print station . having fully described our invention , those of ordinary skill in the art will find adequate opportunity for construction and operating improvements .
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the following designations of items in the drawings are employed in the following detailed description : fig1 is a simplified schematic representation of a prior art motorized drum that utilizes an inner turning rotor motor 1010 , a helical gear reducer 1020 and a first partial shaft 1030 connected to the helical gear reducer housing 1020 , which is connected to the motor housing 1040 . motor housing 1040 is connected to a motor housing flange 1050 , which is connected to a second partial shaft 1060 . this motorized drum is a closed , oil - filled , thermal system utilizing the oil ( not shown ) to transfer motor heat ( not shown ) to drum shell 1070 . fig2 is a simplified schematic representation of a prior art motorized drum that utilizes an inner turning rotor motor 2010 , a cycloidal reducer 2020 and a first partial shaft 2030 that is connected to the housing ( not specifically designated ) of cycloidal reducer 2020 . the housing of cycloidal reducer 2020 is connected to a motor stator housing ( not specifically designated ) and a support flange 2050 that encompasses the motor . support flange 2050 is further connected to a second partial shaft 2060 . this motorized drum is an open thermal system , utilizing external air ( shown by curved arrows ), which is urged into the motorized drum and flows across the motor and reducer and exits the opposite end of the motorized drum , to transfer the motor heat into the ambient environment . fig3 ( b ) is a side plan axial cross - sectional representation of a motorized drum 03000 constructed as a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention of the present invention . in this embodiment , the radially interior periphery of external rotor 03230 rotates about the radially exterior stator 03220 and is connected to a cycloidal reducer 03100 utilizing a hollow bore input shaft 03110 within a drum shell 03700 , and wherein an extension shell attachment 03560 is attached to the mounting face 03512 of base unit 03010 . the motorized drum 03000 of the present invention comprises a drum shell 03700 and the motor 03200 and cycloidal reducer 03100 are housed inside of drum shell 03700 . bearings 03710 , 03711 are disposed at both end sections of the drum shell on the central shaft 03210 thereby constituting the base unit 03010 . in this embodiment , an extension shell attachment 03560 is mounted to the mounting face 03512 on the right side of the base unit 03010 . the base unit 03010 plus the mounted extension shell attachment 03560 are sealed forming a closed thermal system . the motor output , which is a pair of tabs 03247 on the rotor 03230 , is coupled to the cycloidal reducer input 03110 , by means of a high speed coupler 03310 thus reducing the speed and increasing the torque . the cycloidal housing , which is an internal toothed ring gear 03160 , is directly connected to drum shell 03700 so that the drum shell rotates about fixed central shaft 03210 . stator 03220 of motor 03200 is affixed to central shaft 03210 . the central shaft and stator winding leads 03223 pass through the center of the hollow bore eccentric input 03110 of the cycloidal reducer 03100 with sufficient clearance to accommodate the deflection that central shaft 03210 will experience in operation . outer turning rotor 03230 is mounted to central shaft 03210 by means of rotor bearings 03231 and 03232 . the fixed reference point of the cycloidal reducer 03100 is affixed to central shaft 03210 by a high torque coupler 03350 and high torque central shaft key 03351 ( fig3 a ). a primary end lid 03410 is attached to the base unit 03010 by means of an embossed spring band 03420 and an end lid mounting face 03430 . fig4 through 12 relate to an embodiment of the present invention , wherein the outer turning rotor is of an induction motor . fig4 is a simplified axial cross - section through a motorized drum 04000 wherein a motor 04200 has an external rotor 04230 constructed in accordance with the principles of one embodiment of the invention . outer turning rotor 04230 improves the torque density of the motor , whereby the same torque that is achievable in an inner turning rotor can be achieved in an outer turning rotor in either a smaller diameter or a shorter axial length . in fig4 , outer turning rotor 04230 is , as stated , of an induction motor . a stator 04220 is affixed to the stator shaft 04210 and external rotor 04230 is arranged to rotate about stator 04220 and stator shaft 04210 , which are fixed . fig5 is an enlargement of the portion b - b of the electric motor of fig4 . here it is seen that the external rotor 04230 is rotatably supported on stator shaft 04210 by bearings 04231 and 04232 ( only partially shown in fig5 ), which in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention are conventional ball bearings . fig6 is a simplified schematic transaxial cross - sectional representation of a portion of stator 04220 of outer rotor induction motor 04200 ( not shown in this figure ). the represented portion of stator 04220 , in some embodiments of the invention , corresponds to a ferromagnetic lamination element 04221 of stator 04220 ( designated generally in this figure ). in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention , stator 04220 is configured to have twenty - four slots ( each of which is individually numbered in the figure ). fig7 is an enlargement of a fragmented portion of stator 04220 of fig6 . this figure shows two of the twenty - four slots in greater detail . as shown in this figure , representative slots 07224 and 07225 each extend substantially radially through stator 04220 , and have a substantially v - shaped configuration . each such slot has , in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention , substantially inward portions 07226 that reduce the circumferential dimension of the slot opening and thereby enhance the security with which the stator windings ( not shown ) are retained within the slots . fig8 is a simplified schematic cross - sectional representation of rotor 04230 of the outer rotor induction motor embodiment of the present invention having thirty - two substantially round - shaped slots 08235 . fig9 is an enlargement of a portion of the rotor embodiment of fig8 showing one of the thirty - two substantially round - shaped slots in greater detail . the rotor comprises 32 round shaped slots , as shown in fig8 and 9 . the use of 32 bars ensures that there are no dangerous parasitic synchronous locking torques . the lowest common harmonic orders of the magneto - motive force between the stator with 24 magnetic teeth , as described above , and the rotor with 32 magnetic teeth , when there are two magnetic poles , is 95 and 97 . this will create a minor torque dip at zero rotational speed . hence , the outer rotor of the present application does not need to be skewed to eliminate the parasitic synchronous torques . simple cross - sectional shapes , such as circular or square , for the bars will be adequate . fig1 shows conductive rotor bars 10236 , which in some embodiments of the invention are made of aluminum , and are , in this embodiment , inserted directly in the rotor slots 08235 , as herein illustrated . short - circuit elements short circuit respective ends of the rotor conductors . fig1 is a simplified schematic representation of a winding distribution useful in the practice of the present invention . the 2 - pole winding can be inserted automatically in a one layer distribution as shown in this figure . by way of example , in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention winding a wire portion 11224 loops between slots numbered 1 and 14 . similarly , wire portion 11225 loops between slots numbered 23 and 12 , wire portion 11226 loops between slots numbered 13 and 2 , and wire portion 11227 loops between slots numbered 11 and 24 . fig1 is a simplified flux diagram that illustrates the tight linkage between the stator and rotor under load conditions that is achieved by a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention . this figure illustrates the tight linkage between the stator and rotor under load conditions . it is seen from this figure that the highest flux - density occurs in the rotor back iron . since the rotor is located outside of the stator , the rotor diameter at the area facing the stator is larger than for an inner rotor configuration . the torque of a motor is proportional to the volume in the motor air - gap ( l * ฯ * d 2 / 4 ) where l is the active stack length and d is the rotor diameter . because the diameter d is larger than that of an internal rotor induction motor , a reduced value for the stack length l is achievable for a given torque . an illustrative embodiment of the outer rotor induction motor of the present invention has a ratio d / l of 0 . 7 . by comparison with the inner rotor induction motor configuration , the outer rotor solution has a higher ( torque ):( total volume ) ratio . the main loss component in a motor is the stator winding copper loss . the primary way of dissipating heat from the stator to the ambient environment in a conventional motorized drum having a closed thermal system is by means of conducting the motor heat to oil that in turn conducts the motor heat to the drum shell . the heat in the drum shell can then be conducted to the conveyor belt , if one exists , or convected to the ambient air , if no belt is present . however , it is a significant feature of the present invention that oil is not used . instead , a gas flow loop 18249 ( see , fig1 ), which in some embodiments is an air flow loop , is generated by use of a one or more axial air impellers having , for example , rotary fins . in the embodiment of fig1 , a centrifugal rotary fin 18240 is attached to the primary rotor end lid 18233 . this fan impeller fin , like the outer turning rotor , has a larger diameter than if it were attached to an inner turning rotor , and accordingly has greater effective gas flow . the gas flow loop has an axial toroidal flow path between the rotor and the stator and another toroidal axial flow path in the opposite direction between the rotor and the inner surface of the drum shell , which is substantially impermeable . the secondary rotor end lid 18234 is simply spoked to have minimal effect on the gas flow loop generated by centrifugal rotary fins 18240 . in other embodiments that are not herein shown , axial fin designs are embedded into the primary and secondary rotor end lids to generate the gas flow . an outer turning rotor significantly reduces the likelihood of catastrophic motor failure that would result from deflection and misalignment inherent in conventional motorized drums . in the present invention , as shown in fig3 , fixed stator shaft 03210 of motor 03200 serves as the fixed central shaft 03210 of motorized drum 03000 mounted to drum shell 03700 by means of base unit bearings 03710 and 03711 . in this construction , during operation , the only significantly deflecting part is fixed central shaft 03210 . stator 03220 is directly affixed to central shaft 03210 and outer turning rotor 03230 is affixed to the fixed central shaft by rotor bearing 03231 in the primary rotor end lid 03233 and by rotor bearing 03232 in secondary rotor end lid 03234 . therefore , stator 03220 and outer turning rotor 03230 move in tandem as the fixed central shaft 03210 deflects . fig1 - 17 relate to an embodiment of the present invention wherein the outer turning rotor is of a permanent magnet motor . fig1 is a cross - sectional representation of the outer turning permanent magnet motor 03200 . in this illustrative embodiment , magnets are embedded in magnet receiving slots between inner and outer circumferential peripheral surfaces of a ferromagnetic rotor element , such as a rotor 03230 , in polarity pairs of north magnets 13244 and south magnets 13243 . the rotor rotates around stator 03220 . the magnets are arranged so that every other magnet has an opposite polarity , thus forming an alternating pattern of north paired magnets 13244 and south paired magnets 13243 . the magnets shown are rectangular with a magnet face intermediate of two corners . further , the magnet pairs are arranged so that the adjacent polarity corners are radially outward of the distal same - polarity corners . in this fashion , the magnetic flux is focused by the angled pairs of magnets and therefore causes a feedback in the stator 03220 that is sensed by the controlling power electronics ( not shown ) to determine the position of rotor 03230 relative to stator 03220 . one advantage of this design is that no additional physical encoders or sensors are required to be inserted into motorized drum 03000 for the controlling power electronics to drive motor 03200 properly . further , in this illustrative embodiment , rotor 03230 does not utilize a housing . instead , rotor lamination 03241 , shown in fig1 b , utilizes a circumferential gap or hole 13246 between the same polarity magnet pairs through which the lamination stack is fastened between both rotor end lids by means of rotor lamination clamp bolt 03242 ( fig3 ). this design minimizes the overall diameter of motor 03200 , enabling achievement of greater torque density . fig1 a and 14 b further illustrate the magnetic flux circuit through the rotor laminations pattern that is created with this illustrative embodiment . fig1 , 16 , and 17 illustrate another embodiment of the permanent magnet motor . in this embodiment , the magnets are not embedded into the outer turning rotor , but rather the magnets 15245 are surface mounted to the interior periphery ( not specifically designated ) of the rotor housing . in this embodiment , the magnets are configured in a spiral , which reduces cogging torque . however , in other embodiments , the spiral , or helical , configuration is not required and the magnets are surface mounted axially along the inner periphery of the rotor housing , with an adhesive , for example . fig1 is a cross - section representation through a conventional cycloidal speed reducer 19100 , which is commonly mounted to a standard external motor by bolting the face ( not specifically designated ) of the cycloidal reducer housing to the external motor ( not shown in this figure ). in this representation of prior art , cycloidal reducer housing 19160 functions as the fixed reference point of the reducer . around the inner periphery of the cycloidal reducer housing 19160 , ring pins 19161 are inset . in some low reduction ratios , the ring pins 19161 are encased by ring pin bushings 19162 , which , in turn , function as the internal - toothed ring gear that engages the external toothed gear or cycloidal disk 19140 . in other higher reduction ratios , not shown , the ring pins are inset in the housing without bushings and engage the cycloidal disk directly . eccentric input shaft 19111 rotates and urges the cycloidal disk 19140 to oscillate about the ring pin bushings 19162 of the internal - toothed ring gear . in fig1 , there are twelve ring pin bushings 19162 , or internal gear teeth , about the inner circumference of the cycloidal reducer housing 19160 and there are eleven lobes , or external gear teeth , about the outer circumference of the cycloidal disk 19140 . each full revolution of the eccentric input shaft 19111 causes the lobes of the cycloidal disk 19140 to engage each subsequent ring pin bushing 19162 . therefore , in this illustrative embodiment , because the cycloidal disk 19140 has eleven lobes and there are twelve ring pin bushings 19162 , the cycloidal disk 19140 has engaged only eleven of the twelve ring pin bushings 19162 , effectively causing the cycloidal disk 19140 to rotate backward one ring pin bushing . generally , a cycloidal disk has n external teeth engaging at least n + 1 internal teeth in the ring gear . as the cycloidal disk 19140 rotates , apertures 19141 in the cycloidal disk 19140 engage guide pins 19152 and guide pin bushings 19153 , causing the guide pins 19152 and bushings 19153 to rotate with the cycloidal disk 19140 . these guide pins 19152 and bushings 19153 are affixed to a guide pin support ring ( not shown ), which functions as the output of the reducer . this concept is clearly employed in the conventional drum motor of fig2 , where the face of cycloidal reducer housing 19160 ( labeled 2020 in fig2 ) is bolted to a conventional motor . an output shaft 2030 of fig2 is rigidly connected internally to the guide pins 19152 and guide pin bushings 19153 of fig1 . fig2 is a cross - section through a cycloidal speed reducer of the present invention 20100 , which is mounted within a motorized drum ( not shown in this figure ). unlike the prior art where the face of the cycloidal reducer housing is bolted to the motor , in this illustrative embodiment , cycloidal reducer housing 20160 , which is the internal ring gear , is mounted directly to the inner periphery of the drum shell 03700 . therefore , cycloidal reducer housing 20160 does not serve as the fixed reference point of the reducer , but instead serves as the output of the reducer , rotating synchronously with the drum shell 03700 . in the embodiment of fig2 , there are shown twenty ring pins 20161 and twenty ring pin bushings 20162 about the inner circumference of the cycloidal housing 20160 , which function as the inner ring gear . there are nineteen lobes about the outer circumference of the cycloidal disk 20140 . in this embodiment , the guide pins 20152 and guide pin bushings 20153 are affixed to a guide pin support ring 03150 , also referred to as a guide pin housing , ( not shown in fig2 ) that is coupled to the central fixed shaft 03210 ( not shown in fig2 ) by means of a high torque coupler 03350 ( not shown in fig2 ) in order to function as the fixed reference point of the cycloidal reducer 20100 . as the eccentric input shaft 20110 rotates , the apertures 20141 in the cycloidal disk 20140 engage guide pins 20152 and guide pin bushings 20153 , the cycloidal disk oscillates around the guide pins 20152 and guide pin bushings 20153 . this oscillation movement of cycloidal disk 20140 engages each subsequent ring pin bushing 20162 . since there are more ring pin bushings 20162 than lobes on the cycloidal disk 20140 , the internal ring gear of the cycloidal housing 20160 is advanced one ring pin bushing 20153 for every full rotation of the eccentric input shaft 20110 . thus the internal ring gear rotates at a reduced rate relative top the input shaft . in the preferred illustrative embodiment of fig2 , eccentric input shaft 20110 of the cycloidal reducer 20100 is tubular with a hollow bore , thereby enabling the stator winding leads 03223 ( not shown in fig2 ) and the central shaft 03210 ( not shown in fig2 ) of the motorized drum 03000 ( not shown in fig2 ) to pass through the center of the cycloidal reducer 20100 . fig3 of the same preferred embodiment shows the stator winding leads 03223 and the central shaft 03210 passing through the hollow bore eccentric input shaft 03110 of the cycloidal reducer 03100 . an advantage of this design is that the cycloidal reducer 03100 is mounted to the drum shell 03700 , which is the most rigid element of the motorized drum 03000 . there is sufficient clearance between the hollow bore input shaft 20110 and the central shaft 03210 so that when the central shaft deflects , it has no impact upon the cycloidal reducer 03100 because it has no contact with the hollow bore eccentric input shaft 20110 . a further advantage of the preferred embodiment of fig3 and 20 is that the heat generated from the rolling action of the cycloidal reducer elements is conducted immediately to the drum shell 03700 by means of the direct contact of the cycloidal reducer housing 20160 , 03160 to the drum shell 03700 . by engaging the cycloidal housing 20160 directly to the drum shell 03700 , a larger cycloidal reducer 20100 can be used within a given drum shell diameter , thus enabling a greater torque density of the motorized drum 03000 for a given axial length . as cycloidal reducers are inherently axially compact , the torque density is maximized for both the axial length and available internal diameter of the drum shell . in some embodiments where high speed reductions are required , another embodiment of a high torque reducer is harmonic speed reducer 21800 shown in fig2 . fig2 is a simplified schematic representation of a motorized drum 21000 that utilizes a harmonic speed reducer 21800 with a hollow bore input , wherein the major axis of wave generator 21810 is in the horizontal position . harmonic speed reducer 21800 operates using the same basic principles as a cycloidal reducer , in that the rigid circular spline 21830 has more teeth than the flexible spline member 21820 being driven by the wave generator 21810 . every revolution of the wave generator 21810 effectively causes the rigid circular spline 21830 to advance by the amount of teeth that exceed the number of teeth of the flexible spline member 21820 . in this embodiment , rigid circular spline 21830 is mounted directly to drum shell 03700 and functions as the output of harmonic speed reducer 21800 . flexible spline 21820 is affixed to the central shaft by means of an affixing pin 21831 and functions as the fixed reference point of the harmonic speed reducer 21800 . wave generator 21810 , which is the input of harmonic speed reducer 21800 , is hollow so as to allow stator lead wires 03223 and central shaft 03210 to pass through the center of harmonic speed reducer 21800 . fig2 is shows the same harmonic speed reducer of fig2 , wherein the major axis of the wave generator is in the vertical position . fig2 and 24 are simplified isometric representations of the hollow bore input 03110 of the cycloidal reducer of the present invention . it is of a substantially tubular configuration utilizing protuberances referred to as protruding tabs 23130 to receive the motor input and utilizing integral eccentric raceways 23120 to engage the cycloidal disk input gears ( not shown ). in this illustrative embodiment , the input shaft of the cycloidal reducer is hollow , enabling the central shaft and stator winding leads to pass through the center of the cycloidal reducer . fig2 is a simplified partially exploded isometric schematic representation that is useful to illustrate the power transmission coupling arrangement between the outer rotor of an electric motor , a cycloidal speed reducer , and a central shaft of an embodiment of the invention . this figure demonstrates how the present invention accommodates the misalignment and deflection inherent in all motorized drums in an axially compact manner . central shaft 03210 of the motor 03200 extends throughout motorized drum 03000 ( not specifically designated in this figure ), specifically extending through the center of the hollow bore eccentric input shaft 20110 of the cycloidal reducer . in this preferred illustrative embodiment , the angular and concentric misalignments between motor 03200 and eccentric input shaft 20110 of cycloidal reducer caused by the deflection of central shaft 03210 , are accommodated by a high speed coupler 03310 . the protruding rotor tabs 03247 engage the slots on the outer circumference of the axially narrow high speed coupler 03310 . additionally , protruding tabs 23130 of hollow bore eccentric input shaft 20110 of the cycloidal reducer engage slots in the inner circumference of high speed coupler 03310 . proper clearance between the outer slots of the high speed coupler 03310 and rotor tabs 03247 , and proper clearance between the inner slots of high speed coupler 03310 and hollow bore eccentric input shaft tabs 23130 , as well as proper clearance between the outer diameter of central shaft 03210 and the inner diameter of high speed coupler 03310 , enable the coupler to angle and slide across the various driving faces . guide pins 20152 and guide pin bushings 20153 around which cycloidal disks 20140 oscillate are affixed to primary guide pin support ring 03150 . primary guide pin support ring 03150 has internal slots on the axial side of the primary guide support ring opposite motor 03200 . these internal slots receive the protruding tabs of high torque coupler 03350 . high torque coupler 03350 has keyways on the inner circumference and is affixed to the central shaft by shaft keys 03351 . in this way , the fixed reference point of the cycloidal reducer is effectively connected to central shaft 03210 . fig2 a is a simplified schematic representation of motorized drum 03000 , having a coupler arrangement ( not shown in this figure ) constructed in accordance with the invention . fig2 b is a plan cross - sectional representation of a shaft coupler 03350 , and fig2 c is an end view of motorized drum 03000 . these figures show motorized drum 03000 to have a drum shell 03700 arranged to be rotatable about the central motor shaft 03210 . the drum shell is sealed on the left - hand side of fig2 a to central motor shaft 03210 by an end lid 03410 . fig2 is a simplified cross - sectional representation of the embodiment of fig2 taken along section a - a of fig2 a and showing the coupling between the motor , the reducer and the shaft . as shown in this figure , an electric motor 03200 is coupled by means of high speed coupler 03310 noted above that is coupled to the cycloidal reducer input 27110 . in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention , the cycloidal reducer fixed reference 27150 is connected to central motor shaft 03210 by high torque coupler 03350 . drum shell 03700 is urged into rotation by virtue of its connection to the cyclo drive output 27160 . high torque coupler 03350 prevents rotatory motion of cycloidal reducer fixed reference 27150 relative to central motor shaft 03210 , while simultaneously accommodating for misalignment of central shaft 03210 relative to the cycloidal reducer fixed reference 27150 when the central shaft 03210 is flexed under load . high speed coupler 03310 also accommodates for misalignment between motor 03200 and the cycloidal input 27110 that results from the flexing of central motor shaft 03210 . in this cross - sectional representation , rotor tabs 03247 are not seen because one is outside the surface of the figure and the other is behind the central motor shaft . fig2 is a simplified schematic representation of the coupling between rotor 03230 of electric motor 03200 , cycloidal reducer 03100 , and central shaft 03210 of an embodiment of the invention . fig2 is a simplified partially exploded isometric representation of the coupling system between rotor 03230 of electric motor 03200 , cycloidal reducer 03100 , and central motor shaft 03210 . fig3 is another simplified partially exploded isometric representation , viewed from a second angle , of the coupling system between rotor 03230 of electric motor 03200 , cycloidal reducer 03100 , and central motor shaft 03210 . elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated . as shown in these figures , the high speed coupler is configured to have two radially outward slots about the outer circumference to receive rotor tabs 03247 of motor 03230 , and two radially inward slots about the inner circumference to receive the protruding tabs of cycloidal reducer input 27110 . the slots or notches of the high speed coupler function as key ways and are arranged in substantially 90 ยฐ displacement relative to each other . the high speed coupler has four active orthogonal driving faces at any point in time . in fig3 , which shows an illustrative embodiment , two of the active driving faces 35312 , 35314 are parallel to each other and can be considered the first pair of the orthogonal driving faces ; and the other two active driving faces 35316 , 35318 are parallel to each other and can be considered the second pair of orthogonal driving faces . in this illustrative arrangement , the first pair of active drive faces is orthogonal to the second pair of active drive faces . two orthogonal driving faces 35312 , 35314 actively receive torque from two respective orthogonal driving faces 35311 , 35313 from the rotor tabs , which can be considered drive elements . two orthogonal driving faces 35318 , 35316 transmit torque to two respective orthogonal driving faces 35317 , 35315 of cycloidal reducer input 27110 , which can be considered to have a pair of driven elements . therefore , a total of eight orthogonal driving faces are constantly engaged during operation . a variety of orthogonal arrangements are possible . fig3 is a simplified schematic isometric representation that shows a high speed coupler 31310 with protruding tabs about the outer circumference to receive slots from the outer turning rotor , and protruding tabs about the inner circumference to receive slots in the hollow bore eccentric cycloidal reducer input shaft . fig3 is a simplified schematic isometric representation that shows slots about the inner circumference of high speed coupler 32310 to receive the rotor tabs , and protruding tabs about the inner circumference of high speed coupler 32310 to receive the slots of the hollow bore eccentric input shaft of the cycloidal reducer . fig3 is a simplified schematic isometric representation that further shows two slots about the inner circumference of high speed coupler , also referred to as an engagement coupler or speed coupler , 33319 to receive the rotor tabs , and one protruding tab about the inner circumference and one slot about the inner circumference in order to receive a corresponding slot and tab from the hollow bore eccentric input shaft of the cycloidal reducer . fig3 is a simplified schematic isometric representation that shows high speed coupler 34310 of this illustrative embodiment more clearly by eliminating the central shaft from the drawing . an advantage of this high speed coupling is that angular and concentric misalignment between the rotor and the input of the cycloidal reducer is accommodated , yet uninterrupted torque is delivered to the cycloidal reducer . as noted , the cycloidal fixed reference 27150 of fig2 - 30 is fixed relative to central shaft 03210 , but is permitted to accommodate misalignment resulting from the flexing of the central shaft when the system is under lateral load . this accommodation is achieved by a reference coupler arrangement in which a high torque coupler , also referred to as an engagement coupler or reference coupler , 03350 is rotationally fixed to central shaft 03210 by engagement with a radial shaft key 03351 that engages a corresponding keyway that extends longitudinally within high torque coupler 03350 . high torque coupler 03350 is circumferentially configured with protruding tabs to fit within a corresponding slot in the fixed reference of the cycloidal reducer . therefore , the same concept of orthogonal driving faces employed with the high speed coupler of fig3 is employed , as well , by the high torque coupler . fig3 is another simplified schematic representation of an illustrative embodiment of the means by which the high torque coupler is affixed to the shaft . rather than using keyways with matching keys , a keyless bushing 35352 is used . the advantage of a keyless bushing is that a smaller diameter central shaft can be used in the practice of the invention . fig3 is a simplified axial cross - sectional representation of a motorized drum 36000 of an embodiment of the present invention , wherein an extension shaft 36560 is mounted to mounting face 36512 of base unit 03010 ( denoted in fig3 ). extension shaft 36560 is rigidly connected to clamp ring 36530 that is affixed against mounting face 03512 by use of a plurality of fasteners ( extension clamping bolts 36532 ) extending through clamp ring 36530 and threading into mounting ring 03510 on the opposite side of mounting face 03512 . the mounting ring is located some distance from the determined region of rotary power delivery or where the reducer delivers power to the drum shell . axially inward of mounting face 03512 is mounting ring 03510 . the mounting ring 03510 has a chamfer on the outer circumference of its axially outward face . the chamfer of mounting ring 03510 is in direct contact with spring ring 03511 . the spring ring , which may be formed of a hardened metal with an aggressive texture , may have a cross - sectional geometry that is generally circular or diamond or rectangular , for example . spring ring 03511 , mounting ring 03510 , and mounting face 03512 are held in place by means of mounting ring alignment bolts 36513 when an attachable component is not mounted to mounting face 03512 . in this illustrative embodiment , extension clamping bolts 36532 are used to draw clamp ring 36530 toward mounting ring 03510 thus causing the chamfer on mounting ring 03510 to be drawn against spring ring 03511 , forcing the spring ring to expand radially into drum shell 03700 , thereby transmitting the transaxial forces of extension shaft 36560 into drum shell 03700 . fig3 is a simplified axial cross - sectional representation of a motorized drum 37000 of a further embodiment of the present invention , wherein clamp ring 37530 of extension shaft 37560 directly contacts with mounting ring 37510 of base unit 03010 ( denoted in fig3 ), without the use of an intervening mounting face . in this embodiment , mounting ring 37510 has a similar chamfer as in fig3 and is drawn similarly against spring ring 37511 by use of fasteners extending through clamp ring 37530 . fig3 is a simplified axial cross - sectional representation of a motorized drum of a particular embodiment of the present invention , wherein an extension shell attachment 03560 ( denoted in fig3 ) is attached to mounting face 03510 of base unit 03010 ( denoted in fig3 ) and held in place by means of a large central nut 38551 . before mounting extension shell attachment 03560 , threaded flange 38550 is mounted to mounting face 03512 by use of a plurality of fasteners ( not shown ) that thread into mounting ring 03510 , thereby drawing the chamfer of mounting ring 03510 against spring ring 03511 such that spring ring 03511 expands radially into drum shell 03700 . additionally , clamp ring 03530 is inserted into extension shell attachment 03560 and a secondary spring ring 03531 is inserted into a circumferential groove in the inner periphery of extension shell attachment 03560 axially outward of clamp ring 03530 . then , extension shell attachment 03560 is placed against base unit 03010 and a central nut 38551 is inserted from opposite end of shell extension attachment 03560 . this central nut 38551 is treaded onto threaded flange 38550 , thereby drawing clamp ring 03531 against secondary spring ring 03531 causing secondary spring ring 03531 to expand radially into extension shell attachment 03560 . fig3 is an isometric exploded view of the mounting face system utilized in attaching extension shell component 03560 to base unit 03010 of a motorized drum 03000 , as an embodiment of the present invention . in this embodiment , rather than using one central nut , a plurality of extension clamping bolts 03532 are used with mating cam faced washers 03533 . the same principles demonstrated in fig3 are shown in fig3 . additionally , a bolt holder 03534 aids in mounting of extension shell attachment 03560 by assuring the extension clamping bolts 03532 remain in clamp ring 03530 during installation , while accommodating for the extra distance required by extension clamping bolts 03532 that are not yet threaded into mounting ring 03510 . the end lid is connected to the motorized drum by means of an embossed spring band . fig4 is a simplified representation of an embossed spring band 03420 , also known as a tolerance ring . fig4 is an isometric cut - away of one embodiment of embossed spring band 03571 that holds end lid 03570 against the motorized drum in a drum shell closure arrangement of the present invention . the embossed spring band 03571 is disposed between two concentric protuberances , also referred to as cylindrical geometries , of end lid 03570 and mounting face 03512 and when the two concentric protuberances are nested together in an end lid assembly , embossed spring band 03571 is compressed creating an interference fit between the two concentric protuberances . the mating concentric protuberances of the end lid and the mounting face have different nominal diameters . in another illustrative embodiment , a static polymeric seal is disposed between the end lid and the drum shell . fig4 ( a ) is a simplified cross - sectional representation of such an embodiment . a polymeric seal 03572 is enclosed between end lid 03570 and drum shell 03700 . a ring compression geometry is about the outer circumference of the axial inward face of end lid 03570 . when end lid 03570 is held in place by the embossed spring ring , the ring compression geometry imposes a compressive force on seal 03572 . in another embodiment , not shown in figure , the ring compression geometry is on an axially outward face of the drum shell about an outer circumference of the end lid . fig4 ( b ) is a simplified cross - sectional representation of an embodiment of the compression geometry utilized in the end lid where the end lid contacts the static drum shell seal in the motorized drum of the present invention and the ring compression geometry utilized in the end lid where the end lid contacts the rotary seal , also referred to as radial seal , in response to the application of an installation force , the end lid remaining in fixed relation to the polymeric rotary seal by operation of an embossed spring band that is deformed upon installation . examples of rotary seals include rotary lip seals , rotary shaft seals or polymeric rotary lip seals . the embodiment of fig4 ( b ) bears similarity to that of fig4 ( a ), and accordingly , elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated . fig4 is a simplified cross - sectional representation of another illustrative embodiment wherein a compressive force is maintained against seal 03450 by designing end lid 03410 with a thin wall , also referred to as an annular web , in the radial distance between the embossed spring band and the outer diameter to create a spring - like effect resulting from the axially resilient characteristic of the annular web . in this embodiment , the central portion of the end lid is held axially inward by embossed spring band 03420 slightly farther than the natural contact point between the outer portion of end lid 03410 and outer static seal 03450 thereby maintaining a constant compressive force against static seal 03450 . inasmuch as end lid 03570 covers mounting face 03512 on one side of motorized drum 03000 , and inasmuch as compressed embossed spring band 03571 requires three tons of force to remove it , end lid 03570 has been designed with a geometry that mates with a removal tool clamp for simple removal in the field . fig4 is a simplified isometric representation of one embodiment of the end lid removal tool as it is attached to the end lid of the motorized drum . fig4 is a simplified isometric exploded representation of the embodiment of fig4 . end lid 03410 has a recessed , outer circumferential geometry 46920 , also referred to as an end lid recess . removal tool clamp 46940 has a recessed , inner circumferential geometry 46930 , also referred to as an tool recess , that corresponds to geometry 46920 of end lid 03410 . when removal tool clamp 46940 is placed over end lid 03410 , two recessed geometries 46920 , 46930 form a circular channel . a joining cord 46910 of a slightly smaller diameter than the circular channel is inserted through a tangential hole , or inlet , in removal tool clamp 46940 . the inserted joining cord 46910 effectively locks end lid 03410 to removal tool clamp 46940 , which can now be easily removed with a force generating arrangement , such as slide hammer 46950 . fig4 is a simplified cross - sectional representation of one embodiment of the compression geometry utilized in the end lid where the end lid contacts the rotary shaft seal of the motorized drum . a polymeric seal 03542 is placed directly against end lid 03570 . end lid 03570 has a ring compression geometry on its axial inward face about its outer circumference . a seal compression plate 03540 is attached to the end lid by a plurality of fasteners 03541 , compressing seal 03542 between seal compression plate 03540 and end lid 03570 to form an end lid seal assembly . a significant compressive force is applied at the ring compression geometry of end lid 03570 preventing ingress of bacteria between seal 03542 and end lid 03570 . in another embodiment , not shown in figure , the ring compression geometry is on a axially outward face of the seal compression plate about an inner circumference of the end lid . fig4 is a simplified partially cross - sectional representation of an embodiment of the rotary shaft seal compression system of a motorized drum . fig4 is a simplified schematic representation of a cleaning - in - place system for the rotary shaft seals of the motorized drum . the cleaning - in - place system includes : a shaft 48210 with first cleaning conduit 48610 and second cleaning conduit 48611 ; an inlet port 48620 attached to first cleaning conduit 48610 ; an outlet port 48621 attached to second cleaning conduit 48611 ; an annular chamber 48613 formed between first and second radial seals 48630 , 48631 ; in this illustrative embodiment , seals 48630 , 48631 are stacked between end lid 48570 and seal compression plate 48540 and separated by seal spacer ring 48541 , thus forming annular chamber 48613 . a plurality of fasteners draw seal compression plate 48540 axially toward end lid 48570 . in a preferred embodiment , end lid 48570 includes a ring compression geometry on its axial inward face about its inner circumference ( not shown in fig4 ), which imposes a compressive force against radial seal 48630 . in another embodiment ( also not shown in fig4 ) a ring compression geometry is on an axial outward face of the seal spacer ring about an inner circumference of the end lid . cleaning agents are delivered through inlet port 48620 into first cleaning conduit 48610 and into annular chamber 48613 and exit second cleaning conduit 48611 and outlet port 48621 . when desired , outlet port 48621 can be used to restrict the flow , thus building greater pressure in annular chamber 48613 . when this pressure increases sufficiently , polymeric seal 48630 will be deflected outward and up and the cleaning fluid will pass between the radial face of seal 48630 and the surface of shaft 48210 . fig4 further has a fluid conduit 48612 and a fluid port 48622 wherein fluid can be inserted or removed from drum chamber 48615 , which is a sealed region . fig4 is a schematic of a seal monitoring system incorporating a conveyor component known as a drum motor . the seal monitoring system is comprised , in this embodiment , of a sealed drum chamber 48615 , from which proceeds a fluid line 49100 in which , there is a sensor 49200 to measure pressure that reports to controller 49300 . subsequent to said sensor 49200 is a valve 49400 subsequently connected to pump 49500 . both the valve 49400 and pump 49500 may be controlled by the controller 49300 . pump 49500 may be capable of adding or subtracting fluids , particularly gases , to or from the drum chamber 48615 . alternatively , the sensor 49200 could be incorporated in a manner other than shown to measure flow of the fluid in said fluid line 49100 . additionally , the sensor 49200 could be mounted internal to the sealed drum chamber 48615 and may be attached to fluid line 49100 or it may be connected to the external environment in some other manner . fig5 is an axial cross - section of a motorized drum of another particular embodiment of the present invention , wherein an extension shell attachment 50560 is attached to the mounting ring 50510 . in this embodiment , the drum shell 50700 is fitted with an internally beveled chamfer and the extension shell attachment 50560 is fitted with a mating externally beveled chamfer , referred to collectively as mating chamfers 50450 , by which the drum shell 50700 and the extension shell attachment 50560 are drawn together by a plurality of extension clamping bolts 50532 threading into the mounting ring 50510 . axially inward of the mounting face 50512 is the mounting ring 50510 . the mounting ring 50510 has a groove on the periphery of the outer circumference of its axially outward face . this groove is in direct contact with the spring ring 50511 . axially inward of the chamfered end of the extension shell attachment 50560 is a radially installed groove in which a spring ring 50531 is fitted . axially inward of the spring ring 50531 is the clamp ring 50530 . the extension clamping bolts 50532 are used to draw the clamp ring 50530 toward the mounting ring 50510 thus causing the chamfer on the extension shell attachment 50560 to mate coaxially under compression with the chamfer on the drum shell 50700 , resulting in mating chamfers 50450 , thereby transmitting the transaxial forces of the extension shell attachment 50560 into the drum shell 50700 . eliminating the need for oil in the motor system , which poses a risk of cross contamination in sanitary applications ; increasing the torque density of the motor within a fixed diameter and motor length ; transmitting core stator heat to the drum shell through via a gas with the use of circumferential gas turbulence between the stator and the rotor and between the rotor and the drum shell where it can be removed by the belt ; avoiding the need for additional position sensors to communicate the rotor position to the power electronics with the use of magnets , in some embodiments , that are embedded in the lamination stack and thereby cause a variation in magnetic flux around the circumference of the rotor , which variation can be detected by the power electronics that are connected to the stator windings ; and accommodating the deflection caused through belt pull . although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications , persons skilled in the art can , in light of this teaching , generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope , or departing from the spirit , of the invention described herein . accordingly , it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention , and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof .
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the present invention is directed to the use of isothermal denaturation . the methodology can be used to screen for ligands to a wide variety of molecules , particularly proteins , including those with unknown function . significantly , the methods of the present invention eliminate the necessity of ramping temperatures up and down and should allow for much faster assay development and higher throughput in an hts or uhts automated environment . the technology should be easily expandable to looking for compounds that bind to rna , dna , ฮฑ - acidic glycoprotein , and serum albumin , for example . isothermal denaturation offers an attractive alternative method for monitoring denaturation ( e . g ., unfolding of a target species ) and for the identification of binding ligands . it is amenable to hts and uhts . furthermore , the denaturation process is easily controllable , reproducible , and independent of the heating rate . the choice of temperature used in isothermal denaturation can be determined by measuring the rate of denaturation of the target species at a series of temperatures ( e . g ., within a range of about 45 ยฐ c . to about 75 ยฐ c .). these measurements may be made , for example , using a fluorescent reporter molecule that binds to and reports conformational changes associated with the unfolding of the target molecule . alternatively , denaturation signals can be monitored using uv absorbance , cd ellipticity , or by microcalorimetry studies with the target species , for example . preferably , a preliminary dsc scan is run to determine t m ( midpoint temperature ) of the target species in appropriate buffers that enhance the stability of the target over a long period of time as would be known to one skilled in the art . during the binding experiments , all components are maintained at one given temperature ( preferably ยฑ about 0 . 2 ยฐ c .) which is chosen to produce a slow , easily monitored denaturation of the target protein . if the temperature of isothermal denaturation is too low , the kinetics are too slow . generally , it is desirable to have a detectable amount of denaturing ( e . g ., unfolding ) occur within about 60 minutes or less . if the temperature is too high , the kinetics are so fast that the test compound would not be able to stabilize the denatured target species resulting , for example , in too great an extent of unfolding . too much unfolding can cause aggregation that could result in precipitation of the target . furthermore , at too high a temperature , the test compound may not bind at all . preferably , the desired temperature for isothermal denaturing is equal to the t m value ยฑ about 10 ยฐ c . of the target species as determined by dsc . more preferably , this temperature is equal to or up to about 10 ยฐ c . less than the t m value of the target species . the target species , preferably together with a suitable reporter molecule able to monitor its denaturation , is incubated in the presence and absence of the target species . in a preferred embodiment , the concentration of the compound and that of the reporter molecule are of comparable magnitude ( preferably , no greater than about 1 ฮผm ), but may require the reporter molecule to be in excess relative to the target molecule , whereas the concentration of the test compound is in at least a 10 - fold excess . the percent inhibition cutoff for a โ hit โ can be set prior to assay implementation , or determined statistically during or after all screening has been performed . fluorescence techniques are rapidly becoming the detection methods of choice for hts and uhts . thus , in certain preferred embodiments of the present invention , fluorescence molecules are used as the markers of choice . coupling fluorescence techniques with denaturation by isothermal methods is attractive because in isothermal denaturation the quantum yield of an extrinsically added reporter molecule is dependent only on changes in protein folding and not on temperature effects . further , any change in the fluorescence quantum yield measures binding of the reporter molecule to different denatured forms of the target species . thus , alteration of target stability by a bound ligand should be easily detectable . the present invention demonstrates that isothermal denaturation can be used to determine if known competitive inhibitors / ligands could bind to target species . the results are comparable to those obtained by other methods . the agreement of the denaturation kinetics from three different detection methods confirms that the same unfolding processes are being measured using the methods of the present invention . the fluorescence of the reporter molecule should preferably increase several - fold ( preferably , at least about 2 - fold ) upon denaturation of the target . for proteins , this is typically accompanied by the exposure of the protein &# 39 ; s hydrophobic regions . the reporter molecules should also preferably have low affinity for the native target ; that is , the fluorescence of the native target / reporter molecule complex is linear over a wide concentration range or , preferably , does not bind to the native target at all so that it does not become a ligand itself . finally , since compound libraries generally contain numerous compounds that absorb and / or fluoresce between about 300 nanometers ( nm ) and about 400 nm , the reporter molecule should preferably have excitation and emission in the visible region where few compounds interfere , e . g ., excitation at about 488 nm and emission at about 515 nm . reporter molecules ( e . g ., fluorescent dyes ) are commercially available from sources such as molecular probes ( eugene , oreg .) and fluoresce brightly when bound to hydrophobic regions of the target molecule . these include sypro orange , sypro red , nano orange , nile red , 1 - anilinonaphthalene - 8 - sulfonic acid ( 1 , 8 - ans ), and dapoxylbutylsulfonamide ( dbs ) as well as other dapoxyl analogs . nano orange fluorescence provides an ultra - sensitive dye for quantification of proteins in solution with a linear fluorescence range of about 10 nanograms / milliliter ( ng / ml ) to about 10 micrograms / milliliter ( ฮผg / ml ) with a very low background fluorescence . sypro orange and sypro red are used for gel staining with sensitivity as good as silver staining . the basis for the increase in fluorescence of the dyes with protein denaturation is their binding to newly exposed hydrophobic sites . 1 , 8 - ans has been used extensively for many years to monitor the unfolding of proteins ; however , its quantum yield when bound to the denatured protein is much lower than those of the dyes discussed above and , thus , would require the use of large quantities of protein and reporter molecule in the assays . dbs is a relatively new , solvatochromic dye whose fluorescence emission may shift as much as 100 nm upon changing the environment . due to its lower excitation and emission wavelengths , however , it is less desirable than nano orange , sypro orange , or sypro red for hts . any fluorescent reporter molecule whose emission intensity increases or decreases when bound to a desired target species can be used for isothermal denaturation . the affinity of a fluorescent reporter molecule toward a target species can be determined by measuring the fluorescence of a given concentration of the reporter molecule in the presence of increasing concentrations of the denatured target species and the native target species . knowing the affinity then allows one to optimize the concentration of the fluorescent reporter molecule relative to the target species . in addition to , or instead of , using noncovalent fluorescent reporter molecules that are added to a mixture of the test compound and target species , one may use target species labeled covalently with a pair of fluorophores , one of which quenches the fluorescence of the other . because unfolding of the target species changes the intermolecular distances between the two fluorophores , the denaturation is accompanied by changes in fluorescence . by labeling the same target species at specific sites , the denaturation at different structural regions can be monitored . although fluorescence techniques , particularly dye binding resulting in fluorescence enhancement are the detection methods of choice , other techniques can be used in the methods of the present invention . this can include , for example , monitoring : 1 ) the change in uv absorbance , for example , at 280 nm resulting from exposure of aromatic amino acid ( s ) to solvent ; 2 ) the change in molar ellipticity by circular dichroism ( cd ); 3 ) infra - red or nmr spectral shifts ; 4 ) changes in mobility on a support material ( e . g ., solid support ) such as size - exclusion chromatography , capillary electrophoresis , etc . none of these approaches necessarily requires the use of an extrinsic or intrinsic fluorescent reporter molecule . for target species that have a relatively high denaturation temperature , the experiments can be performed in the presence of a chaotrope , such as urea , guanidine hydrochloride , organic solvents , or any other reagents that promote protein denaturation without unduly interfering with binding of the reporter molecule with the target species . the exact experimental conditions for denaturation of each target molecule will vary . one skilled in the art can make appropriate decisions and / or experimentally determine appropriate buffer systems ( ph , ionic strength , ionic co - factors , etc .). for example , the isolectric point ( pi ) of a protein molecule would help determine what ph would be useful in these studies . in practice , the methods of the present invention can be carried out in a multi - reservoir sample holder , such as a microtiter plate . typically , all components but the target species are added and the multi - reservoir sample holder is held at the appropriate temperature for a period of time . after thermal equilibrium is reached , the sample holder is preferably transferred to a station where the target species is added to all reservoirs , preferably simultaneously . the multi - reservoir sample holder is typically sealed prior to addition of any components . for example , a microtiter plate can include a covering that is made of a plastic sheeting which seals the plate but is scored in such a way that a microtiter tip easily penetrates it but that it re - closes after tip removal . after introduction of the target species , the sample holder is either transferred immediately to an appropriate detector for reading the denaturation signal or to an incubator for holding until detection is desired . all steps can be performed either manually or by robot as desired . for high throughput screening , a commercially available zymark / zymate pcs system ( zymark corp ., zymark center , hopkinton , mass .) equipped with a rapid plate module , jacketed carousel , 10 - plate incubator system interfaced with a fluorescent plate reader can be used . this system can process 96 - and 384 - well microtiter plates and can be adapted for use in the isothermal denaturation method of the present invention . for example , the 10 - plate incubator can be modified with heating elements such as watlow flexible flat mat heaters for sample incubation . the temperature of the incubator can be further controlled by the use of a circulating waterbath . the zymark / zymate system includes a jacketed carousel that can be modified to include a temperature controlled humidifier and fan internally , and heat lamps externally , to assist in temperature control and to reduce loss of sample volume in the microtiter plates . the zymark / zymate system also includes a pipetting station ( rapid plate module ) that can be modified to include a heating block and heat lamps , for example . for fluorescence measurements , a bmg polarstar microplate reader ( bmg labtechnologies , inc ., durham , n . c .) can also be modified for control of temperature by a circulating waterbath ( e . g ., from about โ 20 ยฐ c . to about 90 ยฐ c .). this system is automated using robotics and computer software , which can be modified to allow for the samples to experience isothermal conditions . using the methods of the present invention , the kinetics of isothermal denaturation of thymidylate kinase ( tk ) and of stromelysin , with and without the presence of their specific ligands , were monitored by long - wavelength fluorescent dyes whose quantum yields increase when bound to exposed hydrophobic regions of unfolded proteins . the time dependencies were all consistent with a reaction scheme of two consecutive first - order reactions . that is , the kinetics of denaturation for both proteins were best described by a biphasic model . thus , only two of the probably many steps are rate limiting . it is apparent that a significant amount of information of the kinetics of the unfolding processes are provided by the fluorescence measurements . the dependence of the rate constants on ligand concentration was analyzable in terms of a binding isotherm , reflecting the stabilizing effect of the protein / ligand complex . the method was validated by comparing its results with those obtained by steady - state fluorescence spectroscopy , circular dichroism , and uv spectrophotometry . the corresponding rate constants calculated from the results of the several analytical detection methods were comparable . the rate constants of both steps were dependent upon the binding of active - site ligands . the dissociation constants represent affinities of the ligands at the melting transition temperature . the affinity constants ( i . e .,โ dissociation constants โ) at physiological temperatures can be determined by extrapolation from measurements at two different temperatures . these results , coupled with those obtained in multi - well ( e . g ., 96 - well ) format , show that isothermal denaturation is a method of choice for hts , including uhts , for ligands with high specificity toward any given protein . having generally described the invention , the same will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples , which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended as limiting . sypro orange , sypro red , nano orange , 1 - anilinonaphthalene - 8 - sulfonic acid ( 1 , 8 - ans ), and dapoxylbutylsulfonamide ( dbs ) were purchased from molecular probes inc ., eugene , oreg . thymidine monophosphate ( tmp ) and all other reagents were from sigma - aldrich chemical company . all commercial chemicals used were reagent grade or better . the compound referred to as pnu - 143988 has the following structure : s . aureus thymidylate kinase was cloned by human genome sciences and purified by affinity chromatography using ni 2 + - nta columns purchased from qiagen ( qiagen inc ., valencia , calif .). for tk the isothermal denaturation took place in a 5 millimolar ( mm ) tris buffer , ph 7 . 80 , containing 0 . 5 mm ฮฒ - mercaptoethanol and was measured at a temperature of 53 ยฐ c ., with the exception of the validation experiments of the robotic assay which were carried out at 52 ยฐ c . s . aureus uridylate kinase ( uk ) was cloned by human genome sciences and purified by affinity chromatography using ni 2 + - nta columns ( qiagen inc ., valencia , calif .). uk has a transition midpoint , t m , of 45 . 5 ยฐ c . as determined by dsc using a buffer of 50 mm tris , 500 mm nacl , 10 % glycerol , and 5 mm ฮฒ - mercaptoethanol , ph 7 . 8 . validation experiments for isothermal denaturation were performed at the t m , 41 ยฐ c ., in ph 7 . 5 buffer composed of 50 mm tris , 200 mm kcl , 10 % glycerol , and 5 mm ฮฒ - mercaptoethanol . stromelysin was cloned and purified as described by finzel et al ., prot . sci ., 7 ; 2118 - 2126 ( 1998 ). it has a t m of 75 ยฐ c . as determined by dsc . this temperature was chosen for the following isothermal denaturation experiments . the buffer system for stromelysin consisted of 10 mm imidazole , 2 . 5 mm cacl 2 , 5 micromolar ( ฮผm ) zncl 2 , ph 6 . 50 . stock solutions for all ligands were prepared in dimethylsulfoxide ( dmso ) unless noted otherwise . whenever the water solubility was high enough , secondary stock solutions were made in the buffer system for the particular protein ; otherwise , diluted stocks were prepared in dmso . a small aliquot of ligand solution , typically 10 ฮผl or less , was added to buffer and equilibrated at the appropriate temperature in the cell before addition of the protein . control experiments assessed the effect of added dmso on protein denaturation . in some cases 0 . 1 % chaps ( weight / volume percent , ( 3 -[( 3 - choloamidopropyl )- dimethylammonio ]- 1 - propanesulfonate ) was added to the reaction mixture to counteract the effects of dmso . in order to validate the system , a subset of compounds which had been previously shown to be active in an activity assay for either thymidylate kinase or uridylate kinase was tested as a representative number of compounds having increased probability of being ligands for the protein targets . for fluorescence measurements , a photon counting iss k2 spectrofluorometer in the ratio mode was used ( iss inc ., urbana , ill .). the temperature was maintained within 0 . 2 ยฐ c . throughout the experiments by means of a polysciences programmable temperature controller ( polysciences , niles , ill .). emission was observed on the filter channel using the following emission filters : 530 nanometer ( nm ) bandpass filter for nano orange , 590 nm cut - off for sypro orange , 630 nm cut - off for sypro red and nile red , and 470 nm cut - off for 1 , 8 - ans and dapoxylbutyl - sulfonamide . alternatively , fluorescence measurements were acquired by a bmg polarstar microplate reader ( bmg labtechnologies , inc ., durham , n . c .). temperature was controlled with a circulating waterbath . this instrument best detected nano orange using a 485 nm center wavelength , 15 nm bandpass excitation filter and a 580 nm center wavelength , 12 nm bandpass emission filter . the time - dependencies of the fluorescence of extrinsic dyes during isothermal denaturation were monitored as follows . the test dye was added to a stirred cuvette containing 2 milliliters ( ml ) of buffer that had been thermally preequilibrated at the desired temperature . a dye baseline was recorded for 45 seconds and the denaturation reaction initiated by the addition of a small aliquot of the protein stock solution . in this way , the protein reached the temperature of denaturation virtually instantaneously . in separate experiments , the protein was kept at the denaturation temperature in the absence of dye and the reporter molecule added at the end of the reaction . in the latter experiments , the fluorescence increase associated with the addition of dye was always instantaneous . in order to be certain that under the conditions of the experiment the dye itself would not complex a significant fraction of the native protein , a fixed amount of dye was titrated with increasing amounts of protein and showed that the fluorescence increase did not reach saturation . the three tryptophan residues of stromelysin are buried in the active site region and as such are sensitive reporters of the unfolding of the protein . thus , the isothermal denaturation of this protein was also measured by changes in the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence . for these experiments , the protein was added to buffer equilibrated in a cuvette at the temperature of isothermal denaturation . the excitation wavelength was 293 nm and the emission was monitored using a 320 ยฑ 10 nm bandpass filter . dsc for stromelysin and tk was performed using an mc - 2 differential scanning calorimeter from microcal , inc . ( northampton , mass .). for stromelysin , the 1 . 2 ml sample cell of the calorimeter was filled with 150 ฮผm enzyme in a ph 6 . 50 buffer containing 10 mm imidazole , 2 . 5 mm cacl 2 , and 5 mm zncl 2 . for tk , the calorimeter cell was filled with 15 ฮผm enzyme in a 50 mm tris - hcl buffer , ph 7 . 70 , containing 0 . 50 m nacl , 10 % glycerol , and 5 mm 2 - mercaptoethanol . the reference cell was filled with the same buffer . the solutions were degassed for 5 minutes prior to scanning from 25 ยฐ c . to 80 ยฐ c . at a rate of 1 ยฐ c ./ minute . baseline scans , collected with dialysate buffer in the sample cell , were subtracted from the protein scans and the resulting data converted to unit protein concentration . the y - axis of the instrument was calibrated using standard electrical heat pulses and the temperature scale was calibrated using n - octadecane and n - hexatriacontane which melt at 28 . 2 ยฐ c . and 75 . 9 ยฐ c ., respectively . circular dichroism ( cd ) spectra were measured using a jasco j - 715 spectropolarimeter ( jasco corp ., easton , md .) and a cylindrical quartz cell with a pathlength of 0 . 1 centimeter ( cm ) thermostated to within 0 . 1 ยฐ c . by a haake d8 circulating water bath ( haake gmbh , karlsruhe , germany ). the concentration of the protein was chosen on the basis of its molar ellipticity and fell usually in the range of about 1 ฮผm to about 20 ฮผm . solutions of protein or protein with 10 - to 100 - fold excess of ligand were prepared prior to injection into the cell . each solution was first scanned at 22 ยฐ c . from 178 nm to 260 nm with a response of 0 . 25 second , scan speed of 100 nm / minute , resolution and bandwidth of 1 . 0 nm and 5 accumulations . the cell was then rapidly heated to the temperature of isothermal denaturation and the time dependency of the ellipticity at 222 nm was monitored . dichroism was sampled with a bandwidth of 1 . 0 nm at 0 . 5 millisecond ( msec ) intervals and accumulated for 16 seconds . data were stored every one second as the running average of the 16 second bundles . after the time scan , a wavelength scan was performed at the same temperature . cells and buffer solutions with and without ligand were routinely checked for absorbance and dichroism . cells were thoroughly cleaned as described above and rinsed with distilled water and ethanol between experiments . uv absorbance was measured using a perkin - elmer lambda 40 uv - vis dual - beam spectrophotometer ( perkin - elmer corp . norwalk , conn .). a capped 1 . 0 cm pathlength quartz cuvette filled with buffer was placed in the reference beam . in the sample beam , a capped 1 . 0 cm path length quartz cuvette containing 1 . 5 ml of degassed buffer or buffer plus ligand โ less the volume of protein solution to be added โ was placed in a thermostated cell holder and equilibrated at the temperature of isothermal denaturation . the temperature was maintained within 0 . 1 ยฐ c . using a neslab exacal ex200 circulating water bath ( neslab instruments , inc . portsmouth , n . h .). a 1 - 5 ฮผl aliquot of the protein stock solution was added to the cuvette containing buffer or buffer plus ligand to yield a final volume of 1 . 5 ml and protein concentration near 0 . 5 ฮผm . the cuvette was recapped and absorbance at 280 nm was measured every 1 second for up to 30 minutes with a bandwidth of 2 nm and response of 0 . 5 second . for each protein , the effects of several ligand concentrations were examined ranging from about 0 . 5 ฮผm to about 400 ฮผm . cuvettes were thoroughly cleaned as described above with nitric acid and with 10 % methanol and rinsed with distilled water and ethanol between experiments . only in a few cases was the time dependency of protein denaturation an apparent first - order process . those data were analyzed by a nonlinear least squares program using the equation : y = y o + ฮดy . ( 1 โ e โ k exp . t ) equation 1 where y is the experimentally measured signal , y o is the background signal , ฮดy is the total change in signal associated with the denaturation process , t is time and k exp is the experimentally measured apparent first - order rate constant . in general , the kinetics of denaturation displayed biphasic kinetics , often with a distinct induction period . those time courses were analyzed according to the reaction scheme of two consecutive first - order reactions : where k 1 , and k 2 are first - order rate constants and where , a priori , all three species contribute to the observed signal . the equation corresponding to the signal observed during these reactions is : y ๎ข = . ๎ข y a ยท ๏ - k 1 ๎ข t + y b ยท k 1 k 2 - k 1 ๎ข ( ๏ - k 1 ๎ข t - ๏ - k 2 ๎ข t ) + y c ๎ข [ 1 + 1 k 1 - k 2 ๎ข ( k 2 ๎ข ๏ - k 1 ๎ข t - k 1 ๎ข ๏ - k 2 ๎ข t ) ] equation 3 where y a , y b , and y c are the signals for the species a , b , and c , respectively . often , it happened that within experimental error y a = y b , thereby simplifying the analysis since : y = y a โฒ + ( y c - y a ) ๎ข [ 1 + 1 k 1 - k 2 ๎ข ( k 2 ๎ข ๏ - k 1 ๎ข t - k 1 ๎ข ๏ - k 2 ๎ข t ) ] equation 4 when y b = y c , the experimental curve degenerates into a simple first - order rise or decay , depending on whether y a & gt ; y b or y b & gt ; y a . more often than expected , the preliminary analysis of the data by equation 3 or equation 4 indicated that k 1 , and k 2 were very similar to each other . since equation 3 is not valid for the case where k 1 = k 2 , we integrated the system of rate equations : ๏ a ๏ t = - k ยท a equation 5 ๏ b ๏ t = k ยท a - k ยท b equation 6 ๏ c ๏ t = k ยท b equation 7 y = y a . e โ k . t + y b . k . t . e โ k . t + y c . [ 1 โ( k . t + 1 ) e โ k . t ] equation 11 this equation was used in conjunction with a nonlinear least squares to analyze the results of experiments with k 1 โ k 2 . a library of compounds was tested in a high throughput screening mode in 96 - well microtiter plate format with single compounds per well at the temperatures described above . the optimal dye and optimal ratio of dye to protein for tk and uk was assessed . each microtiter plate contained 88 individual compounds and eight control wells that intially contained only buffer plus dye ( no compound ). these assay plates were manually sealed with a plastic 96 - well microplate seal ( tomtec , inc ., hamden , conn .). these seals were scored for easy entrance of pipet tips , followed by reclosure after pipet tip exit . the remaining steps were carried out robotically as follows . assay plates were deposited into the temperature / humidity - controlled incubator for an initial incubation period , typically 60 - 90 minutes , which equilibrated the assay plate to the desired assay temperature . a fluorescence measurement , t i , was then taken by the bmg polarstar to establish the lower bound of the assay . this fluorescent reading for those wells containing compounds plus buffer plus dye was used to ascertain the effect of the compounds themselves . following an additional incubation period in a set of incubators which ensured that well contents were equilibrated to the assay temperature , assay plates were moved to the rapidplate liquid dispensing unit . protein was added from a plate reservoir to assay plates located on a modified heated plate position . for the final incubation , assay plates were transported back to the temperature / humidity - controlled incubator for a defined time at the assay temperature , typically 30 minutes . a second fluorescence measurement , t f , was taken by the bmg polarstar . the control wells ( assay buffer plus dye plus protein ) defined the upper bound of the assay . a comparison of the fluorescent measurement for the wells containing compound ( plus assay buffer plus dye plus protein ) compared to the control well reads at t i and t f defined which compounds bound to and stabilized the protein of interest . the temperature at which a given protein undergoes denaturation at an easily measurable rate was determined prior to the ligand binding studies . the rates were most appropriate for measuring methods at temperatures slightly below or at the thermal transition temperature ( t m ) as measured by differential scanning calorimetry . to determine which fluorescent dye produces the largest signal for a given protein , a preliminary isothermal denaturation experiment at t m was performed with each dye at a concentration of 1 ฮผm and the protein at 0 . 5 ฮผm . the spectral properties of all dyes tested are given in table 1 . due to their long excitation and emission wavelengths , nano orange , sypro orange , and sypro red are attractive for use in hts format . the thermal scan for thymidylate kinase ( tk ), shown in fig1 reveals a t m located at 53 ยฐ c ., the temperature which was then chosen for all subsequent isothermal experiments . upon cooling and reheating of the protein , no observable peak was found ( results not shown ), which indicated that this protein had denatured irreversibly . fluorescence . fig2 shows the results of preliminary experiments where the time - dependent fluorescence changes for each dye were measured in the presence of thymidylate kinase denaturing isothermally at 53 ยฐ c . the fluorescence of all the dyes increased in a biphasic manner in the course of the denaturation , with dbs producing the largest net increase over background . the fluorescence of nano orange , sypro orange , and sypro red ( used in general as protein quantitation and gel stain dyes ) also increased significantly , while the fluorescence increase of 1 , 8 - ans , at a four - fold molar excess to protein , was relatively small . finally , it was also ascertained that the increase in fluorescence of the amount of nano orange or sypro orange used in the experiments upon addition of the native protein was linear over a wide range of protein concentrations ( fig3 ). these results demonstrate that the dyes do not saturate the protein under the conditions of the experiment . in other words , the dyes themselves do not compete with the ligands and they do not stabilize the protein to any measurable extent . because of its spectral properties ( see table 1 ), sypro orange was chosen for use in further denaturation experiments . fig4 shows representative time courses of sypro orange fluorescence occurring during the isothermal denaturation of tk in the presence of increasing amounts of tmp , which is a specific ligand for the enzyme . when the protein was first denatured and the dye added at the end of the process , the fluorescence increase was instantaneous ( data not shown ). thus , the time - dependency of the fluorescence changes represents protein unfolding and not a slow binding of the dye to the denatured protein . the time - dependencies were biphasic , indicating the presence of at least two rate - determining unfolding processes . the results were analyzed using a nonlinear least squares method with a variety of kinetic models . of all the models tested , the model of two consecutive first - order reactions with identical rate constants , equation 11 , was the most consistent with the data . the agreement of the experimental points with the theoretical curves calculated with the best - fit parameters and equation 11 is shown in fig4 . the slope of the early , linear portion of the time course is also proportional to the first rate constant and , thus , either can be used to analyze the influence of tmp concentration on the denaturation rates . fig5 shows the dependency of these two parameters on ligand concentration . the curves were analyzed using a nonlinear least squares method and equations corresponding to a variety of models relating denaturation rates to occupancy of the ligand binding site . the best consistency was found with the model where a fully cooperative binding of two tmp molecules per protein results in a six - fold stabilization of the enzyme ( fig5 ). this result is not fully surprising since thymidylate kinase is a dimeric protein as evidenced by size exclusion chromatography ( e . coli protein is known to exist as a dimer in โ structure of thymidylate kinase reveals the cause behind the limiting step in azt activation โ by a . lavie et . al . in nature structural biology , 4 , 601 - 604 ( 1997 )). from the slopes , k d was calculated to be 9 . 1 ยฑ 1 . 6 mm and from the rate constants k d was calculated to be 7 . 6 ยฑ 0 . 8 mm . these cooperative k d values , measured at 53 ยฐ c ., are not directly comparable to the noncooperative kinetic parameter k m = 27 ฮผm determined at 25 ยฐ c . by an activity assay using saturating atp concentrations . it seems likely that the cooperativity arises from the fact that the kinetic mechanism of tk consists of an ordered addition , whereby tmp can only bind to the enzyme which has an occupied atp site and that tmp can bind weakly to the atp site . absorbance and circular dichroism . in order to ascertain that the fluorescence changes of the dyes actually are proportional to the two forms of denatured protein and do , in fact , measure the denaturation process , two other techniques , cd and uv absorbance , were employed to study the unfolding kinetics of the same protein . circular dichroism scans of the native protein and of its denatured form show that a significant change in the cd spectrum accompanies the unfolding ( fig6 ). for example , there was a 45 % loss in intensity of the ฮฑ - helical signal at 222 nm . consequently , the time - dependency of the changes in molar ellipticity was monitored continuously at 222 nm . as illustrated in fig7 the ellipticity at 222 nm increased rapidly and reached a maximum after about 10 minutes . addition of 25 mm tmp , a natural ligand , greatly decreased both the rate and magnitude of the increase in ellipticity . the data were fully consistent with a simple first - order reaction , thereby indicating that the major changes in ellipticity are produced by the first of the two consecutive unfolding steps . finally , the time - dependent changes in hyperchromicity at 280 nm which result from the increase in solvent exposure of aromatic amino acids were measured . the data in fig8 show that the hyperchromic changes associated with the unfolding of tk were rapid and biphasic . the absorbance data were best fit by a model of two consecutive first - order reactions . the results were most consistent with a model of two consecutive first - order reactions , but with unequal rate constants , as described by equation 3 . the rate constants obtained by the three techniques are compared in table 2 . due to spectral interference , the effects of the presence of tmp on the changes in hyperchromicity were not tested . it appears that the physical properties measured by all these methods do undergo a significant change during the first rate - limiting step . there was good agreement between the rate constants of the first step , k 1 , indicating that all three methods are measuring the same process . on the other hand , the second step observed by sypro orange does not produce any changes in hyperchromicity and the second , very slow step observed by hyperchromicity does not have any changes in sypro orange fluorescence associated with it . both the cd spectrum ( sarver et . al ., bba , 1434 , 304 - 316 ( 1999 )) and the tryptophan fluorescence ( epps et al ., j . prot . chem ., 17 , 699 - 712 ( 1998 )) of stromelysin are affected by the binding of ligands to the active site . dsc revealed that this protein has an extremely high t m at 75 ยฐ c . as shown in fig9 . also , dsc experiments showed an increase of as much as 15 ยฐ c . in the t m . for ligand - bound ( sarver et . al ., bba , 1434 , 304 - 316 ( 1999 )). thus , the structure of stromelysin appears to lend itself to isothermal denaturation studies in that ligand binding dramatically affects the unfolding process . even the tryptophan fluorescence should be a useful tool for monitoring the denaturation processes . fluorescence . the time - dependency of the denaturation of stromelysin was biphasic at 75 ยฐ c . as monitored using sypro orange and ( shown in fig1 a ). the denaturation was rapid and was inhibited in a dose - dependent manner by pnu - 143988 , a known thiadiazole - type competitive inhibitor . the denaturation reaction in the absence of ligands was most consistent with a model of two consecutive first - order reactions with two unequal rate constants ( equation 3 ) followed by a linear downward drift . the linear drift most likely derives from aggregation and / or precipitation of the denatured protein . it was absent in the denaturation which occurred in the presence of inhibitors . analysis of the data showed that the best kinetic model is the one with two consecutive first - order rate model with identical rate constants ( equation 11 ). the rate constants calculated from these analyses are given in table 3 . the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of stromelysin is particularly sensitive to ligand - induced conformational changes , and , presumably , to denaturation of the active - site region . as shown in fig1 b , there was a rapid , biphasic loss of the tryptophan fluorescence intensity over the time course of the isothermal denaturation at 75 ยฐ c . the time - dependency of the decay of the tryptophan fluorescence was most consistent with a model of two consecutive first - order reactions with identical rate constants ( equation 11 ). this model yielded rate constants that were in excellent agreement with those measured by the fluorescence increase of sypro orange under the same conditions ( table 3 ). two parameters derived from the fluorescence kinetic curves measure the rate of denaturation , namely , the slope at the inflection point , and the first - order rate constant . the values of both parameters decreased in the presence of inhibitors in a saturable , dose - dependent manner , as shown in fig1 for the case of fluorescence measurements . the concentration dependencies were consistent with a model where binding of the inhibitor results in a drastic decrease in the rate of denaturation . the data were analyzed in terms of a simple langmuir binding isotherm model , yielding k d = 0 . 28 ยฑ 0 . 02 ฮผm from the initial rates and k d = 0 . 35 ยฑ 0 . 13 ฮผm from the rate constants . these values , measured at 75 ยฐ c ., are quite comparable to the value of k d = 0 . 40 ฮผm measured by a rate assay at 25 ยฐ c . absorbance . isothermal denaturation of stromelysin in the presence and absence of pnu - 143988 revealed a dose - dependent inhibition of both the rate and magnitude of the hyperchromicity changes ( data not shown ). the hyperchromicity reached a maximum in three minutes and declined slightly at longer periods of treatment while pnu - 143988 extended in a dose - dependent manner the time needed for full reaction . the simplest model consistent with the experimental data of the uninhibited reaction was a simple first - order reaction and the best - fit rate constant was comparable to that of the first step of the two - step denaturation process measured by the other techniques ( table 3 ). validation of robotic hts assay . prior to validation experiments , the optimal dye and optimal ratio of dye to protein was determined in 96 - well microtiter plate format for both tk and uk isothermal denaturation under the assay conditions described above . isothermal denaturation of tk was best detected with nano orange at final assay concentrations of 0 . 4 ฮผm protein and 1 . 1 ฮผm dye . in the same manner , nano orange was utilized to obtain a sufficient window to allow detection of the isothermal denaturation of uk with final assay concentrations of 0 . 4 ฮผm protein and 0 . 8 ฮผm dye . in order to demonstrate the validity of isothermal denaturation as a hts robotic assay , denaturation of tk and uk was performed in the presence of a known ligand in microplate format with the assay operating robotically as described . the ligands used were tmp , in the case of tk , and uridine monophosphate ( ump ), in the case of uk . the proteins were subjected to the assay &# 39 ; s denaturing conditions either in the absence of ( control ) or presence of increasing ligand concentration . using t i and t f fluorescence measurements , percent inhibition was calculated , as one skilled in the art would do . for thymidylate kinase , increasing concentrations of tmp decreased the denaturation of the protein , as expected based on results seen in cuvette experiments . a curve of tmp concentration versus calculated percent inhibition of control was fit with a langmuir binding isotherm model , yielding an apparent k d value similar to what has been seen previously when taking error into account . similarly for uridylate kinase , the effect of ump on the denaturation was concentration - dependent , as concentration of ump increased , denaturation decreased . data was analyzed in terms of a langmuir model . resulting calculations gave an apparent k d value of 5 . 76 ยฑ 0 . 95 mm which was comparable to the apparent k d value of 1 mm obtained from an activity assay carried out at 25 ยฐ c . validation of the hts system was furthered by the isothermal denaturation of tk and uk in the presence of a subset of compounds with an increased potential of containing protein ligands since these compounds had inhibitory activity in activity assays . this validation test was performed as described with 10 ฮผm final compound concentration . using the t i and t f measurements , percent inhibition was calculated . true actives were determined by using three standard deviations from the mean of the assay plate controls as the active cutoff value . results are shown in table 4 . control experiments were also conducted . compounds with intrinsic spectral properties including fluorescence and quench were observed in these experiments . s . aureus fema ( ehlert et al ., j . bacteriol ., 179 , 7573 - 7576 ( 1997 ) and tschierske et al ., fems microbiol . lett ., 153 , 261 - 264 ( 1997 )) is a protein presumably involved in cell wall biosynthesis and thus provides an attractive target as a potential antibacterial . the protein is expressed with a 6 - his tag so that it can be purified with qiagen ni 2 + - nta columns as for thymidylate kinase described above . a ph sufficiently removed from the isoelectric point ( pi value ) is chosen for the buffer in which the protein is solubilized ; in addition appropriate ionic strength and cations are used so that maximal structure can be obtained as monitored , e . g ., in cd ellipticity studies . since this protein has no known biochemical function , isothermal denaturation provides an ideal way to discover compounds that bind to this protein . it is believed that this protein exhibits multi - phasic kinetics similar to those observed with thymidylate kinase and stromelysin . the t m value is determined by differential scanning calorimetry studies . the detailed kinetic pathway of denaturation must first be determined by fluorescence , absorbance , and / or another physical method as described above . the optimal dye and optimal ratio of dye to protein is rapidly assessed in a 96 - well microtiter plate format . the fluorophore used is sypro red . a library of compounds (& gt ; 100 , 000 ) are tested in a high throughput screening mode in 96 - well microtiter plate format with single compounds per well at or , at most , 5 ยฐ c . below the t m . value . each microtiter plate contains 88 individual compounds . furthermore , eight control wells exist in the plate that intially contain only buffer plus dye ( no compound ). prior to addition of protein , the microtiter plate containing compounds plus control wells are read ( t i read ) which establishes the lower bound of the assay . this fluorescent reading for those wells containing compounds plus buffer plus dye is used to ascertain the effect of compounds themselves . after a time at the assay temperature , e . g ., 30 or 60 minutes , another fluorescent measurement is performed ( t f read ). the control wells ( assay buffer plus dye plus protein ) define the upper bound of the assay . a comparison of the fluorescent values for those wells with compound ( plus assay buffer plus dye plus protein ) compared to the fluorescent values of the control wells at t i and t f defines which compounds bind to and stabilize the protein of interest , which in this example is s . aureus fema . only those compounds that demonstrate stabilization in a subsequent repeat experiment are pursued as potential ligand binders . in addition to compounds that truly bind to fema , a compound could give enhanced fluorescence because it : 1 ) is a hydrophobic compound that could bind dye ; 2 ) may have intrinsic fluorescence at the wavelengths used ; 3 ) could form micelles ; or 4 ) could be a denaturant , destabilizer , etc . similarly , a compound could have binding activity but exhibit lower than expected results because the compound adsorbs light ( quenches ) at the wavelengths tested . to eliminate compounds that affect dye directly , compound plus dye plus buffer at the assay temperature are read before the addition of protein . any compounds that have intrinsic fluorescence , quench , fluorescence enhancement or fluorophore sequestration can thus be identified . to assess those compounds which enhance protein denaturation , an additional study is performed after the screen has been performed . the effect of compound on dye binding to the target molecule is performed at ambient temperature . any compound which is a denaturant demonstrates enhanced binding of the fluorescent dye to the protein even when no thermal denaturation of the protein occurs . compounds of this type would only be of interest if they exhibited this property for a specific protein ( target ) and did not affect two or more proteins ( targets ) in this manner . after all these criteria are met , those compounds that are putatively true binders can then be further characterized . the first study would be to ascertain whether the compounds exhibit a reasonable dose - response . additionally the effect of these compounds on the kinetics of protein denaturation can be studied and consequently k d values can be determined . to determine k d values at a given temperature , ligand dose - response curves for the full time - course kinetics are run . this process must be performed at three or more temperatures . then , assuming arrhenius behavior , the k d of the compound can be obtained for any temperature . in addition to screening of an entire library of individual compounds , compound mixtures can be tested . a subset of the entire library that contains mixtures of eight compounds per microtiter plate well are used . the assay is carried out as described above . the compounds for those mixtures that demonstrate the appropriate results are then identified and tested individually . in this case positive results could occur in mixtures but not for individual compounds because the results could be additive , or more likely , synergistic . consequently , if assays with individual compounds are not active , permutations of mixtures can be tested to determine which combination gives the original screening result . in addition to screening an entire compound collection , subsets of a library or โ sublibraries ,โ based upon rationale criteria can be tested . the advantage of using a sublibrary ( ies ) is to accelerate the discovery of a useful compound from high throughput screening . in this example another protein target is utilized , s . aureus unknown gene product . this protein is an essential gene product for this organism . a genetically engineered strain of s . aureus that has this function eliminated prevents bacerial growth . however , its biological / biochemical function is unkown ; and although searching of genomic database identifies similar genes in other micro - organisms , they also have no known biological or biochemical function . because the dna sequence for this gene is known , constructs can be engineered placing a 6 - his tag at either the amino - or caboxyl - terminal end of the protein and purified as described for the other 6 - his tagged proteins described . maximal structure under given experimental conditions as monitored , for example , by cd can be obtained , similar to the fema protein described above . one specific sublibrary tested , the dissimilarity sublibrary , is generated by a dissimilarity search in which compounds are sorted on their structural / chemical properties . the most dissimilar compounds are selected but , similutaneously , they represent the diversity of the entire library . compounds identified that stabilize this protein target in isothermal denaturation studies are tested further in their own right . in addition , compounds in the library with similarity to these ligand - binders can be selected from the entire library by using computer search programs . these are also tested . in this way the active compounds could potentially be identified by screening only a limited subset of the entire compound collection . oligodeoxyribonucleotides that contain the sequence of interest can be synthesized or purchased commercially and assembled into duplex dna in the proper order . the assembled dna can then be inserted into an expression system ( e . g . megascript from ambion ) to generate an rna of interest . alternatively , if the rna of interest is sufficiently small , the oligos can be constructed to contain an appropriate promoter such that in vitro transcription can be done without any cloning and expression steps . isolation of rna can be obtained by protocols known to anyone skilled in molecular biologic arts . as for proteinaceous targets , a t m can be determined experimentally with dsc . examples of extrinsic fluorescent dyes that can be used to monitor the transition from an ordered to a disordered rna structure include sybr green , sybr greenii , pico - green , and topro , yoyo , etc . examples of rna molecules that can be used to demonstrate this approach include : 1 ) hiv - 1 tar 47 - 86 ( mei et al ., biochemistry , 37 , 14204 - 14212 ( 1998 )); 2 ) rna aptamer j6fl ( cho et al ., biochemistry 37 , 4985 - 4992 ( 1998 )); and 3 ) a - site of 16s rrna ( wong et al ., chemistry and biology , 5 , 397 - 406 ( 1998 )). ligands known to bind to these respective rna molecules are : 1 ) neomycin , other aminoglycoside antibiotics , and other compounds ( mei et al ., biochemistry , 37 , 14204 - 14212 ( 1998 )); 2 ) tobramycin (( cho et al ., biochemistry , 37 , 4985 - 4992 ( 1998 )); and 3 ) kanamycin and other aminoglycides ( wong et al ., chemistry and biology , 5 , 397 - 406 ( 1998 )). just as known ligands for proteinaceous targets stabilize their structures under isothermal conditions , these known ligands stabilize their cognate rna molecules under similar conditions . similarly , as for protein targets , a large collection of compounds can be tested in high throughput screening to determine whether any might bind to , and stabilize , these nucleic acid structures under isothermal denaturation conditions . these compounds can be tested singly or as combinations of several compounds . in addition to monitoring isothermal denaturation with these fluorescent dyes , one skilled in the art could also monitor these changes using uv hyperchromicity or capillary electrophoresis . it will be clear that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described in the foregoing description and examples . numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and , therefore , are within the scope of the invention . the entire disclosure of all publications , patents , and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference .
| 8 |
referring to the drawing , the electrodeposition bath 10 contains an aqueous electrodepositable composition comprising a synthetic resin ionically dispersed in an aqueous medium from which films are deposited using suitable apparatus ( not shown ). a complexing agent and preferably a chelating agent capable of complexing with iron or other metals in the bath is added in line 12 . this chelating agent may be , for example , 1 , 10 - phenanthroline , 4 , 7 - diphenyl - 1 , 10 - phenanthroline , alpha , alpha &# 39 ;- dipyridyl , 2 , 2 &# 39 ;, 2 &# 34 ;- terpyridyl , 2 - pyridinealdoxime , ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid , diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid , methyl acetoacetate and acetylacetone . the stability constant of the chelating agent - metal ion complex should be greater than the stability constant of the resin - metal ion complex in the bath . the chelating agent is added in an amount of about 0 . 5 mole equivalent of chelating agent to 1 mole of soluble iron in the bath to about 7 mole equivalents of chelating agent to 1 mole of soluble iron in the bath . soluble iron would be determined by first centrifuging a sample of the bath to remove pigments , after which insoluble material would be separated and the amount of iron in the aqueous phase would be measured . for the purposes of this disclosure , a complexing agent will be considered to be any organic or inorganic molecule or ion that is bonded to a metal ion by a coordinate covalent bond , i . e ., a bond based on a shared pair of electrons both of which come from the complexing agent . a chelating agent will be considered to be any complexing agent that coordinates a metal ion in more than one position , i . e ., through two or more electron donor groups in the complexing agent . the complexation phenomenon is discussed , for example , in analytical chemistry by j . g . dick , mcgraw - hill , new york ( 1973 ), pages 161 - 169 , which are hereby incorporated by reference . a quantity known as the stability or formation constant , k i , is a measurement of the tendency of a particular chelating agent to complex with a metal ion in a homogeneous solution . the stability constant is described in the above incorporated section in analytical chemistry by j . g . dick . while not intending to be bound by any theory of this invention , it is believed that preferred chelating agents for use in the method of the present invention would be those which have a higher stability constant than the resin which is included in the bath . before the chelating agent is added , the soluble iron in the bath may also be reduced from a ferric state to a ferrous state by adding a reducing agent to the bath . a suitable reducing agent would be , for example , hydroquinone , erythorbic acid , sodium metabisulfite , sodium sulfite , sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate , ascorbic acid , hydrogen sulfide , sulfurous acid , zinc , cadmium , aluminium and silver . the reducing agent would be used in an amount of 0 . 5 to 1 . 5 equivalents of reducing agent per equivalent of soluble iron or other metal in the bath . a portion of the bath may be continuously or intermittently withdrawn in line 14 to an ultrafilter 16 . here in the ultrafilter process chelating agent along with complexed iron or other metal is separated from the resin , pigment and other higher molecular weight components which are present in the bath composition . the concentrate or retentate may be returned to the bath through line 18 . in addition to the complexing agent and complexed iron , the ultrafiltrate also includes water , excess counter ions and other low molecular weight species . this ultrafiltrate is removed from the ultrafilter in line 20 to an ion exchange column 22 containing cation exchange resin to remove iron and other metals from the ultrafiltrate . the resultant filtrate from the ion exchange column is returned to the bath through line 24 . the ion exchange column can be regenerated , for example , by passing a 20 percent by weight solution of aqueous sulfuric acid through the column . waste is removed from the ion exchange column in line 30 . ultrafiltration encompasses all membrane - moderated , pressure - activated separations wherein solvent or solvent and smaller molecules are separated from modest molecular weight macromolecules and colloids . the term &# 34 ; ultrafiltration &# 34 ; is generally broadly limited to describing separations involving solutes of molecular dimensions greater than about ten solvent molecular diameters and below the limit of resolution of the optical microscope that is , about 0 . 5 micron . in the present process , water is considered to be the solvent . the principles of ultrafiltration and filters are discussed in a chapter entitled &# 34 ; ultrafiltration &# 34 ; in the spring , 1968 , volume of advances in separations and purifications , e . s . perry , editor , john wiley & amp ; sons , new york , as well as in chemical engineering progress , vol . 64 , december , 1968 , pages 31 through 43 , which are hereby incorporated by reference . the basic ultrafiltration process is relatively simple . solution to be ultrafiltered is confined under pressure , utilizing , for example , either a compressed gas or liquid pump in a cell , in contact with an appropriate filtration membrane supported on a porous support . any membrane or filter having chemical integrity to the system being separated and having the desired separation characteristic may be employed . preferably , the contents of the cell should be subjected to at least moderate agitation to avoid accumulation of the retained solute on the membrane surface with the attendant binding of the membrane . ultrafiltrate is continually produced and collected until the retained solute concentration in the cell solution reaches the desired level , or the desired amount of solvent plus dissolved low molecular weight solute is removed . a suitable apparatus for conducting ultrafiltration is described in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 495 , 465 which is hereby incorporated by reference . further information concerning the ultrafiltration process is disclosed , for example , in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 663 , 398 and 3 , 663 , 403 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . the electrodeposition bath used in the method of the present invention may contain any of several electrodepositable compositions well known in the art . electrodepositable compositions , while referred to as &# 34 ; solubilized &# 34 ;, in fact are considered a complex solution , dispersion or suspension or combination of one or more of these classes in water which acts as an electrolyte under the influence of an electric current . while , no doubt , in some circumstances the vehicle resin is in solution , it is clear that in most instances the vehicle resin is a dispersion which may be called a molecular dispersion of molecular size between a colloidal suspension and a true solution . the typical industrial electrodepositable composition also contains pigments , crosslinking resins and other adjuvants which are frequently combined with the vehicle resin in a chemical and a physical relationship . for example , the pigments are usually ground in a resin medium and are thus &# 34 ; wetted &# 34 ; with the vehicle resin . as can be readily appreciated then , an electrodepositable composition is complex in terms of the freedom or availability with respect to removal of a component or in terms of the apparent molecular size of a given vehicle component . examples of film - forming resins which can be used as the electrodepositable composition include the reaction products of epoxide group - containing resins and primary and secondary amines such as those described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 663 , 389 ; 3 , 984 , 299 ; 3 , 947 , 338 and 3 , 947 , 339 . usually , the epoxide group - containing resin has a 1 , 2 - epoxy equivalency greater than 1 and preferably is a polyglycidyl ether of a polyhydric phenol such as 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- bis ( hydroxyphenyl ) propane . other examples include polyglycidyl ethers of phenol - formaldehyde condensates of the novolak type and copolymers of glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate . usually these resins are used in combination with blocked polyisocyanate curing agents . the polyisocyanate can be fully blocked as described in the aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 3 , 984 , 299 , or the isocyanate can be partially blocked and reacted with the resin backbone such as described in the aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 3 , 947 , 338 . besides blocked polyisocyanate curing agents , transesterification curing agents such as described in european application no . 12 , 463 can be used . also , cationic electrodeposition compositions prepared from mannich bases such as described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 134 , 932 can be used . one - component compositions as described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 134 , 866 and de - os no . 2 , 707 , 405 can also be used as the film - forming resin . besides the epoxy - amine reaction products , film - forming resins can be selected from amino group - containing acrylic copolymers such as those described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 455 , 806 and 3 , 928 , 156 . in general , any polymerizable monomeric compound containing at least one ch 2 โ c & lt ; group , preferably in the terminal position , may be polymerized with the unsaturated glycidyl compounds . examples of such monomers include monoolefinic and diolefinic hydrocarbons such as styrene , halogenated monoolefinic and diolefinic hydrocarbons such as alpha - chlorostyrene , vinyl chloride , esters of unsaturated organic acids such as butyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate and vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate and unsaturated organic nitriles such as acrylonitrile . in carrying out the polymerization reaction a peroxygen type catalyst such as benzoyl peroxide can be used or an azo compound such as vazo 67 , which is 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- dimethylazobis ( isobutyronitrile ) and is available from e . i . dupont de nemours & amp ; co ., inc . the preferred resins are those which contain primary and / or secondary amino groups . such resins are described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 663 , 389 ; 3 , 947 , 339 and 4 , 116 , 900 . in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 947 , 339 , a polyketimine derivative of a polyamine such as diethylenetriamine or triethylenetetraamine is reacted with an epoxide group - containing resin . when the reaction product is neutralized with acid and dispersed in water , free primary amine groups are generated . also , equivalent products are formed when polyepoxide is reacted with excess polyamines such as diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetraamine and the excess polyamine vacuum stripped from the reaction mixture . such products are described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 663 , 389 and 4 , 116 , 900 . the aqueous cationic compositions of the present invention are in the form of an aqueous dispersion . the term &# 34 ; dispersion &# 34 ; is considered to be a two - phase transparent , translucent or opaque resinous system in which the resin is in the dispersed phase and the water is in the continuous phase . the average particle size of the resinous phase is generally less than 10 and usually less than 5 microns , preferably less than 0 . 5 micron . the concentration of the resinous phase in the aqueous medium is usually at least 1 and usually from about 2 to 60 percent by weight based on weight of the aqueous dispersion . when the compositions of the present invention are in the form of resin concentrates , they generally have a resin solids content of about 20 to 60 percent by weight based on weight of the aqueous dispersion . when the compositions of the present invention are in the form of electrodeposition baths , the resin solids content of the electrodeposition bath is usually within the range of about 5 to 25 percent by weight based on total weight of the aqueous dispersion . besides water , the aqueous medium may contain a coalescing solvent . useful coalescing solvents include hydrocarbons , alcohols , esters , ethers and ketones . the preferred coalescing solvents include alcohols , polyols and ketones . specific coalescing solvents include isopropanol , butanol , 2 - ethylhexanol , isophorone , 4 - methoxy - pentanone , ethylene and propylene glycol and the monoethyl , monobutyl and monohexyl ethers of ethylene glycol . the amount of coalescing solvent is generally between about 0 . 01 and 25 percent and when used , preferably from about 0 . 05 to about 5 percent by weight based on weight of the aqueous medium . in some instances , a pigment composition and if desired various additives such as surfactants , wetting agents , catalysts , film build additives and additives to enhance flow and appearance of the coating such as described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 423 , 166 are included in the dispersion . pigment composition may be of the conventional types comprising , for example , iron oxides , lead oxides , strontium chromate , carbon black , coal dust , titanium dioxide , talc , barium sulfate , as well as color pigments such as cadmium yellow , cadmium red , chromium yellow and the like . the pigment content of the dispersion is usually expressed as a pigment - to - resin ratio . in the practice of the present invention , the pigment - to - resin ratio is usually within the range of 0 . 02 to 1 : 1 . the other additives mentioned above are usually in the dispersion in amounts of about 0 . 01 to 20 percent by weight based on weight of resin solids . when the aqueous dispersions as described above are employed for use in electrodeposition , the aqueous dispersion is placed in contact with an electrically conductive anode and an electrically conductive cathode with the surface to be coated being the cathode . following contact with the aqueous dispersion , an adherent film of the coating composition is deposited on the cathode when a sufficient voltage is impressed between the electrodes . the conditions under which electrodeposition is carried out are , in general , similar to those used in electrodeposition of other types of coatings . the applied voltage may be varied and can be , for example , as low as 1 volt or as high as several thousand volts , but typically between 50 and 500 volts . the current density is usually between 0 . 5 ampere and 5 amperes per square foot and tends to decrease during electrodeposition indicating the formation of an insulating film . the coating compositions of the present invention can be applied to a variety of electroconductive substrates especially metals such as steel , aluminum , copper , magnesium and conductive carbon coated materials . after the coating has been applied by electrodeposition , it is cured usually by baking at elevated temperatures such as 90 ยฐ- 260 ยฐ c . for about 1 to 40 minutes . the method of the present invention is further described in the following examples . an imine of diethylenetriamine and salicylaldehyde was prepared in the following manner . 122 grams ( g ) salicylaldehyde ( 1 . 0 mole ) were added to 51 . 5 g diethylenetriamine ( 0 . 5 mole ) and 400 g methanol . the solution was held at reflux until no carbonyl stretch was evident by ir analysis . the methanol was then stripped off and 152 g crude product were recovered . the amine equivalent weight of the product was determined to be 117 ( theory 104 ). a tank sample of powercron 730 1 which had been contaminated with iron was centrifuged to remove the pigments . after decanting off the insoluble material , the amount of iron in the aqueous phase was determined by atomic absorption to be 75 parts per million ( ppm ). 3800 g of the acrylic paint ( 5 . 1 meq fe ) was placed in a gallon container . 7 . 5 g active - 8 2 and 0 . 6 g hydroquinone ( 6 . 0 meq ) were then added to the paint . after stirring for 65 hours , the paint was ultrafiltered at a rate of 25 - 30 milliliters ( ml )/ minute through a thin channel membrane ( abcor hfm 63 ). the reddish - orange permeate was then passed through an ion exchange column which had previously been prepared as follows : 250 g amberlite irc - 718 3 were poured into a 500 ml column filled with deionized water . a 10 weight percent solution of sulfuric acid was added to the ion exchange resin until the ph of the solution coming out of the column was & lt ; 2 . this was followed by adding enough deionized water to raise the ph of the exiting solution to 6 - 7 . after passing through the ion exchange column the permeate was colorless . the treated permeate was then pumped back into the paint bath . after 3800 g permeate ( 100 percent ultrafiltration ) had passed through the ion exchange column , a paint sample showed that the iron level had been reduced to 40 ppm . the procedure as described in example 1 was followed except that no active - 8 or hydroquinone were added to the paint . after 100 percent ultrafiltration , analysis showed that no iron had been removed from the paint . the procedure as described in example 1 was followed except that 2 . 4 g bipyridine were added in place of active - 8 . after 100 percent ultrafiltration , analysis showed that 39 percent of the iron had been removed from the paint . the procedure as described in example 1 was followed except that 1 . 9 g 2 - pyridinealdoxime were added to the paint instead of active - 8 . after 100 percent ultrafiltration , analysis showed 11 percent of the iron had been removed from the paint . the procedure as described in example 1 was followed except that 5 . 9 g diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid was used instead of active - 8 . after 100 percent ultrafiltration , analysis showed 5 percent of the iron had been removed from the paint . the procedure as described in example 1 was followed except that to 1000 g of powercron 730 acrylic paint at 67 ppm iron , 21 . 8 g of 3 percent by weight aqueous solution of 1 , 10 - phenanthroline was added to the paint . 125 g of amberlite irc - 84 4 in the acid form was used to remove the complexed iron from the permeate . analysis showed 28 percent of the iron was removed from the paint . a test similar to example 6 was conducted except both hydroquinone ( 0 . 12 g ) and 1 , 10 - phenanthroline ( 21 . 8 g of 3 percent by weight aqueous solution ) were used . analysis showed 37 percent iron removal . the procedure as described in example 1 was followed except that 4 . 7 g of the imine of diethylenetriamine and salicylaldehyde prepared in example a was added instead of the active - 8 . after 100 percent ultrafiltration , analysis showed 3 percent of the iron had been removed from the paint . a 1200 g tank sample of powercron 500 5 which had been contaminated with iron at 65 ppm was treated with 2 . 1 meq hydroquinone and 6 . 3 meq of 1 , 10 - phenanthroline as active - 8 . the paint was ultrafiltered and the permeate was passed through an amberlite irc - 84 ion exchange resin in the hydrogen form . after 100 percent ultrafiltration and recycle of the ion exchanged permeate , the iron concentration in the bath was reduced by 33 percent . a tank sample which had 65 ppm soluble iron was treated first with hydroquinone at a 1 : 1 molar ratio to convert iron + 3 to iron + 2 . a solution of 3 percent by weight aqueous solution of 1 , 10 - phenanthroline was added in a molar ratio of 3 : 1 and the bath stirred for two days then ultrafiltered 50 percent with water added back then ultrafiltered another 50 percent . a portion of the permeate was passed through an ion exchange column with amberlite irc - 84 . the ion exchange resin removed the iron phenanthroline complex as is indicated by the & lt ; 1 ppm soluble iron in the permeate after ion exchange ( as determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy ). the permeate and the permeate which had been passed through the ion exchange resin were submitted for x - ray fluorescence analysis in order to determine what metal ions had been removed by the ion exchange column . the results of this analysis follow : ______________________________________element permeate ion exchanged permeate______________________________________sodium present none detectedaluminum present presentsilicon present presentpotassium present none detectedcalcium present none detectediron present none detectedbarium present none detectedlead present none detectedzinc present none detectedcopper present none detectednickel present none detected______________________________________
| 2 |
[ 0024 ] fig1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle with a drive train containing an engine 1 , a clutch 2 , and a transmission 3 . also shown are a differential 4 and driving shafts 5 driving the driven wheels 6 . rpm - sensors ( not shown in the drawing ) can be arranged at the wheels to detect the wheel rpm - rates . the wheel rpm - sensors serve to determine or calculate the input rpm - rate of the transmission . in case of a sensor error or a failure to deliver rpm - signals , the control unit can switch to an emergency mode of operation . the normal mode of operation is characterized by all signals being available and normal . the rpm - sensors can also be functionally related to other electronic units such as , e . g ., an anti - lock braking system ( abs ). based on at least one wheel rpm - rate , a control unit 7 can determine at least a vehicle speed and / or a transmission rpm - rate . the engine 1 can also be configured as a hybrid drive source , e . g ., with an electric motor , a flywheel with a free - wheeling clutch , and a combustion engine . the clutch 2 can be a friction clutch , but examples of possible clutches also include a magnet - powder clutch , a multi - disc clutch , a torque converter with a converter bypass clutch , or some other type of clutch . as a friction clutch , the clutch 2 can also be a wear - compensating self - adjusting clutch . the device for the automated actuation of the transmission 3 includes a control unit 7 and an actuator 8 that works under the direction of the control unit 7 . the control unit 7 can also provide control signals to a clutch actuator 11 to manage the automated actuation of the clutch 2 . the control unit 7 can be configured as an integrated control unit that performs the control or regulation of , e . g ., the clutch and the transmission . furthermore , an electronic module for the engine can also be integrated in the control unit . however , the control of the clutch and the transmission through the actuators 8 , 11 can also be performed by separate actuator units . the control units of the clutch , the transmission , and / or the engine could also be arranged in separate locations and communicate with each other through data - and / or signal lines . furthermore , the control units have signal connections to sensors delivering signals or data that characterize the current operating state . it is also possible that the control unit is supplied with all of the required information through data lines or a data bus such as , e . g ., a can - bus ( central area network bus ). the control unit 7 is equipped with a computer unit to receive , process , store , retrieve and forward incoming signals and systems information . the control unit also generates control quantities and / or control signals that are sent directly to actuators or forwarded to other electronic units . the clutch 2 is mounted on or connected to a flywheel 2 a . the flywheel can be configured as an integral , single - mass flywheel or as a divided flywheel with a primary mass and a secondary mass . in a divided flywheel , a damper device can be arranged to attenuate rotary oscillations . furthermore , the flywheel can carry a starter ring gear 2 b . the clutch has a clutch disc 2 c with friction linings , a pressure plate 2 d , a clutch cover 2 e , and a diaphragm spring 2 f . if the clutch is self - adjusting , it is additionally equipped with self - adjusting means for wear - compensation . the self - adjusting means includes a force sensor or a sensor for linear or angular displacements to detect a condition where the clutch needs adjusting because of wear , and to automatically perform the adjustment when necessary . the clutch is actuated by a release device 9 , e . g ., with a release bearing 10 . the control unit 7 directs the actuator 11 which , in turn , actuates the clutch . the release device can be actuated through an electric motor , through a combination of an electric motor with hydraulic elements , actuated through a pressure medium , or by some other actuating mechanism . the release device 9 with the release bearing 10 can be configured as a concentric slave cylinder that is coaxial to the transmission input shaft and acts , e . g ., against the tongues of the clutch diaphragm spring to engage and disengage the clutch . however , the release device can also be a mechanical device acting on a release bearing or a comparable element . the actuator 8 has one or more output - or actuating elements to actuate the selecting and engaging movements of the transmission 3 . the way in which the selecting and engaging movements are controlled depends on the type of transmission . of particular interest in the present context is the type of transmission in which the gear - selecting movement is performed by a rotary actuation of a central shifter shaft , and the gear - engaging movement by a linear actuation , or vice versa . for example , an actuator may effect an axial movement of the shifter shaft through a first actuating element , and a rotary movement through a second actuating element . as mentioned , the engaging movement can be performed through a rotation , and the selecting movement through an axial position change of the shifter shaft , or vice versa . also of interest in connection with the present invention are transmissions with two actuating shafts , where one of the shafts serves to select a gear , and the other shaft serves to move the selected gear stage into engagement , with both shafts being configured for rotary actuation . further of interest are transmission with shifting rods that are actuated in their axial direction to move a selected gear stage into engagement . the selecting operation is in this case performed by selecting the rod to be actuated . the shifter shafts or shifting rods themselves represent internal shifter elements of the transmission , or they are arranged to act on internal shifter elements . thus , the actuator 8 acts either directly or indirectly on internal shifter elements to actuate the engagement , disengagement , or change of transmission levels . the control unit 7 is connected through a signal line 12 to the actuator 8 , so that control commands and / or sensor signals or operating - state - related signals can be exchanged , forwarded , or called up . further , signal lines 13 and 14 are available , through which the control unit is in signal communication with other sensors or electronic units at least part of the time . such other electronic units may include , e . g ., an electronic engine control device , an anti - lock brake control device , or an electronic anti - slippage regulation device . other sensors may be provided to characterize or detect the operating state of the vehicle in general , such as rpm - sensors for the engine or the wheels , throttle position sensors , gas pedal position sensors , or other sensors . the signal line 15 represents a connection to a data bus such as a can bus , through which system data of the vehicle or of other electronic units are made available , as the electronic units are normally networked through computer units . an automated gear - shift transmission can be shifted from one transmission ratio to another in a driver - initiated mode , e . g ., by giving a command to shift up or down one level by means of a switch , a touch key , or another gear - selecting device 40 . another possibility is a selector device to set the next gear to be engaged . such a selector device could be configured as an electronic shift lever . under a different transmission control program , an automated mode for actuating the transmission may be selected , so that the gear level to be used is selected on the basis of operating parameters and a gear - shifting process is initiated automatically when necessary . an automated transmission can automatically change gears at certain predetermined points by using characteristic values , functions or data arrays , without the need for driver intervention . the transmission can further be set into a neutral position in which there is no torque - transmitting connection between the input side and the output side of the transmission . it is also possible to select a parking position where the transmission is immobilized in a locked condition for parking . the selection of the parking position can also occur automatically , e . g ., when the ignition key is pulled out of the ignition lock , unless the vehicle is in an incompatible state of motion . for example , the parking lock should not be automatically engaged if the ignition key is pulled out while the vehicle is traveling at high speed . to summarize , the selector element such as a shift lever or selector lever 40 can be set to a shifting range m for manual gear selection by the driver , a position d for automatic gear selection , a parking - lock position p , or a neutral position n . it is further possible to initiate manual gear shifts , e . g ., through switches or through a lever . in the case of an automated clutch with a manually shiftable transmission , the shift lever has to be set manually into the positions that are assigned to the different gears . the vehicle is preferably equipped with an electronic gas pedal 23 or another appropriate control element . the electronic gas pedal 23 acts on a sensor 24 . based on the sensor signal , the electronic engine control unit 20 regulates one or more operating variables of the engine , such as the rate of fuel supply , ignition timing , fuel - injection timing , or throttle position . the electronic gas pedal 23 with the sensor 24 is connected through the signal line 25 to the electronic engine control unit 20 . the latter is connected to the control unit 7 through a signal line 22 . furthermore , an electronic transmission control unit 30 can be connected to exchange signals with the control unit 7 and 20 . in connection with the electronic control units , it is practical to use an electric motor to actuate the throttle under the control of the electronic engine control unit . in systems of this kind , it is no longer necessary nor practical to have a direct mechanical connection to the gas pedal . the vehicle is further equipped with an engine - starter device 50 . when the driver operates an engine - start control element such as an ignition key 51 in the ignition lock , the engine - starter device 50 activates the electronic engine control unit and a starter motor to start the engine . the control unit of the automated clutch or the automated transmission is equipped with a signal processor as well as a memory in which data can be saved and subsequently retrieved . [ 0042 ] fig1 further shows a battery for the electric supply of the control unit 7 and / or the actuators 8 , 11 of the clutch 2 and transmission 3 . thus , the storage battery 100 represents the energy source which powers the actuator and which is monitored , by the control unit 7 according to the inventive method . if at any point the energy level is found to be insufficient to keep the actuator operating , the current actuator position is saved in the memory device of the control unit so that it can later be retrieved . the monitoring can take place inside the control unit , since the control unit itself is likewise connected to the battery . without further analysis , the foregoing will so fully reveal the essence of the present invention that others can , by applying current knowledge , readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that , from the standpoint of prior art , fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of our present contribution to the art . therefore , any such adaptation is meant to be included within the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended claims .
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a general procedure for the process of the present invention is shown below : unsubstituted or mono - or di - substituted phenyl , naphthyl , or 5 , 6 or 7 membered heteroaromatic ring containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of : one ring oxygen atom , one ring sulfur atom , 1 - 4 ring nitrogen atoms , or combinations thereof ; in which the heteroaromatic ring can also be fused with one benzo or heteroaromatic ring . when ar is heteroaryl , the heteroaryl ring may be attached within structural formula i or substituted on any carbon atom in the ring which results in the creation of a stable structure . the substituents on the aryl and heteroaryl groups named above are independently selected from : i ) halo ; hydroxy ; cyano ; nitro ; mono -, di - or trihalomethyl ; mono -, di - or trihalomethoxy ; c 2 - 6 alkenyl ; c 3 - 6 cycloalkyl ; formyl ; hydrosulfonyl ; carboxy ; ureido ; ii ) c 1 - 6 alkyl ; hydroxy c 1 - 6 alkyl ; c 1 - 6 alkyloxy ; c 1 - 6 alkyloxy c 1 - 6 alkyl ; c 1 - 6 alkylcarbonyl ; c 1 - 6 alkylsulfonyl ; c 1 - 6 alkylthio ; c 1 - 6 alkylsulfinyl ; c 1 - 6 alkylsulfonamido ; c 1 - 6 alkylarylsulfonamido ; c 1 - 6 alkyloxy - carbonyl ; c 1 - 6 alkyloxycarbonyl c 1 - 6 alkyl ; r b r c n โ c ( o )โ c 1 - 6 alkyl ; c 1 - 6 alkanoylamino c 1 - 6 alkyl ; aroylamino c 1 - 6 alkyl ; wherein the c 1 - 6 alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy ; or trifluoromethyl ; iii ) aryl ; aryloxy ; arylcarbonyl ; arylthio ; arylsulfonyl ; arylsulfinyl ; arylsulfonamido ; aryloxycarbonyl ; wherein the aryl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkyl ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy ; or trifluoromethyl ; iv ) โ c ( o ) nr b r c ; โ o โ c ( o )โ nr b r c ; โ n ( r b )โ c ( o )โ r c ; โ nr b r c ; r b โ c ( o )โ n ( r c )โ; where r b and r c r b and r c are independently h , c 1 - 6 alkyl , aryl , or arylc 1 - 6 alkyl ; wherein the alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy ; or trifluoromethyl ; and the aryl moiety can be substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkyl ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy ; or trifluoromethyl ; and โ n ( r b )โ c ( o ) fig . or g , wherein r g is c 1 - 6 alkyl or aryl , in which the alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy ; or trifluoromethyl , and the aryl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkyl ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy , or trifluoromethyl ; โ n ( r b )โ c ( o ) nr c r d , wherein r d is selected from h , c 1 - 6 alkyl , and aryl ; in which said c 1 - 6 alkyl and aryl is unsubstituted or substituted as described above for r b and r c ; v ) a heterocyclic group , wherein the heterocyclic ring can be fused with a benzo ring , and wherein said heterocyclic ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents , as defined above for i ), ii ), iii ) and iv ), excluding v ) a heterocyclic group . preferably , ar is selected from : unsubstituted or mono - or di - substituted phenyl , naphthyl , pyridyl , furyl , pyrrolyl , thienyl , isothiazolyl , imidazolyl , benzimidazolyl , tetrazolyl , pyrazinyl , pyrimidyl , quinolyl , isoquinolyl , benzofuryl , isobenzofuryl , benzothienyl , pyrazolyl , indolyl , isoindolyl , purinyl , carbazolyl , isoxazolyl , thiazolyl , oxazolyl , benzthiazolyl , and benzoxazolyl . in another embodiment , ar is selected from : unsubstituted or mono - or di - substituted phenyl , naphthyl , pyridyl , pyrrolyl , pyrazinyl , pyrimidyl , and oxazolyl . vi ) halo ; cyano ; nitro ; trihalomethyl ; trihalomethoxy ; c 1 - 6 alkyl ; aryl ; c 1 - 6 alkylsulfonyl ; c 1 - 6 alkyl - arylsulfonamino ; vii ) โ nr b r c ; r b โ c ( o )โ n ( r c )โ; wherein r b and r c are independently h , c 1 - 6 alkyl , aryl , or arylc 1 - 6 alkyl ; wherein the alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy ; or trifluoromethyl ; and the aryl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 - 3 of : halo ; c 1 - 4 alkyl ; c 1 - 4 alkoxy ; or trifluoromethyl ; viii ) a heterocyclic group , which is a 5 membered aromatic ring , containing one ring nitrogen atom , or one ring oxygen and one ring nitrogen atom . the starting material for the process is produced according to the procedures in miller et al ., tetrahedron letters 37 ( 20 ) 3429 - 3432 ( 1996 ) and those in pct publication wo 95 / 32215 , and is generally known and available in the art . addition of methyl magnesium chloride to the 7 - keto - 3 , 16 bis acetate starting material ( 1 ) cleaves the 3 and 16 acetates with concurrent addition to the 7 - ketone to produce ( 2 ). anhydrous cerium trichloride , in the proper needle form , was added to the grignard before addition to the 7 - ketone and improved the yield of the reaction by & gt ; 15 %. the triol ( 2 ) can be carried on to the next step without purification , or it may be isolated . oxidation of the triol ( 2 ) to the dienedione ( 3 ) was carried out under oppenauer conditions with 2 - butanone , aluminum isopropoxide , and triethylamine . concurrent hydrolysis of the aluminum salts and elimination of the 7 - oh occurred upon aging with concentrated hcl . butanone dimers can be removed from the reaction mixture by a water distillation before carrying on to the next step , or the dienedione ( 3 ) may be isolated . a chemo - and stereoselective reduction of the dienone ( 3 ) to the 7 - p methyl enone ( 4 ) was achieved under transfer hydrogenation conditions using 10 % pd / c and cyclohexene as the hydrogen donor . careful front run of the reaction and frequent monitoring ensured little overreduction and a high yield of enone . the oxidative cleavage of the enone ( 4 ) to the seco acid ( 5 ) was carried using sodium periodate and catalytic potassium permangante with sodium carbonate . introduction of the nitrogen atom into the a ring occurs in refluxing acetic acid with ammonium acetate . bht was added as a radical inhibitor to prevent decomposition of enelactam ketone ( 6 ). chemo - and stereoselective reduction of the crude enelactam ketone ( 6 ) was carried out with l - selectride at โ 5 ยฐ c . after an oxidative workup to convert the trialkylboron by - products to boric acid , the enelactam alcohol ( 7 ) is crystallized from acetonitrile . running this reaction under more dilute conditions and reducing the level of toluene improves yield . hydrogenation of the enelactam alcohol ( 7 ) is critical because enelactam left behind does not crystallize away from the nh lactam alcohol ( 8 ) and impacts on the purity of the final product . arylation of the nh lactam alcohol ( 8 ) was carried out using potassium t - butoxide in n - methyl - pyrrolidinone to give ( 9 ). the isomeric purity of the fluoro - substituted aryl reagent is of key concern in this reaction because both the ortho and meta isomers of the fluorotoluene also react to give the corresponding isomeric products . complete iodination in forming ( 10 ) is important since the nh lactam alcohol is not easily removed from the iodide or final bulk drug by recrystallization . the level of nh lactam alcohol in the iodide is typically controlled at less than 0 . 2 wt %. care must be taken to carry out the quench at low temperature ( less than 5 ยฐ c .) in order to avoid reduction of the iodide to the starting material . representative experimental procedures utilizing the novel process are detailed below . these procedures are exemplary only and should not be construed as being limitations on the novel process of this invention . abbreviations : acn is acetonitrile ; bht is 2 , 6 - t - butyl - 4 - methylphenol ; ca is circa ; dbu is ( 1 , 8 - diazabicyclo [ 5 . 4 . 0 ] undec - 7 - ene ; ipa is isopropyl alcohol ; l - selectride ยฎ is lithium tri - sec - butylborohydride ; mek is methyl ethyl ketone ; nmp is 1 - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidinone ; thf is tetrahydrofuran ; tmeda is n , n , n โฒ, n โฒ- tetramethylethylenediamine ; tmsc1 is chlorotrimethylsilane . cerium chloride ( 3 . 96 kg ) was charged as a solid to the reaction vessel . thf ( 35 kg ) was charged using vacuum , then water ( 20 ml ) was added via the charge port and the mixture aged at 35 ยฐ c . for 1 hr . a sample was taken and examined by microscopy to ensure that conversion to the required crystal form had occurred . ( amorphous cerium chloride stirred in thf converts to a fine rod - like crystalline form . this crystalline form is necessary to obtain the stereo - selectivity in the grignard reaction . previous experience had shown that the water content of the thf / cerium chloride should be less than 1000 ppm in order to get the required crystal form . wetter slurries were found to irreversibly form another crystal form that did not exhibit the same specificity in the grignard reaction . however , the thf used in this instance was extremely dry (& lt ; 50 ppm ) and stirring the amorphous cerium chloride in it did not produce the required conversion and the solid remained amorphous . it was demonstrated that a small amount of water is necessary for the conversion to take place , and water was added to the batch to give a total water content of ca 500 ppm .) after cooling the batch to 25 ยฐ c ., 3m methyl magnesium chloride in thf ( 80 . 46 kg ) was added to the vessel . the mixture was cooled to 0 - 5 ยฐ c . and aged for 30 minutes . the 7 - ketone starting material ( 1 ) ( 9 . 2 kg ) was slurried in thf ( 50 l ) and added to the grignard reagent slurry over 75 minutes , maintaining a temperature of & lt ; 20 ยฐ c . the batch was sampled and reaction completion confirmed by hplc : & lt ; 0 . 1a % ( 1 ) detected . the grignard reaction mixture was slowly added to a quenching solution formed by the addition of toluene ( 70 kg ) to a solution of water ( 146 l ) and solid citric acid ( 43 . 9 kg ). care was made to maintain the temperature at & lt ; 20 ยฐ c . the reaction vessel and transfer lines were rinsed with thf ( 10 kg ). the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes then settled for 30 minutes . both phases were cut to drums and the aqueous layer returned to was back extracted with 39 kg of ethyl acetate ( agitated for 10 mins , settled for 30 mins ). the aqueous layer was cut to waste drums and the thf batch layer was combined with the ethyl acetate layer . 20 % sodium carbonate solution ( 49 . 2 kg ) was added to the stirred solution over 15 minutes then the mixture settled for 30 minutes and the aqueous phase cut to waste . the batch layer was washed with 51 . 5 kg of 20 % sodium chloride solution ( agitated for 10 mins , settled for 30 minutes ) and the aqueous phase cut to waste . triethylamine ( 4 . 8 kg ) was added and the solution concentrated in vacuo to ca 100 l . toluene was added and distillation continued , until the level of thf / ethyl acetate had dropped to & lt ; 0 . 5vol % by gc . the final volume was made up to 275 l , with toluene and the slurry held was used in example 2 . 30 % a to 80 % a in 25 min ; hold for 5 min to a slurry of triol in toluene ( 7 . 59 kg in 275 l ) was added triethylamine ( 3 . 8 kg ) and aluminium isopropoxide ( 10 kg ) followed by 2 - butanone ( 100 kg ). the mixture was heated at reflux for 6 hrs , cooled slightly , a sample was taken , and reaction completion confirmed by hplc (& lt ; 5a % 16 - oh &# 39 ; s dienone relative to 16 - keto - diene - dione ). the batch was cooled to 20 ยฐ c ., then allowed to stand overnight . a mixture of water ( 62 . 5 l ) and 12n hydrochloric acid ( 73 . 7 kg ) was transferred to the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was heated to 58 - 60 ยฐ c . and aged for 4 hrs . a sample was taken and the disappearance of 7 - oh enone intermediate confirmed by hplc . the batch was cooled to 20 ยฐ c ., allowed to settle for 15 mins and the aqueous phase cut to waste . 2 . 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution ( 100 l ) was added to the toluene layer , stirred for 15 mins , settled for 30 mins and the aqueous phase cut to waste . this procedure was repeated with 100 l of water . the organic phases from the two batches prepared as described above were combined and concentrated in vacuo to a volume of 100 l . water was fed in under vacuum then distillation continued at atmospheric pressure until the level of 2 - butanone dimers in the batch had dropped to & lt ; 3a % relative to diene - dione ; a total of 70 l of water was distilled . toluene ( 100 l ) was added to the residue , the mixture agitated for 5 mins then settled for 15 mins . the organic layer was saved . the aqueous phase returned was extracted with toluene ( 40 l ). the organic layers were combined and concentrated in vacuo to a final volume of ca 60 l . the solution was held for example 3 . 30 % a to 80 % a in 25 min ; hold for 5 min diene - dione ( 3 ) ( 12 . 9 kg ) was converted to enone ( 4 ) ( 11 . 69 assay kg , 90 . 0 % yield ) in one batch . the enone was not isolated but carried through for use in example 4 as a solution in t - butanol . to the reaction vessel was added 10 % pd / c ( 5 . 32 kg , 51 . 5 % water wet ), followed by the toluene solution of diene - dione obtained as a product of example 2 , ( 12 . 9 kg in 70 l ), ethanol ( 38 . 1 l ), and cyclohexene ( 64 . 9 l ). the mixture was agitated and dbu ( 1 . 28 kg ) was added . a sample was taken and the mixture warmed to reflux . the reaction was sampled periodically and heating continued ( 6 hrs ) until the diene - dione level , measured by hplc fell below 1 . 0 mg / ml . ( as benzene is produced as a by - product of the reaction , care was taken to use local extraction when sampling .) after cooling to 25 ยฐ c ., the batch was filtered through a 45 cm plate filter set with a polypropylene cloth , card , and solka floc diatomaceous earth ( 1 . 5 kg ). the filter became blocked after about 50 % of the slurry had passed through and had to be dismantled and reset . the vessel , lines and filter pad were rinsed with toluene ( 20 l ) and the combined filtrates allowed to stand overnight . 1n hydrochloric acid ( 44 l ) was added to the filtrate . the mixture was agitated for 5 mins , settled for 15 mins and the lower aqueous phase cut to waste . this wash procedure was repeated with 5 % sodium chloride solution ( 42 l ). the organic phase was concentrated in vacuo to ca 50 l then transferred to a reaction vessel via a 0 . 5 m cotton cartridge filter and distillation continued to ca 22 l . the solvent was switched to t - butanol . t - butanol ( total of 144 kg ) was charged and distilled in vacuo ( 30 l distilled ) until the required removal of the previous solvents was achieved ( toluene & lt ; 15 mg / ml , cyclohexene , 0 . 05 mg / ml ). the batch ( 11 . 69 kg of enone in 136 . 2 kg of solution ) was held for further reaction in example 4 . ( because t - butanol freezes at 26 ยฐ c ., all drums of pure solvent and batch solutions were stored on a heating pad to maintain a temperature of ca 40 ยฐ c .) 30 % a to 80 % a in 25 min ; hold for 5 min enone ( 4 ) ( 11 . 69 assay kg ) was converted to seco acid ( 10 . 3 assay kg ) in 83 % yield in two batches . the product was not isolated but held as a solution in ethyl acetate for example 5 . the oxidizing solution was made up first . water ( 150 l ), sodium periodate ( 25 . 54 kg ) and potassium permanganate ( 0 . 47 kg ) were added to the reaction vessel and the mixture warmed to 65 ยฐ c . until all the solids had dissolved ( ca 30 minutes ). a solution of enone ( 4 ) ( 5 . 9 kg ) in t - butanol ( 70 kg ) was added to a second reaction vessel and rinsed in with t - butanol ( 16 kg ). a solution of sodium carbonate ( 2 . 10 kg ) in water ( 80 l ) was added to the enone solution and stirred at 55 ยฐ c . the oxidant was added over 1 hr , maintaining the temperature at 60 ยฐ c . the batch was aged at 60 ยฐ c . for 30 mins then sampled and assayed for starting material ( 0 . 07 mg / ml , 99 % complete ), and then heated at 80 ยฐ c . for 30 mins to decompose excess oxidant . the resulting brown slurry was cooled to 12 - 15 ยฐ c ., aged for 15 mins then filtered through a 65 cm filter fitted with a polypropylene cloth . the vessel and filter pad were rinsed with aqueous t - butanol ( water 70 l , t - butanol 35 l ). the filter removed the bulk of the inorganic solids but some fine brown material passed through . the liquors were returned to the reaction vessel via a 0 . 5 m cotton cartridge filter , then the ph of the solution was measured at 9 . the cartridge filter became blocked with the fine brown inorganic solid and required changing several times during the transfer . if the ph had been & lt ; 9 , it would have been adjusted by addition of sodium carbonate solution . hexane ( 30 kg ) was added . the mixture was agitated for 15 minutes , settled for 15 mins then the aqueous layer cut to drums and the hexane layer cut to waste . the aqueous phase was returned to the reaction vessel together with ethyl acetate ( 41 kg ), then the ph of the batch adjusted to 1 - 2 by addition of 12n hydrochloric acid solution , maintaining the temperature at 15 - 20 ยฐ c . the mixture was stirred for 15 mins , settled for 30 mins and both phases cut to plastic lined drums . the aqueous phase was returned to the vessel and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 26 kg ). this extraction was repeated , and then all the organic phases combined in the reaction vessel , and washed with 10 % brine solution ( 27 l ). the aqueous phase was cut to waste and the organic phase drummed and assayed . 30 % a to 80 % a in 25 min ; hold for 7 min seco - acid ( 9 . 8 kg ) was converted to ene lactam ketone ( 9 . 07 kg ) in a single batch . the product was not isolated , but instead carried through to example 6 as a toluene solution . a solution of seco - acid ( 10 . 3 kg ) in ethyl acetate ( 282 kg ) was added to a reaction vessel and concentrated in vacuo to a minimum stirred volume of ca 35 l . the solvent was then switched to acetic acid in vacuo . a total of 80 kg of acetic acid was added , and 60 l distilled to achieve an ethyl acetate concentration of & lt ; lmg / ml in a final volume of 76 l ( seco - acid concentration : 124 . 9 g / l ). a portion of this solution ( 4 l , containing 500 g of seco - acid ) was removed for other studies . the remaining solution ( 9 . 8 kg in 72 l ) was diluted with acetic acid to a total volume of 150 l , then bht ( 0 . 1 kg ) and ammonium acetate ( 23 . 7 kg ) were added via the charge port and the mixture warmed to reflux . acetic acid ( 60 l ) was distilled and then reflux continued for a total of 5 hrs . the progress of the reaction was monitored by hplc and the reaction was considered complete when the concentration of seco - acid fell to & lt ; 0 . 5 mg / ml . the batch was cooled to 20 ยฐ c ., then toluene ( 100 l ) and water ( 100 l ) added , the solution stirred for 20 mins , settled for 20 mins and both phases cut to plastic lined drums . the aqueous phase was returned to the reaction vessel and extracted with toluene ( 50 l ). the organic phases were combined , washed with 5 % aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 50 l ) and assayed ( total volume 160 l , 56 . 7 g / l for 98 . 5 % yield ). the solution was concentrated in vacuo to give a thick slurry ( 37 l ) of ene - lactam ketone . 30 % a to 80 % a in 20 min ; hold for 15 min the slurry of ene - lactam ketone ( 9 . 07 kg ) in toluene ( 35 l ) in the reaction vessel was diluted with thf ( 89 kg ) and cooled to โ 5 ยฐ c . l - selectride ( 34 . 5 kg of 1m solution ) was added to the slurry over 1 hr , maintaining the temperature between โ 5 ยฐ c . and 0 ยฐ c . the batch was aged at 0 ยฐ c . for 20 mins then sampled . hplc analysis showed that 11 . 7 mol % still remained . further l - selectride ( 3 . 4 kg ) was added then aged for 40 minutes at 0 ยฐ c . and sampled . hplc analysis showed that 9 . 9 mol % still remained . the reaction was quenched by addition of 20 % aqueous sodium hydroxide solution ( 37 . 4 kg ), maintaining the temperature at & lt ; 20 ยฐ c ., followed by 27 % hydrogen peroxide ( 19 . 8 kg ) at & lt ; 30 ยฐ c . the mixture was stirred at 15 - 20 ยฐ c . for 1 hr then excess peroxide confirmed using a merckoquant test strip ( e . merck ). the nitrogen purge rate was increased to 15 l / min during the hydrogen peroxide addition . 10 % aqueous sodium sulfite solution ( 129 kg ) was added , and the batch aged for 15 mins . the absence of peroxide was confirmed , and then the batch was settled for 15 mins and the aqueous phase cut to waste . 10 % aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 58 kg ) was added , the mixture agitated for 5 mins , settled for 15 mins and the aqueous phase cut to waste . the brine wash was repeated . the organic phase ( 128 . 3 kg ) was transferred to another reaction vessel via a 0 . 5 m cotton cartridge filter . the batch was concentrated to ca 40 l at atmospheric pressure then the solvent was switched to acetonitrile . a total of 200 kg of acetonitrile was charged and the mixture distilled to a final volume of 65 l . a sample was taken and toluene level ( spec - 200 mg / ml , measured - 0 . 7 mg / ml ) and kf ( spec - 400 mg / l , measured - 73 mg / l ) measured . the batch was allowed to cool to room temperature slowly overnight with gentle agitation , and then cooled to 5 ยฐ c . over 1 hr and aged for 30 minutes . the solid was collected on a 33 cm stainless steel filter , washed with acetonitrile , then dried at ambient temperature in vacuo overnight . the dry solid was bagged . 30 % a to 80 % a in 20 min ; hold for 15 min ene - lactam alcohol ( 750 g ) was dissolved in a mixture of ipa ( 10 l ) and water ( 1 . 6 l ) by warming to 30 - 40 ยฐ c . in a 20 l flask . bht ( 3 g ) and 50 % wet 10 % pd / c ( 375 g ) was added and the mixture charged using vacuum via the dip - leg to a 20 l autoclave , and then rinsed in with ipa ( 1 l ). the slurry was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen ( 60 psig ) at 50 ยฐ c . for 6 hours then at 68 ยฐ c . for 16 hrs . the batch was sampled via the dip - leg and checked for completion by hplc ( spec & lt ; 0 . 05a % starting material ). if the end point had not been reached , stirring under hydrogen was continued . the hydrogenation was carried out at 50 ยฐ c . for the first few half - lives and then warmed to 68 ยฐ c . meeting the end of reaction specification is important as ene - lactam alcohol is carried through to the final product . the batch was cooled to 30 - 40 ยฐ c ., flushed with nitrogen several times , then transferred from the autoclave and filtered through solka floc ( 1 kg ). the autoclave and filter pad were washed with 1 : 10 water / ipa ( 2 l ), and the combined filtrates stored . the procedure above was repeated 10 times and the 10 batches of filtrate were combined and concentrated at atmospheric pressure to a volume of ca 25 l . after cooling to room temperature , water ( 42 l ) was added over 45 minutes and the batch cooled to 5 ยฐ c . and aged for 1 hr . the solid was collected on a 33 cm filter fitted with a polypropylene cloth and then washed with 4 : 1 water / ipa ( 10 l ). the damp solid was transferred to trays and dried in vacuo at 35 ยฐ c . overnight to give the lactam alcohol ( 8 ). to the lactam - alcohol ( 8 )( 3 . 1 kg ) in nmp ( 46 . 5 l ) at 20 ยฐ c . was added kotbu ( 4 . 74 kg ). the mixture was aged at 200c for 20 min . 4 - fluorotoluene ( 2 . 21 kg ) was added in one portion . the slurry was heated to 140 ยฐ c . until less than 0 . 5a % starting material remained by hplc analysis . the reaction mixture was cooled to 20 ยฐ c . and water ( 46 . 5 l ) was added over lh maintaining temperature 20 - 30 ยฐ c . the slurry was stirred at 20 ยฐ c . for 1 h . the slurry was filtered , washed with water ( 10 l ) and dried using nitrogen stream overnight . to a solution of arylated nh lactam ( 9 ) ( 3 . 3 kg ) in thf ( 66 l ) at โ 5 ยฐ c . was added tmeda ( 3 . 76 l ) and tmscl ( 2 . 64 l ). the white slurry was stirred at โ 5 ยฐ c . for 15 minutes . iodine ( 4 . 24 kg ) was added to the slurry in three portions over 20 min . the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 ยฐ c . for 3h until lactam sm was less than 0 . 1a % vs product ( 200 nm ). the reaction mixture was cooled to โ 10 ยฐ c . and a cold ( 50c ) freshly prepared solution of sodium sulfite in water ( 1 . 65 kg in 33 l ) was added to the reaction mixture over 20 min maintaining the quench temperature & lt ; 5 ยฐ c . a color change to pale yellow from dark brown was observed . the mixture was seeded with iodide ( 10 gm ) and water ( 66 l ) added over 1 h at 5 ยฐ c . the resultant slurry was aged at 5 ยฐ c . for 1 h . the slurry was filtered , washed with water ( 33 l ) and dried in a nitrogen stream on the filter finnel overnight to yield pure ( 10 ). to a solution of potassium t - butoxide ( 6 . 8 kg ) in dry dmf ( 19 . 8 l ) at โ 15 ยฐ c . under a nitrogen atmosphere was added a slurry of iodo - lactam ( 3 . 95 kg ) in dry thf ( 19 . 8 l ) over approx 1 h . thf ( 1 l ) was used as vessel and line rinse . the reaction temperature was maintained & lt ;โ 15 to - 10 ยฐ c . during addition . after a 15 min age a sample was taken for analysis by hplc . water ( 45 l ) was added over 20 min maintaining the temperature & lt ; 10 ยฐ c . the resultant slurry was aged at 5 ยฐ c . for 2 h . the slurry was filtered and washed with water ( 15 l ). the cake was dried in air to & lt ; 15 wt % water . the wet cake was dissolved in thf ( 30 l ) at room temperature and filtered through a 5 micron in - line filter into a 50 l vessel . the glassware and line were washed with thf ( 1 l ). the filtrates were concentrated at reduced pressure to about 10 l . n - butyl acetate ( 20 l ) was added and concentration continued at atmospheric pressure to a final volume of about 10 l . the hot ( 120 ยฐ c .) solution was cooled to 80 ยฐ c . and seeded with product ( 11 ) ( 2 gm ). the resultant slurry was aged at 80 ยฐ c . for 30 min then cooled to โ 5 ยฐ c . over 2 h . the slurry was filtered and the cake washed with cold n - butyl acetate ( 1 l ) and dried in a nitrogen stream overnight . according to the procedures outlined in examples 1 - 10 , the following compounds of structural formula below are prepared while the foregoing specification teaches the principles of the present invention , with examples provided for the purpose of illustration , it will be understood that the practice of the invention encompasses all of the usual variations , adaptations , and modifications , as come within the scope of the following claims and its equivalents .
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a lock shown in fig1 has a rotary latch 1 . 1 which acts against a rotary - latch spring 1 . 2 . the rotary latch 1 . 1 is held in the locked position shown in this figure by a pawl 1 . 3 which acts against a pawl spring 1 . 4 . the u - shaped rotary latch 1 . 1 by its two arms surrounds a locking wedge 1 . 5 and thus , in known manner , holds a car door for instance in its closed position . the above - indicated parts as well as the following parts are mounted on a lock plate 1 . 6 , in which connection this lock plate 1 . 6 can also represent a housing which can be easily , simply and in space - saving manner mounted , for instance , within the door of the motor vehicle . the setting device is developed as an electric motor 1 . 7 on the output shaft of which there is a pinion 1 . 8 which can mesh with a toothed segment which then acts on the pawl 1 . 3 . in fig1 a , on the other hand , it is shown that a toothed segment 1 . 9 acting on the pawl 1 . 3 is connected via the toothed segment 1 . 10 to the pinion 1 . 8 . in this case , the pinion 1 . 8 meshes with a large gear wheel 1 . 10 a of the toothed segment 1 . 10 to the pinion 1 . 8 , the toothed segment 1 . 10 having , on the same shaft , a smaller gear wheel 1 . 10 b which meshes with the toothed segment 1 . 9 . in this way , the bi - directional movement of the electric motor 1 . 7 is converted and stepped - down so as to actuate the pawl 1 . 3 . for the detection of the position of the rotary latch 1 . 1 , a rotary - latch switch 1 . 11 is provided which , is actuated by a projection 12 on the rotary latch 1 . 1 when the latter has reached its open position , as shown in fig1 b . as further components , the lock 1 has stops 1 . 12 and 1 . 13 which limit the end positions of the toothed segment 1 . 9 . in the event that the toothed segment 1 . 9 strikes against one of the stops 1 . 12 or 1 . 13 , and the electric motor 1 . 7 is also connected , a slip clutch ( not shown ) can be provided at a suitable point between the electric motor 1 . 7 and the toothed segment 1 . 9 prevents overload and thus damage to or destruction of the elector motor 1 . 7 . in the embodiment shown in fig1 a , the pawl 1 . 3 and the toothed segment 1 . 9 are rotatable independently of each other around a pivot point 1 . 14 so that a driver 1 . 15 is associated with the toothed segment 1 . 9 , it striking , upon actuation of the electric motor 1 . 7 , against an arm 13 of the pawl 1 . 3 , carrying the latter along with it , thus releasing the rotary latch 1 . 1 . the rotary latch 1 . 1 , upon its release , moves automatically into the open position since the rotary latch spring 1 . 2 is arranged between two stops 1 . 16 and 1 . 17 . in the same manner , the locking pawl 1 . 3 is spring - loaded by the pawl spring 1 . 4 , the pawl spring resting on the one hand against the arm 13 of the pawl 1 . 3 and , on the other hand , against a stop 1 . 18 . in this way , upon actuation of the pawl 1 . 3 , the rotary latch 1 . 1 is directly released . furthermore , the rotary latch 1 . 1 has a shoulder 1 . 19 in which the pawl 1 . 3 can , but need not , initially engage in a first stroke position of the door , and then , after further movement by the electric motor 1 . 7 , releases the rotary latch 1 . 1 in its open position , ( second position of the door shown in fig1 b , whereby a two - stroke release position 1 . 20 of the vehicle door is made possible . fig2 shows a control device 10 by which the electric motor 1 . 7 ( fig1 a - 1b ) is controlled as a function of opening and closing commands . with the control device 10 there is associated at least one manipulator 10 . 1 which has a handle 10 . 2 as well as a switch 10 . 3 ( both shown diagrammatically ) which are arranged for instance in each case on the inside and outside of the motor vehicle door . the switch 10 . 3 is connected via a signal line 10 . 4 with the control device 10 , in which connection , in the event of more than one car door , several manipulators 10 . 1 can also be present . furthermore , the control device 10 is connected with a setting device 10 . 5 ( in particular , the electric motor 1 . 7 ), the control device 10 receiving information as to the position of the rotary latch 1 . 1 via a sensor 10 . 6 ( comprising the rotary - latch switch 1 . 11 ). furthermore , the control device 10 has , associated with it , an input device 10 . 7 ( for instance a switch for the activating and deactivating of a child - proof device ) as well as a receiver 10 . 8 , in which connection opening and closing commands can be transmitted via a transmitter 10 . 9 to the receiver 10 . 8 . furthermore , the control device 10 has , associated with it , an electric current supply 10 . 10 , an indicating device 10 . 11 ( for the status indication ), as well as another input device 10 . 12 ( for special functions , as will be explained further below ). in addition , the control device 10 can be provided with an interface 10 . 13 via which given functions can be established via which further information with regard to the status of the vehicle can be transmitted to the control device 10 . an emergency current supply 10 . 14 and a voltage monitor 10 . 15 , which for instance activates the emergency current supply 10 . 14 when a predetermined voltage threshold is dropped below , are integrated in the control device 10 . both of the components 10 . 14 and 10 . 15 can be present , but need not be . by the reference numeral 10 . 16 there is indicated an input and output control as well as a control - and - memory - logic , with which , for instance , stored in a program , the functions of the control device are carried out . first of all , let us assume that the switch 10 . 3 ( and possibly also the other switches ) are deactivated so that actuation of the manipulator 10 . 1 does not produce any movement of the setting device 10 . 5 . this means that the car doors are closed , and thus an anti - theft device is connected . if the driver of the vehicle , for instance , desires the opening of at least one door or the actuation of the entire central locking system , he actuates the transmitter 10 . 9 or , for instance , also the other input device 10 . 12 , it being so developed that it can be actuated only under certain conditions with which the driver is , for instance , acquainted . this can , for instance , be the entering of a numerical code . after this entry of actuating of the transmitter 10 . 9 , the switch or switches 10 . 3 are switched into active position so that then , after actuation of the handle 10 . 2 , the setting device 10 . 5 is actuated , i . e . the electric motor 1 . 7 is connected until the rotary latch 1 . 1 is released into its open position by the pawl 1 . 3 ( or until the pawl 1 . 3 comes against the shoulder 1 . 9 which can be recognized by another sensor ). when the rotary latch 1 . 1 ( fig1 a - 1b ) has reached its open position , this is recognized by the sensor 10 . 6 ( rotary - latch switch 1 . 11 ), and the control device 10 . 5 is disconnected . after the recognition of the open position , a reversal in direction of rotation of the electric motor 1 . 7 advantageously takes place so that the toothed segment moves back into the position shown in fig1 a and the pawl 1 . 3 is pressed by the pawl spring 1 . 4 against the rotary latch 1 . 1 . thereby , when the door is closed , that is the locking wedge 1 . 5 is pressed into the rotary latch 1 . 1 , the spring - loaded pawl 1 . 3 holds the rotary latch 1 . 1 after a โ snapping โ into its locking position . as an alternative , it is conceivable also to provide a sensor for detecting the position of the locking wedge 1 . 5 , so that , when it has reached a position such as shown substantially in fig1 a , the pawl 1 . 3 is moved into the locking position via the toothed segments 1 . 9 and 1 . 10 . for this purpose , in the embodiment shown , the pawl 1 . 3 would be connected firmly to the toothed segment 1 . 9 . based on the construction shown in fig1 a and 1b , constructions in accordance with the invention are shown in fig3 a to 5 f and described below . this applies in the event that , for instance , the manufacturer of a motor vehicle desires mechanical redundance and / or this is required on basis of provisions of the law . fig3 a - 3f show the lock 1 which , in addition to the components already shown and described , which may possibly be modified in an easily recognizable manner , has an outer lever 2 which is connected to a door outside handle or else to a lock cylinder arranged in the outside region of the vehicle . the outer lever 2 has a nose 2 . 1 which can be operatively connected with the lever arm 1 . 22 of the pawl 1 . 3 . via a rod 2 . 2 or other transmission elements , the outer lever 2 is connected with the door outside handle or the closure cylinder and carries out substantially a linear movement in a direction of movement 2 . 3 . if the outer lever 2 is actuated , the pawl 1 . 3 is thereby moved from its locking position into the opening position , so that the door opens . furthermore , an inner lever 3 , connected for instance with a door inside handle , is integrated in the lock 1 . the inner lever 3 also has a nose 3 . 1 which can be operatively connected with the lever arm 1 . 22 . the inner lever 3 is displaceable linearly on a resting part , not further designated in this figure , such part being urged via a spring 3 . 2 and being swingable around a pivot point , also not further designated . the inner lever 3 has a slot 3 . 3 which receives the end of a core 3 . 6 , pre - tensioned by a spring 3 . 5 , in a bowden cable 3 . 4 . for the detecting and evaluating of the movement of the inner lever 3 there is provided an inner lever switch 3 . 7 which is actuated when the inner lever 3 is moved in a direction of movement 3 . 8 . as shown in fig3 b with respect to fig3 a , the inner lever 3 carries out a coupling moment 3 . 9 when the inner lever 3 is released from the nose 1 . 21 of the toothed segment 1 . 9 . in fig3 a , neither the outer lever 2 nor the inner lever 3 is operatively connected with the lever arm 1 . 22 , so that the lock cannot be opened either by the door inside handle or by the door outside handle . therefore , this corresponds to an anti - theft position . fig3 b shows a preparatory position , in which the pawl 1 . 3 can be brought into an open position on the basis of an opening command by the motor 1 . 7 , which position is then shown in fig3 c . fig3 d shows a position of the toothed segment 1 . 9 in which the lock 1 can be opened by actuation of the outer lever 2 , while the inner lever 3 is brought out of engagement with the lever arm 1 . 22 . fig3 e shows the case that the outer lever 2 has been actuated , as a result of which its nose 2 . 1 comes to rest against the lever arm 1 . 22 , swings the arm around the pivot point 1 . 14 and thus releases the rotary latch 1 . 1 . this opens the door . fig3 f shows the case that the door is opened by means of the inner lever 3 , its nose 3 . 1 resting against the lever arm 1 . 22 and turning the pawl 1 . 3 into its open position . in fig4 a - 4e , there is shown a further embodiment of a transmission device in accordance with the invention . in this case also there is again provided the inner lever 3 which , in the normal case , is brought out of engagement with the lever arm 1 . 22 of the pawl 1 . 3 and , in the event of a malfunction , can be operatively connected with it so that the door can be opened via the door inside handle and / or the door outside handle . in addition , a further bowden cable 3 . 10 is shown which also has a core 3 . 12 which is pre - tensioned by a spring 3 . 11 . in this case , the outer lever 2 is actuated via a closure cylinder while the inner lever 3 is connected with the door inside handle or door outside handle by the bowden cables 3 . 4 and 3 . 10 or their cores 3 . 6 and 3 . 12 respectively . in order that , upon actuation of the door inside handle or door outside handle , movement of the handles can take place independently of each other . a slide block 3 . 13 is provided which receives the ends of the cores 3 . 6 and 3 . 12 which are displaceable linearly , independently of each other , within this slide block . around the pivot point 1 . 14 there is rotatably arranged an additional coupling element 1 . 41 which has a projection ( nose ) 1 . 42 . the coupling element 1 . 41 is movable up to a stop 1 . 43 . the inner lever 3 is mounted for displacement on a resting part 3 . 14 , which is also swingable . at its upper end , the resting part 3 . 14 has , at its upper end , a pot 3 . 15 which contains a spring 3 . 16 which is pretensioned in the normal case . the resting part 3 . 14 is provided with a triangular recess 3 . 17 into which the projection 1 . 42 extends and is thus fixed in place . in the normal case , the rotary latch 1 . 1 is locked or released by the pawl 1 . 3 . in these cases , the inner lever 3 is brought out of engagement with the pawl 1 . 3 by the interaction between the projection 1 . 42 and the triangular recess 3 . 17 , so that the pawl is without action . if a malfunction occurs , which is recognized in suitable manner by the control device 10 , the coupling element 1 . 41 is swung by the toothed segment 1 . 9 , which then strikes against a stop 1 . 44 on the coupling element 1 . 41 , into the position shown in fig4 c , so that the projection 1 . 42 is moved out of the triangular recess 3 . 17 . in this way , the inner lever 3 , together with its resting part 3 . 14 , is brought in the direction of the pawl 1 . 3 so that the nose 3 . 1 of the inner lever 3 can be brought into operative connection with the lever arm 1 . 22 . thereby , in the event of this malfunction , the door can be opened by the door outside handle ( fig4 d ) or the door inside handle ( fig4 e ). the arrangement or the geometrical development of the projection 1 . 42 and of the triangular recess 3 . 17 are in this connection so selected that after the recognition of a malfunction and the corresponding swinging of the coupling element 1 . 41 ( fig4 c ), the position for the normal case ( fig4 a or 4 b ) can again be established . a return into the normal position can , for instance , be effected by a spring which acts on the coupling element 1 . 44 . fig5 a - 5f show another embodiment in which a further electric motor 1 . 25 is provided which bears a pinion 1 . 26 on its output shaft . the electric motor 1 . 25 is connected to the control device 10 and actuated by it . around the pivot point 1 . 14 there is arranged another swing lever 1 . 27 having a toothed segment 1 . 28 which has an arm 1 . 29 . the toothed segment 1 . 28 meshes with the pinion 1 . 26 . stops 1 . 30 and 1 . 31 are provided in order to limit the movement of the arm 1 . 29 . fig5 a shows the position that the inner lever 3 is brought out of engagement with the lever arm 1 . 22 by the arm 1 . 29 which again corresponds to an anti - theft position . in fig5 b , the electric motor 1 . 25 has been controlled in such a manner that the inner lever 3 can be brought into operative connection with the lever arm 1 . 22 , but this has not yet been done . fig5 c shows , again in another view , the anti - theft position , while fig5 d shows that the pawl 1 . 3 has been moved by the electric motor 1 . 7 into its open position . the inner lever 3 is again connected via the cores 3 . 6 and 3 . 12 with the door inside handle or door outside handle , in which connection , here also , the slide block 3 . 13 is used . an emergency unlocking by actuation of the inner lever 3 which has been released by actuation of the door inside handle or door outside handle is shown in fig5 e and 5f . in this connection , again , the inner lever 3 is moved downward , its nose 3 . 1 being brought against the lever arm 1 . 22 and thus moving the pawl 1 . 3 into its open position . fig6 is a cross section of the lock along the dashed line shown in fig1 a .
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under the background stated above , the present invention have carried out an intensive investigation for the purpose of developing an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of peptic ulcer by using several experimental ulcer models which are widely accepted . the anti - ulcer effect of drugs can be subjectively estimated thereby , and the therapeutic effect of the drug estimated in the studies that employed these models correlates well with clinical efficacy of the drugs . as a result , the present inventors have found that mo - 8282 and its salt possess significant therapeutic effects on peptic ulcer . mo - 8282 , which relates to the present invention and has the formula ( i ), ## str1 ## is a known compound , which has anti - depressive activity , and can be synthesized according to the method of van der burg ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 002 , 632 ) briefly , 3 -( 2 - benzylphenyl )- 5 - carboethoxy - 1 - methyl - piperidon - 4 was mixed with 5 n hydrochloric acid and allowed to react . the reaction mixture was sequentially extracted with benzene , hydrochloric acid and then with ether to obtain a mixture of 3 -( 2 - benzylphenyl )- 1 - methyl - piperidon - 4 and 2 - n - methyl - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - 9h - dibenzo -[ a , e ]- pyridino [ 3 , 4 - c ]- cyclo - heptariene ( mo - 8282 ). polyphosphoric acid was added to this mixture and the mixture was allowed to complete reaction . mo - 8282 thus obtained has a molecular weight of 261 . 5 , is colorless plate - like crystals with a melting point of 138 . 5 ยฐ- 139 . 5 ยฐ c ., and is soluble in ether , ethyl acetate , n - hexane and chloroform and insoluble in ethanol . mo - 8282 can be converted into a pharmacologically acceptable salt using appropriate acids . for example , the following acids may be used : inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acids , sulfuric acid , nitric acid or phosphoric acid , and organic acids such as acetic acid , maleic acid , lactic acid , tartaric acid , formic acid or oxalic acid . most commonly , maleic acid is prefered . maleic acid salt of mo - 8282 is obtained by treating free base of mo - 8282 with maleic acid dissolved in alcohol . maleic acid salt of mo - 8282 thus obtained has a molecular weight of 377 . 4 , a melting point of 160 ยฐ- 162 ยฐ c ., and is soluble in water or ethanol and stable at room temperature . now , the pharmacological action and toxicity of mo - 8282 will be described below , with reference to typical experiments . a group of 8 wistar male rats weighing 130 - 180 g were used in a group . after a 48 - hour period of fasting , the pylorus was ligated under ether anesthesia and mo - 8282 was administered subcutaneously . nineteen hours after ligation , the severity of ulcerous lesions in the proventricular part of the stomach was observed and expressed in a numerical scale according to the method of adami et al . ( arch . int . pharmacodyn . ther ., 143 , 113 ( 1964 )) as the ulcer - index . inhibition of ulceration was calculated with ulcer - indexes of the treated group and those of a control group . the anti - ulcer effects of well - known therapeutic agents on the market , sulpiride and cetraxate , were examined for comparison . the results are shown in table 1 . table 1______________________________________ dose inhibitioncontrol ( mg / kg ) rate (%) ______________________________________control -- 0mo - 8282 3 34 . 9mo - 8282 10 44 . 2sulpiride 100 16 . 3cetraxate 300 44 . 2______________________________________ as shown in table 1 , mo - 8282 showed significant inhibitory action on shay ulcer in rats and its efficacy was superior to the two reference drugs , sulpiride and cetraxate . groups of 10 male guinea - pigs weighing 280 - 300 g were used . after a 24 - hour period of fasting , mo - 8282 was orally administered to the animals , and ten minutes after mo - 8282 administration , 5 mg / kg of histamine were intravenously injected . two hours later , the stomach was removed and the size of the ulcerous lesions were measured . based on the size of the lesions , the inhibitory effect of the drug was estimated . the effects of sulpiride , cetraxate and aluminum sucrose sulphate were also determined for comparison . the results are shown in table 2 . table 2______________________________________ dose inhibitioncontrol ( mg / kg ) rate (%) ______________________________________control -- 0mo - 8282 3 54 . 7mo - 8282 10 98 . 6sulpiride 300 5 . 6cetraxate 300 - 7 . 0aluminum 1 , 000 98 . 3sucrosesulphate______________________________________ as shown in table 2 , mo - 8282 showed significant inhibitory action on histamine - induced ulcers in guinea - pigs and its efficacy was superior to that of the reference drugs . groups of 14 - 16 male wistar rats weighing 210 - 280 g were used . according to the method of okabe et al . ( folia pharmacologica japonica , 74 , 773 ( 1978 )), 0 . 015 ml of 20 % acetic acid solution was injected under the serous membrane at the border of the proventricular part and glandular part of the stomach . then the abdomen was closed and mo - 8282 was administered orally three times a day for 10 days . the stomach was removed 12 days after the injection of acetic acid and the size of the ulcerous lesions was measured . based on the size of the lesions , the inhibitory effect of the drug was estimated . the effects of sulpiride were also determined for comparison . the results are shown in table 3 . table 3______________________________________ dose inhibitioncontrol ( mg / kg ) rate (%) ______________________________________control -- 0mo - 8282 3 23 . 2mo - 8282 10 51 . 2sulpiride 100 43 . 9______________________________________ as shown in table 3 , mo - 8282 showed significant inhibitory action on acetic acid - induced ulcer in rats and its efficacy was superior to that of the reference drug with a lower dose . furthermore , promotion of healing by the compound was also evident under microscopic observation . acute oral toxicity of mo - 8282 was investigated using icr mice and wistar rats . ld 50 was calculated by the litchfield - wilcoxon method using mortality at 7 days after drug administration . the results are shown in table 4 . ______________________________________ ld . sub . 50animal sex ( mg / kg ) ______________________________________icr mice male 423icr mice female 454wistar rats male 630wistar rats female 554______________________________________ as shown in table 4 , the toxic dose of mo - 8282 was shown to be considerably higher than its therapeutic dose , and the fact that mo - 8282 is a highly safe therapeutic agent was demonstrated . as has been described in the above experiments , mo - 8282 is highly effective as a therapeutic agent for peptic ulcer . although the daily dose of mo - 8282 as a therapeutic agent for peptic ulcer in humans is in the range of from 1 . 0 to 100 mg , preferably from 1 . 5 to 60 mg , it may be suitably increased or decreased depending on the symptoms , sex and age of the patient . although the agent of the present invention is generally prepared in the form of an oral agent , for example tablets , capsules , granules , powders and liquid oral preparations , it may be used in other forms of preparation such as rectal suppositories . the compound of this invention , mo - 8282 , can be formulated into agents by any of the conventional methods using pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients . examples of solid carriers and excipients usable advantageously herein include common excipients such as lactose , mannitol , corn starch and potato starch ; binders such as crystalline cellulose , cellulose derivatives , arabic gum , corn starch and gellatin ; disintegrators such as corn starch , potato starch and calcium carbohydroxymethylcellulose ; and lubricants such as talc and magnesium stearate . examples of liquid carriers usable advantageously herein include distilled water for injection , physiological saline solution , vegetable oils for injection and glycols such as propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol . some typical but non - limiting formulations of the agent of this invention will be shown below . one hundred grams of mo - 8282 , 720 g of lactose , 150 g of potato starch , 15 g of polyvinyl alcohol and 15 g of magnesium stearate were weighed . such amounts of mo - 8282 , lactose and potato starch were mixed until the mixture became homogeneous . then an aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol was added to the mixture and granulated by a wet granulation process . the granules thus obtained were dried and mixed with the above - mentioned amount of magnesium stearate and formed into tablets , each weighing 200 mg . one hundred grams of mo - 8282 , 885 g of lactose and 15 g of magnesium stearate were mixed until the mixture became homogeneous . then the mixture was filled into # 3 hard gellatin - capsules , so that each capsule contained 100 mg of the mixture . one hundred grams of mo - 8282 , 890 g of lactose and 10 g of magnesium stearate were mixed until the mixture became homogeneous to obtain a 10 % powder preparation .
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all elements not specifically described herein have the same function as described in the applications incorporated by reference above . an embodiment of the present invention is shown in perspective view in fig1 . a plurality of ground units 100 , 4000 , 5000 are deployed on the ground and positioned near their intended targets which may be underground voids or objects . land unit 100 is shown positioned above target 1 . ground units 100 , 4000 , 5000 may be delivered there by a number of different conventional known methods including an air - drop for inaccessible locations . a plurality of seismic sensors 1810 may be attached to ground units 100 , 4000 , 5000 or scattered on the ground . these may sense phenomena and send it back to the ground units 100 , 4000 , 5000 or central control unit 6000 via telemetry . a central command unit 6000 may be located remotely at a land base , ship based or located on an aircraft . the land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 and central command unit 6000 communicate with each other . ground unit 100 employs a platform subsystem 1000 having retention and orientation devices 1500 which secure ground unit 100 to the ground and tilts platform 1000 to an optimum orientation for boring to target 1 . platform subsystem 1000 is designed to hold , store and carry all the equipment during deployment , initiate boring of an access hole , hold materials to be used in a fuel reservoir , stabilize ground unit 100 for boring , and communicate with other units . a boring subsystem 3000 bores down through the ground toward target 1 , creating an access hole 5 . boring subsystem 3000 is designed to force the excavated materials out of the access hole 5 and to the surface . boring subsystem 3000 is connected to platform subsystem 1000 by an umbilical subsystem 2000 . umbilical subsystem 2000 connects the platform 1000 and boring 3000 subsystems . it acts to pass materials , electricity , and control signals between platform 1000 and boring 3000 subsystems . umbilical subsystem 2000 also employs a number of sensors and actuators . mechanical actuators absorb much of the forces produced during boring , as well as for steering and advancing umbilical subsystem 2000 and boring 3000 subsystems deeper into the access hole 5 . each subsystem is described in greater detail below . since these land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 are used in emergency situations , which need to be deployed quickly , or are used in inaccessible areas , as stated above , they may be air dropped . the land units may hit trees , fall down canyons , off cliffs , or impact hard rock faces upon deployment . some land units may be destroyed or inactivated . in the interest of speed and efficiency , each land unit is programmed with certain tasks . in one embodiment , they operate in parallel , each covering a specific region . this may include , providing sonic shock waves to the ground , receiving reflected sonic waves , transmitting and / or receiving other signals . the land unit may also be responsible for processing information which is used by at least one other land unit , or central command unit 6000 . therefore , if this land unit is disabled , the above functions will not be performed without reconfiguration of the system . to understand their high level function control and allocations , it is important to understand the systems and functioning of each ground unit 100 , 4000 , 5000 . platform subsystem 1000 is shown and described in connection with fig2 and 3 . platform 1000 carries all the devices of ground unit 100 to an intended location . the umbilical subsystem 2000 employs elements as described in the โ cross reference to related applications โ, above with any additional elements and functionality described herein . one or more pumps ( not shown ) may be required to pump the energetic fluid 7 ( and also the payload fluid ) through umbilical subsystem 2000 to boring system 3000 . there are sensors which monitor the functioning of the pumps , the flow of one or more fluids and the pressure and levels of the fluid reservoir and other reservoirs . the umbilical subsystem performs four key functions during the mission : ( a ) acting as a structural member assuring constant descent ; ( b ) acting as a conduit for the energetic fluid 7 from the platform 1000 to boring subsystem 3000 , ( c ) acting as a stable platform for propulsion and steering actuators mounted at intervals on the outer umbilical surface , and ( d ) acting as a delivery pump for pumping life - support or neutralizing materials from platform 1000 . the umbilical subsystem 2000 employs elements as described in the โ cross reference to related applications โ, above with any additional elements and functionality described herein . one embodiment of the umbilical subsystem 2000 according to the present invention is shown in perspective views in fig4 and 5 . here it can be seen that the umbilical subsystem 2000 is designed to be flexible . umbilical subsystem 2000 attaches to , and carries boring subsystem 3000 having a plurality of pulsejets 3100 located at its distal end . in fig6 , the umbilical subsystem 2000 is shown constructed from a flexible material or a plurality of articulating segments 2110 . these segments 2110 may partially fit inside , and be pulled out from adjacent segments , thereby reducing and increasing the length of umbilical subsystem 2000 , respectively . these may also be inserted into the adjacent umbilical segment 2110 in an uneven manner causing the umbilical to curve in a desired direction . each segment 2110 has hydraulic , pneumatic , artificial muscle , fluid driven or other mechanical actuators 2100 . therefore , the segments 2110 may be selectively pulled into , or extended from adjacent segments thereby causing the umbilical subsystem 2000 to lengthen , shorten , or to curve in a given direction . the umbilical sensors and actuators are used here for descriptive purposes , however , sensors and actuators will be used throughout the system . when one of these actuators or sensors is mentioned , it is to be understood that the same will apply to other sensors and actuators of the system . the actuators 2100 in the umbilical 2000 control propulsion , guidance , steering , stabilization , debris conveyance and umbilical rigidity . each segment or portion of the umbilical 2110 may also employ an electro - viscous material which can be individually actuated . an electro - viscous material is one which changes its viscosity when an electric current is passed through it . these may also be compartmentalized with a flexible skin or in separate segments 2110 . then , sections / portions may be operated to have selected rigidity allowing the umbilical to be pushed or pulled through the borehole 5 . the electro - viscous compartments are also considered umbilical actuators 2100 . therefore , actuation of the umbilical actuators 2100 is implemented as a small implementation of umbilical actuators 2100 for a plurality of segments 2100 in three dimensions . similarly , resulting stiffness at the end of umbilical subsystem 2000 is a function of the stiffness of each segment over the length of the umbilical . similarly , the actual 3 - dimensional location of the end of the umbilical 2000 is the summation of the individual locations from the individual umbilical sensors 2810 of each segment , integrated over the segments of the umbilical . therefore , actuation of the umbilical 2000 must take these conditions into account to move the end to the proper location , or maintain the proper stiffness of the umbilical 2000 over a given section of its length . the umbilical sensors 2810 will monitor the state of actuators , position , orientation , velocity , acceleration , inclination , pressure , stress , strain , vibration , fluid 7 flow through fluid conduit 2900 , flow through exhaust conduit 2500 , umbilical rigidity and integrity . they may also monitor chemical and radioactive characteristics of the ground . the components of the sensors and actuators will be designed to withstand high temperatures and other harsh environments . fig7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a boring subsystem 3000 according to the present invention . the end of the boring subsystem 3000 is a boring head 3200 containing ten to twenty pulsejets 3100 . the boring subsystem 3000 employs elements as described in the โ cross reference to related applications โ, above with any additional elements and functionality described herein . pulsejets 3100 receive energetic fluid 7 , and cause the fluid to create a rapidly expanding bubble forcing portions of the fluid out of a nozzle 3260 at high speeds as a plurality of fluid slugs 10 . since the fluid used is highly incompressible , the impact of slugs 10 bores through rock and earth . a boring body 3300 behind boring head 3200 protects and houses a pulse controller 3330 for causing the ignition of the energetic fluid 7 . it also encloses a sensor package 3320 , for sensing physical properties related to the boring subsystem 3000 . this sensor package 3320 will include monitoring and analysis of telemetry from sensors in the boring head 3300 and umbilical 2000 to determine the type of material the boring head 3300 is boring through , has bored through , or is about to bore through ( the โ geology โ). the sensors package 3320 may include static / dynamic accelerometers , geophones , and gyros will sense conditions around and ahead of the boring head 3200 . they may sense state of actuators , position , orientation , velocity , acceleration , inclination , pressure , stress , strain , vibration , chemical and radioactive characteristics . the sensor package 3320 will provide information to computer control 3310 which will adjust the course by controlling and adjustment of pulsejet 3100 firing frequency , sequence and intensity . computer control 3310 will also calculate these parameters for steering and forward progress optimization . computer control 3310 will provide real - time solutions to control of the mechanical performance of umbilical 2000 by selectively energizing of electro - viscous umbilical actuators 2100 throughout the length and circumference of umbilical 2000 . computer control 3310 and pulse controller 3330 determine when to ignite the energetic fluid 7 . pulse controller 3330 causes an ignition device 3240 to ignite energetic fluid 7 in a combustion chamber 3230 at the proper instant to cause a slug 10 to be formed and fired out of nozzle 3260 . computer control unit 3310 will also calculate when nozzle 3260 encounters target 1 . by sensing physical parameters through sensor package 3320 , computer control unit 3310 can detect voids , fluids , etc . in the ground near boring head 3200 . this may be based upon the rate of penetration and applied pressures . computer control unit 3310 will receive data from the sensors in sensor package 3320 and potentially interact with computing device 1910 of platform 1000 ( of fig1 ) to determine the direction which to bore to most effectively reach target 1 ( of fig1 ). the control of boring subsystem 300 q steering it toward target 1 is more fully explained in co - pending patent application entitled โ multiple pulsejet earth boring device โ hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein . referring now to fig1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 , initial imaging of the target could be attained by some external underground imaging system and stored in ground unit 100 for later use . for example , seismic sensors having built in telemetry transmitters are dropped onto the ground ( shown as seismic sensors 1810 of fig1 ). a small explosion is created to cause vibrations in the ground . the sensors detect the vibrations and radio the sensed signal back to the ground units 100 , 4000 , 5000 and / or central command unit 6000 . the present invention may also use its own active seismic sources ( 1820 of fig1 ) to determine the location , depth , and rock properties ( structure and seismic velocities ) of the target ( 1 of fig1 ). in one embodiment of the present invention , each land unit [ 100 , 4000 , 5000 is initialized with an initial target 1 and an initial region to image . the imaging system would consist of a seismic source 1820 and seismic sensors 1810 located on platform 1000 ( of fig1 ). umbilical sensors 2810 may be attached to umbilical subsystem 2000 which may also act as seismic sensors . a sensor package 3100 in boring subsystem 3000 may also include the seismic sensors . computing device ( 1910 of fig2 ) receives the sensor output , either by hard wire , or via telemetry . computing device ( 1910 of fig2 ) then creates an underground image showing the target and other underground features . computing device 1910 also monitors sensors on boring subsystem 3000 and umbilical subsystem 2000 and superimposes their locations on the underground image . each of the land units employs a communication unit 1030 as shown in fig2 . these units are capable of communicating with each other and central command unit . communications units 1030 allow communication of data relating to commands , sensor readings , inter - computer communication as well as voice and sounds . each communication unit 1030 is connected to computing unit 1910 in each land unit ( 100 , 4000 , 5000 of fig1 ) allowing communication of any information of computing unit 1910 . it is also connected to the data cables 2600 permeating the system allowing direct communication with lower level devices such as actuators and sensors . therefore , readings from sensors may be directly communicated to central command 6000 . also , commands may be directly sent to each actuator . some decision capabilities will reside in the underground portion of the system . intelligence may be distributed in system components such as computer control 3330 and valve timing 3220 to measure data , analyze data and interpret results . responses should include activating other systems in response . referring now to fig2 , any computing system may break up functions to be performed and allocate them to various computing devices . there may be dedicated computing devices for each of the functions , or a main computing device may perform all of the computing functions . it is understood that this invention covers various arrangements in which the functions are allocated between the computing devices . for example , it has been described here and in the patent applications listed in โ cross reference to related applications โ that a computer control 3310 provides a rate to pulse controller 3330 at which a pulsejet ( 3100 of fig7 ) is to be fired . the pulse controller 3330 then monitors the time which has passed since the last ignition and provides a command to the igniter at the proper time to cause the ignition . pulse controller 3330 then continuously repeats this function . computer control 3310 has delegated this function to the dedicated pulse controller 3330 . the system could have also been designed such that computer control 3310 counted down the time and sent the ignition command to the ignition device 3240 by itself , eliminating the pulse controller 3330 . therefore , the computing device 1910 is running the system and delegating out several functions to dedicated computing devices . referring now to fig1 , the present invention as generally described above , operates in a mixed mode in which each land unit 100 , 4000 , 5000 performs its programmed tasks autonomously , but may be adjusted or overridden by the central command unit 6000 . in this mode , operation of the land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 can be adjusted or overridden by the central command unit 6000 . this may be done by sending a command from the central command unit 6000 to the computing device 1910 causing it to modify its command or providing sensor readings . central command unit 6000 may also directly send commands to the actuators to modify , cancel , or replace commands from the computing device 1910 and read sensor readings directly from land unit 100 , 4000 , 5000 sensors . the land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 may operate in a โ remote mode โ. in this mode , land units are placed under the direct control of robots of central command unit 6000 . fig8 is a simplified block diagram of the central command unit of fig1 . information from land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 are communicated to central command unit 6000 . central command unit 6000 may have one or more control stations 6100 , 6200 , 6300 and 6400 . a control station 6100 is shown in greater detail . communications unit 6130 is coupled to a central processing unit ( cpu ) 6110 . cpu 6110 is coupled to at least one monitor 6150 for displaying images to user . cpu 6110 also has input devices which may be joysticks 6170 , keyboards 6190 and various other known input devices allowing the users to interact with cpu 6110 . in its operation , any information which can be sensed by sensors on land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 can be directed to users at control stations 6100 - 6400 . this information may be presented to the users in the form of audio , video , text , graphic or other means . users then select and operate any of the systems on land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 to remotely actuate them . as discussed elsewhere in this application , users at central command unit 6000 can sense information from devices having the highest intelligence level through the lowest intelligence level on land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 . for example , central command unit 6000 may monitor the functioning of the high level computing device 1910 down to the low level ignition device 3240 both of fig2 . similarly , users at the central command unit 6000 can also actuate systems from the highest level of intelligence to lowest level of intelligence to perform desired duties . for example , central command unit 6000 can request that computing device 1910 turn boring head 3200 ten degrees to one side relative to its current position . alternatively , central command unit 6000 may directly calculate and direct the low level ignition firings of the individual ignition device 3240 to cause boring head 3200 to turn ten degrees to one side relative to its current position . central command unit 6000 can therefore operate any and all systems of the land units as remote robots allowing them to perform as much , or as little of the processing as desired . central command unit 6000 also has the capabilities to collect data not only from all of the land units , but from telemetry sensors and other control bases , which may be air , or land based . this is shown as the โ network โ. central command may therefore create images using data from a number of land units and other sources . central command unit also knows the tasks which each land unit is trying to perform . central command unit may also determine which land units are disabled and destroyed . this becomes important in the reallocation section below . referring again to fig2 , sensor data is sent from communications unit 1030 to central command unit 6000 in this remote mode . the sensor data providing images and readings indicating to the remote operator the location , position , orientation , temperature , stresses , strains , forces , tank volumes and other relevant status information . communications device 1030 receives the transmitted commands and passes them to ether the computing unit 1910 or to data cables 2600 and ultimately to the proper actuator , based upon the preference of the user at the central command unit 6000 . referring to fig1 , in the auto mode , all of the functions of the land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 are self - directed and under the control of computing device 1910 of each land unit . this mode does not require any outside commands or control . it also only relies upon it own stored or acquired imagery and does not โ see โ what the other land units see . it has its advantages in that it cannot be tricked by other entities trying to control the unit or set it on an incorrect course . also , this may be the only mode in which the land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 can operate if its communications unit 1030 is destroyed or malfunctioning . this also may be the only mode that it can operate if it is in an inaccessible area and cannot receive communications from other land units or central command unit 6000 . referring now to fig1 , there is communication between the central control unit 6000 and the land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 in both the mixed mode and the remote mode . therefore , in these modes , the central command unit 6000 periodically assesses which land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 are functional . the central command unit 6000 runs a quick health check to determine which are still functional (โ live โ). the central control unit 6000 determines inoperable land units . the central command unit 6000 then reallocates the tasks of inoperable land units 5000 to those which are operable 100 , 4000 to ensure that all the tasks will be completed . just as described in the override function above , remote tests of functionality may be performed at various levels of system intelligence . for example , the ignition devices may be individually and directly checked as a low - level test . similarly , tests may be requested from computing device 1910 which is capable of running tests of lower level equipment and reports the results of the tests to central command 6000 . their locations and functional abilities are acquired . some land units may have tracks giving them the ability to crawl on the ground , others may be able to ford streams , etc . the locations of known geographic features such as rivers , streams , lakes , ponds , mountains , cliffs , forests , etc . are also acquired . based upon the locations of the live units , their abilities and the geographic features , the central command unit 6000 re - allocates regions to be imaged , and targets to bore toward , as well as other related instructions . if communications with central command unit 6000 is inoperable , such as in the case of rf interference or cross - talk , the land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 will default to the auto mode and continue to execute their last programmed instructions . in military applications , the communication channels may be intentionally jammed or another entity may be transmitting false or misleading information . in auto mode , there would be no reallocation of assignments by the central command unit 6000 . however , if several land units 100 , 4000 , 5000 are able to communicate with each other , they can reallocate tasks by themselves . in auto mode reorganization , each of the land units transmits their health status and their location to the others . each keeps track of this information and the signal strength of the land unit &# 39 ; s communication and based upon these factors , votes to determine a master . the master may be determined from the remaining active land units in a random nature by land unit number . the master may be determined by the land unit with the best communication with the most other live units . it may also be determined by indicating the one having the most complete data set . it may be the one with the fastest processing speed . the master then allocates tasks to the remaining land units . in another alternative embodiment , there is no master , but the units interact as peers to correctly allocate tasks . in this case , each of the land unit may have all of the information of the system and each constantly updates the others as new information is acquired . the present invention coordinates a plurality of land units to quickly locate and provide an access hole to one or more underground targets . these may be located in areas that are inaccessible to humans , due to the danger or hazardous environment . the present invention will function more quickly and accurately than the prior art devices . since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art , the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for the purposes of disclosure , and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention .
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it should be understood that these embodiments are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein . in general , statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions . moreover , some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others . in general , unless otherwise indicated , singular elements may be in the plural and vice versa with no loss of generality . in the drawing like numerals refer to like parts through several views . the present invention , according to a preferred embodiment , overcomes problems with the prior art by providing an efficient and simple mold - manufacturing method for fabricating a three dimensional object from a variety of materials including an elastic foam material covered in a graphic - printed polyester material . the present invention further solves problems with the prior art by providing a mold - manufacturing method that does not require the use of liquids or other difficult - to - use materials . the use of elastic materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate ( eva ) allows the present invention to provide a manufacturing method that eliminates the need for materials such as rubber and plastic that must be melted in order to mold them . further , the present invention solves problems with the prior art by providing method for manufacturing a three - dimensional object that is elastic and non - rigid . this allows the manufacturer to provide a product that is versatile in its use . lastly , the present invention improves over the prior art by reducing or eliminating distortion of the printed image on the manufactured product during the deformation process . thus , the silk screen and / or lithographic designs printed on the final product are produced with a minimum of labor in predicting and accounting for distortion in the printed design itself . that is , the present invention allows the finished product to accurately bear the desired art work in a non - labor - intensive manner . fig1 is an illustration of a block of elastic material 1 prepared for the manufacturing process , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . the block of elastic material 1 may comprise a substantial thickness so as to allow for the molding process , such as thermoforming . the elastic material may be a polymer , an elastic foam material , ethylene vinyl acetate ( eva ), expanded rubber , foam rubber , any combination of the above or the like . block of elastic material 1 may include one or more layers of elastic material that may be combined with other materials or layers of other types . fig2 is an illustration of the process for applying one or more layers of fabric 3 to the block of elastic material 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . the fabric 3 may comprise a natural fabric such as cotton , a synthetic fabric such as polyester or any combination of the two . the fabric 3 may also be woven or non - woven . the process of fig2 may commence with the disposition of an adhesive 2 on the top surface of the elastic material 1 so as to secure the fabric 3 to the elastic material 1 . heat may also be applied so as to secure the fabric 3 to the elastic material 1 . in one embodiment , a roll of fabric 3 is unrolled over the top surface of the elastic material 1 so as to cover the top surface of the elastic material 1 with the fabric 3 . next , any extra fabric 3 extending over the edges of the top surface of the elastic material 1 is removed , such as by cutting with a knife 4 or other means for cutting the fabric 3 . the result of this step is that the fabric 3 extends solely coextensively over the top surface of the elastic material 1 ( se the right - most configuration of fig2 ). fig3 is an illustration of the process for applying a graphic 5 to the layer of fabric 3 on the block of elastic material 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . in this step , a design or graphic image 5 is printed onto the outward facing side of the fabric 3 . in one embodiment , one or more silkscreen stencils 6 are applied to the outward facing side of the fabric 3 and one or more silkscreen printable materials ( such as ink or plastisol ) are applied to the fabric so as to print a design or graphic image 5 onto the outward facing side of the fabric 3 . in another embodiment of the present invention , the design or graphic image 5 is printed onto the outward facing side of the fabric 3 using other types of printing technology , such as inkjet printing , letterpress printing , flexographic printing , lithographic printing , digital printing , and offset printing . in another embodiment of the present invention , the image 5 is placed onto the outward facing side of the fabric 3 using other types of technology such as embroidery . fig4 is an illustration of the process for setting the design or graphic image 5 printed on the layer of fabric 3 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . in this step , heat may be applied to elastic material 1 and fabric 3 via an oven or stove 7 so as to set the print or ink comprising the image 5 on the fabric 3 . in one embodiment of this step , heat is applied by oven or stove 7 only to the extent necessary to substantially set the print on the layer of fabric 3 . fig5 is an illustration of the process for applying a mold 8 to the block of elastic material 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . mold 8 comprises a negative cavity ( not shown , since it is facing downwards in fig5 ) that holds a desired shape . in the example of fig5 - 7 , the negative cavity of mold 8 holds the shape of the bottom half of a car . in this step , the cavity portion of the mold 8 is pressed against the outward facing surface of fabric 3 and the elastic material 1 using machine press 9 ( such as a stamping press ), such that a three - dimensional object 10 having an open end is produced . specifically a three - dimensional object representing the bottom half of a car is produced . heat may be applied during the molding step to form the elastic material 1 and / or allow it to set into the desired three - dimensional shape 10 . subsequently , extra material protruding from the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 10 is trimmed , such as with a knife 11 . in one embodiment , thermoforming is used to execute the molding process described with respect to fig5 above . thermoforming is a manufacturing process for a thermoplastic sheet or film , such as elastic material 1 . the sheet or film is heated between infrared , natural gas , or other heaters to its forming temperature . then it is stretched over or into a temperature - controlled , single - surface mold . the sheet is held against the mold surface unit until cooled . the formed part is then trimmed from the sheet . the trimmed material is usually reground , mixed with virgin plastic , and reprocessed into a usable sheet . there are several categories of thermoforming , including vacuum forming , pressure forming , twin - sheet forming , drape forming , free blowing , and simple sheet bending . with regard to the vacuum - forming process , one may cause a heat - treated sheet of thermoplastic to be sucked against a die in skin - tight conforming relation , and then cooled in that position . once the plastic has been deformed to the desired three - dimensional shape , it may be removed from the die that was used to deform the plastic , and trimmed . fig6 is an illustration of the process for coupling one three - dimensional object 10 with another , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . fig6 shows that another three - dimensional object 12 having an open end is produced using the same process as described above . specifically , a three - dimensional object 12 representing the top portion of a car is produced . note the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 10 is equivalent , or matches up with , the open end of the three - dimensional shape 12 . glue or another adhesive may be applied to the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 10 and / or the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 12 . i another embodiment , stitching may be used to combine the open end of the three - dimensional shape 10 with the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 12 . thereafter , the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 10 may be coupled with the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 12 so as to create the three - dimensional object 13 of fig7 . fig8 is an illustration of the final product 13 resulting from coupling one three - dimensional object with another , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . fig8 shows that the manufacturing process of the present invention has produced the three - dimensional shape 10 and the three - dimensional shape 12 . fig8 shows that the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 10 may be coupled with one side of a zipper โ z ,โ while the brim of the open end of the three - dimensional shape 12 may be coupled with the other side of the zipper โ z ,โ so as to create the three - dimensional object 13 , shown in fig9 , which may be a purse , lunchbox or the like . slider elements โ f โ are used to open or close the zipper โ z .โ fig1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the product 13 of fig8 and fig9 . fig1 shows that product 13 may be a lunchbox , purse , bag or luggage item shaped like a car tire and having a car tire graphic imprinted upon its exterior . fig1 also shows that a strap or other carrying accessory โ a โ may be attached to the product 13 . although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed , those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . the scope of the invention is not to be restricted , therefore , to the specific embodiments . furthermore , it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications , modifications , and embodiments within the scope of the present invention .
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reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings , wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout . as illustrated in fig1 and 3 , a first embodiment of the present invention relates to spur roller gear bearings . referring to fig1 spur roller gear bearings consist of a spur gear 10 which has a roller 12 coaxially mounted on its top . spur gear teeth 14 extend radially from spur gear 10 , and have a pitch radius r 1 . the radius of the roller r 2 is equal to the pitch radius r 1 of the spur gear teeth . the tops of the spur gear teeth 14 form a crown 16 . the radius to the crown top r 3 is equal to the pitch radius and the roller radius . since r 1 , r 2 and r 3 are equal , the points at these radii move at the same speed . referring now to fig2 a , we see that spur gears 10 can be configured with a ring gear 18 formed of ring gear teeth 24 to form planetary system 20 . planet spur gears 10 b revolve around sun spur gear 10 a . since spur gears 10 a , b are identical in size , the speed at r 1 , r 2 , and r 3 is identical for each spur gear 10 a , b . the crown 16 of each planet spur gear 10 b interfaces with the roller 12 of a sun spur gear 10 a , and vice versa . the teeth 14 b of each planet gear 10 b also interface with the teeth 14 a of the sun gear 10 a . specifically , the teeth 14 a , b contact each other at pitch radius r 1 . referring to fig2 b , which is a cross - section of the planetary system 20 of fig2 a , we see that a ring roller 22 is coaxially mounted on the top of the ring gear 18 such that the diameter of the ring roller 18 is set equal to the pitch diameter of the ring gear teeth 24 . the tops of the ring gear teeth 24 are crowned at ( not shown ) the point where they interface with the spur gear teeth 14 b . this planetary system 20 is held together without further structures . as can be seen from fig2 a and 2b , if a planet spur gear 10 b is pushed down , its teeth 14 b will slide with respect to ring gear 18 and the sun spur gear teeth 14 a , but the planet spur gear roller 12 b will be blocked by the upper surface of the ring gear teeth 24 . if planet spur gear 10 b is pushed upwards , the ring roller 22 will block the upper surface of the planet spur gear teeth 14 b . if the sun spur gear 10 a is pushed down , sun spur gear roller 12 a will be blocked by the upper surface of each of the three planet spur gears 10 b , so that the planet spur gears 10 b will likewise be pushed down . however , planet spur gears 10 b will each , in turn , be blocked by the ring gear 18 so , ultimately , the sun spur gear 10 a cannot be pushed down . likewise , the sun spur gear 10 a cannot be pulled up . [ 0047 ] fig3 a , 3b and 3 c further illustrate how gears 10 a , 10 b , 18 interact with each other . fig3 a shows spur gears 10 interacting with other spur gears , illustrating the case where the sun spur gears 10 a are interacting with the planet spur gears 10 b . the teeth 14 a of sun spur gear 10 a contact the teeth 14 b of planet spur gear 10 b at point c 1 . the teeth 14 b of planet spur gear 10 b contact the roller 12 a of sun spur gear 10 a at point c 2 . fig3 b shows planet spur gears 10 b interacting with ring gear 18 . the ring gear teeth 24 contact the spur gear teeth 14 b at point c 3 . fig3 a and 3b show that the spur gear on spur gear case is essentially the same as the spur gear on ring gear case in terms of matching speeds for both the roll and gear surfaces . spur roller 12 b contacts ring roller 22 at point c 4 , and spur gear teeth 14 b contact ring roller surface 22 at point c 5 . fig3 c shows that by crowning the tops of the spur gear 10 with the apogee of the crown 16 at the same radial distance as the roller and tooth pitch radii , ( r 1 , r 2 ) that thrust bearing contact must occur at the apogee point and so speed matching can be achieved for simultaneous and / or individual contacts between interfacing rollers , gear teeth and thrust bearing tooth tops / roller bottoms . this means , a planetary roller gear system will perform with great efficiency and strength . furthermore , the addition of the rollers must , inevitably , greatly improve the accuracy with which the gears mesh . the rollers precisely set gear locations with respect to each other . on the other hand , the gears act as a highly efficient and precise caging / carrier mechanism for the rollers . the cumulative result is a superior system that is also very simple and low cost . turning now to fig4 and 6 , we discuss the second embodiment of the present invention , which involves phase - shifted gear bearings . fig4 illustrates a phase - shifted spur gear 26 for use in phase - shifted gear bearings . phase - shifted spur gear 26 includes an upper gear half 28 comprising upper gear teeth 30 , and a lower gear half 32 comprising lower gear teeth 34 . upper gaps 36 and lower gaps 38 are formed between the gear teeth 32 , 34 . upper gear half 28 is rotated with respect to lower gear half 32 so that the two halves are exactly out of phase with respect to each other . that is , upper gear teeth 30 are positioned above lower gaps 38 , and lower gear teeth 34 are positioned below upper gaps 36 . thus , phase - shifted spur gear 26 could mesh with a phase - shifted gear just like it . as one gear turned and drove the other , both halves would be continuously contacting each other but , in different phases of contact . in fig4 the lower gear teeth 34 are bevelled and extended slightly between the upper gear teeth 30 . the upper gear teeth 30 are bevelled and slightly extended between the lower gear teeth 34 for both phase - shifted spur gears . thus , the bevelled tooth surfaces contact each other much in the same manner as a four - way thrust bearing , and gear teeth 30 , 34 contact each other and engage in conventional spur gear motion . the two motions can be timed so as to maximize efficiency , strength and smoothness . referring now to fig5 a and 5b , we see that phase - shifted spur gears 26 can be configured with a ring gear 40 , having upper ring gear teeth 44 and lower ring gear teeth 46 , to form a planetary system 42 , much like the system shown in fig2 a and 2b . the planetary system 42 stays together in a similar manner to planetary system 20 of fig2 a , 2b . [ 0050 ] fig6 a and 6b further illustrate how phase - shifted spur gears 26 interact with each other . fig6 a particularly illustrates upper gear teeth 30 of one phase - shifted spur gear 26 contacting lower gear teeth 34 of a second phase - shifted spur gear 26 at contact point c 6 . fig6 b , 6c and 6 d further illustrate contact points c 7 , where upper gear teeth 30 of the phase - shifted spur gears 26 contact ; and contact points c 8 , where lower gear teeth 34 contact . fig6 c is an edge view of fig6 a . [ 0051 ] fig7 a and 7b illustrate how phase - shifted spur gears 26 interact with ring gear 40 . fig7 a particularly illustrates upper ring gear teeth 44 contacting lower gear teeth 34 of phase - shifted spur gear 26 at point c 9 . fig7 b , 7c and 7 d further illustrate contact points c 10 , where the upper gear teeth 30 of the spur gear contact the upper ring gear teeth 44 ; and contact points c 11 , where lower gear teeth 34 contact the lower ring gear teeth . ( not shown ) [ 0052 ] fig8 a and 8b illustrate the third embodiment of the present invention , namely , helical gear bearings , in which spur gear 26 is replaced by a helical ( or herring bone ) gear 48 . the same timing issues and geometries that worked for the phase - shifted spur gear 26 apply in this embodiment . although , fig8 a and 8b show the case of phase - shifted helical gear bearings , a conventional roller gear bearing with helical teeth is also possible . fig8 b illustrates a peeled open edge view of upper helical teeth 50 and lower helical teeth 52 . the number of variations on the gear bearing arrangement of the present invention are endless , but only two will be discussed here . fig9 and 10 illustrate planetary transmissions using roller gear bearing and phase - shifted gear bearings , respectively . these planetary transmissions are fixed mechanical advantage transmissions which show great promise in being strong , compact , very efficient , carrierless , simple and capable of great speed reduction . the two concepts are functionally very similar , thus the explanation for roller gear bearings can easily be extended to the phase - shifted case . the roller gear bearing planetary transmission generally operates as follows . the transmission 54 comprises an input system 56 and an output system 58 . input system 56 comprises input sun roller gear 60 , input roller gear planets 62 and ground ring roller gear 64 . output system 58 comprises output roller gear planets 66 , output roller gear sun 68 and output ring roller gear 70 . the planets 62 , 66 of both systems 56 , 58 are axially joined together and thus , have the same angular velocity and must orbit about the center of the transmission 54 at the same angular velocity . the input sun roller gear 60 drives the input roller gear planets 62 which , in turn , react against the ground ring roller gear 64 by rotating at some angular velocity and orbiting about the center of transmission 54 at some orbital angular velocity . thus , the orbital angular velocity and the rotational angular velocity for the planets 62 , 66 are set . however , the output roller gear planets 66 have a different tooth pitch diameter than the input roller gear planets 62 . thus , the output ring roller gear 70 has a different speed than the ground ring roller gear 64 and the transmission 54 exhibits speed reduction . the output roller gear sun 68 is in place primarily to provide strength and rigidity to transmission 54 , keeping the output system 58 together with strength and precision just as the output sun roller gear sun 68 does for input system 56 . thus , the two systems 56 , 58 are independantly strong and rigid and the combined system is even stronger . we will now derive the transfer function for the transmission 54 and , in so doing obtain further understanding of how it works . ( r s + 2 r pi ) ฮธ or = r pi ฮธ pi ( 3 ) taking the time derivative of both sides of eq . ( 3 ) we get : ( r s + 2 ๎ข p pi ) ๎ข ฮดฮธ - or ฮดฯ = r pi ๎ข ฮดฮธ pi _ ฮดฯ ( 4 ) ฮด ๎ข ๎ข ฮธ or ฮดฯ = ฯ or ( 5 ) ฮด ๎ข ๎ข ฮธ pi ฮดฯ = ฯ pi - ฯ po = ฯ p ( 6 ) eqs . ( 4 ), ( 5 ) and ( 6 ) come from the basic definition of angular velocity and from the fact that a planet must have a single angular velocity for both the input and output interfaces and establish the relationship between ฯ p and ฯ or . ฯ p ๎ข r pi ๎ข r o ( r ๎ข s + 2 ๎ข r pi ) - ฯ p ๎ข r po = ฯ o ๎ข r o ( 7 ) ฯ p ๎ข r pi ๎ข r s ( r ๎ข s + 2 ๎ข r pi ) + ฯ p ๎ข r pi = ฯ s ๎ข r s ( 8 ) esq . ( 7 ) and ( 8 ) come from substituting for ฯ or . ฯ s ๎ข r s ฯ o ๎ข r o = r pi ๎ข r o + r pi ๎ข ( r s + 2 ๎ข r pi ) r pi ๎ข r o - r po ๎ข ( r s + 2 ๎ข r pi ) ( 9 ) ฯ s - ฯ o = ( r o ) [ 2 ๎ข ( r pi ) 2 + r pi ๎ข ( r o + r s ) r s ๎ข [ r pi ๎ข r o - r po ๎ข ( r s + 2 ๎ข r pi ) ] ( 10 ) ฯ s ฯ o = ( r o ) [ 2 ๎ข ( r pi ) 2 + r pi ๎ข ( r o + r s ) r s ๎ข [ r pi ๎ข ( r o - 2 ๎ข r po ) - r po ๎ข r s ] ( 11 ) ฯ s ฯ o = - 117 t o t i = - 99 . 5 ๎ข ๎ข ( say ๎ข - 100 ) ฯ s ฯ o = - 117 t o t i = - 99 . 5 ๎ข ๎ข ( say - 100 ) an estimate that the transmission can withstand 60 ft - lb output torque is derived as follows : the largest stress will be on the planet teeth that push off against the ground ring roller gear 64 . this is because the lower planet radius is slightly smaller than the upper planet radius and because it will take slightly more load . assuming 20 teeth in the planet . 1 . 024945 ๎ข e3 ๎ข ๎ข lbs ๎ข ๎ข ( . 770 ๎ข ๎ข in . ) 12 ๎ข ๎ข in . / ft . = 65 ๎ข ๎ข ft . / lbs . e 3 (. 6 ) (. 25 in . )= max allowable shear load per tooth = 342 lbs . ( ฯ2 ๎ข ๎ข r pi ๎ข l ) ๎ข 58 ๎ข ๎ข e ๎ข ๎ข 3 ๎ข ๎ข ( . 6 ) ๎ข ๎ข ( . 25 ๎ข ๎ข in . ) 40 = max ๎ข ๎ข allowable ๎ข ๎ข shear ๎ข ๎ข load ๎ข ๎ข per ๎ข ๎ข tooth = 342 ๎ข ๎ข lbs . assembly of transmission 54 will now be discussed . to assemble transmission 54 , the roller portions of the planets 62 , 66 are positioned in output ring roller gear 70 . the roller of input sun roller gear 60 is then positioned in the arrangement . the other planet gear teeth cylinders 72 are then tightly fit over each of the bottom roller portions of the planets 62 , 66 and , at the same time , meshed with the teeth of the output ring roller gear 70 . the input sun roller gear teeth cylinder 73 is then tightly fit over the roller of the input sun roller gear 60 , meshed with the teeth of the planets 62 , 66 and fastened in place with an assembly screw . the ground ring roller gear 64 is then slipped in place , its teeth meshing with the teeth of the planets 62 , 66 as it goes . next , input sun roller gear 60 is slipped into place , its teeth meshing with those of the planets 62 , 66 as it goes . the three bottom portions of the planet rollers are each then fit tightly into their respective planet gear teeth cylinders and splined into the roller portion of the planet already in place . then , each of the planets 62 , 66 is finalized in its assembly with a fastening screw . the entire transmission 54 is now assembled , aligned and ready to function . disassembly is accomplished by reversing the steps . it should be noted that if the output roller gear sun 68 can be manufactured in a single piece , and the assembly / disassembly process can proceed , essentially unchanged . referring to fig1 , we see a sectional view of a planetary transmission 82 using phase - shifted gear bearings . the phase shifted gear bearing transmission 82 has a similar structure to roller gear bearing transmission 54 . however , the corresponding input and output sun and planet gears , as well as the ring gear , comprise phase - shifted gear bearings as opposed to roller gear bearings . the assembly / disassembly process for the phase - shifted gear bearing transmission of fig1 is essentially identical to that described with respect to the transmission 54 of fig9 . the present gear bearing can also be used to improve electric motors . fig1 is a sectional view of an existing electric motor 90 , requiring two sets of ball bearings 92 , which separate armature 94 from stator 96 . the armature 94 includes permanent magnet 95 , and the stator 96 includes coils 97 . the ball bearings 92 also allow the armature 94 to rotate with respect to the stator 96 , typically by using the weak forces of electric motors . the motor 90 further includes a motor mount screw 98 , and an output drive 99 . [ 0092 ] fig1 is a sectional view of an electric motor 100 using the gear bearings of the present invention . motor 100 is similar to the existing motor design in that it includes armature 104 , including permanent magnets 105 , stator 106 , including coils 107 , and motor mount screw 108 . these elements form a housing 110 . motor 100 also comprises an output 112 , including an output screw 109 . instead of using ball bearings , motor 100 has sun gear bearing 114 , a gear bearing transmission 120 , comprising a sun gear bearing which drives plant gear bearings 116 , which in turn drive the output 112 . an idler 118 acts as a stiffener and is placed between planet gear bearings 116 . the gear bearing transmission 120 results in a smaller , simpler design , that is easier to assemble as compared to the existing ball bearing design . although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described , it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention , the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents .
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by way of example , the following description of the invention relates to its application as a glucose monitor . it should be understood that this is merely one application among an extensive list of applications of which the invention is capable . referring first to fig1 , there is shown a first embodiment of the present invention , adapted for glucose determination / monitoring , illustrated by a wrist watch or wristlet comprising three types of sensors : pulse - wave sensors 6 a and 6 b , biocompatible electrodes 7 , and additional biocompatible electrodes 8 a and 8 b for detecting perspiration and estimating the acidity thereof . the device comprises the following electronics : a keyboard 1 , a body 2 with a display 3 and an electronic block 4 . the keyboard 1 is supplied with a connector 5 to allow connection of a programmed cartridge , for example a home computer , cellular phone , palm - sized electronic notebook , etc ( not shown ). the body 2 incorporates the pulse - wave sensors 6 a and 6 b , biocompatible electrodes 7 , and additional biocompatible electrodes 8 a and 8 b . electronic block 4 is supplied with an antenna 9 and a connector 10 for transferring data and / or an alarm signal through an external transmission - connection unit ( not shown ), ( e . g . telephone line , fax , the internet ) for sending such data to a physician . the device also includes two thermometers 11 a and 11 b for measuring the patient &# 39 ; s skin and the surrounding temperature , respectively , and a 3 - dimensional accelerometer 12 for measuring motion intensity or physical activity of the hand ( not seen ). fig2 is a block diagram of the components of the device including the operative connections between those components . the two pulse - wave sensors 6 a and 6 b ( pws 1 and pws 2 ), which are connected to a microprocessor ( mp 6 ). three electrodes 7 ( el_ 1 , el_ 2 and el_ 3 ), where electrodes el_ 1 , el_ 2 are electrochemically connected to electrode el_ 3 , which is a reference electrode ( not seen in fig1 as it is inside the electronic block 4 ). the three electrodes 7 ( el_ 1 , el_ 2 and el_ 3 ) are connected to three voltmeters v 2 , v 3 and v 4 , respectively . in order to measure dc and ac voltages it is necessary to use the two separate voltmeters . therefore the signal from the el_ 1 goes to v 1 to measure acidity , to v 2 to measure dc and to v 3 to measure ac . the two perspiration measuring electrodes 8 a and 8 b ( adel_ 1 and adel_ 2 ), which are each connected with a voltmeter ( v 1 , v 2 ) [ reference #&# 39 ; s ? ], respectively ; the 3 - dimensional accelerometer 12 ( acc ). two thermometers 11 a and 11 b ( t - 1 and t - 2 ) for measuring skin and surrounding temperature , respectively . four microprocessors ( mp 1 , mp 2 , mp 3 , mp 4 ); and the programmed microprocessor mp 6 connected to the keyboard 1 ; and a processor , mp 5 , with memory m connected thereto ; and having a charge - connector unit and alarm system . note , the voltmeters and microprocessors referred to herein are not seen in fig1 and so are not given reference numerals ( merely labels as seen in fig2 ), however , they are located within the electronic block 4 . the microprocessor mp 1 is connected with pws 1 and it analyzes pulse - wave spectral characteristics using a standard mathematical software program package ( e . g . matlab or other software ). the microprocessor mp 2 is connected to pws 1 , pws 2 and a timer / clock , and it measures a pulse wave propagation velocity and heart rate . the microprocessor mp 4 is connected to pws 2 and it analyzes a pulse wave spectrum , for example using matlab . the above microprocessors mp 1 , mp 2 and mp 4 are connected with a programmed microprocessor mp 5 having a display . the potential difference between electrodes 8 a and 8 b ( adel - 1 and adel - 2 ) is proportional to the perspiration &# 39 ; s acidity . with reference to fig3 , the principles of pulse wave measurements use the following principles : 1 . the rate of movement of the blood can be estimated by the rate of pulse wave propagation between sensors 6 a and 6 b . 2 . the blood flow is proportional to the cross - section of arteries and the velocity of the blood . 3 . blood viscosity affects the shape of the pulse waves , the rate of their propagation and the pulse wave spectrum . the following data are supplied to the programmed microprocessors from the various sensors : for calibration purposes , the first data are compared in the programmed microprocessor mp 5 with parameters ( i . e . glucose level , blood pressure , heart rate , etc .) that were recorded in the processor &# 39 ; s memory m during an oral glucose tolerance test ( ogtt ) and / or during an electrocardiogram ( ecg ) stress test . the results of such a calibration are input into an individual โ mathematical model โ resulting from an individual calibration with neural network software . similar neural network software is used to estimate the following important parameters : the programmed microprocessor mp 5 displays selected parameters on the display 3 . it is connected with a processor p that can produce an alarm if selected parameters are beyond predetermined limits , which depend on the rate of change of the parameters . the alarm ( and parameters ) may be transmitted through a cellular telephone or other means of communication . all of the parameters are periodically recorded in the memory m in case any deviations , for example , they may be transmitted daily into the computer of a physician , medical center , clinic , etc , through a separate charge - connection unit . preliminary examination of the other components of the device consisted of checking pulse - wave and bio - electricity diagnostics . the above - described theoretical basis of such diagnostics is explained with reference to fig4 - 6 . data for fig4 and 5 were generated from the michaelis - menten equation and the data for fig6 were generated from the lipman equation and electro - capillary curves . the change of the rate of cellular glucose absorption as a function of the blood glucose level at a range of insulin levels ( picomoles / ml ) is shown in fig4 . the rate of glucose absorption depends on glucose and insulin blood level . as seen , the maximal rate of glucose absorption is typically in a bgl range of 65 to 115 mg / dl , which corresponds to the maximal stability of the glucose level and more particularly to the maximal motion force and rate of return to equilibrium ( as seen in fig5 .). the dominant parameter of any living system is metabolism , which includes in particular the equilibrium between carbohydrate metabolism and oxygen / carbon dioxide use and production . fig6 shows the function of gibbs energy of healthy cells ( indicated by diamond symbols ) and cancer cells ( indicated by square symbols ). the relative gibbs energy is relative to the average gibbs energy of the cells ; and the relative intensity of metabolism is relative to the 50 % level of the normal basic metabolism value . metabolism measurements , which are measurable using the device of the present invention , can provide estimation of cellular gibbs energy and thus can provide important information in the treatment of cancer . thus gibbs energy is dependent on the relative intensity of the metabolism . it shows that in the condition of both a metabolism that is too low or too high , the gibbs energy of cancer cells is lower than that of healthy cells . under this condition the rate of cancer cell division may be much higher than in healthy cells . furthermore , the separation between the curves in fig6 shows that there is a gibbs energy difference between cancer and healthy cells which allows the estimation of polymorphism of the cancer cells as the tendency for polymorphism is proportional to the difference in the gibbs energy between the cancer cells and the healthy cells . cancer polymorphism itself is a very important property of the cancer cells which directly affects treatment protocol decisions and the potential effectiveness of cancer treatment . experiments and measurements were made during oral glucose tolerance tests ( ogtt ), which included a blood glucose level measurement by a standard device โ accu - chek โ [ roche diagnostics , mannhelm , germany ]. in parallel , analysis of pulse waves and bio - potentials were performed using the device of the present invention . pulse waves were measured by piezo - electric transducers and microphones in parallel with electrical signals during the measurements . these signals produced from the above measurements were recorded in a computer by standard analog - to - digital protocol and were analyzed by standard mathematical programs ( e . g . โ matlab โ). pulse - wave measurements results obtained by the present device are shown in fig7 ( raw data ), fig8 ( filtered data ) and fig9 ( raw data after fourier transform analysis ). the characteristic forms of the recorded pulse waves using the pulse wave sensors 6 a and 6 b are shown in fig7 at three blood glucose levels ( 130 , 200 and 260 mg / dl ). upon inspection of the curves of fig7 - 9 , it is obvious that the form of the pulse wave and its spectral characteristics changes from bgls of 130 to 260 mg / dl . for example , the downward sloping portions of the curves in fig8 are much less smooth as the bgl increases . therefore , such measurements can be correlated with bgl and thus bgl can be determined via those measurements consistent with the above - mentioned theory and by use of the device of the present invention . with reference to fig9 , it can also be observed that as the bgl increases , there are more high frequency components ( peaks p 1 , p 2 , p 3 , p 4 and p 5 ). again , such results can be used to form a correlation between the pulse - wave measurements and the bgl so that using the device of the present invention , bgl can be conveniently , continuously and non - invasively obtained . in all the experiments described herein , wherein a dc voltage was recorded , a standard agcl reference electrode was used as the reference electrode for the dc voltage measurements . fig1 and 11 show results of simultaneously recorded pulse - wave and bio - potential measurements obtained by the present device ( particularly by pulse - wave sensors 6 a and 6 b ; and electrodes 7 ) and their processing at different bgls , for a diabetic patient ( patient a ) and non - diabetic patient ( patient b ), respectively . it can be seen from these graphs that with the change of the blood glucose level there is change in the spectral characteristics of the pulse waves and voltage measurements . such change is a biological response of a patient to intolerant bgls ( i . e . above 120 mg / dl ). the parameters of these characteristics analyzed by neural network algorithms allow transforming all these multi - parametric dynamical parametrical changes into blood glucose level estimation . thus , the two afore - mentioned experiments indicate that an at least semi - quantitative model can be achieved and used as the basis of the present invention , using measurements of the device of the present invention . fig1 shows the results of a further experiment involving two female volunteers ( volunteer am , aged 63 and volunteer lg , aged 56 ). the volunteers were connected to the device ( particularly electrodes 7 ), in the supine position to avoid uncontrolled movement . during the measurements they were asked to recall different situations from life , including : ( a ) thinking about pregnancy , ( b ) thinking about another person , ( c ) meditation and ( d ) playing with grandchildren . the time at which these thoughts were suggested are shown by arrows on the graphs of fig1 . it can be seen that typically after a brief delay of a few seconds , there is a clear change in the voltage characteristics . such change shows that the voltage measurements ( dc and low frequency ac together with high frequency ac ) are capable of indicating a response to various psycho - emotional stimuli . such measurements therefore have potential applications in lie detector machines and to psycho - immune measurements . fig1 shows the results of different voltage measurements , produced by the electrodes 7 of the device . a device was worn on each of all four limbs and corresponding dc and low and high frequency ac voltage changes were measured during heating of the left leg by an assistant ( at about 65 seconds into the experiment ); and later ( at about 180 seconds into the experiment ) with the volunteer heating his own hands using thought / imagination . the perturbations seen in curves indicate that the device is capable of sensing metabolism and blood flow change in the limbs . thus , the device can be used as a bio - feedback system and for diagnostics . furthermore , the experimental results support a recently developed theory that there is a coordinated interconnection between the limbs . this in itself has an enormous importance for the diagnostics and treatment of limbs . fig1 is a graph showing experimental data generated by the present invention for a diagnostics of a local metabolism disorder . here the device was worn on a portion of a 53 year old male patient having diseased skin with an affected metabolism . the graph shows dynamic voltage change during a bio - resonance electromagnetic treatment . for the first three minutes of the measurements , the patient was working by himself , i . e . using the device as a biofeedback system . at three minutes into the experiment , the patient fell asleep and an electromagnetic resonance treatment began wherein different resonance signals were used . the change in voltage response seen in the curve of fig1 , at three minutes into the experiment when the resonance treatment began , validates the sensitivity of the electrode measurements to a change in local metabolism caused by the treatment . the device further monitored the patient &# 39 ; s metabolism during continuation of the treatment , which was suspended temporarily between 28 - 31 minutes and after 39 minutes . again , the electrodes measure changes in the patient &# 39 ; s local metabolism as seen in the response change shown in fig1 at those times . fig1 graphically shows experimental data generated by the present invention as a pharmaco - dynamics and pharmaco - kinetics tracking system . during this experiment a 64 year - old male volunteer , took a nutrient supplement and the electrodes 7 of the device were placed on his body at locations whereat the supplement was expected to act upon . there is a clear affect in the dynamic voltage , in particular a 50 mv decrease , as a result of the supplement intake . this indicates that the device can be used to track physiological changes in the body as a result of drug / supplement / food intake and thus it has application in pharmaco - dynamics , drug / supplement development , improvement of treatment protocols , diet programs and so on . in fig1 there is shown an embodiment of the device in which a pad 14 comprises an array of electrodes 8 ( and / or sensors 6 , or combination thereof ) arranged on it . in such an arrangement , voltage measurements can be made between electrodes 8 and such a pad 14 can be conveniently disposed at virtually any location on the surface of a biological being . the pad 14 is convenient for use in performing organ metabolic measurements , for example . for clarity , a summary of the particular electrodes / sensors / meters required for different embodiments of the device of the present invention is shown in the table below . required sensors for particular embodiments of the device sensors basic building pulse wave acoustic device block ** sensors sensors thermosensor accelerometer glucose monitor 1 no * no * 1 1 nervous system 1 no * no * no * no * monitor wireless 5 no * no * no * no * ecg local metabolism at least 2 2 no * at least 2 no * monitor limb metabolism 4 8 4 4 4 monitor psychological at least 4 8 4 4 no * detector , lie detector pharmacokinetic ; at least 4 8 at least 4 at least 4 at least 4 pharmacodynamic no * = not required in the most simplistic embodiments of the device , however could be required in more complex embodiments . ** = two spaced apart electrodes at least one of which is in contact with the biological being for providing a bio - potential measurement including a low frequency ac voltage and / or a dc voltage in which one of the two electrodes is a reference electrode providing a reference for the dc voltage . it is important to mention that the implementation of the device being a bb as an ecg provides a compact , user friendly wireless ecg device . the fact that measurements are accomplished by an electrode with reference to a reference electrode allows voltage measurement without connecting an electrical loop through the biological being itself . thus present device and method allows monitoring of a patient &# 39 ; s physiological ( health / illness ) condition by measurement , recording and analysis of the patient &# 39 ; s functional physiological profile . it is very important to note that some of the above - mentioned parameters can be measured using merely dc voltage and / or low frequency ac voltage and do not necessarily need both .
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the cell structure of fig1 comprises a container 20 , liquid electrolyte 21 , counter electrode 22 , which in our devices is carbon , although other inert materials may be used , and the photoactive n - type electrode 23 . electrode 23 comprises gaas and it is contemplated that some substances , such as al , may be present . the electrolyte is typically aqueous although nonaqueous electrolytes , such as propylene carbonate and acetonitrile , can be used . the portion of electrode 23 contacting electrolyte 21 constitutes a surface the modification of which is the subject of this invention . electrode 23 is insulated with epoxy 24 except where illuminated and activated . the container may be made of any conveniently available glass or plastic material . the bottom of the cell , opposing electrode 23 , is transparent to pass incident light as shown . when the electrode is in a suitable electrolyte , typically aqueous , and illuminated , holes migrate to the surface of the n - type gaas and cause its oxidative dissolution by the reaction 6h + + gaas โ ga ( iii )+ as ( iii ). if this is the only reaction , the material photoetches . the photoetching reaction can be suppressed if a competing reaction can be found that will scavenge holes and compete directly with the photoetching reaction although it may be unable to completely suppress photoetching . a redox couple consisting of selenide anions has been found to suppress photoetching in gaas cells sufficiently that usable cells can be made . the selenium accepts charge through the reaction 2se = + 2h + โ se = 2 at the photoactive electrode . the reaction at the nonphotoactive electrode is se = 2 + 2e โ 2se = and there is no net chemical change in the cell . suitable redox couple concentrations in aqueous solutions range from a maximum represented by a saturated solution to a minimum of approximately 0 . 1 m which represents the minimum concentration needed to consume sufficient holes , when the electrode is illuminated by sunlight , to prevent unduly rapid photoetching . other than aqueous electrolytes may also be used but since they generally have a lesser electrical conductivity , cell efficiency is reduced at the relatively high currents produced when the cell is illuminated by sunlight . for high redox couple concentrations , light absorption in the electrolyte can be compensated for by making the liquid layer thin . diselenide ion and polyselenide ions may be formed in the solution by a conventional technique such as passing h 2 se into a basic solution , e . g ., an aqueous solution of koh , and permitting air to oxidize some of the se = to se = 2 or by directly dissolving elemental se . other bases such as naoh and nh 4 oh may also be used . the photoactive electrode comprises n - type gaas . small amounts of other substances , such as al , may be present in the electrode . if single crystal , it may be grown by any of the well - known crystal growth techniques . typical carrier concentrations are between 10 15 / cm 3 and 2 ร 10 17 / cm 3 . modification of the electrode surface which contacts the liquid has been found crucial to increased cell efficiency . surface modified electrodes prepared by the following methods and having the described characteristics have been found to yield photocells with greatly enhanced performance characteristics . a layer of materials which alters surface states initially within the bandgap of the gaas and increases the photovoltage and the fill factor and reduces recombination is formed on the electrode surface . the material is present in an amount within the range extending from a tenth of a monolayer to five monolayers . the precise form of the material is not known with certainty but is believed to be a compound of the material . material comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of lead , rhodium , cobalt and ruthenium has been found to be effective . material consisting essentially of ruthenium has been found to be especially effective . useful amounts of ruthenium range from approximately one - tenth of a monolayer to several monolayers or amounts between 0 . 01 ฮผgm / cm 2 and 1 . 0 ฮผgm / cm 2 . the preferred range is between 0 . 01 ฮผgm / cm 2 and 0 . 1 ฮผgm / cm 2 . while lesser amounts of ruthenium might still improve cell efficiency somewhat , the number of surface states changed is not maximized . above 1 . 0 ฮผgm / cm 2 , layer development begins to modify light absorption by the semiconductor . the precise form of the ruthenium on the electrode surface is not known with certainty . it is possible that the form in which the ruthenium is initially incorporated is altered by surface reactions in the selenide solution . the following methods have been found suitable for forming the ruthenium layer . the gaas electrode may be immersed briefly , for example , for approximately thirty seconds , in solutions of the metal ions as simple salts in 0 . 1 m hno 3 , and withdrawn and rinsed in water . for example , a 0 . 01 m solution of rucl 3 in dilute hno 3 has been found to produce satisfactory results . other salts such as nitrate or nitrosyl chloride may also be used . the concentration of the salts may range from 10 - 6 m to 10 - 1 m . below 10 - 6 m , excessive treatment times might be necessary . concentrations above 10 - 1 m will not reduce treatment time . times will vary with concentration in well - known manner . other acids , such a perchloric or hydrochloric , can also be used . the acid concentration may vary from 0 . 01 m to 1 . 0 m . above 1 . 0 m , the semiconductor may be etched . below 0 . 01 m , the metal ions may hydrolyze excessively . the ruthenium layer may also be formed by adding small amounts of ruthenium to the cell electrolyte . typical amounts range from 10 - 6 to 10 - 5 m when added as rucl 3 ยท h 2 o . when the ruthenium is added in this manner , the improved cell performance manifests itself more slowly , typically taking several hours to approach the performance obtained by the first method described . lead , cobalt and rhodium layers on the electrode surface are formed by methods similar to those described for ruthenium but the resulting beneficial effects are not as great as they are for ruthenium . solutions of noble metals , such as pd and pt , deposit layers of the metals on the surface of the gaas electrode . these layers produce a severe and permanent decline in cell voltage and current . this is expected if multiple surface states are added within the forbidden gap and the surface becomes too metallic . cell performance has been found to be still further improved if the electrode surface is further modified by increasing its surface area . an expedient method is texturizing , as by etching , prior to formation of the layer of material . the texturizing procedure has been found crucial for optimizing the short circuit current . the subsequent surface modification by formation of a layer of material on the texturized surface increases the open circuit voltage and fill factor . an expedient texturizing process will be described briefly . the gaas electrode is etched repeatedly in a 1 : 1 solution of 30 percent h 2 o 2 and an acid , for example , sulphuric , nitric or phosphoric , for several seconds at a time at a temperature of approximately 25 degrees c . the electrode is rinsed upon each withdrawal with deionized water until a shiny surface is obtained . the electrode is then etched in the same solution for ten to thirty seconds without etchant convection until the surface turns to a matte black . this is most easily done by dipping the electrode in the etchant , removing , visually observing the transformation of the electrode surface , and then rinsing . the texturizing process controls the gross topography of the electrode surface and increases the ratio of absorbed to reflected light . the texturizing process produces hillocks , having dimensions comparable to the wavelength of the incident light , in the electrode surface . the hillocks result in higher absorption of the incident light . the performance of a cell having an etched electrode with a layer of ruthenium is shown in fig2 . the electrode was an n - type gaas single crystal having a carrier concentration of approximately 5 ร 10 15 / cm 3 . the measuring techniques used were standard techniques such as those described in journal of the electrochemical society 124 , 697 ( 1977 ). the surface was texturized with the described etching process . the electrode surface then had a layer of ruthenium formed by dipping the electrode for thirty seconds in 0 . 01 m rucl 3 in hno 3 . the total selenium concentration in the cell was approximately 1 m and the koh concentration was the same . on a clear day in may in murray hill , n . j ., with the sun approximately 30 degrees from the zenith , and without an antireflection coating , the cell delivered 10 . 6 ยฑ 1 . 0 mw / cm 2 , an efficiency of 10 . 9 percent . typical fill factors ranged from 0 . 66 to 0 . 76 . a second cell having a gaas electrode prepared as described in the previous paragraph but with a carrier concentration of approximately 6 ร 10 16 / cm 3 was illuminated under conditions similar to those described in the previous paragraph . at 95 mw / cm 2 insolation , the cell delivered 11 . 4 mw / cm 2 for an efficiency of 12 . 0 percent .
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the undercarpet cable 10 shown in fig2 will first be described . it has a live conductor 12 and a neutral conductor 14 . for use on 240 volts with a 30 amp current rating , these conductors are preferably of copper strip about 0 . 25 mm thick and about 20 mm wide . these conductors 12 , 14 are sandwiched between two flat films or strips 16 , 18 which form an inner insulation sheath 15 and are about 60 - 65 mm wide . the strips 16 , 18 are each conveniently a lamination of a polyester layer of about 0 . 06 mm thickness on the outer side away from the conductors , a fire retardant vinyl layer also of about 0 . 1 mm , and a heat - sealable adhesive layer on the innermost side . the total thickness of each strip 16 , 18 is about 0 . 15 mm . the conductors 12 , 14 are placed side by side on the lower strip 16 with a space of the order of 10 mm between them , and the upper strip 18 is then applied . the composite is then passed through shaped heat - sealing rollers to cause the conductors to be fully bonded to the sheath , and the two layers of the sheath to be bonded to each other in the regions where there is no conductor . these regions comprise a central region 20 between the conductors , and edge regions 22 to either side of the conductors . the live and neutral conductors 12 , 14 are in this way formed into a sealed insulated inner package . to form the complete cable a solid copper earthing ( or grounding ) conductor 26 is now placed over the conductor package . the earthing conductor has a width approximately equal to the width of the whole package and acts as an electromagnetic screen , as well as assisting effective heat dissipation and providing a safety function in the event that the cable is penetrated by a foreign body ( e . g . a nail ). the earthing conductor 26 can normally be about half the thickness of the live and neutral conductors 12 , 14 . the earthing conductor 26 should preferably not be bonded to the package 24 but is simply loosely laid on it , and if it is bonded to the conductor package , it should be sufficiently lightly bonded to be readily separable from it by hand . an outer insulation jacket or sheath 28 is now formed tightly around the combination of the package 24 and earthing conductor 26 , by two flat strips 30 , 32 which are of the same plastics lamination as the strips 16 , 18 , only about 20 mm wider . the edges 34 of the strips 30 , 32 are then heat sealingly bonded to each other to form a sealed sheath . preferably also the earthing conductor 26 is bonded to the upper strip 32 and the package 24 can be lightly bonded , for example at intermittent bands along the cable , to the lower strip 30 . the completed cable is then typically about 80 - 85 mm wide and 1 mm thick . the sheath 28 has the effect of sealing the edge portion of the cable construction , and attaching the edge of the earthing conductor 26 to the edge of the package 24 to hold them together . the outer sheath 28 preferably carries indications , e . g . by colour coding , as to which is the top and which is the live conductor . if desired a second earthing conductor can be placed beneath the conductor package to provide further electrical and mechanical protection and also to enable the cable to be used either way up . this enables the cable to be made to change direction by a simple fold . the dimensions given above are for a 240 volts 30 amp cable with twin and earth conductors . for three - phase applications an additional two current - carrying conductors can be incorporated and the overall size varied to give the required performance characteristics . the cable is installed underneath the carpet in an office or like environment . the cable is laid on the floor and covered by a steel tape which provides mechanical protection and which is secured to the floor by adhesive tape . the carpet can then be replaced over the cable . fig1 illustrates the mounting of a socket outlet 40 on the cable 10 . this is achieved by means of a box or pedestal 50 which is moulded of rigid plastics material and comprises a base unit 52 , an upper clamp unit 54 , and a shroud 200 , together with an insulation plate 56 . the socket outlet 40 is a standard socket outlet appropriate to the type of plug connector to be received , and in the united kingdom can be a twin socket outlet in accordance with the relevant british standard ( bs 1363 ) as designed for flush or surface wall mounting . no special socket outlet unit is required . the socket outlet will normally have screw connectors designed to receive an input power cable of conventional type . the base unit 52 is of generally rectangular shape and has a broad transverse recess 58 forming a surface across which the flat cable 10 is laid . the end pillars 60 to either side of this recess 58 contain various moulded bores . these include two bores 62 near two opposed corners of the base unit for receiving fixing screws , if the pedestal is to be mounted on a wooden floor , or masonary or concrete fixing devices for other floors . at the four corners of the base unit there are bores 64 which each accommodate a threaded bush 66 to receive a bolt ( not shown ) which secures the clamp unit 54 to the base unit . four bores 68 are also provided which open towards the transverse recess 58 and communicate with shallow channels 70 in the base of the recess . at least two of these bores , one on each pillar 60 , receive screw terminals 72 which are connected by a copper strip 74 to an insulation - displacement contact ( idc ) 76 to form a unitary contact member . the contact 76 comprises a square plate the corners of which are bent upwards as shown to provide four sharp contact points , capable of penetrating the insulating sheath of the cable 10 to make good electrical contact with the live and neutral conductors 12 and 14 . the clamp unit 54 is designed to fit over and around the base unit 52 and with the assistance of the plate 56 to press the package 24 in the cable 10 down onto the idc contacts 76 so that proper contact is made . the clamp unit 54 is of the same general shape as the base unit but has a central aperture 78 for receiving the rear of the socket outlet 40 and associated wiring , and also a larger flange 80 which bears against the floor ( or may be relieved to receive the edge of the carpet ). four bores 82 accommodate the bolts ( not shown ) which are received in the threaded bushes 66 in the base unit . when the bolts are tightened the necessary clamping force is applied to the cable . preferably the bolts are of the type which take a hexagonal allen key so that they can provide a large clamping force . bores 84 adjacent the aperture 78 in the centre of the longer side of the clamp unit ( the side which runs transverse to the cable ) each accommodate a captive idc terminal post 86 . the lower end of the post 86 is designed to form an insulation displacement contact which provides an earth termination to the earth conductor 26 in the cable 10 . the upper end of the post 86 is provided with a screw terminal 88 similar to the screw terminals 72 for the live and neutral conductors . further bores 90 are aligned above the four possible positions of the terminal posts 72 , and open into the aperture 78 . the manner in which the cable is connected to the pedestal will now be described . the cable is laid across the floor and the desired position for an outlet socket is chosen . a hole of appropriate size is made in the carpet . at this point the electrician has to gain access to the cable conductors . this he does with a sharp knife by slitting or cutting off the edges 34 of the outer sheath 28 in the region that will be lying over the recess 58 . the line of the cut is shown at x in fig2 and by the dashed lines x in fig1 . with the cable described , making these cuts in the right place is very easy . it will be recalled that the earthing conductor 26 is at least as wide as the conductor package 24 . thus all the electrician has to do is to feel for the edge of the earthing conductor 26 , and to cut alongside it . in this way he removes the edge portions 34 which bond the two halves of the outer sheath together , but he is in no danger of violating the live and neutral conductor package 24 . it will also be recalled that the earthing conductor 26 was not bonded to the conductor package 24 or at least not firmly bonded . thus over the length where the edges 34 are removed , the cable can easily be separated into two parts with a gap between them . the top part consists of the top outer insulating strip 32 and the earthing conductor 26 , and the bottom part consists of the bottom outer insulating strip 30 and the conductor package 24 , the latter containing the live and neutral conductors 12 and 14 in the inner insulating sheath 15 . now the electrician takes the insulating plate 56 , which is of the same general shape as the recess 58 across which the cable lies . the electrician slides this plate between the two separated parts of the cable and places it over the recess 58 . the clamp unit 54 is placed on top and the clamping bolts in bores 82 are tightened into bushes 66 . the clamping force is sufficient to force the bottom part of the cable down onto the contacts 76 to cause the contact points to penetrate the insulation and make contact with the live and neutral conductors 12 and 14 respectively , and to cause the contact portion of the terminal post 86 to penetrate the earth conductor 26 . to assist in this the plate 56 has bores or recesses 92 which are aligned with the points of the contacts 76 . to maintain the alignment of the plate 56 , the plate has rectangular projections 94 at either end which slide into corresponding recesses 96 in the inside edges of the pillars 60 . the base plate 52 may optionally include threaded bushes 98 at this point , in which case the plate 56 has corresponding holes 100 . a bolt can then be passed through each hole 100 into the bush 98 and tightened to hold the plate 56 and hence the bottom part of the cable in place for the subsequent assembly stages . the plate 56 is of such a thickness that there can be no danger of the contacts 76 penetrating from the underside as far as the top surface of the plate to make contact with the earth , or the earth idc penetrating from the upper side to make contact with the live and neutral conductors below . to assist in allowing penetration of the conductor the plate has cut - outs 102 . the plate 56 can have appropriate instructions printed on it to assist the electrician in installing the socket outlet correctly . to attach the standard socket outlet 40 , the clamp unit 54 has two threaded bushes 104 at the required spacing at either end of the aperture 78 . conventional fixing bolts ( not shown ) pass through holes 106 in the socket outlet 40 and engage in bushes 104 . the base unit 52 has two bores 108 which receive the ends of these fixing bolts should they protrude through the clamp unit 54 . the shroud or cover 200 is interposed between the socket outlet 40 and the clamp unit 54 . the shroud has a configuration generally similar to the top surface of the clamp unit 54 , with a central aperture 202 just smaller than the outer periphery of the socket outlet so as to be clamped between the socket outlet and the clamp unit . two lips 204 are provided having apertures 206 which are positioned in line with the bushes 104 in the clamp unit , so that the bolts in holes 106 pass through the apertures 206 . in use it is , of course , necessary to complete the electrical connections to the socket outlet 40 before it is bolted in place . the terminal posts 72 protrude through the bores 90 in the clamp unit 54 , so that the screw terminals 110 are accessible from above and the wire - receiving transverse bores 112 in the terminal posts are open into the aperture 78 . in the example illustrated in fig1 there are two terminal posts 72 , one for each of the live and neutral conductors 12 and 14 , and this will be the usual arrangement . a short length of insulated wire is then run from the terminal posts to the terminals on the rear of the standard twin switched socket 40 . the earth connection is provided by a further length of wire between the respective terminal on the socket 40 and the screw terminal 88 at the top of terminal post 86 which makes direct contact with the earth conductor 26 in the cable . this type of connection is familiar to electricians and so is easy to make and most unlikely to be made incorrectly . as the pedestal 50 provides a standard fixing for the socket 40 , alternative types of outlet can be used which have the same fixing parameters . an advantage of the system illustrated is that if it is desired to remove the socket outlet from the position in which it is installed , this can be done without difficulty . the only damage done to the cable is to make small pinpricks in the insulation . the same basic pedestal can be used in other different configurations . different types of outlet sockets can be mounted by using a spacer or adaptor moulding . the pedestal illustrated can also be used to join two lengths of cable 10 , or as a transition box to join a length of conventional supply cable to the flat cable 10 . when used as a junction box to join two lengths of flat cable in line , the pedestal includes four of the terminal posts 72 and associated insulation displacement contacts 76 spaced in the recess 58 . the cable lengths are cut so as to terminate in the middle of the recess , and thus the contacts 76 at one end of the recess 58 will embed in one of the cable ends and those at the other end of the recess in the other cable end . the live and neutral connections are completed by short lengths of wire between the terminal posts 72 , and the earth connections by a short length of wire between terminal posts 86 . a socket 40 can be mounted on such a junction box or , if no socket is required at that point , a conventional plain blanking plate can be used . this system is particularly useful in that it enables an existing cable length terminating at a socket outlet to be extended by an additional length of cable without the need to replace the existing length with a longer length . the cable and pedestal cooperate to provide an extremely effective power distribution system for undercarpet use . the cable provides the current - carrying conductors with two layers of insulation , but is constructed so as to facilitate terminating and joining to the cable . the pedestal takes advantage of the cable construction and provides a simple but adaptable mounting which can be used in various configurations , namely with standard outlet sockets , or as a junction box to join two like cable lengths , or as a transition box to join the flat cable to a conventional cable , or to perform two of these functions simultaneously . as thus far described , the system is essentially as described in british patent application no . 84 24281 , though with the addition of the shroud 200 . the shroud or cover gives the added advantage of being replaceable to enable other styles of socket to be fitted , as may be used in other countries , without having to change the base and clamp unit . it also allows colour changes to be made easily and hides any unacceptable marks on the clamp unit . the construction of the earlier application has proved extremely practical , in enabling power to be made available in an area such as a shop or office at a position remote from the walls without the need to cause any significant disruption in installation . it has been appreciated that the system would be significantly enhanced if , in addition to mains power , other facilities could be made available such as telephone and / or data links . flat cable suitable for running to such an island site is readily available ; the voltages involved do not pose the same dangers to personnel as do mains voltages . also it is sometimes desired to add further power outlets and the easiest way of doing this is often to provide a spur from an existing outlet . with various objects in mind the system of fig1 includes various modules 220 , 222 , 224 which can be attached to the sides of the pedestal unit 50 . module 220 provides two telephone outlets , module 222 has two data outlet sockets , and module 224 is designed to enable a power spur to be connected . fig3 shows the modules connected to the assembled central pedestal unit . the modules can be chained together except that no further modules may be added before or after a power spur module 224 because the outgoing power cable will be in the way and power cables from the spur connect directly to the power pedestal . fig3 to 5 show how the modules are attached to the pedestal unit 50 . the modules have the outline shape of the end part of the shroud 200 , and their inner faces conform to the shape of the end part of the shroud , so as to provide a natural extension to the shroud . the outer face of the shroud is generally inclined downwardly and outwardly , as seen in fig3 and 5 . the inner face of the module 220 has as an extension of its bottom surface two t - pieces 230 . these t - pieces pass through recesses 232 in the bottom of the shroud and of the clamping unit , and stop the module from moving away from the pedestal or the preceding module , thus holding the structure in the assembled condition . the method of assembly of the modules onto the pedestal is best illustrated by fig5 . the socket outlet 40 is first released , also releasing the shroud or cover 200 . the modules are then abutted to the power pedestal and held captive by the cover when the cover is screwed into position . the module can not now be removed as the t - pieces can not be released from the cover unless the cover is lifted from the floor . if it is desired to change the accessory modules , it is necessary only to release the cover 200 . it is not necessary to unscrew the clamp unit or base and the idc contacts remain undisturbed . the underside of the modules is hollow to accommodate the connector components as shown at 240 in fig1 . if desired , recesses 242 ( fig3 ) can be provided to allow access between the module and pedestal interiors for conductor wires . the socket - receiving modules 220 and 222 have standard sized openings which receive telephone , data or fibre optic connectors as desired . fig3 illustrates how the telephone and data lines to the modules can be laid under the carpet , either parallel or at right angles to the run of the power cable . it may sometimes be desired to use the modules 220 or 222 separately from the power outlet pedestal unit . this can be done using the link member 250 of fig6 which is configured like the two opposed ends of the shroud or cover 200 . two bores 252 are provided by which the link member can be secured to the floor with fastening devices . the power spur module 224 is slightly different in that it has no socket outlet apertures and really just provides a cover for insulation displacement contacts used to connect a spur cable . these contact members are illustrated in fig7 to 9 and comprise a nylon moulding 260 ( fig7 and 8 ) and a contact assembly 280 ( fig9 ). the moulding 260 is generally rectangular of about 20 mm by 16 mm by 13 mm and essentially provides two slots , a first open slot 262 for receiving the end of a flat conductor from a section or cable , and second through slot 264 for locating the contact assembly above the cable end . the cable assembly 280 comprises a flat brass plate 282 having two threaded bores 284 , 286 . into one of these there is threaded a bolt 288 having a slotted head and which carries at its end a cup - shaped idc contact 290 having eight triangular teeth 292 formed on its rim and pointing away from the head of the bolt . the end of the bolt is rivetted over as at 294 to retain the contact 290 on the bolt while allowing relative rotation of the bolt and contact . a washer 296 may assist in this . the assembly 290 is slid into the slot 264 in the moulding 260 . this will position the contact 290 above the plane of the cable - receiving slot 262 . a recess 296 may be provided beneath the contact 290 . when a piece of cable is in the slot 262 , the bolt 288 can be tightened with the aid of a screwdriver in the head of the bolt , moving the threaded bolt downwardly through the plate 282 and forcing the teeth 292 into the cable end . a positive connection is thus made . the other bore 286 in the strip 282 enables a normal screw connection to be made to a short length of cable , the other end of which is terminated on one of the terminal posts 72 and 86 as appropriate . the contact system formed by bolt 288 , cup - shaped idc contact 290 and washer 296 may be suitable for other purposes and the terminal post 86 may be of similar design .
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the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in detail in fig4 - 6 . fig4 depicts an elevation view of seal 50 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention with fig5 taken as a cross section through the elevation view of fig4 . seal 50 comprises an outer sleeve 51 having a first generally planar member 52 including length 53 , first rounded end 54 , second rounded end 55 , and width 56 extending therebetween . outer sleeve 52 also has a first thickness 57 . seal 50 further comprises a second generally planar member 58 that is opposite , yet substantially parallel to first generally planar member 51 , as is shown in fig5 . second generally planar member 58 has a second thickness 59 and at least one step 60 thereby forming a raised portion 61 of second generally planar member 58 . located in between first generally planar member 52 and second generally planar member 58 is a plurality of third generally planar members 62 that each have a third thickness 63 and extend from proximate first end 54 to proximate second end 55 . depending on the dimensions of the slot in which the seal is to be placed as well as the desired amount of seal movement , the number of third generally planar members can vary . however , in the preferred embodiment , three members are utilized in between first and second generally planar members as well as a shorter member that is located within the raised portion 61 of second generally planar member 58 . the more pliability desired will utilize fewer third generally planar members while a stiffer seal design will require more third generally planar members , for a given member thickness . in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art seal , in which multiple slabs can move relative to one another , the present invention fixes third generally planar members 62 to first and second generally planar members 52 and 58 , respectively . these planar members can be affixed by a variety of means , but the preferred means is through a plurality of spot welds 64 , as shown in fig4 . as one skilled in the art understands , in order to make a complete spot weld , there cannot be a gap between the raised portion 61 , the first generally planar member 52 opposite of the raised portion and the plurality of third generally planar members 62 located therebetween . otherwise , the welding current cannot pass through all surfaces that are to be welded . the preferred embodiment of the present invention further incorporates substantially rounded first and second ends , 54 and 55 , as shown in fig5 , such that a portion of second generally planar member 58 and plurality of third generally planar members are enclosed . rounded ends to outer sleeve 51 have been incorporated for multiple reasons . first , the rounded ends provide a more compliant point of contact for the seal against the slot as shown in fig6 , which is beneficial during seal installation and engine operation . second , the ends of various sheet members stacked in between the first and second generally planar members are protected from contacting adjacent hardware that could damage the assembled members by trying to pry the members apart . the rounded ends have , by nature , a height 66 when viewed in cross section , as shown in fig5 . the ends 54 and 55 are rounded completely on both the outer - most side of the seal and partially rounded on the inner side ( the side closest to centerline a - a ). as such , the height 66 of the rounded ends 54 and 55 is greater than the summation of thicknesses of first generally planar member 52 , second generally planar member 58 , and plurality of third generally planar members 62 ( as indicated by thickness 57 , 59 , and 63 , respectively ). this can be seen in fig5 . these thicknesses , when stacked together and including any change in seal geometry . as shown in fig5 , have by nature a height 68 . the height 66 of the rounded ends 54 and 55 is greater than any height 68 along the width 56 of the seal . the seal must have this relative height configuration between the rounded ends 54 and 55 and the seal width 56 so as to comply with the operational requirement described above wherein the rounded ends serve as the point of contact for the seal ( see fig6 ). as shown in fig6 , it is the rounded ends that provide the contact surfaces for the seal in a slot , not the generally planar members . a further benefit of the rounded ends of outer sleeve 51 is with respect to the position of welds 64 . seal 50 further comprises a centerline a - a , as shown in fig4 , that extends along length 53 . by positioning welds 64 along centerline a - a , a neutral axis is established allowing the seal ends , which are contacting the slot , to twist about centerline a - a , such that it is compliant to slot movement without overstressing the weld joints . one skilled in the art of sheet metal fabrication and welding will understand that the size and spacing of welds 64 depend on the material and thickness of that which is being welded . depending on the operating requirements , the seal material and respective member thickness can vary . however , it is preferred that seal 50 is fabricated from a high temperature alloy such as haynes 188 . furthermore , due to outer sleeve 51 serving as the outermost layer and generally the region of contact with an engine seal slot , it is preferred that first thickness 57 is greater than both second thickness 59 and third thickness 63 . accordingly , outer sleeve 51 is fabricated from a sheet having a first thickness between 0 . 015 inches and 0 . 050 inches while second and third generally planar members 58 and 62 are fabricated from a sheet having a second and third thickness , respectively , of between 0 . 010 inches and 0 . 040 inches . the configuration presented in the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for a gas turbine seal fabricated from a plurality of generally planar members , preferably spot welded together along a neutral axis . as a result , the seal , which provides a seal to reduce or eliminate undesirable leakage resulting in engine performance loss , has improved shear and bending capability while reducing the stress loads applied to the weld joints . while the invention has been described in what is known as presently the preferred embodiment , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but , on the contrary , is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the scope of the following claims .
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described herein are techniques that can use a database of protein data to derive a set of rules that are predictive of a given protein &# 39 ; s biophysical and biochemical properties . the techniques described herein may also be used , for example , in a data mining process operating on protein / condition outcomes ( e . g ., protein crystallization , solubility , and other intermediate forms ). among a wide variety of other applications , such data mining may yield sets of conditions likely to yield a specified outcome for a protein . the proteins may include naturally occurring proteins , modified proteins , synthetic proteins and sub - domains of proteins . a database may be constructed , for example , from protein sequence information and experimental data on protein biophysical and biochemical properties . the protein sequence information can include the primary amino acid sequence and characteristics which are derived from the sequence , including amino acid composition , the character of a region of the sequence , hydrophobicity , charge , molecular weight , the presence and length of low complexity regions and the presence of sequence motifs found in other proteins . the amino acid composition includes such information as the percent of a specific amino acid present in the sequence , the percent of a combination of two or more amino acids , and the percent of amino acids of a general class ( such as , but not limited to , hydrophobic , hydrophilic , aromatic , aliphatic , acidic , basic , charged , and the like ). regions having a particular character may be , for example , regions of low sequence complexity , regions that are hydrophobic / hydrophilic , or charged regions ( positive or negative ). the source or the sequence information may be derived from the genomic dna sequence , cdna sequence , or synthetic dna . the primary sequence information may come from a wide variety of sources , including human , animals , plants , yeast , bacteria , virus or engineered proteins . the biophysical properties which populate the database may include , for example , thermal stability , solubility , isoelectric point , ph stability , crystallizability , conditions of crystallization , aggregation state , heat capacity , resistance to chemical denaturation , resistance to proteolytic degradation , amide hydrogen exchange data , behavior on chromatographic matrices , electrophoretic mobility and resistance to degradation during mass spectrometry . biophysical properties may also include amenability ( suitability ) for study by various investigative techniques , including nuclear magnetic resonance ( nmr ), x - ray crystallography , circular dichroism ( cd ), light scattering , atomic adsorption , fluorescence , fluorescence quenching , mass spectroscopy , infrared spectroscopy ( ir ), electron microscopy , atomic force microscopy and any results obtained from these techniques . the conditions under which the property was determined may be incorporated into the database . these conditions may include solvent choice , protein concentration , buffer components and concentration , ph , temperature and salt concentration . it is advantageous to record a protein &# 39 ; s properties determined under a variety of experimental conditions . additional proteins are studied using the same set of conditions . in cases where applicable , negative information is recorded in the database ( for example , insolubility , unsuitability for study by nmr , etc .) to insure uniformity of the data collected , it is preferred to perform the biophysical measurements on proteins that have been purified . it is especially preferable that the proteins are at least about 95 % pure . among the biophysical properties which may be included in the database are those that relate to x - ray crystallographic techniques . these properties include conditions under which a protein does or does not crystallize , including solvents , precipitants , buffer components and concentration , ph , temperature , and salt concentration . the properties also include any results obtained from the x - ray crystallography studies , including three dimensional structure , characteristics of the crystal , including space group , solvent content , unit cell parameters , crystal contacts , solution conditions and bound water , and substrate binding . additionally , the database may include how the various conditions employed effect results that are obtained . the biochemical properties that comprise the database may include expressability , or level of expression in various vectors and hosts with various fusion tags and under various conditions , such as temperature and medium composition , the protein yield obtained from various vectors and hosts under various conditions , results of small molecule binding screens , subcellular localization , demonstrated utility as a drug target , and knowledge of protein - protein or protein - ligand interactions . a biochemical property of particular interest is the protein &# 39 ; s potential as a drug target . some applications of these techniques may feature large numbers of proteins examined and compared under uniform conditions . the advent of high - throughput cloning and expression techniques and of high - throughput protein purification techniques has contributed to the feasibility of collecting this large volume of information . in theory , one might be able to compile the type of data listed above on a larger number of proteins from published accounts in the literature . data from literature sources is not acquired under โ standard โ or uniform conditions . furthermore , it is hard to assess the quality control or to fully ascertain the experimental conditions in many literature papers . therefore , such a literature database would inherently yield less reliable predictions . for example , one can find data on protein yields from e . coli expression for many proteins . however , the conditions of growth ( length of incubation time , temperature , induction condition , and so forth ) are variable and can have effects on the experimental result . thus , correlations between protein characteristics and expressability based on such data may lack reliability . additionally , the intrinsic noise or scatter in the data might mask more subtle correlations . for some applications , uniformity of the data may be preferable . for example , the biophysical and biochemical data are collected using a uniform set of conditions or experimental procedures . the conditions under which the empirical data are collected are recorded in the database . ideally , multiple conditions are recorded for each type of measurement . the conditions of the data collection ( temperature , solution components , salt concentration , buffer , ph ) can drastically affect the behavior of a given protein . therefore , it is desirable to compare many proteins under the same set of conditions , so that the only variable is the protein sequence . alternatively , one can compare a variety of conditions for a give protein ( or set of proteins ) and relate that to sequence features . in order to mine this data , it is annotated in the database using a โ controlled vocabulary โ. for example , data entry for solubility could be either a number , such as a quantitative measurement ( for example , solubility in mg / ml ), or a qualitative numerical scale ( for example , a scale of 0 - 5 , with 0 being completely insoluble , and 5 being very soluble ). direct instrumental measurements can also be used if internal calibration standards are used , so that the values can be related to some standard . as a sufficient quantity of data is compiled in the database , the data can be analyzed using data - mining techniques , or knowledge discovery tools , for example , to find correlations among protein sequence information and biochemical or biophysical properties . these correlations can yield predictive rules for general protein behavior . the correlations may link protein sequence information alone , or in combination with one or more biochemical or biophysical properties , to a certain characteristic or a set of characteristics . using the correlations obtained from the data - mining techniques , the properties of new proteins are determined given their amino acid sequence information alone or using a combination of the sequence information and one or more empirical properties . data - mining techniques , or knowledge discovery tools , include computer algorithms and associated software for identifying relationships between elements of the database . data - mining techniques include , for example , decision - tree analysis , case - based reasoning , bayesian classification , simple linear discriminant analysis , and support vector machines . the predictive nature of the techniques described herein allows one to preemptively adjust experimental conditions to optimize , for example , cloning techniques , protein expression techniques , purification techniques and protein structure determination techniques . thus , the invention provides a method for optimizing high - throughput protein structure determination . using the predictive power of the empirical database in conjunction with data - mining tools , and the correlations obtained therefrom , the biochemical and biophysical properties of new proteins are predicted . based upon these predictions , experimental conditions for the analysis of a protein , or class of proteins , is modified . conversely , the invention provides a screening method to identify proteins that exhibit the desired properties for structural analysis or for use as a substrate for high - throughput drug screening . by the method of the invention , the biochemical or biophysical properties of new proteins are determined . proteins that are determined to have a desired property or properties are then selected for further analysis . in this way , optimal proteins can be selected based on properties including one or more of crystallizability , suitability for nmr , expressability in a certain vector , solubility , suitability for study by a certain investigative technique and suitability for drug screens . the techniques can speed up the high - throughput structure determination process . the 3d structure of a protein can also reveal whether it is likely to be a good drug target . good drug targets generally , have deep , often hydrophobic , clefts or grooves on their surface or at their active sites where small molecule drugs can bind with high affinity . poor drug targets have shallow grooves or otherwise poor surface properties that do not allow for high affinity binding of small molecules . by rapidly identifying which proteins have surface properties that make it promising for drug binding , the method greatly facilitates the drug discovery process . the techniques can also provide a method to identify proteins that exhibit desired biochemical properties for drug interaction . such biochemical properties may include the propensity to bind or interact with certain small molecules such as , for example , hydrophobic compounds , carbohydrates , or metal ions , or certain classes of drugs , pesticides , herbicide , or insecticides . proteins that are determined to have a desired property or properties are then selected for further analysis . the screening of proteins as potential drug targets allows the researcher to selectively study proteins that are predicted to have desired biochemical or biophysical properties , thus reducing the research time and costs while greatly increasing the chance of success . the techniques may also provide a method of predicting which proteins are amenable to investigation as drug targets , thus speeding up the drug discovery process . for example , the techniques can be used to predict from protein sequence information which proteins will be soluble and stable โ a requirement for high - throughput biochemical screening of drug - target candidates . thus , it greatly facilitates the development of high - throughput screening methods . additionally , the techniques may be used to predict which proteins will crystallize and under what conditions , and which proteins will be amenable to nmr structure determination . the structure of a protein is useful in designing inhibitors or drugs that target that protein . the invention provides a rapid method of predicting which proteins are amenable to structure determination , thus speeding up the drug discovery process . in addition , the method of the invention will tell us which sequence features make a protein less amenable to structure determination , or less soluble and less stable . thus , it provides the necessary knowledge to make point mutations , allowing the production of an analogous protein that will be more amenable to structure determination , or more soluble and more stable , again facilitating the target identification , validation and high - throughput screening and drug design processes . certain classes of proteins , such as a specific enzyme class , may exhibit unique biochemical or biophysical properties . thus , the invention can allow the creation of โ class - specific โ characteristics , which discover new members of the class or to modify members of the class to be more optimal in terms of activity , solubility , or suitability for structure determination . generally , the more protein characteristics compiled in the database , the greater the predictive powers achieved from the rules derived from the data - mining . for this reason the use of high throughput techniques in the assembly of the database is desirable . the wide availability of recombinant dna technology makes it feasible to generate expression systems that can produce large quantities of a selected protein . the steps for protein production may include : generation of the protein expression systems , overexpressing the protein and purifying the protein . the generation of a clone for any particular gene of interest , and its incorporation into a suitable expression vector , is now a straightforward task that can be done in a parallel fashion for high - throughput production . the selection of target proteins for structural analysis from completely sequenced genomes can take advantage of the availability of these cloned genes . however , even if a clone of a particular protein of interest is not readily available , it has now become a routine operation to generate a cdna clone for almost any particular protein from a wide variety of organisms . to obtain expression of a cloned nucleic acid , the expression vector for expression in bacteria contains a strong promoter to direct transcription , a transcription / translation terminator , and if the nucleic acid encodes a peptide or polypeptide , a ribosome binding site for translational initiation . suitable bacterial promoters are well known in the art and described , e . g ., in sambrook et al . and ausubel et al . bacterial expression systems are available in , e . g ., e . coli , bacillus sp ., and salmonella ( palva et al ., gene 22 : 229 - 235 ( 1983 ); mosbach et al ., nature 302 : 543 - 545 ( 1983 ). kits for such expression systems are commercially available . eukaryotic expression systems for mammalian cells , yeast , and insect cells are well known in the art and are also commercially available . in certain cases , where post - translational modifications , for example , glycosylation are important , eukaryotic expression systems are preferred . in some cases , it may be preferable to employ expression vectors which can be propagated in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells , enabling , for example , nucleic acid purification and analysis using one organism and protein expression using another . transfection methods used to produce bacterial , mammalian , yeast or insect cells or cell lines that express large quantities of protein are well known in the art . these include the use of calcium phosphate transfection , polybrene , protoplast fusion , electroporation , liposomes , microinjection , plasma vectors , viral vectors and any of the other well known methods for introducing cloned genomic dna , cdna , synthetic dna or other foreign genetic material into a host cell ( see , e . g ., sambrook et al ., supra ). after the expression vector is introduced into the cells , the transfected cells are cultured under conditions favoring expression of protein , which are then purified using standard techniques . the protein may be expressed in suitable amounts for further analysis . there are several expression systems that have been extensively studied . some of these include : 1 ) bacterial ( e . coli ), 2 ) methylotrophic yeast ( pichia pastorisis ), 3 ) viral ( baculovirus , adenovirus , vaccinia and some rna viruses ), 4 ) cell culture ( mammalian and insect ), and 5 ) in vitro translation . although the expression of any particular protein may be idiosyncratic , the availability of these and other expression systems significantly increases the ability to produce large quantities of protein . in situations in which relatively large amounts of relatively pure protein in native form are required , for example to obtain protein crystals useful for determination of 3d structure , it may be desirable to employ expression systems characterized by high expression levels , efficient protein processing including cleavage of signal peptides and other post - translational modifications . the baculovirus expression system is widely used to express a variety of proteins in large quantities . in addition to fulfilling the above requirements , the size of the expressed protein is not limited , and expressed proteins are typically correctly folded and in a biologically active state . baclovirus expression vectors and expression systems are commercially available ( clontech , palo alto , calif . ; invitrogen corp ., carlsbad , calif .). once a protein has been expressed to an acceptable level , the protein is purified from the other contents of the cell system that was utilized for expression . highly purified protein is often desirable for further analysis according to the method of the invention . the proteins can be expressed fused to tags that aid subsequent purification or measurement techniques . typical tags bind specifically to particular ligands , allowing the attached protein to be purified without regard to its physical or biochemical characteristics . such tags can then be cleaved , leaving the protein in its native form . examples of tags include histidine rich sequences that bind to various metal ions and glutathione - s - transferase ( gst ) tags which selectively bind to glutathione . the ligands are typically attached to a solid support . the fusion proteins are bound to the immobilized ligand and unbound material is removed . in certain cases , the fusion protein also includes a cleavable sequence of amino acids between the protein of interest and the tag sequence whereby the tag can be cleaved from the protein of interest . typically , this is accomplished with a protease that cleaves the sequence under conditions where the protein of interest is not degraded , or with an intein sequence , which allows for internal cleavage of the protein . alternatively , the tags can provide a method for specifically anchoring proteins to a solid support for assay purposes . for example , it can be useful to anchor proteins to an assay plate in order to measure fluorescence and fluorescence quenching in the presence of potential ligands . in another embodiment , a solid support is employed which provides an array of binding surfaces to which different proteins of the library are anchored for use in protein - ligand and protein - protein interaction studies . the solid support can be , for example , a glass or plastic plate , a semi - solid or gel - like matrix or the surface of a semiconductor measuring device . bacterial vectors designed for production of gst fusion proteins are commercially available which allow cloning of dnas in all three reading frames ( e . g ., pgex series of vectors ; amersham pharmacia biotech , inc ., piscataway , n . j .). to explore the feasibility of a comprehensive structural proteomics project , 424 non - membrane proteins of unknown structure from methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum are cloned , expressed in e . coli and purified . using a single high - throughput protocol , about 20 % of these are found to be suitable candidates for x - ray crystallographic or nmr spectroscopic analysis without further optimization of conditions , providing an estimate of the number of the most readily accessible structural targets in a proteome . a retrospective analysis of the empirical characteristics , including the experimental behavior , of these proteins provides some simple relations between sequence and biochemical and biophysical properties . a comprehensive database of protein properties is useful in optimizing high - throughput strategies . m . th . is a thermophilic archaeon whose genome comprises 1871 open reading frames . archaeal proteins share many sequence and functional features with eukaryotic proteins , but are often smaller and more robust , and thus serve as excellent model systems for complex processes . only two exclusionary criteria were implemented in the target selection scheme . first , membrane - associated proteins , which comprise approximately 30 % ( 267 - 422 of 1871 orfs ) of the m . th . proteome , were excluded . second , proteins that have clear homologues in the pdb were excluded ( approximately 27 % of m . th . proteins ). 424 of the remaining 900 final target m . th . proteins ( almost a quarter of the entire proteome and a third of the non - membrane proteins ) were chosen for cloning , expression and subsequent studies . these represent an unbiased sampling of non - membrane proteins from a single proteome with 34 % having a functional annotation , 54 % classified as โ conserved โ and 12 % as โ unknown โ. this diverse collection of proteins was particularly valuable for retrospective analysis aimed at identifying sequence features that are predictive of protein biophysical and biochemical behavior . each target gene was pcr - amplified from genomic dna under standard , but optimized , conditions , with terminal incorporation of unique restriction sites , using high fidelity pfu dna polymerase ( stratagene ). the pcr products were directionally cloned into the pet15b bacterial expression vector ( novagen ). the resulting plasmid encoded a fusion protein with an n - terminal hexa - histidine tag followed by a thrombin cleavage site . in the interest of throughput , no other expression vectors or organisms were used . a single pcr protocol and set of cloning conditions were optimized for m . th . based on an analysis of an initial set of 50 genes . positive clones were confirmed by colony pcr screening using taq dna polymerase . the generic nature of the procedure resulted in some pcr and sub - cloning failures , leading to a cumulative attrition rate of ห 6 %. this protocol is readily scalable to 96 - well format and has been extended to alternative vectors and expression organisms . the m . th . open reading frames were divided arbitrarily into two groups , โ large โ (& gt ; 20 kda monomer size ) and โ small โ (& lt ; 20 kda ). large proteins were processed for crystallization trials and small proteins for nmr feasibility studies . most (ห 80 %) successfully cloned m . th . proteins could be expressed in e . coli bl21 - gold ( de3 ) cells ( stratagene ), although efficient expression often required the presence of a second plasmid encoding three trnas which are frequently used by archeons and eukaryotes but are rare in e . coli . while most proteins were expressed to reasonable levels , many were not expressed in soluble form (& lt ; 0 . 5 mg / l soluble protein ), especially in the case of the larger proteins . it is possible to reduce the attrition rate due to poor solubility by optimizing the expression conditions for each clone . however , in the interest of throughput a single set of growth conditions optimized for the majority of proteins was used . for large proteins , three colonies from each transformation were tested for protein expression on a small scale ( 50 ml ). proteins found to be soluble by sds - page analysis of the bacterial extract were prepared on a larger scale ( 2 l ). these proteins were purified by a combination of heat - treatment ( 55 c .) and nickel affinity chromatography , followed by thrombin cleavage and removal of the hexa - histidine tag . the heat treatment causes a significant enrichment of many , but not all , m . th . proteins . the purification of the proteins was monitored by denaturing gel electrophoresis and occasionally by mass spectrometry . proteins that survived the purification process (ห 75 %) were concentrated to 10 mg / ml and subjected to a sparse - matrix crystallization screen of 48 conditions at room temperature ( matrix screen 1 ; hampton research ). for each protein that crystallized in the initial screen , conditions were further optimized using an expansion of related solution conditions ( typically 18 - 20 screens of 24 conditions for each protein ). twenty four of the proteins that formed crystals in the primary screen were followed up with optimization screens . of these , 11 formed well diffracting crystals (& lt ; 3 . 0 a ). the implementation of automated methods for setting up and monitoring crystal screens can improve the throughput this process . the smaller proteins (& lt ; 20 kda predicted monomer size ) destined for nmr analysis were expressed five at a time , each in 1 l of 15 n - enriched minimal media and purified in parallel using metal affinity chromatography . the resulting 15 n - labeled hexahistidine fusion proteins were concentrated by ultrafiltration to ห 5 - 20 mg / ml , and the 15 n - hsqc nmr spectrum taken at 25 c . the hsqc spectra were classified into one of three categories . the first , termed โ excellent โ and indicative of soluble , globular proteins , contained the predicted number of dispersed peaks of roughly equal intensity . these excellent spectra suggested that the process of determining their 3d structure is relatively straight - forward . the second type of spectrum , termed โ promising โ, had features such as too few or too many peaks and / or broad but dispersed signals . this suggested that optimization of either the protein construct or the solution conditions would be needed to yield an excellent sample . the last category , termed โ poor โ, comprised two kinds of spectra . the first , which have intense peaks but with little dispersion in the 15 n - dimension , most likely reflect proteins that are soluble yet , largely unfolded . the second class had very low signal - to - noise and / or a single cluster of very broad peaks in the center of the spectrum . this class probably represented proteins that aggregate nonspecifically at concentrations required for nmr spectroscopy and thus were not readily amenable to structural analysis . for the 100 soluble proteins tested , the ratio of excellent / promising / poor spectra was 33 / 10 / 57 . of the 33 proteins showing excellent spectra , seven were initially chosen for more detailed structure determination using nmr spectroscopy . for these samples the his - affinity tag was removed by proteolytic cleavage ; this does not markedly change the spectral properties of the proteins , suggesting that this step may be omitted in the interest of saving time and maximizing protein yield . in one case ( mth40 ) it was necessary to further optimize solution conditions in order to prepare a sample that was stable for the time period ( several weeks ) necessary for nmr data collection . analysis of protein folding and stability by circular dichroism ( cd ) spectroscopy to explore how other spectroscopic techniques might aid in the identification of proteins suitable for detailed structural analysis , cd experiments were performed on 100 of the small , soluble mt proteins . of the 28 proteins with excellent nmr spectra that a were re - examined , all but 6 displayed cd spectra that were typical of folded proteins containing a significant fraction of - helical and / or - sheet secondary structure . the six atypical spectra may have resulted from unusual structural features of the proteins in question ( e . g . small - sheet proteins like sh3 domains possess very unusual cd spectra ). interestingly , 24 out of 32 proteins classified as โ aggregated โ by nmr spectroscopy displayed cd spectra consistent with stable , folded proteins . this suggested that the aggregation mechanism for many of the nmr samples was due to surface interactions in the folded state , as opposed to aggregation of the exposed hydrophobic cores of unfolded proteins . knowledge of the aggregation mechanism is useful for optimizing solution conditions that disfavor aggregation and therefore , cd provides a useful secondary screen in structural proteomics projects . to better understand the contribution of protein stability to sample behavior , the thermal unfolding of 60 folded mt proteins was analyzed . of these , 22 were unfolded and refolded in a fully reversible manner . however , among the 19 proteins with โ excellent โ nmr spectra that were tested in this manner , only 9 refold reversibly . the others precipitated at high temperatures , demonstrating that even among well - folded , small , soluble proteins , reversible thermal unfolding in vitro was not a ubiquitous property . surprisingly , 8 proteins classified as โ aggregated โ by nmr were well - behaved in thermal unfolding experiments , indicating that these proteins were probably large discrete oligomers rather than non - specific aggregates . as expected for proteins from a thermophilic organism , those from m . th . all possessed high thermostability with transition midpoint temperature ( t m ) values between 68 c . and 98 c . due to their low change in heat capacity ( c p ) upon unfolding , small proteins are generally expected to have higher t m values compared to larger proteins . here , however , no correlation between the length of the mt proteins and their t m values was observed . the c p values of small m . th . proteins were within the expected range as compared to a large number of other proteins that have been investigated . these data suggested that except for their high thermal stability , the overall thermodynamic behavior of m . th . proteins studied here may be representative of other mesophilic organisms . the studies with methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum revealed that poor expression and solubility accounted for almost 60 % of the recalcitrant proteins . to identify the parameters that contributed to this poor sample behavior ( and other factors related to suitability for expression , purification , and structure analysis ), a retrospective data - mining approach was applied . sequence data from the ห 424 proteins and the biophysical and biochemical data ( expressability , crystallizability , solubility and melting temperature ) were used to compile a database . decision trees are useful for comprehensibly summarizing multivariate data and developing simple prediction rules . growing the trees requires devising strategies regarding which variables ( or combination of variables ) to divide on , and what threshold to use to achieve the split . the 53 โ splitting variables โ used were derived from simple attributes of each sequence ( e . g . amino acid composition , similarity to other proteins , measures of hydrophobicity , regions of low sequence complexity , etc .). the full tree classifying the proteins according to their solubility ( yes / no ) had 35 final nodes and 65 % overall accuracy in cross - validated tests . however , a number of the rules encoded within the tree were of much better predictive value . these are highlighted in fig1 . [ 0058 ] fig1 depicts a decision tree for discriminating between soluble and insoluble proteins . the nodes of the tree are represented by ellipses ( intermediate nodes ) and rectangles ( final nodes or leaves ). the numbers on the left of each node denote the number of insoluble proteins in the node , and are proportional to the node &# 39 ; s dark area . similarly , the numbers on the right denote the soluble proteins and are proportional to the white area . under each intermediate node , the decision tree algorithm calculates all possible splitting thresholds for each of 53 variables ( hydrophobicity , amino acid composition , etc .). it picks the optimal splitting variable and its threshold , in order for at least one of the two daughter nodes to be as homogeneous as possible . when a variable , v , is split , v & lt ; threshold is the left branch , and v & gt ; threshold is the right branch . the specific parameters used at each node and their thresholds for the right branches shown in the graph are in descending order ( from top root to bottom leaves ): hydrophobe & gt ; 0 . 85 kcal / mole ( where โ hydrophobe โ represents the average ges hydrophobicity of a sequence stretch , the higher this value the lower is the energy transfer ); cplx & gt ; 0 . 28 ( a measure of a short complexity region based on the seg program ); gln composition & gt ; 4 %; asp + glu composition & gt ; 17 %; ile - composition & gt ; 5 . 6 %; phe + tyr + trp composition & gt ; 7 . 5 %; asp + glu composition & gt ; 13 . 6 %; gly + ala + val + leu + ile composition & gt ; 42 %; hydrophobe & gt ; 0 . 01 kcal / mole ; his + lys + arg composition & gt ; 12 %; trp composition & gt ; 1 . 2 %; and alphahelical secondary structure composition & gt ; 58 %. note that two of the variables are conditioned on more than once ( hydrophobe , asp + glu ). the highlighted decision pathways terminate in highly homogeneous nodes ( mostly dark is insoluble , mostly white is soluble ). the shorter the decision pathway and the larger the number of cases in the terminal node , the less likely it is to over - fit the data . heterogeneous leaves could be further split ( dotted lines ) improving the error rate but risking over - fitting of the training set . the usual technique for assessing the predictive success of rules suggested by the tree in the context of overfitting is cross - validation , where the overall data set is divided into test and training components . however , this technique is not optimal on the relatively small samples associated with each rule in these trees , as one has to leave out a substantial fraction of information in devising each rule . the predictive values of the highlighted decision pathways are evaluated using a โ pessimistic estimation โ procedure which assumes that the error rate at each node is bionomially distributed , and then inflates the rate found on a tree based on all the data ( by โ 2 standard deviations ) to arrive at a more realistic estimate . proteins that fulfill the following sequence of four conditions are likely to be insoluble : ( 1 ) have a hydrophobic stretch โ a long region (& gt ; 20 residues ) with average hydrophobicity less than โ 0 . 85 kcal / mole ( on the ges scale ); ( 2 ) gln composition & lt ; 4 %; ( 3 ) asp + glu composition & lt ; 17 %; and ( 4 ) aromatic composition & gt ; 7 . 5 %. this rule has a 14 % error rate in comparison to the default error rate of 39 % for choosing a soluble protein without the aid of the tree . the probability that it could arise by chance is 1 %, assuming one randomly chose the 24 insoluble proteins from the initial pool of 143 insoluble and 213 soluble proteins . these calculations are based on a โ pessimistic estimate for errors โ, taking the upper bound of the 95 % confidence interval . conversely , proteins that do not have a hydrophobic stretch and have more than 27 % of their residues in ( hydrophilic ) โ low - complexity โ regions are very likely to be soluble . this rule has a โ pessimistic โ error rate of 20 % in contrast to 39 % without the tree and a 1 % probability of occurring by chance . similar trees for expressability and crystallizability were derived . the composition of asn appeared to be relevant to crystallizability . in particular , an asn threshold of 3 . 5 % was able to select a set of 18 crystallizable and only one non - crystallizable protein from the initial set of 25 crystallizable and 39 non - crystallizable proteins . the techniques described herein have a wide variety of applications . for example , as described above , proteins have a wide variety of uses in their different forms . for instance , experiments often use proteins in soluble form . other protein uses depend on crystallized proteins . for example , many proteins , such as insulin , are best delivered in crystallized form . as described above , crystallized proteins are also used in structural proteomics . finding a useful protein crystal , however , can be a time and resource - consuming task . one strategy in obtaining a crystal involves screening a wide variety of solution conditions in the hopes of identifying conditions that will support crystallization . unfortunately , the conditions that may cause one protein to crystallize , leave another protein soluble . the time and cost of determining suitable conditions that yield a desired outcome may pose a significant obstacle when multiplied over the hundreds or even thousands of proteins of interest . [ 0062 ] fig2 illustrates an example of a data system that operates on the outcome ( e . g ., outcome 106 ) of a given protein 102 when subjected to a given condition 104 . the outcome 106 can be categorized , for example , as crystal , as soluble , or in some intermediate form such as precipitate or granular precipitate . analysis 120 of this data 100 , and potentially other data such as characteristics of the proteins 108 and / or of the conditions 114 , can yield a wide variety of useful information . for example , analysis 120 can predict an outcome of a new protein of interest subjected to a particular condition 114 based on the similarity of characteristics of the new protein with characteristics of other proteins . the data 100 , 108 , 114 can also identify relationships between characteristics of proteins and / or conditions that tend to lead to a particular outcome . by acting on predictive rules derived from the analysis 120 , researchers can enjoy a greater likelihood of success of obtaining a desired protein form with less guesswork . this may be particularly important when working with a scarce protein . in greater detail , fig2 shows a system that includes a database table 100 that indicates the outcomes of different proteins 102 in different conditions 104 . for example , the conditions 104 may include conditions 104 of the jancarik and kim screen ( jankarik , j . & amp ; s . h . kim . j . appl . cryst ., 1991 . 24 : p . 409 - 411 ). the outcomes may be determined based on human visual classification . the outcomes may also be determined via a machine system . such a system may make finer gradations in the determining of outcome or include information about the number , size , and / or morphology of crystals . the machine may also operate at different wavelengths โ such as u . v ., where proteins absorb strongly , or x - rays , where proteins diffract . the system may also include a table 108 that lists different characteristics 112 of different proteins 110 . since characteristics 112 of a protein may contribute heavily to outcomes under different conditions , a system may use this information to probabilistically correlate one or more protein characteristics 112 with crystallization or some other specified outcome . the protein characteristics 112 may include empirically measured characteristics such as pi , secondary structure , amino - acid composition , oligometric state , protein mass , and / or protein mono - dispersity . the characteristics may also include determined characteristics such as characteristics derived from the protein sequence . these determined characteristics may include protein sequence , amino acid composition , predicted pi , net charge , ratio of one or more pairs of amino acids , mass , predicted secondary structure , and / or predicted tertiary structure . such characteristics 112 may also include an encoding of the 3d structure of the protein ( e . g ., a mathematical encoding of the protein &# 39 ; s surface ), identification of the concentration of the protein , identification of a function of the protein , and / or identification at least one location of the source of the protein ( e . g ., organ , tissue or sub - cellular localization ). the characteristics 112 may also include identification of additives ( e . g ., salts , buffers , and organic molecules ). the protein - condition outcome 106 may also depend on aspects of the condition . thus , the system may further include data 114 that identifies characteristics 118 of conditions 116 used in table 100 . for example , the table 114 may include characteristics 118 representing the contents of the condition 114 and / or the properties ( e . g ., ph ) of a condition 114 . the use of condition data may be used , for example , to identify conditions 114 highly correlated with a specified outcome . additionally , such data may be used to improve a given set of conditions . for example , some of the conditions of the widely used jancarik and kim screen may be highly correlated in that if a protein crystallizes in one of the conditions , then it is also highly likely to crystallize in the other . eliminating such redundancy can increase the overall efficiency of the screen and allows a wider diversity of conditions to be experimented with using the same amount of protein material . thus , such data may lead to a screen that crystallizes more proteins while consuming a similar amount of material . analysis 120 of the data 100 , 108 , 114 may proceed in many different ways . for example , the data may be analyzed to determine the efficiency of conditions in producing a selected outcome for some subset of proteins . for instance , the condition 104 outcomes for proteins sharing a set of characteristics 112 may be aggregated to determine a likelihood of attaining a particular outcome , for example , for a new protein of interest having these characteristics . this can reveal conditions more suited to producing a specified outcome . these conditions may be prioritized to identify those conditions with the greatest efficiency in yielding the desired outcome . this can result in the conservation of the amount of protein needed to obtain a desired form . a kit of conditions may be pre - fabricated for use by researchers based on these results . for example , after determining a prioritized set of conditions that maximize efficiency of crystallization , a kit including the top n conditions may be assembled for distribution . after a similar process , a kit including the top n conditions for maximizing the efficiency of solubility may be assembled , and so forth . similar to the process described above in conjunction with protein characteristics , data analysis may operate on the condition characteristics , for example , to identify condition characteristics likely to yield a particular outcome . the process may also operate on combinations of protein and condition characteristics , for example , to identify combinations of protein characteristics and condition characteristics likely to yield a specified outcome . the data 100 , 108 , 114 may be analyzed in a wide variety of ways and used for a variety of purposes . for example , patterns of solubility may act as a โ diagnostic โ of the protein &# 39 ; s behavior in adme - tox , assays , and protein interaction studies . similarly , patterns that result in solubility outcomes may be used to derive functional information about the protein such as small molecule bindings . more specifically the data 100 , 108 , 114 may be analyzed to determine one or more of the following : a prioritized set of conditions to maximize efficiency of crystallization of a protein ; a prioritized set of conditions to maximize protein solubility of a protein ; information ( e . g ., a predictive rule ) which relates aspects of a protein that may be derived from knowledge of the sequence to protein solubility ; information which relates aspects of a protein that may be derived from knowledge of the protein sequence to protein crystallization ; information that relates at least one experimentally measurable property of a protein sample to protein crystallization ; information that relates some experimentally measurable property of a protein sample to protein solubility ; information that relates ph to protein solubility ; information that relates the concentration and chemical nature of additives to protein solubility ; information that relates a protein &# 39 ; s 3d structure to protein solubility ; information that relates protein concentration to protein crystallization ; information that relates a protein &# 39 ; s function to protein solubility ; and / or information that relates a protein &# 39 ; s solubility behavior to that protein &# 39 ; s organ , tissue or sub - cellular localization . the analysis 120 may feature a variety of data mining tools such as statistical techniques that determine the interdependence of variables on protein - condition outcome . for example , statistical regressions may be run to identify protein and condition characteristics or sets of characteristics that highly correlate with crystallization , solubility , or other specified form . additionally , the data mining techniques described above , among others , may also be integrated . the techniques described herein are not limited to any particular hardware or software configuration ; they may find applicability in any computing or processing environment . the techniques may be implemented in hardware or software , or a combination of the two . preferably , the techniques are implemented in computer programs executing on programmable computers that each include a processor , a storage medium readable by the processor ( including volatile and non - volatile memory and / or storage elements ), at least one input device , and one or more output devices . each program is preferably implemented in high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system . however , the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language , if desired . in any case the language may be compiled or interpreted language . each such computer program is preferably stored on a storage medium or device ( e . g ., cd - rom , hard disk , or magnetic disk ) that is readable by a general or special purpose programmable computer for configuring and operating the computer when the storage medium or device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described herein . the system may also be considered to be implemented as a computer - readable storage medium , configured with a computer program , where the storage medium so configured causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner .
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referring to fig1 and 2 , a combustion air supply blower 20 for a furnace is shown , according to the present invention . blower 20 generally includes blower housing 22 having housing members 22 a , 22 b , 22 c , and also includes cover 24 . housing 22 and cover 24 may be formed of stamped or formed metal , or may be formed of plastic via an injection molding process , for example . suitable plastics for housing 22 and cover 24 include polypropylene or other thermoplastics . housing 22 includes a generally cylindrical outer wall 38 and an inner wall 36 which defines a substantially hollow interior throughbore 34 . cover 24 includes a plurality of power cord apertures 25 for routing power cords ( not shown ) to motor and fan assembly 28 ( fig5 - 9 ). cover 24 may include pressure static tap 29 and housing member 22 b may include pressure static tap 31 . pressure static taps 29 , 31 are connected to a vacuum switch system ( not shown ) which prevents activation of a burner ( not shown ) of the furnace in the event that no airflow or insufficient airflow is present in housing 22 . housing 22 and cover 24 additionally include a plurality of mounting lugs 58 integrally formed therewith , which are disposed radially outwardly of outer wall 38 and spaced along the longitudinal length of blower housing 22 and cover 24 . mounting lugs 58 include threaded openings or passages 50 ( fig5 ) therethrough for receipt of fasteners 60 to attach housing members 22 a , 22 b , 22 c and cover 24 to each other , respectively . fasteners 60 extend through mounting lugs 58 a , 58 b to attach respective portions of blower 20 together . specifically , housing member 22 a is attached to housing member 22 c by aligning mounting lugs 58 a of housing member 22 a with mounting lugs 58 b of housing member 22 c and inserting fasteners 60 through openings 50 in mounting lugs 58 a , 58 b ; housing member 22 b is attached to housing member 22 c by aligning mounting lugs 58 a of housing member 22 b with mounting lugs 58 b of housing member 22 c and inserting fasteners 60 through openings 50 in mounting lugs 58 a , 58 b ; and cover 24 is attached to housing member 22 c by aligning mounting lugs 58 a of cover 24 with mounting lugs 58 b of housing member 22 c and inserting fasteners 60 through openings 50 in mounting lugs 58 a , 58 b . housing 22 includes input end 40 adapted to be operatively attached to an intake pipe ( not shown ) to communicate interior throughbore 34 of housing 22 with combustion air for a furnace . as shown in fig3 and 4 , housing 22 includes an integral exhaust end 43 which terminates in a circular exhaust outlet 44 defined by exhaust outlet edge 46 to which a tube or other duct structure ( not shown ) may be attached in a suitable manner , such as with clamps or other fasteners . as shown in fig5 - 8 , blower 20 also includes motor and fan assembly 28 having fan motor 30 and fan 32 and a support structure 52 . in operation , rotation of fan 32 by motor 30 draws air from an intake tube ( not shown ) through input end 40 of housing 22 and exhausts the air through exhaust end 43 of housing 22 . cover 24 is removably attached to housing member 22 c via fasteners 60 and mounting lugs 58 , as described above , and generally provides a removable cover for motor and fan assembly 28 . cover 24 includes semicircular grooves or recesses 57 ( fig5 ) which are shaped to mate with protrusions or ridges 55 ( fig5 ) on housing members 22 a , 22 b , thereby effectively sealing the connection between cover 24 and housing members 22 a , 22 b . cover 24 includes pocket lugs 62 a which define portions of pockets 56 and housing member 22 c includes pocket lugs 62 b which define portions of pockets 56 , such that when housing member 22 c and cover 24 are assembled , pocket lugs 62 a , 62 b together define pockets 56 . fan motor 30 includes extended bearing straps or support structures 52 extending laterally from motor 30 which have elastomeric boots 54 disposed thereon . fan motor 30 is positioned in housing member 22 c by positioning elastomeric boots 54 of straps 52 of fan motor 30 in pocket lugs 62 b . pocket lugs 62 a in cover 24 provide a complementary shape to securely and substantially enclose boots 54 in pockets 56 between housing member 22 c and cover 24 . it can be seen in the drawing figures that with the support structure 52 extending into the pockets 56 of the pocket lugs 62 of the housing 22 and cover 24 , that portion 5 of the pocket lugs 62 engage against laterally opposite sides of the motor and fan assembly 28 and portions of the pocket lugs 62 engage against longitudinally opposite sides of the motor and fan assembly 28 . the positioning of the boots 54 and the opposite ends of the support structure 52 in the pockets 56 holds the fan and motor assembly 28 in a laterally fixed position and a longitudinally fixed position relative to the housing 22 and cover 24 of the blower 20 . therefore , when cover 24 is attached to housing member 22 c , pockets 56 securely hold and capture boots 54 and straps 52 of fan motor 30 , thereby securing motor and fan assembly 28 in a laterally fixed and longitudinally fixed position within blower 20 . advantageously , no additional fasteners or brackets , for example metal brackets , are required to attach motor and fan assembly 28 to either housing member 22 c and / or cover 24 . moreover , boots 54 advantageously dampen any vibration produced by motor and fan assembly 28 in operation to provide a quieter operation of blower 20 . in use and referring to fig9 , for maintenance and / or removal of motor and fan assembly 28 , cover 24 is removed from housing 22 via removal of at least fasteners 60 from engagement with mounting lugs 58 b of housing member 22 c , a technician or other person may easily remove motor and fan assembly 28 from housing member 22 c by lifting straps 52 out of engagement with pockets 56 and removing motor and fan assembly 28 from blower 20 with relative ease . no fasteners hold the motor and fan assembly 28 in the blower 20 and therefore it is not necessary to remove fasteners from the motor and fan assembly 28 before removing the assembly from the blower . thus , maintenance , repair , and / or replacement of motor and fan assembly 28 are advantageously easily accomplished . furthermore , the technician may also easily access motor and fan assembly 28 after removal of cover 24 without removing motor and fan assembly 28 from the remainder of blower 20 . in this manner , motor and fan assembly 28 may be repaired and / or maintained while still positioned within housing member 22 c , after which cover 24 may be reattached to housing member 22 c to enclose motor and fan assembly 28 . to reattach cover 24 after repositioning and / or repair of a motor and fan assembly 28 , mounting lugs 58 a of cover 24 are aligned with mounting lugs 58 b of housing member 22 c and fasteners 60 are inserted through openings 50 in mounting lugs 58 a , 58 b . motor and fan assembly 28 is captured between cover 24 and housing member 22 c . motor and fan assembly 28 is not fixedly attached to either cover 24 or housing member 22 c and no separate bracket or fastener is required to hold motor and fan assembly 28 , thereby enhancing operation of motor and fan assembly 28 and providing easy removal of motor and fan assembly 28 . rather , motor and fan assembly 28 is sandwiched between cover 24 and housing member 22 c , thereby advantageously capturing motor and fan assembly 28 therebetween . optionally , a gasket or other seal ( not shown ) formed of a suitable resilient material , such as neoprene or epdm rubber , for example , may be provided between cover 24 and housing members 22 a , 22 b , 22 c to provide an air seal therebetween . advantageously , blower 20 of the present invention is simple to build . also , motor and fan assembly 28 requires no separate fasteners and / or brackets to attach motor 30 to blower 20 . the lack of any separate metal brackets to attach motor 30 advantageously affects the performance of motor 30 . furthermore , motor and fan assembly 28 is easily removed for cleaning , repair , maintenance , and / or replacement . moreover , no tools are required to remove motor and fan assembly 28 from blower 20 because a technician may simply lift motor and fan assembly 28 from blower 20 . while this invention has been described as having a preferred design , the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure . this application is therefore intended to cover any variations , uses , or adaptations of the invention using its general principles . further , this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims .
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fig1 shows a first power monitoring system i consist of two physically separate elements for measuring the current and voltage . the power monitoring system 1 comprises a current sensor 2 and a voltage sensor 3 . the power monitoring system is provided with a method for synchronising the timing of current and voltage measurements . the current sensor 2 and the voltage sensor 3 are connected over a wireless link 4 . fig2 shows the current sensor 2 in detail . the current sensor 2 element of the power monitoring system 1 consists of a clamp - on current transformer , measurement electronics and a wireless communications module , all of which is battery powered . the sensor is clamped around one of the electricity meter tails within the meter cupboard and measures the current drawn by the metered load . the current waveform is sampled over a set period of time , the sampled data being transmitted to the voltage sensing element once it has been acquired . the current sensor 2 comprises a current measuring device 11 , which can be clamped around a power line to measure the current passing through that power line . this is easy to install , and can be fastened into place even by someone who is not a qualified electrician as no exposure of live wires is necessary . the current measuring device samples the current in the power line periodically . the measurements made by the current measuring device 11 are passed to a first adc ( analogue to digital converter ) 12 , which converts the analogue signal to a digital one . the digital signal is then passed to the first communication module 13 which transmits the information wirelessly to the voltage sensor 3 . the current sensor 2 also comprises a first controller 14 and a battery 15 . in order to conserve battery power the sampling is performed periodically over a short time window . typically the current would be sampled over a few line cycles once a second . this allows the electronics within the current clamp to be in a low power state for the majority of the time , thus extending battery life . low power consumption can be achieved by sampling for shorter windows or at longer intervals at the expense of reducing the accuracy of the subsequent power measurement . however , by measuring the voltage as well as the current the overall system can achieve better accuracy than those systems that only measure the current . the current measuring device 11 works by measuring inductive effects in a ferrite coil . this is a suitable technique for measuring an alternating current , but will not work with direct currents . if an embodiment of the invention is used to monitor a direct current , or if greater accuracy is required , then other current measuring devices can be used , for example hall effect current measuring devices . fig3 shows the voltage sensor 3 in detail . the voltage sensor element 3 of this power monitoring system consists of a unit that plugs directly into a standard power socket outlet . the sensor unit consists of measurement electronics and a wireless communication module . the voltage sensor 3 comprises a voltage measuring device 21 that samples the voltage of the line to which it is attached , a second adc 22 for converting the resultant analogue signal into a digital signal , a second communications module 23 for receiving information wirelessly from the current sensor 2 , and a second controller 24 . the second voltage measuring device 21 is attached to a plug 25 which is suitable for attaching to a standard electrical outlet . the voltage sensor 3 draws the power it uses to operate from this plug 25 . the voltage sensor 3 further comprises a standard electrical socket 26 . the electrical socket 26 allows other electrical devices to be attached to the electrical outlet through the voltage sensor 3 and operate in the usual way . optionally , the voltage waveform present at the socket outlet is sampled over the same time period as the current waveform sampling and at the same periodic intervals . other correlations of current and voltage measurements are envisaged for example : the voltage sampling rate may be lower than the current sensing rate eg . every 10 minutes provided the corresponding current measurement can be identified . the voltage sensor element 3 can also draw power from the socket and so does not need to be battery powered . for this reason the voltage sensor element 3 is used to perform the calculation of power consumption , which requires more processor power than just measuring the current or voltage waveforms . the calculation of power consumption is performed by the power calculation module 27 and can be displayed on a screen 28 set into the front of the voltage sensor 3 . in order to achieve accurate power measurements the time windows over which voltage and current are sampled are preferably synchronised . synchronisation is achieved using the wireless communications channel . one node in the system transmits a synchronisation message that both the current and voltage sensor elements receive at the same time . this message is used to synchronise timers within each sensor element . the start of the sampling window occurs at a predetermined time after the synchronisation message event . a synchronisation message is sent at periodic intervals and determines the intervals at which sampling takes place . synchronisation is achieved by detecting the start or end of the transmission of the synchronisation message over the wireless communications channel . by detecting the presence of power within the radio frequency band of the communications channel the timing of the synchronisation message can be measured to within the required accuracy at both voltage and current sensor elements . starting the sampling window a predetermined time after the synchronisation event allows the synchronisation message to be processed to ensure that it is the expected message , thus validating the timing capture from the physical radio frequency channel . although any node within the power monitor system can send the synchronisation message , it is sent from the current sensor element 2 in this embodiment . the current sensor element 2 is battery powered and , to reduce battery power , is likely to be in a low power state most of the time . this low power state will include the wireless communications module being turned off . by having the current sensor element 2 send the synchronisation message it only needs to turn power on to the communications module when a synchronisation event is going to occur , or when the current sensor is transmitting the information it has measured about current flow , thus reducing unnecessary power consumption . in the first power monitoring system 1 , the beginning of the synchronisation message is the synchronisation event , as shown in fig4 . although the system described only details a current sensor element and a voltage sensor element , there are embodiments that include other elements . a display element may be included to provide a visual representation of the power usage . this display element may be a separate part of the system or may be integrated with the voltage sensor element . as in any such distributed system , the processing needed to calculate power consumption can be performed in any of the system nodes . the description above details the calculations occurring in the voltage sensor element as a means of increasing the battery life of the current sensor element , and thus the system as a whole . there may be other embodiments where it is more appropriate to perform these calculations in the current sensor element , or in a third element of the system . equally the timing synchronisation message can originate from any element of the system , as long as all elements can synchronise their timers to within the required accuracy . the frequency with which the power is sampled by the first power monitoring system 1 can be adjusted using the controls 16 on the current sensor 2 . using these controls the user can set the frequency of the synchronisation events and measurements . the user can hence increase either the accuracy or the battery life of the first power monitoring system 1 . the information on power usage collected by the power monitoring system 1 can either be stored to later access on the voltage sensor 3 or transmitted to some other device , such as a personal computer , either directly using a wireless link or over the internet via a wireless modem . fig5 shows a second power monitoring system 31 according to the invention . the second power monitoring system 31 comprises a current sensor 2 and a voltage sensor 3 as described above . the second power monitoring system 31 further comprises a separate display unit 32 . the display unit 32 is also battery powered and can be placed anywhere that is convenient . when the user activates the display unit 31 it sends a wireless signal to the voltage sensor , prompting the voltage sensor 3 to respond with information about power usage that the display unit 32 will then display to the user . the display unit 31 can also be used to set the frequency of the synchronisation events and measurements made by the second power monitoring system 31 . when the user adjusts this frequency , the display unit sends a wireless signal to the voltage sensor 3 , which in turn waits until the next synchronisation signal is received from the current sensor 2 . while the synchronisation signal is being transmitted the current sensor can also receive instructions wirelessly , and during this window the voltage sensor 3 transmits the instructions to change the frequency of the synchronisation events . in order to conserve battery power , the display unit will not display information or communicate with the voltage sensor 3 until the user requests it . in a third embodiment , a personal computer is used as a display unit for a power monitoring system according to the invention .
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fig1 a and 1b depict perspective views of an embodiment of the present device . a substantially planar member 102 can have a first surface and a second surface , said first surface having a protrusion 104 attached thereto . protrusion 104 can have an opening 106 for selectively receiving and securing a digital content drive 108 , as shown in fig1 a . in some embodiments the digital content drive 108 can be fully removable . however , in alternate embodiments the digital content drive 108 can be only partially removable from the protrusion 104 . in some embodiments the digital content drive 108 can frictionally engage the interior walls of the protrusion . however , in alternate embodiments any know and / or convenient mechanism can be employed to selectively engage the digital content drive 108 within the protrusion 104 . as shown in fig1 b , a protrusion 104 can have an interior female port 110 that can receive the male end 112 of a digital content drive 108 and / or any other desired usb or desired device . the substantially planar member 102 can be plastic , paper , cardboard , metal or any other known and / or convenient material for shipping through postal mail . the protrusion 104 can also be plastic , paper , cardboard , metal or any other known and / or convenient material . the exterior of a digital content drive 108 can be plastic , polymer or any other known / and or convenient material . in some embodiment the substantially planar member 102 can have any known and / or desired designs which can be indicative of use and / or can portray any desired image and / or contain any desired text . in still further alternate embodiment the substantially planar member can include an addressable region , a postage region and an identifier region . in some embodiments the addressable region can be comprised of a surface that can be easily marked using any known and / or convenient writing implement . in some embodiments the postage region can be comprised of a surface to which conventional postage can be adhered . in some embodiments the identifier region can include a bar code , stock keeping unit ( sku ) number , pictures , logos , isbn and / or any other desired information . in an alternate embodiment , the substantially planar member 102 can have a thickness at least a great as that of a digital content drive 108 . however in alternate embodiments , the planer member 102 can be thinner than and / or the same thickness as the digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments , the substantially planar member 102 can have an opening 106 on at least one side for receiving and securing a digital content drive 108 . in use , a digital content drive 108 can be inserted into the opening 106 of a protrusion 104 of the present device 100 . the male end 112 of the digital content drive 108 can be secured to an interior female port 110 of the protrusion 104 . in alternate embodiments the roles of male and female ports can be reversed and / or any alternate mating mechanism can be employed . when a digital content drive 108 is completely secured inside the present device 100 , the present device 100 can be sent through postal mail for secure transport of a digital content drive 108 . additionally , a user can write on or affix a label to the first and / or second surface of the substantially planar member 102 . in some embodiments the digital content drive 108 can be pre - loaded with any desired data and / or program and / or can be sold with loadable software and / or sold containing a software key which can be used to activate software downloaded and / or otherwise obtained elsewhere . in some embodiments the protrusion 104 can have an opening 114 that can allow a portion of the digital content drive 108 to extend through a section of the protrusion 104 other than the section where the male and / or female ends of the digital content drive 108 are accessible . in some embodiments the opening 114 can allow a mechanically operated mechanism to be operated such that the engageable portion of the digital content drive 108 can be selectively extended from the protrusion 104 . fig1 c depicts a group of alternate embodiments of the present device , including a magazine delivery system , a package mailing system , a name / id tag system , a software delivery system and a movie delivery system . in alternate embodiments , the digital content delivery device can be included in any known and / or convenient packaging and / or delivery system . fig2 depicts an embodiment of a magazine delivery system 200 . in the embodiment depicted in fig2 , the delivery system 200 can be comprised of a package 202 that can include a graphic / text region 204 , a display connection element 206 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 204 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 204 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 204 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 204 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 204 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 202 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 204 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig2 , the device includes a display connection element 206 . in the embodiment depicted in fig2 , the display connection element 206 is shown as an affixed element having a penetration such that the package 202 can be hung and / or displayed on a hanging form . however , in alternate embodiments the display connection element 206 can be permanently and / or removably coupled with the package 202 in any known and / or convenient manner and in any known and / or convenient location on the package 202 . in still further alternate embodiments , the display connection element 206 may be absent . in the embodiment depicted in fig2 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig3 depicts an embodiment of a video delivery system 300 . in the embodiment depicted in fig3 , the delivery system 300 can be comprised of a package 302 that can include a graphic / text region 304 , a display connection element 306 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 304 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 304 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 304 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 304 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 304 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 302 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 304 may not be present . in some embodiments , the graphic / text region 304 can include a transparent and / or semi - transparent sleeve 308 which would allow a user to selectively insert a card containing any desired graphic , image and / or text . in the embodiment depicted in fig3 , the device includes a display connection element 306 . in the embodiment depicted in fig3 , the display connection element 306 is shown as an affixed element having a penetration such that the package 302 can be hung and / or displayed on a hanging form . however , in alternate embodiments the display connection element 306 can be permanently and / or removably coupled with the package 302 in any known and / or convenient manner and in any known and / or convenient location on the package 302 . in still further alternate embodiments , the display connection element 306 may be absent . in the embodiment depicted in fig3 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig4 depicts an embodiment of an audio and / or textural book delivery system 400 . in the embodiment depicted in fig4 , the delivery system 400 can be comprised of a package 402 that can include a graphic / text region 404 , a spine display element 406 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 404 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 404 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 404 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 404 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 404 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 402 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 404 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig4 , the device includes a spine display element 406 . in the embodiment depicted in fig4 , the spine display element 406 can be an affixed graphic / text region as described above , located on a separate face of the package 402 . in some embodiments , the spine display element 406 may be absent . in some embodiments the spine display element 406 can be coupled with the package 402 such that in a first position the spine display element 506 covers the connection port of the drive 108 when the drive 108 is in a retracted state and in a second position , the spine display element 406 leaves the connection port of the drive 108 exposed . in the embodiment depicted in fig4 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig5 depicts an embodiment of a software delivery system 500 . in the embodiment depicted in fig5 , the delivery system 500 can be comprised of a package 502 that can include a graphic / text region 504 , a spine display element 506 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 504 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 504 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 504 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 504 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 504 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 502 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 504 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig5 , the device includes a spine display element 506 . in the embodiment depicted in fig5 , the spine display element 506 can be an affixed graphic / text region as described above , located on a separate face of the package 502 . in some embodiments , the spine display element 506 may be absent . in some embodiments the spine display element 506 can be coupled with the package 502 such that in a first position the spine display element 506 covers the connection port of the drive 108 when the drive 108 is in a retracted state and in a second position , the spine display element 506 leaves the connection port of the drive 108 exposed . additionally in some embodiments , the package 502 can be opened and additional content can be added to the package 502 . in the embodiment depicted in fig5 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . in the embodiment depicted in fig5 , the drive 108 associated with the package 108 is depicted as being associated with a tether 508 . in some embodiments , the tether can be coupled with a device capable of either activating and / or introducing digital content on / to the drive 108 . fig6 depicts an embodiment of a nametag / id system 600 . in the embodiment depicted in fig6 , the system 600 can be comprised of a package 602 that can include a graphic / text region 604 , one or more connection elements 606 608 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 604 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 604 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 604 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 604 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 604 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 602 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 604 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig6 , the device includes connection elements 606 608 . in the embodiment depicted in fig6 , one connection element 606 is shown as an affixed element having a penetration such that the package 602 can be hung and / or displayed on a hanging element . additionally , hanging element 608 is depicted as being selectively couplable with connection element 606 . however , in alternate embodiments one or both of the display connection elements 606 608 can be permanently and / or removably coupled with the package 602 in any known and / or convenient manner and in any known and / or convenient location on the package 602 . in still further alternate embodiments , the display one or more of the connection elements 606 608 may be absent . in the embodiment depicted in fig6 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig7 depicts an embodiment of a card delivery system 700 . in the embodiment depicted in fig7 , the delivery system 700 can be comprised of a package 702 that can include a graphic / text region 704 , an internal message section 706 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 704 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 704 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 704 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 704 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 704 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 702 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 704 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig7 , the device includes an internal message section 706 . in the embodiment depicted in fig7 , the internal message section 706 can be , as in a standard card , a writable area located between a front and back , foldable cover . that is , the package itself can be folded like a card to have a front and back and two interior surfaces . however , in alternate embodiments the internal message section 706 can be permanently and / or removably coupled with the interior and / or exterior of the package 702 in any known and / or convenient manner and in any known and / or convenient location on the package 702 . in still further alternate embodiments , the internal message section 706 may be absent . in the embodiment depicted in fig7 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig8 depicts an embodiment of a brochure delivery system 800 . in the embodiment depicted in fig8 , the delivery system 800 can be comprised of a package 802 that can include a graphic / text region 804 , an internal message section 806 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 804 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 804 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 804 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 804 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 804 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 802 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 804 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig8 , the device includes an internal message section 806 . in the embodiment depicted in fig8 , the internal message section 806 can be , as in a standard brochure , written content located between a front and back , foldable cover . that is , the package itself can be folded in any known and / or convenient manner to have a front and back and any number of interior surfaces . however , in alternate embodiments the internal message section 806 can be permanently and / or removably coupled with the interior and / or exterior of the package 802 in any known and / or convenient manner and in any known and / or convenient location on the package 802 . in still further alternate embodiments , the internal message section 806 may be absent . in the embodiment depicted in fig8 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig9 depicts an embodiment of a catalog delivery system 900 . in the embodiment depicted in fig9 , the delivery system 900 can be comprised of a package 902 that can include a graphic / text region 904 , an internal message section 906 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 904 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 904 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 904 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 904 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 904 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 902 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 904 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig9 , the device includes an internal message section 906 . in the embodiment depicted in fig9 , the internal message section 906 can be , as in a standard brochure , written content located between a front and back , foldable cover . that is , the package itself can be folded in any known and / or convenient manner to have a front and back and any number of interior surfaces . however , in alternate embodiments the internal message section 906 can be permanently and / or removably coupled with the interior and / or exterior of the package 902 in any known and / or convenient manner and in any known and / or convenient location on the package 902 . in still further alternate embodiments , the internal message section 906 may be absent . in the embodiment depicted in fig9 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig1 depicts an embodiment of an advertisement delivery system 1000 . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 , the delivery system 1000 can be comprised of a package 1002 that can include a graphic / text region 1004 , an internal message section 1006 and a digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 1004 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 1004 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display static and / or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive 108 . in alternate embodiments , the graphic / text region 1004 can be static graphics and / or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive 108 . in still further alternate embodiments , the contents of the graphic / text region 1004 can be controlled by an independent source and / or can be blank . in still further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 1004 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 1002 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 1004 may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 , the device includes an internal message section 1006 . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 , the internal message section 1006 can be , as in a standard brochure , written content located between a front and back , foldable cover . that is , the package itself can be folded in any known and / or convenient manner to have a front and back and any number of interior surfaces . however , in alternate embodiments the internal message section 1006 can be permanently and / or removably coupled with the interior and / or exterior of the package 1002 in any known and / or convenient manner and in any known and / or convenient location on the package 1002 . in still further alternate embodiments , the internal message section 1006 may be absent . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . fig1 a and 11b depict an embodiment of a mailing package 1100 . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 a and 11b , the delivery system 1100 can be comprised of a package 1002 that can include a graphic / text region 1004 , a postage region 1006 and a digital content drive 108 . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 a and 11b , the graphic / text region 1104 can be adapted to be a writable region , such that a user can write a delivery and / or a return address within the region . in some embodiments the graphic / text region 1104 can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive 108 . moreover , in some embodiment , the graphic / text region 1104 can access portions of the data stored on the drive 108 and display delivery and / or return address information . in further alternate embodiments , the graphics / text region 1104 can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and / or permanently adhered to the package 1102 . in still further alternate embodiments , the region 1104 may not be present . in the embodiments depicted in fig1 a and 11b , the package 1102 can include a postage region 1106 . the postage region can be adapted to be bondable with standard postage . in alternate embodiments , the region may not be present . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 , the digital content drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any known and / or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to fig1 - 1c . in some embodiments , the drive 108 can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to fig1 - 1c . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 a and 11b , the package can include a slidable cover 1108 . in a first position , the slidable cover can allow the engagement portion of the digital content drive 108 to pass through the exterior surface of the package 1102 and in a second position , it can cover the engagement portion of the digital content drive 108 . fig1 depicts an in - store system that can utilize one or more of the packages 202 - 1102 described above . in some embodiments , a consumer 1202 can select an identifier 1204 for a digital product from a shelf and / or from a catalog and / or from any other physical location within a store and / or can retrieve and print and / or generate the identifier from any other source . the consumer 1202 can then take the identifier 1204 to any cashier and / or automated cash register device and pay for the desired content . after payment for the content has occurred and / or during the payment process and / or prior to the payment process , a package ( as described in detail above ) 1208 can be obtained and coupled either via physical tether or wirelessly and / or via any other known and / or convenient connection mechanism and the consumer - desired digital content can be activated and / or transferred to the digital content drive 108 on the package . simultaneously with the transfer / activation , prior to the transfer / activation and / or after the transfer / activation , the transfer / activation can be logged . the log can be used to invoice , bill and or record transfers / activations of the digital content and such information can be used to charge the store for the product . the charge can be instantaneous and / or can occur at any time prior or subsequent to the activation / transfer . the identifier 1204 and / or any other desired physical materials can then be placed in and / or on the package 1208 . the consumer / user 1208 can then use the digital content on any desired device 1210 and , if necessary , receive sensory output of the content on an output device 1212 . in some embodiments , the content can be audio / visual content and / or software capable of running on a computing system . however , in alternate embodiments the digital content can be any digital content . it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art , that the system described in fig1 can be implemented in various forms and or using various additional steps and / or can be implemented using fewer steps . fig1 depicts an embodiment of a method of digital content distribution comprising the steps of product selection 1302 , purchase 1304 , package selection 1306 , coupling 1308 , delivery / recordation 1310 1312 , transfer / activation 1314 , assembly 1316 and delivery to consumer 1318 . in step 1302 , a user / consumer selects a desired digital content product 1302 . in some embodiments , this can happen within a physical store and / or can happen in a virtual / online store via the internet . then in step 1304 , a user / consumer purchases the desired digital content product 1304 . in some embodiments , this can happen in a physical store with the consumer present and / or it can happen in a virtual / online store via the internet . in step 1306 , the retailer selects appropriate packaging for the desired digital content product and retrieves any desired additional contents and / or literature that may be packaged with the desired digital content product . in step 1308 , the retailer couples the packaging with a digital content delivery system . in some embodiments the couple can be a physical connection however , in alternate embodiments it can be a wireless couple and / or the couple can occur in any known and / or convenient manner which would allow the transfer of a signal between the system and the package . in step 1310 , transfer / activation of the product is authorized . in some embodiments , the authorization can occur via the internet at the time the content is transferred . however , in alternate embodiments authorization can be obtained prior to the transfer / activation . in step 1312 , the retailer records the authorization and can either accrue an invoice to the wholesale supplier and / or can immediately pay the wholesale supplier for the digital content product . simultaneously , prior and / or subsequently to the authorization and / or recordation , the system can write / activate the digital content product to the digital content drive 108 located within / on the package . in steps 1316 and 1318 , the components of the package are assembled and delivered to the consumer / user . in some embodiments , the digital content drive can be configured such that the data stored on the digital content drive can only be access for a fixed period of time and / or a maximum number of times . moreover , any desired security features can be implemented within the digital content to prohibit / restrict unauthorized use . by way of non - limiting example , the digital content could be encoded such that a maximum of 3 installations of a software package would be permitted . in an alternate , non - limiting example , in some embodiments the digital content of a movie could be configured to run for a maximum of 24 hours after the data is initially accessed . to those of ordinary skill in the art , it will be readily apparent that any known and / or convenient digital rights management method / mechanism can be employed due to the read / write capabilities of the digital content drive 108 . in some embodiments , the system can be automated . in alternate embodiments , the package 1208 can be pre - customized based on specific content and / or can contain any desired documents and / or items . while depicted as using usb connections in some figures , it will be readily evident to any person of ordinary skill in the art that the usb connection and / or device can be substituted with any known and / or convenient non - volatile memory / storage device . the execution of the sequences of instructions required to practice the embodiments may be performed by a computer system 1400 as shown in fig1 . in an embodiment , execution of the sequences of instructions is performed by a single computer system 1400 . according to other embodiments , two or more computer systems 1400 coupled by a communication link 1415 may perform the sequence of instructions in coordination with one another . although a description of only one computer system 1400 will be presented below , however , it should be understood that any number of computer systems 1400 may be employed to practice the embodiments . a computer system 1400 which may be implemented according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to fig1 , which is a block diagram of the functional components of a computer system 1400 . as used herein , the term computer system 1400 is broadly used to describe any computing device that can store and independently run one or more programs . each computer system 1400 may include a communication interface 1414 coupled to the bus 1406 . the communication interface 1414 provides two - way communication between computer systems 1400 . the communication interface 1414 of a respective computer system 1400 transmits and receives electrical , electromagnetic or optical signals , that include data streams representing various types of signal information , e . g ., instructions , messages and data . a communication link 1415 links one computer system 1400 with another computer system 1400 . for example , the communication link 1415 may be a lan , in which case the communication interface 1414 may be a lan card , or the communication link 1415 may be a pstn , in which case the communication interface 1414 may be an integrated services digital network ( isdn ) card or a modem , or the communication link 1415 may be the internet , in which case the communication interface 1414 may be a dial - up , cable or wireless modem . a computer system 1400 may transmit and receive messages , data , and instructions , including program , i . e ., application , code , through its respective communication link 1415 and communication interface 1414 . received program code may be executed by the respective processor ( s ) 1407 as it is received , and / or stored in the storage device 1410 , or other associated non - volatile media , for later execution . in an embodiment , the computer system 1400 operates in conjunction with a data storage system 1431 , e . g ., a data storage system 1431 that contains a database 1432 that is readily accessible by the computer system 1400 . the computer system 1400 communicates with the data storage system 1431 through a data interface 1433 . a data interface 1433 , which is coupled to the bus 1406 , transmits and receives electrical , electromagnetic or optical signals , that include data streams representing various types of signal information , e . g ., instructions , messages and data . in embodiments , the functions of the data interface 1433 may be performed by the communication interface 1414 . computer system 1400 includes a bus 1406 or other communication mechanism for communicating instructions , messages and data , collectively , information , and one or more processors 1407 coupled with the bus 1406 for processing information . computer system 1400 also includes a main memory 1408 , such as a random access memory ( ram ) or other dynamic storage device , coupled to the bus 1406 for storing dynamic data and instructions to be executed by the processor ( s ) 1407 . the main memory 1408 also may be used for storing temporary data , i . e ., variables , or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor ( s ) 1407 . the computer system 1400 may further include a read only memory ( rom ) 1409 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 1406 for storing static data and instructions for the processor ( s ) 1407 . a storage device 1410 , such as a magnetic disk or optical disk , may also be provided and coupled to the bus 1406 for storing data and instructions for the processor ( s ) 1407 . a computer system 1400 may be coupled via the bus 1406 to a display device 1411 , such as , but not limited to , a cathode ray tube ( crt ), for displaying information to a user . an input device 1412 , e . g ., alphanumeric and other keys , is coupled to the bus 1406 for communicating information and command selections to the processor ( s ) 1407 . according to one embodiment , an individual computer system 1400 performs specific operations by their respective processor ( s ) 1407 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory 1408 . such instructions may be read into the main memory 1408 from another computer - usable medium , such as the rom 1409 or the storage device 1410 . execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory 1408 causes the processor ( s ) 1407 to perform the processes described herein . in alternative embodiments , hard - wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions . thus , embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and / or software . the term โ computer - usable medium ,โ as used herein , refers to any medium that provides information or is usable by the processor ( s ) 1407 . such a medium may take many forms , including , but not limited to , non - volatile , volatile and transmission media . non - volatile media , i . e ., media that can retain information in the absence of power , includes the rom 1409 , cd rom , magnetic tape , and magnetic discs . volatile media , i . e ., media that cannot retain information in the absence of power , includes the main memory 1408 . transmission media includes coaxial cables , copper wire and fiber optics , including the wires that comprise the bus 1406 . transmission media can also take the form of carrier waves ; i . e ., electromagnetic waves that can be modulated , as in frequency , amplitude or phase , to transmit information signals . additionally , transmission media can take the form of acoustic or light waves , such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications . in the foregoing specification , the embodiments have been described with reference to specific elements thereof . it will , however , be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments . for example , the reader is to understand that the specific ordering and combination of process actions shown in the process flow diagrams described herein is merely illustrative , and that using different or additional process actions , or a different combination or ordering of process actions can be used to enact the embodiments . the specification and drawings are , accordingly , to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense . it should also be noted that the present invention may be implemented in a variety of computer systems . the various techniques described herein may be implemented in hardware or software , or a combination of both . preferably , the techniques are implemented in computer programs executing on programmable computers that each include a processor , a storage medium readable by the processor ( including volatile and non - volatile memory and / or storage elements ), at least one input device , and at least one output device . program code is applied to data entered using the input device to perform the functions described above and to generate output information . the output information is applied to one or more output devices . each program is preferably implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system . however , the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language , if desired . in any case , the language may be a compiled or interpreted language . each such computer program is preferably stored on a storage medium or device ( e . g ., rom or magnetic disk ) that is readable by a general or special purpose programmable computer for configuring and operating the computer when the storage medium or device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described above . the system may also be considered to be implemented as a computer - readable storage medium , configured with a computer program , where the storage medium so configured causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner . further , the storage elements of the exemplary computing applications may be relational or sequential ( flat file ) type computing databases that are capable of storing data in various combinations and configurations . although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above , those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention . accordingly , these and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims .
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referring now to fig1 there is shown a perspective see - through view of the disposable test tube rack of the invention . the rack has a base 10 with a forward edge 12 and a rear edge 14 . mounted on base 10 is a test tube - supporting member 16 having an outwardly - facing surface 16a and a rear surface ( not numbered in the figure ). as shown in the figure , test tube - supporting member 16 makes an angle 18 with base 10 ; angle 18 may be between 10 ยฐ and 90 ยฐ and is preferably between 75 ยฐ and 85 ยฐ. located on the outwardly - facing surface 16a of test tube - supporting member 16 is at least one preferably horizontally mounted adhesive strip 20 which possesses an outwardly - facing layer of adhesive material . adhesive layer 20 is covered by a protective strip 22 when the rack is not in use . protective strip 22 is made of a material which does not adhere well to adhesive strip 20 . such protective strips are well known to the art and are typically made of waxed paper or plastic . protective strip 22 is removed when the test tube rack is in use . test tube - supporting member 16 is attached to base 10 by any convenient means , such as glue or staples 24 as shown in fig1 . fig1 and 1b show that test tube - supporting member 16 is itself supported in position by orientable tabs 26 which are preferably cut from base 10 . tabs 26 fit into appropriately located slots 28 formed in test tube - supporting member 16 . at least one such tab and slot combination is employed to support member 16 , but two or more such combinations are preferably used . test tube - supporting member 16 and base 10 may be formed from two separate pieces of material as shown in fig1 a , and 1b , or they may be part of a single piece of material , appropriately folded , as shown in fig2 and 3 . in the preferred embodiment , adhesive strip 20 has adhesive material on both sides , the adhesive on the outwardly - facing surface of the strip serving to hold test tubes , and the adhesive on the opposite surface serving to bond adhesive strip 20 to test tube - supporting member 16 . such a double sided tape may be used alone provided that outwardly - facing surface 16a of test tube - supporting member 16 bonds strongly to adhesive strip 20 . in practice , however , double sided adhesive tapes capable of both holding and releasing test tubes may not bind strongly enough to test tube - supporting member 16 . it is therefore preferred to employ a second double - sided tape between adhesive strip 20 and test tube - supporting member 16 . this second tape is selected for its ability to bond tightly to both test tube - supporting member 16 and adhesive strip 20 . this second tape is preferably placed over slots 28 in test tube - supporting member 16 so that when tabs 28 are inserted into these slots , they ae held there . alternatively , a supplemental adhesive may be employed in slots 28 to hold tabs 26 . the test tube rack is preferably made of cardboard , but may be constructed of other suitable materials such as plastic sheet , or other materials such as wood , fiberglass , metal , etc . which would suggest themselves to those skilled in the art . the test tube rack possesses a number of advantages relative to previously known test tube racks . it is inexpensive , easily made in any desired size , and constructable from environmentally safe materials . since it folds flat in the preferred embodiment and several of the alternative embodiments , it is easily stored , a large number fitting in a small space . it is very easily set up for use , and easily folded down for storage . it is simple to use -- a test tube placed in contact with adhesive strip 20 is held positively on the rack until it is removed . it can hold many variously sized tubes at the same time because it has no holes or spaces into which the several sizes of tubes must fit . since the test tubes are held at a single point against the test tube - supporting member 16 , an unobstructed view of all the tubes is provided . it is easy to judge the colors of the test tube contents against the white background preferably employed for outwardly - facing test tube - supporting surface 16a , but where desirable for particular uses , the color of this surface may be changed readily . since test tubes are held on the rack in a positive manner , the rack may be moved or manipulated with all the tubes attached , and may even be inverted to dump all the tubes at once . the test tube rack is sturdy , but if it is broken or damaged , it is readily repaired with such simple expedients as tape and staples . finally , the unit is readily and safely disposable . many alternative embodiments of the test tube rack of the invention suggest themselves , some of these being shown in fig2 - 12 . in fig2 a base adhesive strip 30 is employed in addition to adhesive strip 20 , to hold test tube bottoms firmly in place . in fig3 adhesive strip 20 is wide , to provide a better grip in test tubes to be mounted on the rack . in fig4 the test tube rack is formed of a single sheet of construction material folded into a triangular shape , the bottom of test tube - supporting member 16 being attached to base 10 via a slot and tab arrangement as shown in the figure , or by any other mechanism . in this embodiment , vertical support for test tube - supporting member 16 is provided by that section of the construction material connecting the base rear edge 14 with the top of test tube - supporting member 16 . fig5 shows a triangularly shaped two - sided version of the test tube rack , in which each of the test tube - supporting members supports the other . fig6 shows that the test tube - supporting member 16 may be provided with a horizontal slot 32 adapted to receive and hold an appropriately shaped insert 34 carrying adhesive strip 20 . in this embodiment , the test tube rack itself could be kept for a long time and the adhesive strips replaced as they became ineffective . in fig7 it is shown that the test tube supporting member 16 may be buttressed by means of separate supporting braces 36 . fig8 shows a one - piece rack formed by bending a single sheet of construction material to form the base and the test tube - supporting member . fig9 shows a two - sided embodiment in which the test tube - supporting members are vertically oriented relative to the base , and mutually supporting . fig1 and 11 show circular and conical embodiments respectively , in which test tubes may be mounted from any direction . fig1 shows a four - sided box - type embodiment in which each of the test tube - supporting members is supported by the adjacent test tube - supporting members . the invention has been described and exemplified in terms of particular embodiments , but it is to be recognized that other embodiments and other related modes of operation will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art , and that such additional alternatives are considered within the scope of the invention . accordingly , the scope of this application is not to be limited except by the scope of the appended claims .
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referring to fig1 there is shown an adaptable programmable calculator 10 including both a keyboard input unit 12 for entering information into and controlling the operation of the calculator and the magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit 14 for recording information stored within the calculator onto one or more external tape cassettes 16 and for subsequently loading the information recorded on these and other similar magnetic tape cassettes back into the calculator . the calculator also includes a solid state output display unit 18 for displaying alphameric information stored within the calculator . all of these input and output units are mounted within a single calculator housing 24 adjacent to a curved front panel 26 thereof . referring to the simplified block diagram shown in fig3 a - b , it may be seen that the calculator also includes an input - output control unit 44 ( hereinafter referred to as the i / o control unit ) for controlling the transfer of information to and from the input and output units , a memory unit 46 for storing and manipulating information entered into the calculator and for storing routines and subroutines of basic instructions performed by the calculator , and a central processing unit 48 ( hereinafter referred to as the cpu ) for controlling the execution of the routines and subroutines of basic instructions stored in the memory unit as required to process information entered into or stored within the calculator . the calculator also includes a bus system comprising an s - bus 50 , a t - bus 52 , and an r - bus 54 for transferring information from the memory and i / o control units to the cpu , from the cpu to the memory and i / o control units , and between different portions of the cpu . it further comprises a power supply for supplying dc power to the calculator and peripheral units employed therewith and for issuing a control signal pop when power is supplied to the calculator . the i / o control unit 44 includes an input - output register 56 ( hereinafter referred to as the i / o register ), associated i / o gating control circuitry 58 , and input - output control logic 60 ( hereinafter referred to as the i / o control ). i / o register 56 comprises a universal sixteen - bit shift register into which information may be transferred either bit - serially from cpu 48 via t - bus 52 or in parallel from keyboard input unit 12 , magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit 14 , and peripheral input units 28 such as the marked card reader via twelve input party lines 62 . information may be transferred from i / o register 56 either bit - serially to cpu 48 via s - bus 50 or in parallel to magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit 14 , solid state output display unit 18 , output printer unit 20 , and peripheral output units 28 such as the x - y plotter or the typewriter via sixteen output party lines 64 . i / o gating control circuitry 58 includes control circuits for controlling the transfer of information into and out of i / o register 56 in response to selected i / o qualifier control signals from cpu 48 and selected i / o control instructions from i / o control 60 . it also includes an interrupt control circuit 65 , a peripheral control circuit 66 , a printer control circuit 68 , and a display control circuit 69 for variously controlling the input and output units and issuing control signals qfg and ebt to i / o control 60 via two output lines 71 and 72 . these last mentioned control circuits variously perform their control functions in response to control signal pop from the power supply , i / o qualifier control signals from cpu 48 , i / o control instructions from i / o control 60 , and control signals from keyboard input unit 12 . interrupt control circuit 65 initiates the transfer of information into i / o register 56 from keyboard input unit 12 or interrupting peripheral input units 28 such as the marked card reader and issues a qualifier control signal qnr to cpu 48 via output lines 73 . peripheral control circuit 66 enables interface modules 30 plugged into the calculator to respond to information from i / o register 56 , control associated peripheral units 28 , transfer information to and / or receive information from associated peripheral units 28 , and in some cases initiate the transfer of information to i / o register 56 from the interface modules themselves . printer control circuit 68 and display control circuit 69 enable output display unit 18 , and output printer unit 20 , respectively , to respond to information from i / o register 56 . when a basic i / o instruction obtained from memory unit 46 is to be executed , cpu 48 transfers control to i / o control 60 by issuing a pair of i / o microinstructions ptr and xtr thereto . in response to these i / o microinstructions from cpu 48 , control signal pop from the power supply , control signals qfg and ebt from i / o gating control circuitry 58 , and i / o qualifier and clock control signals from cpu 48 , i / o control 60 selectively issues one or more i / o control instructions to gating control circuitry 58 as required to execute the basic i / o instructions designated by cpu 48 and issues control signals , ttx , xtr , qrd , and scb to cpu 48 via output lines 74 - 77 . the i / o qualifier control signals issued to i / o control 60 and gating control circuitry 58 by cpu 48 are derived from the basic i / o instruction to be executed . those qualifier control signals issued to i / o control 60 designate the specific i / o control instructions to be issued by i / o control 60 , while those issued to gating control circuitry 58 designate selected control circuits to be employed in executing the basic i / o instruction . memory unit 46 includes a modular random - access read - write memory 78 ( hereinafter referred to as the rwm ), a modular read - only memory 80 ( hereinafter referred to as the rom ), a memory address register 82 ( hereinafter referred to as the m - register ), a memory access register 84 ( hereinafter referred to as the t - register ), and control circuitry 85 for these memories and registers . the rwm 78 and rom 80 comprise mos - type semiconductor memories . m - register 82 of the memory unit comprises a recirculating sixteen - bit serial shift register into which information may be transferred bit - serially from cpu 48 via t - bus 52 and out of which information may be transferred bit - serially to cpu 48 via s - bus 50 . information shifted into m - register 82 may be employed to address any word in rwm 78 or rom 80 via fifteen output lines 106 . t - register 84 of the memory unit comprises a recirculating sixteen bit serial shift register into which information may be transferred either bit - serially from cpu 48 via t - bus 52 or in parallel from any addressed word in rwm 78 and rom 80 via sixteen parallel input lines 108 . information may be transferred from t - register 84 either bit - serially to cpu 48 via s - bus 50 or parallel to any addressed word in rwm 78 via sixteen parallel output lines 110 . the four least significant bits of information contained in t - register 84 may comprise binary - coded - decimal information and may be transferred from the t - register in parallel to cpu 48 via three parallel output lines 112 taken with s - bus 50 . the control circuitry 85 of the memory unit controls these transfers of information into and out of m - register 82 and t - register 84 , controls the addressing and accessing of rwm 78 and rom 80 , and refreshes rwm 78 . it performs these functions in response to memory microinstructions , memory clock pulses , and shift clock pulses from cpu 48 . cpu 48 includes a register unit 114 , an arithmetic - logic unit 116 ( hereinafter referred to as the alu ), a programmable clock 118 , and a microprocessor 120 . register unit 114 comprises four recirculating sixteen - bit shift registers 122 , 124 , 126 , and 128 and one four - bit shift register 130 . shift registers 122 and 124 serve as sixteen - bit serial accumulator registers ( hereinafter referred to as the a - register and the b - register , respectively ) into which information may be transferred bit - serially from alu 116 via t - bus 52 and out of which information may be transferred bit - serially to alu 116 via r - bus 54 . the four least significant bit positions of a - register 122 also serve as a four - bit parallel accumulator register into which four bits of binary - coded - decimal information may be transferred in parallel from alu 116 via four parallel input lines 132 and out of which four bits of binary - coded - decimal information may also be transferred in parallel to alu 116 via three parallel output lines 134 taken with r - bus 54 . shift register 126 serves as a sixteen - bit system program counter ( hereinafter referred to as the p - register ) into which information may be transferred bit - serially from alu 116 via t - bus 52 and out of which information may be transferred bit - serially to alu 116 via r - bus 54 . information contained in the least significant bit position of p - register 126 may also be transferred as a qualifier control signal qpo to microprocessor 120 via output line 135 . shift register 128 serves as a sixteen - bit qualifier register ( hereinafter referred to as the q - register ) into which information may be transferred bit - serially from alu 116 via t - bus 52 and out of which information may be transferred bit - serially to alu 116 via r - bus 54 . information contained in the five least significant bit positions of q - register 128 is transferred to i / o gating control circuitry 58 as five one - bit i / o qualifier control signals q00 - q04 via five parallel output lines 136 , and information contained in the six next least significant bit positions of the q - register is transferred to i / o control 60 as six one - bit i / o qualifier control signals q05 - q10 via six parallel output lines 138 . similarly , information contained in the seven least significant , the ninth and eleventh least significant , and the most significant bit positions of q - register 128 and information derived from the thirteenth , fourteenth , and fifteenth bit positions of the q - register may be transferred to microprocessor 120 as eleven one - bit microprocessor qualifier control signals q00 - q06 , q08 , q10 , q15 , and qmr via eleven output lines 140 . information contained in the twelfth through the fifteenth least significant bit positions of q - register 128 may be transferred to microprocessor 120 as a four - bit primary address code via four parallel output lines 142 . shift register 130 serves as a four - bit serial extend register ( hereinafter referred to as the e - register ) into which information may be transferred bit - serially either from alu 116 via t - vus 52 or from the least significant bit position of t - register 84 via input line 144 . information may also be transferred out of e - register 130 to alu 116 via r - bus 54 . register unit 114 also includes control circuitry 146 for controlling the transfer of parallel binary - coded - decimal information into and out of a - register 122 and the transfer of serial binary information into and out of a - register 122 , b - register 124 , p - register 126 , q - register 128 , and e - register 130 . this is accomplished in response to register microinstructions from microprocessor 120 , control signals ttx and xtr from i / o control 60 , and shift clock control pulses from programmable clock 118 . control circuitry 146 includes a flip - flop 148 ( hereinafter referred to as the a / b flip - flop ) for enabling the transfer of information into and out of either the a - register 122 or the b - register 124 as determined by the state of the a / b flip - flop . the stae of a / b flip - flop 148 is initially determined by information q11 transferred to the a / b flip - flop from the twelfth least significant bit position of q - register 128 but may be subsequently complemented one or more times by microinstruction cab from microprocessor 120 . alu 116 may perform either one - bit serial binary arithmetic on data received from t - register 84 or m - register 82 via s - bus 50 and / or from any register of register unit 114 via r - bus 54 or four - bit parallel binary - coded - decimal arithmetic on data received from t - register 84 via output lines 112 taken with s - bus 50 and / or from a - register 122 via output lines 134 taken with r - bus 54 . it may also perform logic operations on data received from memory unit 46 and / or register unit 114 via any of these lines . the arithmetic and logic operations performed are designated by alu microinstructions from microprocessor 120 and are carried out in response to these microinstructions , shift clock control pulses from programmable clock 118 , and control signal scb from i / o control 60 . information is also transferred from alu 116 to a - register 122 via output lines 132 or to i / o register 56 , m - register 82 , t - register 84 , or any register of register unit 114 via t - bus 52 in response to microinstructions and control signals applied to these registers . if a carry results while alu 116 is performing either one - bit serial binary arithmetic or four - bit parallel binary - coded - decimal arithmetic , the alu issues a corresponding qualifier control signal qbc or qdc to microprocessor 120 via one of two output lines 152 and 154 . programmable clock 118 includes a crystal - controlled system clock 156 , a clock decoder and generator 158 , and a control gate 160 . system clock 156 issues regularly recurring clock pulses to clock decoder and generator 158 via output line 162 . in response to these regularly recurring clock pulses from system clock 156 and to four - bit clock codes from microprocessor 120 , clock decoder and generator 158 issues trains of n shift clock pulses to alu 116 , m - register 82 , t - register 84 , and all of the registers of register unit 114 via output line 164 . these trains of n shift clock pulses are employed for shifting a corresponding number of bits of serial information into or out of any of these registers or for shifting a carry bit in the alu . the number n of pulses in each of these trains may vary from one to sixteen as determined by the number of bits of serial information required during each operation to be performed . in response to a control signal cco from microprocessor 120 , control gate 160 prevents any shift clock pulses from being applied to the alu or any of these registers . upon completion of each train of n shift clock pulses , clock decoder and generator 158 issues a rom clock pulse to microprocessor 120 via output line 166 and an i / o clock pulse to i / o control 60 via output line 168 . in response to the regularly recurring clock signal from system clock 56 , clock decoder and generator 158 also issues correspondingly regularly recurring memory clock pulses to memory unit 46 via output line 170 . microprocessor 120 selectively issues two i / o microinstructions to i / o control 60 via two output lines 172 , six memory microinstructions to memory unit 46 via six output lines 174 , thirteen register microinstructions to register unit 114 via thirteen output lines 176 , and five alu microinstructions to alu 116 via five output lines 178 . it also issues a four - bit clock code associated with each of these microinstructions to clock decoder 158 via four output lines 180 . these microinstructions and associated clock codes are issued as determined by the control signal pop from the power supply , the eleven microprocessor qualifier control signals from q - register 128 , the four - bit primary address codes from q - register 128 , and the five microprocessor qualifier control signals from i / o control 60 , interrupt control 65 , alu 116 , and p - register 126 .
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fig1 shows , as a matter of example , a multichip module substrate 10 on which a plurality of interconnect posts 12 are formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention . the tops of the columns 14 of the posts 12 are adapted to be electrically and mechanically joined at suitable connection points 17 on an ic chip 16 by an appropriate conventional method such as soldering . a number of methods are available for joining interconnect posts to an ic chip , and the choice of method is not material to this invention . the bases 18 of the posts 12 may be connected to appropriate electrical circuitry by leads 20 . the leads 20 may have been previously formed on the substrate 10 , and they are , for the purposes of this invention , considered to be part of the substrate 10 . alternatively , leads 20 can be embedded within a layer of the substrate and connected to the posts using vias , as is well known in the art . fig2 through 8 illustrate the process of forming the posts 12 on the substrate 10 . the process begins ( fig2 ) by applying onto the surface of substrate 10 a first photoresist layer 22 of conventional positive photoresist dissolved in an organic solvent . the photoresist solution may be applied by any method well known to those skilled in the art , such as a conventional spin technique . the thickness of the layer 22 is such that when the solvent is evaporated by soft baking at about 90 ยฐ c .- 100 ยฐ c ., the layer 22 will have a thickness less than or equal to half the desired height of the posts 12 , and preferably equal to between approximately 15 % and 40 % of the desired post height . typical thicknesses for layer 22 range between 5 ฮผm and 15 ฮผm . as shown in fig3 the soft - baked layer 22 is next exposed to actinic uv radiation 21 of an appropriate wavelength ( e . g . on the order of 400 nm ) for a relatively short time . for typical positive photoresists , this exposure time is less than one - third of the photoresist manufacturer &# 39 ; s recommended ( or suggested ) exposure time for the resist layer &# 39 ; s thickness and soft bake conditions ( e . g ., time and temperature ). the exposure may be done through a mask 24 whose apertures 26 are of a substantially larger diameter than the diameter of post 12 . alternatively , the exposure may be a simple uv flood exposure of the entire first layer 22 . the brief exposure of uv radiation 21 causes the activator in the positive photoresist to partially decompose , so that the exposed portions of the layer 22 ( or , in the alternative , the entire layer 22 ) become somewhat soluble in the alkaline - aqueous developer solution . the exposure should be short enough to prevent interfering with the subsequent mixing of the layers &# 39 ; photoresist when the second photoresist layer is applied , or interfering with the ability of the second layer to adhere to the first layer . in the drawings , the partially solubilized portions of layer 22 are shown as dotted , while the still insoluble portions are shown as cross - hatched . in one practiced embodiment according to the present invention , the positive photoresist az4620 , manufactured by hoechst celanese is used for first layer 22 . the az4620 resist layer is exposed for less than about 20 seconds at an exposure level of 40 mw / cm2 ( for an integrated dosage of less than about 800 mw / cm2 - sec ), and preferably less than 5 seconds at the same exposure level ( for an integrated dosage of less than about 200 mw / cm2 - sec ). next , as shown in fig4 a relatively thick ( e . g ., 35 ฮผm - 50 ฮผm ) layer 28 of positive photoresist is applied on top of the layer 22 . preferably , layers 22 and 28 have common chemical components , such as the photo activator compound , although proportions of various components ( such as the fluidizing solvent ) may be modified to better achieve the desired coating thicknesses . the thickness of layer 28 is such that , after evaporation of the solvent by soft - baking , the total thickness of layers 22 and 28 will equal the desired post height . in the above practiced embodiment according to the present invention , second layer 28 also comprises the az4620 photoresist . when the exposed portion 29 of layer 22 comes into contact with the unexposed material of layer 28 , the photoactive compound and solvent of layer 28 begin to diffuse into the soluble area 29 of layer 22 . the diffusion rate is enhanced as the temperature of the layers is increased by the soft baking of layer 28 . if necessary or desirable to control the diffusion of these compounds , the layers may be heated independently of the soft bake process . the result of this diffusion is that the solubility of layer 22 is modified in such a way that the solubility of layer 22 in area 29 gradually changes from essential insolubility at the junction with layer 28 to partial solubility at the junction with the substrate 10 . the soft - baked layer 28 and the diffused area of layer 22 are now exposed to uv radiation 21 ( fig5 ) through a mask 30 whose apertures 32 are of substantially the same diameter as the diameter of columns 14 . the exposure time is substantially equal to or greater than the manufacturer &# 39 ; s recommended ( or suggested ) exposure time for the combined layer thickness and the soft bake conditions . this exposure results in the complete solubilizing of a downwardly tapered cylinder 34 of photoresist extending through the entire height of both layer 28 and layer 22 . for the above practiced embodiment using the az4620 photoresist and a combined layer thickness of 45 ฮผm , an exposure time of 3 to 4 minutes is used , with 4 minutes being an overexposure . when the layers 22 and 28 are exposed to an alkaline - aqueous developing solution , the water - soluble material of the cylinder 34 is dissolved and removed . however , because the area 29 of layer 22 is partly soluble even outside of the cylinder 34 , and increasingly so in the downward direction toward substrate 10 , the developing solution eats horizontally into the layer 22 by a small amount adjacent the layer 28 , and increasingly toward the substrate 10 . the result of this developing step is the formation of an opening 36 in the resist layers 28 and 22 which has the shape of a cylinder with a generally uniform cross - section ( fig6 ). the opening 36 can now be filled with metal by electrolytic or electroless plating ( fig7 ). the plating step is usually terminated when the level of the filled metal reaches to within 1 ฮผm of the aperture top in order to prevent lateral ballooning at the top . when the plating has been completed , a metallic post 12 of the shape shown in fig1 has been formed on the substrate 10 . in contrast to the aforementioned construction method where post segments are constructed on top of one another with separate spacer layers and separate plating steps , posts utilizing the aperture construction method according to the present invention can be formed by a single plating step , and thus may be of integral construction . such construction is less likely to fail when subjected to stress . after the post according to the present invention is formed in the foregoing manner , the resist is stripped ( fig8 ), and the structure of fig1 is ready for connection to another microelectronic component , such as an ic chip . although plating is the preferred method of depositing metal within openings 36 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods can also be used . as well as constructing post structures , the method of the present invention may be used to construct other structures , such as trenches , pads , lines , and particularly those structures that have large thicknesses and / or features with large aspect ratios . fig9 through 12 show the aforementioned construction method where post segments are constructed on top of one another with separate plating steps , and illustrate the advantages of the invention . in the multi - segment construction method , a two - segment post 40 ( fig1 ) having first segment 42 and second segment 44 was formed by applying a first photoresist layer 46 to a substrate 48 , and exposing it through a mask 50 whose aperture 52 defined a solubilized portion 53 having the size and shape of the first segment 42 ( fig9 ). the layer 46 was then developed , and the resulting opening was filled with metal by plating ( fig1 ). next , a second photoresist layer 54 was applied and exposed through a mask 56 whose aperture 58 defined a solubilized portion 59 having the size and shape of the second segment 44 ( fig1 ). the layer 54 was in turn developed and plated ( fig1 ). any misregistration of the masks 50 and 56 causes a misalignment of the second segment 44 on the first segment 42 . such a misalignment is illustrated in fig1 and 12 . considering that the diameter of column 44 is typically on the order of about a dozen microns or less , a misregistration of one or two microns can cause significant problems . by contrast , the present invention makes misalignment impossible because the first exposure is too brief to fully solubilize the first photoresist layer , and because the second exposure more fully exposes a portion of the first layer which is self - aligned to the exposed portion of the second layer . fig1 illustrates the essential steps of the process of this invention in flow chart form . it will be understood that the process of this invention not only solves the alignment problem , but is much simpler because only a single developing and plating step is involved . it will also be understood that the inventive process is applicable to the formation of any high - aspect - ratio microelectronic structure in which it is necessary to maintain a generally uniform cross - sectional area throughout the height of the structure . while the present invention has been particularly described with respect to the illustrated embodiment , it will be appreciated that various alterations , modifications and adaptations may be made based on the present disclosure , and are intended to be within the scope of the present invention . for example , the invention may be practiced with other photosensitive materials besides positive photoresists , such as photosensitive polyimides . additionally , the invention may be used to form low - aspect ratio patterns in thick resists where the precise definitions of the pattern boundaries is required . while the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but , on the contrary , is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims .
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fig1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a stent 10 in accordance with the present disclosure . fig1 illustrates stent 10 in a furled small - diameter state ; it should be understood that stent 10 is expandable to a large - diameter state ( e . g ., by balloon catheter insertion and inflation / pressurization ). embodiments of stent 10 according to the present disclosure include an element 20 disposed in a coiled manner and extending in a longitudinal direction to define a longitudinal axis 22 of stent 10 . element 20 is coiled in the direction of axis 22 to form a number of central lobes 24 ( e . g ., each rotation of element 20 forming one lobe 24 ). in some embodiments , lobes 24 are equally spaced along the longitudinal direction of stent 10 or have a uniform coil pitch along stent 10 ( i . e ., a uniform distance between each coil ). however , it should be understood that the coil pitch may vary along one or more portions of stent 10 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , stent 10 also includes peripheral lobes 28 formed on one or more central lobes 24 . lobes 28 are formed by additional coils of element 20 during a coil rotation of a particular lobe 24 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , each central lobe 24 includes three peripheral lobes 28 . however , it should be understood that the quantity of peripheral lobes 28 formed along central lobes 24 may vary ( e . g ., a greater or fewer quantity ). further , in fig1 , each central lobe 24 includes peripheral lobes 28 . however , it should be understood that some central lobes 24 may be devoid of a peripheral lobe 28 , or some central lobes 24 may include a greater or fewer quantity of peripheral lobes 28 than other central lobes 24 . in some embodiments , stent 10 comprises longitudinal support rods 30 extending in the axial direction of stent 10 . for example , in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , stent 10 comprises three support rods 30 ; however , it should be understood that stent 10 may include a greater or fewer quantity of support rods 30 . in some embodiments , rods 30 may be located at substantially equal distances from each other as measured about a circumference or cylindrical plane formed by lobes 24 . however , it should also be understood that rods 30 may be located at unequal distances relative to each other . in some embodiments , element 20 and / or rods 30 may comprise a nonmetallic material , such as a polymer fiber or multiple polymer fibers . for example , in some embodiments , element 20 and / or rods 30 may be formed from poly - l - lactic acid ( plla ). however , it should be understood that other materials may be used to form element 20 and / or rods 30 . rods 30 may be attached or otherwise secured to lobes 24 using a variety of different methods or materials . for example , in some embodiments , rods 30 may be attached to lobes 24 using a plla material ( e . g ., plla dissolved in chloroform ) such that the plla mixture is used to glue or weld rods 30 to lobes 24 . in some embodiments , rods 30 may be ultrasonically welded to lobes 24 . rods 30 may be attached or otherwise secured to each successive lobe 24 along the longitudinal length of stent 10 or may be intermittently attached to lobes 24 as rod 30 extends along stent 10 ( e . g ., every other lobe 24 , every third lobe 24 , or at other uniform or non - uniform spacing intervals ). further , in some embodiments , rods 30 may be attached and / or otherwise secured to external sides of lobes 24 ; however , it should be understood that rods 30 may be attached and / or otherwise secured to internal sides of lobes 24 . for example , in some embodiments , rods 30 may be woven or intermittently transition from an external location to an internal location of stent 10 relative to lobes 24 as rods 30 extend along the longitudinal length of stent 10 . for example , and not by way of limitation , rod 30 may be secured to stent 10 by attaching rod 30 to an exterior surface of a first and second lobe 24 , to an interior surface of the third lobe 24 , to the exterior surface of the fourth and fifth lobes , etc . thus , rods 30 may weave inwardly and outwardly between interior and exterior areas of stent as rods 30 extend in the longitudinal direction according to a uniform or non - uniform pattern . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , stent 10 is formed as a dual opposing helical stent 10 . for example , in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , stent 10 is formed by member 20 having an end located and / or initiating at proximal end 40 of stent 10 and forming successive coils ( forming lobes 24 and lobes 28 ) as member 20 advances in the axial direction 41 toward a distal end 42 of stent 10 . at distal end 42 of stent , member 20 returns and / or is coiled in a direction 43 toward proximal end 40 forming successive coils ( forming lobes 24 and lobes 28 ) as member 20 advances in the axial direction 43 toward proximal end 40 . in fig1 , member 20 is wound in the same rotational direction ( i . e ., clockwise or counterclockwise ) for forming coils in the directions 41 and 43 ( e . g ., clockwise winding in the direction 41 , followed by clockwise winding in the direction 43 ). in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , member 20 comprises a continuous element such that coils in both directions 41 and 43 are formed from a continuous member 20 . however , it should be understood that in some embodiments , the coils formed in direction 41 may be formed from one or members 20 , where the coils formed in direction 43 may be formed by one or more different members 20 . fig2 is a diagram illustrating an end view of stent 10 illustrated in fig1 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , stent 10 comprises three rods 30 1 - 3 located at an equal spacing relative to each other . in the embodiment illustrated in fig2 , rod 30 1 is attached to an interior surface of lobe 24 . further , in the embodiment illustrated in fig2 , peripheral coils 28 extend radially inward and are located at equal circumferential spacing relative to each other . further , in the embodiment illustrated in fig2 , peripheral lobes 28 formed as member 20 is coiled in opposing directions along stent 10 ( e . g ., extending from end 40 to end 42 , then from end 42 to end 40 ) are located at substantially the same positions . fig3 is a diagram illustrating an end view of another embodiment of stent 10 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig3 , stent 10 comprises rods 30 4 - 9 attached to exterior sides of lobes 24 . in fig4 , some of rods 30 4 - 9 are located at unequal distances relative to each other as measured along the cylindrical plane formed by lobes 24 . for example , in fig3 , a set of rods 30 4 , 30 6 and 30 8 are located substantially equidistant from each other as measured along the cylindrical plane of stent 10 , and rods 30 5 , 30 7 and 30 9 are located substantially equidistant from each other as measured along the cylindrical plane of stent 10 . however , each set of rods 30 are offset slightly from each other such that the distance between rods 30 4 and 30 5 , for example , is less than the distance between rods 30 4 and 30 9 . thus , it should be understood that the spacing of rods 30 on stent may vary . fig4 is a diagram illustrating an end view of another embodiment of stent 10 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig4 , peripheral lobes 28 formed while member 20 is coiled in direction 41 are positioned at different locations than lobes 28 formed as member 20 is coiled in the direction 43 . for example , referring to fig1 and 4 , as member 20 is coiled in direction 41 , peripheral lobes 28 are formed at the positions indicated in fig4 by 281 - 283 . as member 20 is coiled in the direction 43 from end 42 toward end 40 , peripheral lobes 28 are formed at the positions indicated in fig4 by 284 - 286 . thus , in some embodiments , lobes 28 formed as member 20 is coiled in direction 41 may be offset from the positions of lobes 28 formed as member 20 is coiled in direction 43 . in fig4 , lobes 28 are illustrated having an equal spacing there between ( e . g ., corresponding to each coil direction ). however , it should be understood that the spacing between lobes 28 may vary ( e . g ., for each individual lobe 28 and / or between coil directions 41 or 43 ). in some embodiments , stent 10 is formed on a mandrel or other type of coil or winding tool to facilitate coiling of member 20 to form lobes 24 and 28 and / or to facilitate attachment of rods 30 . in some embodiments , while stent 10 is located on such tool or mandrel , stent 10 is annealed to enable shape retention of stent as well as to align and / or otherwise form polymer chain orientation characteristics . for example , in a plla application , stent 10 may be annealed at a temperature slightly above a glass transition temperature for a desired time period ( e . g ., 62 ยฐ celsius to 90 ยฐ celsius for approximately twenty - five minutes ). stent 10 may then be allowed to cool to room temperature for some period of time ( e . g ., eighteen hours ). however , it should be understood that the annealing process may be varied , especially for different types of stent materials . fig5 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of stent 10 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig5 , stent 10 comprises lobes 24 , lobes 28 and rods 30 . in fig5 , stent 10 is formed as a counter coil helical stent 10 . for example , in the embodiment illustrated in fig5 , stent 10 is formed by member 20 having an end located and / or initiating at proximal end 40 of stent 10 and forming successive coils ( forming lobes 24 and lobes 28 ) as member 20 advances in direction 41 toward distal end 42 of stent 10 . at distal end 42 of stent , member 20 returns and / or is coiled in direction 43 toward proximal end 40 forming successive coils ( forming lobes 24 and lobes 28 ) as member 20 advances in the direction 43 toward proximal end 40 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig5 , member 20 is coiled or wound in one rotational direction for forming coils as member 20 is moved in direction 41 and is coiled or wound in an opposite rotational direction for forming coils as member 20 is moved in direction 43 toward end 40 . for example , in some embodiments , the coils formed as member 20 is moved in direction 41 result from winding member 20 in the direction indicated by 50 ( i . e ., clockwise ). the coils formed as member 20 is moved in direction 43 result from winding member 20 in the direction indicated by 52 ( i . e ., counterclockwise ). as described above in connection with fig1 - 4 , the spacing , quantity and locations of lobes 28 and / or rods 30 may vary . in the embodiment illustrated in fig5 , member 20 comprises a continuous element such that coils in both directions 41 and 43 are formed from a continuous member 20 . however , it should be understood that in some embodiments , the coils formed in direction 41 may be formed from one or members 20 , where the coils formed in direction 43 may be formed by one or more different members 20 . fig6 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of stent 10 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig6 , stent 10 comprises lobes 24 , lobes 28 and rods 30 . in fig6 , lobes 28 are formed to lie substantially in the cylindrical plane formed by lobes 24 . for example , fig7 is a diagram illustrating an end view of stent 10 illustrated in fig6 . as illustrated in fig7 , peripheral lobes 28 are formed to lie and / or reside substantially in the cylindrical plane formed by lobes 24 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig6 and 7 , stent 10 includes three lobes 28 per turn or coil ( e . g ., per lobe 24 ). however , the quantity and / or spacing of lobes 28 within a particular lobe 24 may vary . further , the quantity , spacing and / or place of attachment of rods 30 ( e . g ., interior surface or exterior surface of lobes 24 ) may vary . as described above , stent 10 may be annealed to secure and / or otherwise maintain the positioning of lobes 28 substantially within the cylindrical plane of stent 10 , thereby reducing the likelihood that lobes 28 would interfere and / or obstruct the insertion of a delivery catheter into the interior area of stent 10 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig6 , stent 10 also comprises a bifurcated area or portion 60 . for example , in some embodiments , stent 10 may be formed such that the axial pitch between successive coils in a medial portion of stent 10 is increased , thereby resulting in a location where another stent may be attached to and / or inserted through a wall of stent 10 . for example , in some embodiments , the bifurcated portion 60 is formed such that the axial pitch between successive coils is large enough to accommodate a branch stent attachment to stent 10 and / or insertion of another stent through portion 60 ( e . g ., into a branching vessel ). the medial location of portion 60 along stent 10 may vary ( e . g ., closer to end 40 , closer to end 42 , or anywhere in between ). it should also be understood that bifurcated portion 60 may be included in the embodiments of stent 10 illustrated and described in connection with fig1 and 5 . in some embodiments , peripheral lobes 28 are formed having a generally circular form . however , it should be understood that the shape of lobes 28 may vary ( e . g ., elliptical , rhomboidal , or other non - circular shape ). further , the size of lobes 24 and / or lobes 28 may vary . in some embodiments , a radio - opaque material may be used in stent 10 to enable x - ray and / or fluoroscopic identification of stent 10 during delivery or deployment . for example , in some embodiments , barium sulfate , water - soluble iodine and / or other materials may be laced or loaded into the polymer material used to form member 10 and / or rods 30 . in some embodiments , a radio - opaque material may be used in combination with a plla material ( e . g ., plla dissolved in chloroform ) such that the plla mixture having a radio - opaque material loaded therein is used to glue or weld rods 30 to lobes 24 , thereby providing fluoroscopic visibility of stent 10 . in some embodiments , a radio - opaque material may be attached to stent , such as securing a radio - opaque metal ( e . g ., platinum ) to rod ( s ) 30 and / or member 10 . the radio - opaque material may be attached using a plla material or other type of attachment mechanism . further , in some embodiments , a radio - opaque sheath may be used with stent 10 . for example , in some embodiments , a film comprised of a plla material loaded with a radio - opaque material is wrapped partially or entirely around stent 10 to enable x - ray and / or fluoroscopic identification of stent 10 during delivery or deployment . thus , embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible , expandable stent that enables increased ease and flexibility of delivery and expansion . further , embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stent with excellent mechanical properties while providing plastic deformation . the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure . as used herein , the singular forms โ a โ, โ an โ and โ the โ are intended to include the plural forms as well , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise . it will be further understood that the terms โ comprises โ and / or โ comprising ,โ when used in this specification , specify the presence of stated features , integers , steps , operations , elements , and / or components , but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features , integers , steps , operations , elements , components , and / or groups thereof . the corresponding structures , materials , acts , and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure , material , or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed . the description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description , but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed . many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure . the embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application , and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated .
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turning now to the figures , there is shown in fig1 a cleaning apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present invention . the cleaning apparatus comprises a tubular mandrel 2 which is adapted for lowering into a production tubing in a well bore . a typical inner diameter for production tubing is 2โ
th inch or 3ยฝ inch . the embodiment described below is adapted for use in production tubing having a 2โ
th inch inner diameter . in the embodiment shown , two cleaning assemblies 3 carrying scraper blocks 4 are mounted on the mandrel 2 . the scraper blocks may be manufactured from hardened steel or any other suitable material . each scraper block 4 has a plurality of scraper blades 5 formed thereon . the scraper blades extend outwardly from the mandrel and may be of a known type . the cleaning assemblies 3 are spring loaded via springs ( now shown ) which act to bias the cleaning assemblies outwardly from the mandrel such that the walls of the production tubing are contacted by the scraper blades 5 but allow the cleaning assemblies 3 to retract towards the mandrel of the apparatus against the spring force . the upper and lower faces of the cleaning assemblies may be chamfered to allow for a smooth passage of the apparatus through the production tubing . in the embodiment shown , four scraper blocks 4 are mounted in a respective recess in each cleaning assembly and are equi - spaced around the circumference . the two cleaning assemblies 3 are spaced apart on the mandrel 2 of the cleaning apparatus through an annular collar 6 . the cleaning assemblies 3 may be centred on the mandrel or may alternatively be mounted closer to one end of the mandrel than the other . a retaining ring 7 is mounted on either end of the mandrel 2 , at the end of each cleaning assembly 3 remote from the collar 6 . a bushing 8 which may be an elongate brass collar which fits tightly to the outer surface of the mandrel is mounted on each end of the mandrel adjacent the retaining rings 7 . a stabiliser 9 is mounted on the mandrel 2 over each bushing 8 such that the mandrel of the cleaning apparatus can rotate with respect to the stabilisers 9 . each stabiliser 9 comprises a substantially tubular body 10 formed of spring steel . the upper and lower ends of the stabilisers are provided with a substantially horizontal annular flange 11 . each flange has a rim 12 which extends into the body 10 of the stabilisers substantially perpendicularly to the flanges 11 . the inner diameter of the flanges in the embodiment shown is about 2 . 188 inch and the outer diameter is about 2 . 562 inch the upper and lower flanges 11 are spanned by a web of spars 13 which in the embodiment shown are integral with the flanges . the spars are substantially rectangular in shape and in the embodiment shown are equi - spaced around the stabiliser 9 . in this embodiment , the spaces between the spars 13 are about 1 . 875 inch in length and about 0 . 25 inch in width . the spars of the stabiliser bow outwards between the flanges 11 such that the outer diameter of the stabiliser 9 at the widest part is about 2 . 874 inch . a locking ring 14 is provided on the mandrel 2 behind the bushing 8 to retain the stabiliser 9 in position upon the bushing . the leading end of the locking ring may have an internal thread ( not shown ) to allow the locking ring 14 to be tightened upon an external thread ( not shown ) provided on the outer surface of the mandrel 2 . a sealing ring 15 such as an o - ring may be mounted behind the locking ring 14 to retain the locking ring in position . on assembly of the cleaning apparatus 1 , the locking rings 14 are mounted adjacent the stabilisers 9 at a position which allows for an increase in the length of the stabilisers during elastic deformation as will be described further below . as the cleaning apparatus 1 is inserted into production tubing , the cleaning assemblies 3 operate in a known manner to scrape the inner surface of the production tubing thereby removing debris from the inner surface to prevent fouling of equipment in the tubing . the outer diameter of the stabilisers 9 is selected to closely match the diameter of the production tubing to ensure that the stabilisers maintain the cleaning apparatus 1 centrally within the production tubing particularly when used in wells with high angles or in horizontal wells . whilst the stabilisers 9 do not rotate within the production tubing , by mounting the stabilisers 9 on a bushing 8 , this allows the mandrel 2 of the cleaning assembly to rotate with respect to the stabilisers 9 . this allows the entire surface of the production tubing to be scraped by one or other of the scraper blocks 4 as the mandrel rotates . the cleaning apparatus is also subjected to reduced torq and vibrational forces . therefore less energy is required to control the cleaning apparatus 1 during the cleaning operation than with known cleaning tools . additionally as the mandrel 2 of the cleaning apparatus rotates with respect to the stabilisers 9 rather than the stabilisers rotating within the production tubing , this reduces wear on the inner surface of the production tubing . when the cleaning apparatus 1 encounters an interruption in the inner surface of the production tubing , such as passing through a nipple between two adjacent risers in the production string where the inner diameter of the production tubing is reduced , the stabilisers 9 elastically deform from the rest position in which the spars 13 bow outwardly between the upper and lower flanges 11 , to the dynamic position in which the outer diameter of the stabilisers 9 reduces as required to allow the stabilisers and the cleaning apparatus to pass the restriction . the outer diameter of the stabilisers 9 may reduce to the outer diameter of the flanges 11 of the stabilisers if required . the overall length of the stabilisers 9 increases slightly to accommodate the elastic deformation and the spacing between the stabilisers 9 and the locking rings 14 accommodates this increase in length . furthermore , and if required , the outer diameter of the stabiliser 9 can be compressed substantially flat such that is of substantially equal diameter to the rest of the cleaning apparatus 1 outer diameter at which point the length of the stabilisers 9 will substantially equal the distance between the retaining ring 7 and the respective locking ring 14 . in the embodiment described , the outer diameter of the stabilisers 9 reduces from 2โ
inch to 2 9 / 16 inch thereby allowing the cleaning apparatus 1 to pass the restriction and on into the next adjacent piece of production tubing . as each stabiliser 9 clears the restriction , the spars 13 elastically return to their rest position . in the embodiment described above , the cleaning apparatus 1 is adapted for use in production tubing having a 2โ
inch diameter . where the cleaning apparatus is to be used within production tubing of different diameters , such as 3ยฝ inch diameter tubing , the dimensions of the stabilisers 9 will be altered as appropriate to retain the same operational effects as described . in the embodiment described above , scraper blocks 4 are mounted to the cleaning assemblies 3 . however , it is envisaged that the scraper blocks 4 may be changed for bristle blocks ( not shown ). in this case , the bristle blocks may be manufactured from steel or materials as required . the bristles themselves may be manufactured from spring steel , phosphor , bronze or nylon and may be provided in a configuration which allows debris to pass between the bristles with circulating fluid . it is to be understood that any number of cleaning assemblies 3 and cleaning blocks 4 may be provided on the mandrel of the cleaning apparatus . furthermore , the number of stabilisers provided on the apparatus may be altered to fit the specific requirements of the cleaning apparatus . a single stabiliser may be provided in some applications . modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention .
| 4 |
in the following detailed description , only the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described , simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by the inventor ( s ) of carrying out the invention . as will be realized , the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects , all without departing from the invention . accordingly , the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature , and not restrictive . to clarify the present invention , parts which are not described in the specification are omitted , and parts for which similar descriptions are provided have the same reference numerals . first , a heterodyne receiver for low noise and image frequency repression according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to fig9 . fig9 is a circuit diagram showing construction of a frequency converter in a heterodyne receiver for low noise and image frequency repression according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig9 , the heterodyne receiver for low noise and image frequency repression according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an amplifier and a frequency converter including a local oscillation circuit and a mixer circuit 100 . in fig9 , m 1 is an n - mos fet of a drive 110 ; m 2 and m 3 are n - mos fets of a switch 120 ; rf in is an rf input signal ; if out is an intermediate frequency output signal ; v g is a bias voltage of a gate ; vdd is a voltage of dc power ; r g is a resistor for cutting off or breaking the rf signal ; l 1 is an inductor for a filter 115 and c 1 is a capacitor for the filter 115 ; lo in is an input signal of a local oscillator ; i dc is a bleeding current ; and l 2 , l 3 , c 2 , and c 3 are a power combiner for converting a differential output to a single output . the local oscillation circuit outputs a local oscillation signal having a stable oscillation frequency and low harmonic content , and the mixer circuit 100 converts the difference in frequency between an input signal outputted from the amplifier and the local oscillation signal to a predetermined intermediate frequency . the mixer circuit comprises the drive 110 , the switch 120 , and the intermediate output section 130 . the drive 110 receives the input signal and the local oscillation signal and performs a filtering function for image frequency repression and low noise . the switch 120 switches signals outputted from the drive over time and transfers the signals to the output section 130 . the intermediate output section 130 outputs the signal at the intermediate frequency from the input signal and the local oscillation signal by using a switching operation of the switch 120 . here , the drive 110 for image frequency repression and low noise includes a serial resonance filter 115 composed of an inductor l 1 and a capacitor c 1 which is connected to a drain end of a field effect transistor m 1 . the filter 115 allows serial resonance at the image frequency due to the inductor l 1 and the capacitor c 1 , and allows parallel resonance at the signal frequency due to the parasitic capacitance cp of the fet m 1 . further , the filter 115 increases a drain current of the fet m 1 due to the bleeding current and can reduce noise caused from the fet m 1 . fig1 to 12 are circuit diagrams showing construction of frequency converters in heterodyne receivers for low noise and image frequency repression according to second to fourth exemplary embodiments of the present invention , respectively . as shown in fig1 to 12 , m 1 and m 2 are n - mos fets of drives ; m 3 , m 4 , m 5 , and m 6 are n - mos fets of switches ; rf in + and rf in โ are differential input signals ; r g1 and r g2 are resistors for cutting off or breaking the rf signals ; l 1 and l 2 are inductors for a filter 116 ; c 1 and c 2 are capacitors for the filter 116 ; and i bias is a bias current . the heterodyne receivers for low noise and image frequency repression according to the second to fourth exemplary embodiments of the present invention have the construction of the filters including a double balanced mixed circuit , which is different from the first exemplary embodiment . that is , in the filter 116 of the secondary exemplary embodiment , the x node toward the drain output of the fet m 1 is connected to the inductor l 1 and the capacitor c 1 , and the y node toward the drain output of the fet m 2 is connected to the inductor l 1 and the capacitor c 1 . and , in the filter 117 of the third exemplary embodiment , the inductors l 1 and l 2 are connected between the x node and the y node , and the capacitor c 1 is connected between the inductors l 1 and l 2 . in the filter 118 of the fourth exemplary embodiment , the inductor l 1 and the capacitor cl are connected between the x node and the y node . although the construction of filters according to the second to fourth exemplary embodiments of the present invention are different from the first exemplary embodiment , the filters according to the second to fourth exemplary embodiments have the same function for low noise and image frequency repression . hereinafter , operation of the heterodyne receiver for low noise and image frequency repression according to the exemplary embodiment is described with reference to the appended drawings . fig1 shows a model for a property of noise figure of the frequency converter shown in fig9 . as shown in fig1 , the noise of the frequency converter is divided into current noises i rf , i im , and i if at the drive 110 . i rf is a current noise at the rf signal frequency band , i im is a current noise at the image frequency band , and i if is a current noise at the intermediate frequency band . meanwhile , the noise of the switch 120 is periodically changed on a time basis and is modeled as a voltage noise v n , lo at gates of fets m 2 and m 3 . the conversion gains to the intermediate frequency output are respectively calculated from the current noises i rf , i im , and i if at the rf signal frequency band , and each conversion gain is multiplied by each corresponding current noise . the sum of noises at the intermediate frequency output is as in the following equation 1 . ฤซ no 2 = ฤซ rf 2 g c , rf 2 + ฤซ im 2 g c , im 2 + ฤซ n , lo 2 + ฤซ n , r l 2 [ equation 1 ] here , g c , rf is a current conversion gain of the intermediate frequency output , and g c , im is a current conversion gain of the intermediate frequency output . i n , lo is a current noise by the voltage noise v n , lo at intermediate frequency output . i n , rl is a current noise when the intermediate frequency output is connected to the load resistor r l . the current noise i if at the intermediate frequency band is not included in output noise when the intermediate frequency output is a differential output . in equation 1 , ฤซ rf 2 g c , rf 2 and ฤซ im 2 g c , im 2 are the main causes of noise , the filter 115 improves noise performance by reducing the conversion gain at the image frequency , that is ฤซ im 2 g c , im 2 . in equation 1 , ฤซ n , lo 2 can be minimized by increasing input power of the local oscillation circuit , since ฤซ n , lo 2 is obtained from the local oscillation signal . the sum of noise currents can be calculated from output at the intermediate frequency by using the equation 1 . the noise viewed at the input side can be calculated by dividing the sum of noise currents from the output at the intermediate frequency by the conversion gain from the rf input signal to the output at the intermediate frequency output . the noise figure can be calculated by dividing the noise viewed at the input side by the thermal noise caused by the resistor rs . at this time , voltage noise v no 2 from the output at the intermediate frequency can be calculated from the result of multiplication of the sum of the current noise ฤซ no 2 by the load resistor r l at the output port . and the voltage noise v no 2 viewed at the input side can be calculated from the result of division of the voltage noise v no 2 by the voltage conversion gain ac from the rf input signal to the signal at the intermediate frequency . the noise figure can be calculated from the result of division of the voltage noise v ni 2 by a thermal noise 4ktrs of the load resistor rs at the input port as in the following equation 3 . in equation 3 , k is a boltzmann constant , and t is a noise temperature . as shown in fig9 to fig1 , serial resonance between the inductor l 1 and the capacitor c 1 in the filter 115 occurs at the image frequency . thus , the input impedance | zf | decreases at the image frequency and increases at a desired rf signal frequency . the current signal of the image frequency at the x node is repressed due to the low impedance at the image frequency , and the conversion gain to the output at the intermediate frequency falls . thus , the image impedance is repressed . however , the filter 115 increases the conversion gain at the desired signal frequency due to high impedance . fig1 shows a matching condition for a drive of a frequency converter shown in fig9 . as shown in fig1 , when the input impedance is set to 50 ฯ by using the inductors ls and lg , the input impedance z in can be determined as in the following equation 4 . the equation 4 can be divided into a real part and an imaginary part . the first element in the real part is set to 50 ฯ , and the ls and lg values are determined to allow serial resonance in the imaginary part . the real part and the imaginary part are offset to each other . here , gm1 is a trans - conductance of the fet m 1 , and cgs 1 is a capacitance between a gate and source of the fet m 1 . the results of a trial experiment wherein predetermined values are assigned to each element in fig9 are shown in the following table 1 . for the trial experiment , the rf input signal was set to 5 . 25 ghz , the input power was set to โ 30 dbm , the local oscillation signal was set to 4 . 25 ghz , the input power was 0 dbm , and the output at the intermediate frequency was set to 1 ghz which corresponds to the difference between the input signal and the local oscillation signal . a bond wire with 0 . 8 nh per 1 mm was used for the ls , since the ls has a relatively small capacity . the lg was assumed to be an off - chip inductor . as shown in table 1 , when the filter is added to the frequency converter , the property of the noise figure is improved by around 1 . 8 ห 2 . 7 db even when the bleeding current is 0 ma . the property of the noise figure is further improved when the bleeding current increases . at this time , the conversion gain from the rf signal frequency to the intermediate frequency was around 5 ห 9 db . the total performance of the system becomes much worse in the communication system , wherein the several circuits are connected in series , when the property of the noise figure for the circuit which is connected later is poor . as such , the exemplary embodiment of the present invention increases the conversion gain at the rf signal frequency band , and decreases the conversion gain at the image frequency band by adding the filter to the output node of the drive of the frequency converter . thus , the thermal noise at the image frequency band represses the conversion gain of the intermediate frequency band and improves the property of the noise figure and can perform image frequency repression . while this 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 limited to the disclosed embodiments , but , on the contrary , is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims . as such , the heterodyne receiver for low noise and image frequency repression of the present invention increases the conversion gain to the output at the intermediate frequency at the rf signal frequency band , decreases the conversion gain at the image frequency band , and improves the property of the noise figure by adding the filter to the output node of the drive of the frequency converter . thus , the image frequency signal is repressed and the distortion of the desired signal can be minimized .
| 7 |
referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first , particularly to fig3 thereof , there is shown a rheometer 1 that contains a measurement motor 4 and a measurement shaft 6 connected to the latter , on a lower end of which a sample 7 lying on top is mounted in the form of a ball . with a normal force control unit arranged for example in an evaluation and control unit 40 the sample 7 can be pressed with defined force against a sample 8 located below , particularly through prior lowering of an overhanging arm 5 a . three lower samples 8 mounted symmetrically to each other in the form of leaves are in tribological contact with the ball 7 . the leaves 8 are supported by a holder 9 , which is supported subsequently by a spring 10 . the holder 9 and the spring 10 define the spring unit designated as 3 , which extends over a length of arrow 3 โฒ. the spring constant of the spring unit 3 can advantageously , if need be automatically , be changed via the control and evaluation unit 40 by an adjustment mechanism or adjustment unit 13 . the spring unit 3 is located on a carrier 11 , which is insertable and if necessary drivable into a bearing 12 of the rheometer 1 which is near the base . in the present case the sample 7 is rotated with the measurement shaft 6 . the spring properties of the spring unit 3 are representative of the spring properties of the entire rheometer 1 or of an oscillatory circuit 30 , which , as indicated by the arrow , comprise all of the movable , particularly spring - elastic movable parts of the rheometer 1 in the path or circle of force , or power circuit , which are deformable when force is applied to the samples 7 , 8 and thus have the possibility of appearing spring - effectively or of exerting forces on the samples 7 , 8 , which can generate resonances or oscillations in the oscillatory circuit 30 . together with the carrier 11 the spring unit 3 constitutes a module or a tribological measurement cell insertable into a rheometer 1 according to the present invention . the spring unit 3 with the carrier 11 can be exchangeably integrated into the rheometer 1 or constitutes an installable and removable component assembly , and at least one of the measurement parts of the rheometer 1 can be exchanged for this component assembly or for the module according to the present invention . the other measurement part of the rheometer 1 is replaced by a sample or also a module . thus , the spring unit 3 can also be provided for the upper sample 7 depicted in fig3 , so that the samples 7 , 8 are loaded overall by two spring units 3 , in which the spring characteristic can be changed or adjusted . if the measurements are performed in the extreme temperature range , then it is advantageous to provide the spring 10 outside the range tempered for the tribological contact , in order to prevent temperature influences . samples 7 , 8 can be arranged within a tempering chamber 50 , which surrounds the tribological contact . the tempering parts can also be integrated into the holders 9 for the samples 7 , 8 . particularly , resistance heaters and peltier elements are worth considering for this . the spring 10 can be arranged in the spring unit 3 such that it can be exchanged , for example , by a clamping tool with a quick - release connector and an adjustment of the spring unit 3 can be made by use or exchange of springs having a different spring characteristic . thus , a number of modules can be made available , which can be exchanged to adjust the spring characteristic of the respective rheometer to each measurement situation given . in fig4 and 4a an embodiment of a module according to the present invention is represented , which is insertable into a rheometer . the spring unit 3 contains a flat spring 10 , which is essentially aligned in a horizontal plane and in its longitudinal area supports the holder 9 of the samples 8 via a support element 72 , a slide stone 38 and a mounting part 39 . the samples 8 are formed by small plates , similar to how they are depicted in fig3 . the holder 9 can be plugged into the mounting part 39 or interchangeably mounted . the mounting part 39 is connected to the slide stone 38 , which is mounted in a movable manner with little friction in the x - y direction in the support element 72 for centering the holder 9 or the samples 8 , e . g . by combination of two linear guides . a lower end of the support element 72 can be connected , for example , screwed or welded , to the flat spring 10 , particularly to its middle area . the flat spring 10 rests on two supports 31 , 33 , which are movably guided towards each other in a groove 75 of the base plate 37 . to this end , the supports 31 , 33 are mounted by pins 36 in grooves 35 running spirally in a โ as clear from fig5 and 5 a โ component 34 rotatable in relation to the base plate 37 . by twisting the component the position or the distance of the supports 31 , 33 can be changed in relation to the middle area of the flat spring 10 , whereby the characteristic of the flat spring 10 or its oscillation properties is changed . the twisting of the component 34 can be done manually or automatically with an actuator . fig6 shows a module according to the present invention , which has a carrier 11 , which is insertable into the bearing 12 in the base 5 or into a cantilever 33 or into a drive or measurement shaft 6 of the rheometer 1 or can be connected therewith . the carrier 11 supports at least one plate 41 of the type shown in fig6 a , to the circumference of which in the plate recesses a number of flat springs 10 , in the present case three , extending roughly in the circumferential direction are attached . if necessary , these flat springs 10 could also be integrally configured with the plate 41 . in their free end area the respective flat springs 10 bear samples 8 , which are configured in the present case as pins . these samples can also readily be formed as balls or have another form . in any case it should be ensured that the arrangement is radially balanced or trued . the individual sectors , which in the present case amount to 120 ยฐ, of the plate 41 are configured congruent thereto . the samples 8 are pressed with the springs 10 against an opposite sample 7 , e . g . a disk or a ring , which is depicted in fig6 b . fig6 a shows a schematic top view of the plate 41 and fig6 b a detailed view through a spring 10 with inserted , pin - shaped sample 10 . in addition , an elastomer can also be inserted between the springs as an attenuator , in order to damp the amplitude of the oscillation system and additionally to change the oscillation characteristic . fig6 c shows a retaining part 45 for two plates 41 attached to the carrier 11 . both of the plates 41 are inserted parallel to each other into the circumferential grooves of the retaining part 45 . furthermore , the retaining part 45 bears a number of essentially pin - shaped clamping components 46 running radially , corresponding to fig6 d , the number of which corresponds in particular to the number of preset flat springs 10 , so that each free length of the spring 10 can be used with a clamping component 46 of its own having roughly the form of a spoke . the clamping components 46 are rotatable relative to the springs 10 or to the plates 41 about the axis of the carrier 11 . depending on the length of the section of the flat spring 10 , which is set by the respective clamping component 46 , the oscillation behavior of the flat springs 10 changes . in the case of the embodiment of a module or rheometer 1 depicted in fig6 a separate spring system of the individual samples 8 thus occurs . as arises from fig6 and 7 , the plate 41 can be provided twice and both parallel plates 41 can be connected to each other by the holder 9 , so that each sample 8 is connected via its holder 9 with two springs 10 or suspended by the latter , which bear the samples 8 via the holder 9 . the module is rotated with a drive motor and / or measurement motor during the measurement . fig7 shows a module installed in a rheometer 1 according to fig6 to 6d . this module differs slightly from the module depicted in fig6 to 6d , namely in respect to the loading of the flat springs 10 by the spokes 46 as well as the form of the plate 41 and the flat springs 10 . the flat springs 10 are formed integrally from the plate 41 and show circumferential slots 82 for the feed - through of spring dowel pins and fixing of the spokes 46 in any circumferential position . in this modified embodiment the spokes 46 can be firmly connected with the flat springs 10 in a defined position by a swivel lock 80 . furthermore , in fig7 the lower sample 7 configured in the form of a plate can be recognized . in this embodiment the carrier 11 depends on the overhanging arm 33 of a rheometer and is rotated . to temper the upper sample 8 tempering units 82 not further eluciated can be provided , which if necessary provide tempering fluid in the chamber with the samples 8 . the plate - shaped sample 7 can be fixed and held with a wall 83 forming the space around the sample 8 or around the module . as arises from fig7 , the sample 7 , which is configured in the form of a plate can lie motion - invariant on a tempering part 81 and in this embodiment forms the sample positioned below . the sample 8 positioned above in this case is rotated via the carrier 11 relative to the sample 7 , wherein the samples 8 are in tribological contact with the sample 7 configured as a disk . if a rheometer is used with a rotation motor and a measurement motor separate from each other the movement of the module with the upper samples 8 can be limited to a power provision and the lower sample 7 in the form of the plate 41 can be rotated . in particular , if the module is rotated during the measurement , it is advantageous if the entire springy arrangement or the module is configured light and rotationally symmetric to prevent imbalances . fig8 shows an embodiment of the rheometer 1 with a spring element , in which the damping of the oscillations is accomplished by a pot or bracket 66 attached to the spring 10 or borne by the latter . the bracket 66 is supported by an elastomer - ring 67 , which rests on the base 5 and against which the bracket either lies permanently or can be applied in the area of the lower dead center of the oscillation of the spring 10 . depending on the hardness of the elastomer used the damping of the oscillatory circuit is changed differently . a change of the elastomer rings 67 can , for example , be made after opening or removing the bracket and exchanging the elastomers . in the case of the embodiment according to fig9 the ball - shaped sample 7 is rotated with the drive shaft 6 . the sample 8 in the form of a number of small plates lies on the holder 9 . the angles of the plates to the horizontal can thereby be set arbitrarily . in the drive shaft 6 of the sample 7 a cardan joint 70 is formed , in order to center the sample 7 driven by the measurement shaft 6 . in principle , other torsionally - stiff hinged shaft connections can also be used instead of the depicted cardan joint , such as cv - joints or ball couplings . such joints and couplings can also facilitate the required radial - offset and angular offset , however , also cause a decreased or changed compliance of the rheometer . the attenuator in the case of this embodiment consists of a pot 68 and a piston 69 , which is adjustable for height within the pot 68 . the pot 68 and the piston 69 are connected to the spring 10 bearing the holder 9 , namely at areas of the spring 10 spaced apart from each other . in the case of a movement or oscillation of the spring 10 the piston 69 movable in the pot 68 damps the spring oscillations . the piston 69 can move in a lubricant or oil , which is located within the pot 68 . this arrangement could be considered to be a significantly simplified form of a hydraulic damper , which is connected to the ends of the spring 10 . the damping characteristic can be influenced via the reduction of the fluid flow , for example , by a throttle valve in the damper . fig1 shows an arrangement , in which a tribology cell or module is inserted into the rheometer 1 , which has two plate - shaped , samples 7 , 8 pressed against each other , wherein between the samples contact material 91 is inserted , which co - determines the frictional contact between the sample areas 7 , 8 . at the same time , the sample 8 is supported by a holder configured as container 62 , in which a piston 63 is movable up and down . depending on the direction of movement of the piston , fluid can thereby flow from a reservoir 64 into the container 62 or flow out of it and the container dimensions can be adjusted to the volume of the fluid . the holder 9 as well as the piston 63 and the container 62 are supported by the spring 10 . the automatic adjustment of the oscillation characteristic is therefore made via the filling of the container 62 or the change of mass associated with it . a highly flexible hose 65 leading to the container 62 changes the oscillation behavior of the spring unit 3 , which contains the spring 10 and the holder 9 , only slightly and connects the reservoir 64 with the container . the type of application of pressure and filling can be carried out automatically both through movement of the piston as well as through the application of pressure on the reservoir 64 via the evaluation and control unit 40 and is not shown in detail here . another alternative would be the use of expanding vessels , such as membranes , balloons , and the like , which can be filled in a manner analogous to container 62 and adjust their volume to the amount of fluid . the change of the mass of the spring unit 3 can , for example , also occur through magnetically attachable particles . as a rule , relatively small parts are involved , which can be readily inserted into the modules according to the present invention . the components can also , for example , be inflatable containers , which depending on their inner pressure can be applied more or less strongly to the holder 9 of the samples 7 , 8 and thus damp those of the spring unit 3 .
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referring to fig1 and 2 , annealed glass ribbon 20 exiting from annealing lehr 22 is displaced by conveyor 24 along an article movement path , designated by the arrow 26 , past powder applicator 28 incorporating features of the invention . as the glass ribbon 20 advances past the applicator 28 , a layer of powdered material 30 ( shown in fig2 and 3 ) is applied to the upper surface 32 of the glass ribbon 20 in a manner to be discussed below . the glass ribbon 20 is further advanced by the conveyor 24 from the applicator 28 through a cutting station 34 where the ribbon 20 is scored and snapped to provide glass sheets 36 . the glass sheets 36 are advanced downstream of the cutting station 34 by conveyor 37 at a linear speed greater than the linear speed of the glass ribbon 20 to pull a gap between the glass sheets 36 . as will become apparent , the invention is not limited to the apparatus or method for forming the glass ribbon . for example , but not limiting thereto , the glass ribbon may be formed in accordance to the teachings of u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 843 , 346 and 3 , 220 , 816 which teachings are hereby incorporated by reference . further the glass ribbon 20 and glass sheets 36 may be displaced along the path 26 in any conventional manner . still further , the glass ribbon 20 may be cut into sheets 36 in any conventional manner , e . g ., for example , but not limiting to , the method and apparatus taught in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 244 , 337 ; 3 , 142 , 427 ; and 2 , 834 , 156 which teachings are hereby incorporated by reference . as the ribbon 20 is snapped along the score , glass chips ( not shown ) are projected over and onto the powder 30 on the top surface 32 of the sheets 36 and glass ribbon 20 . the powder 30 prevents the glass chips from sticking to the glass surface 32 by surface tension . the chips on the glass sheets 36 and / or glass ribbon 20 may be removed in any conventional manner , e . g ., by an air knife or by a brush . preferably the chips are removed prior to packing the glass sheets 36 for shipment and / or storage . for example , if the glass sheets 36 are to be packed , the glass chips may be removed from the glass sheets by an air knife 39 mounted adjacent to and downstream of the cutting station 34 . on the other hand , if the glass sheets 36 are to be subdivided into glass pieces ( not shown ), the chips are preferably removed from the glass pieces prior to packing same . referring to fig1 and 3 , and more specifically to fig3 the applicator 28 of the invention includes a housing 38 having joined sidewalls 40 , 42 , 44 and 46 ; an open bottom 48 and a lid 50 pivotally mounted to a sidewall , e . g ., sidewall 46 at 52 to provide access to the interior of the housing 38 . a trough 54 having its opposed ends secured to opposed sidewalls of the housing , e . g ., sidewalls 40 and 44 , respectively , is above and transverse to the article movement path 26 as shown in fig3 . an electrical heating element 60 is mounted below the trough and advantageously connected to a current supply 62 by way of wire 64 for vaporizing powder 65 in the trough 54 . the powdered material 65 in the trough is heated by the element 60 to its vaporization temperature . the vaporized powder condenses on the surface 32 or condenses in the housing 38 and falls on the surface 32 of the glass ribbon 20 . the powder preferably used in the practice of the invention is ( 1 ) one that does not stain the glass and ( 2 ) easily removable , e . g ., by water . types of powder that may be used in the practice of the invention but not limiting thereto are adipic acid , benzoic acid , and salicylic acid . the temperature of the glass ribbon at the position of powder application is preferably less than the vaporization temperature of the powder in order that the vaporized powder condenses or falls on the glass ribbon surface 32 . for example , adipic acid has a vaporization temperature of about 510 ยฐ f . ( 263 ยฐ c .) and the temperature of the glass ribbon is preferably less than about 500 ยฐ f . ( 260 ยฐ c .) when the powder is applied ; benzoic acid has a vaporization temperature of about 470 ยฐ f . ( 249 ยฐ c .) and the temperature of the glass ribbon is preferably less than about 460 ยฐ f . ( 240 ยฐ c .) when the powder is applied ; salicylic acid has a vaporization temperature of about 410 ยฐ f . ( 211 ยฐ c .) and the temperature of the glass ribbon is preferably less than about 400 ยฐ f . ( 200 ยฐ c .) when the powder is applied . in general , the temperature of the ribbon at the exit end of the annealing lehr 22 is about 200 ยฐ f . ( 95 ยฐ c .) and about 190 ยฐ f . ( 86 ยฐ c . ); 3 feet ( 0 . 9 meter ) downstream of the exit end of the lehr 22 . the applicator 28 , when using the above - mentioned powders , may , therefore , be positioned above the glass ribbon at any selected position downstream of the lehr 22 and upstream of the cutting station 34 . as can now be appreciated , the invention is not limited to the dimensions of the housing 38 nor of the trough 54 . however , it is recommended that the interior of the housing 38 be sized so that the atmosphere within the interior becomes saturated with the vaporized powder in a short time period . in this manner , the powder may be applied to the surface 32 of the glass ribbon 20 shortly after the heating element 60 is energized . the size of the trough is selected depending on the quantity of powder to be contained . further , the housing 38 may be made of any rigid material , e . g ., wood or metal . if desired , the housing may be insulated to minimize conduction and convection heat losses . in the practice of the invention , the applicator 28 is mounted above and transverse to the glass ribbon by structural members 68 as shown in fig1 and 3 . curtains 70 are mounted on the sides 42 and 46 of the housing 38 as shown in fig1 and 3 to contain the vaporized powder or falling powder about a predetermined section of the ribbon . as can now be appreciated , other embodiments with the scope of the invention can be made . for example , the applicator 28 may be moved relative to the glass ribbon . further , the invention may be practiced on glass sheets . still further , the invention may be practiced when cutting other refractory materials , e . g ., ceramics or glass - ceramics . referring to fig1 and 2 , powder applicator 28 incorporating features of the invention is mounted above conveyor 24 , downstream of annealing lehr 22 and upstream of cutting station 34 . the annealing lehr 22 is of the type used in the manufacture of float glass ribbon to remove stress in the glass ribbon . the conveyor 24 is of the type used in the art to advance the glass ribbon from the annealing lehr 22 toward the cutting station 34 . the cutting station 34 is of the type used in the art to score the glass ribbon 20 between its edges 74 and apply a bending moment to open the score and cut the glass ribbon into glass sheets 36 . the glass sheets 36 are advanced by conveyor 37 from the cutting station 34 past an air knife 39 of the type used in the art . the glass sheets 36 are advanced by the conveyor 37 at a linear speed greater than the linear speed of the glass ribbon 20 to pull a gap between the sheets 36 . with reference to fig3 the applicator 28 is made of wood and includes sidewalls 40 , 42 , 44 and 46 joined together to form a rectangular housing 38 . the housing has a wall thickness of about 1 / 2 inch ( 1 . 27 centimeters ); a length of about 160 inches ( 4 meters ); a width of about 12 inches ( 0 . 3 meter ) and a height of about 12 inches ( 0 . 3 meter ). a lid 50 having dimensions of about 160 inches ( 4 meters ) by about 12 inches ( 0 . 3 meter ) and about 1 / 2 inch thick ( 1 . 27 centimeters ) is pivotally mounted to the sidewall 46 of the housing 38 by hinge 52 . an aluminum trough 54 having a u - shaped cross - sectional configuration has its ends mounted to the sidewalls 40 and 44 , respectively , of the housing 38 . the trough 54 has a wall thickness of 1 / 2 inch ( 1 . 27 centimeters ); a height of about 3 inches ( 7 . 62 centimeters ) and a width of about 6 inches ( 15 . 24 centimeters ). the open bottom 48 of the trough 54 is spaced about 7 inches ( 17 . 78 centimeters ) from the glass ribbon surface 32 as shown in fig1 . a resistance heater 60 is mounted under the trough and connected to a powder supply 62 by wire 64 . the applicator 28 is mounted above the conveyor 24 and transverse to the glass ribbon path 26 by structural members 68 as shown in fig1 . drapes 70 mounted on sides 42 and 46 of the housing lay on ribbon surface 32 . the position of the application is at a point where the ribbon has a temperature of about 100 ยฐ f . ( 40 ยฐ c .). the trough 54 is filled with adipic acid , the lid closed and the heater energized to a temperature of about 525 ยฐ f . ( 265 ยฐ c .) to vaporize the adipic acid . the glass ribbon 20 exiting from the annealing lehr 22 is conveyed past the applicator 28 . as the glass ribbon is displaced past the applicator , the adipic acid condenses on the ribbon surface 32 or condenses in the applicator and falls on the ribbon surface 32 and is shown as numeral 30 . the glass ribbon is further displaced downstream through the cutting station 34 where the glass ribbon is scored between opposed sides 74 and subsequently snapped . chips generated during snapping are propelled over the glass ribbon surface 32 and lay on the adipic acid 30 . the sheets 36 are thereafter displced downstream of the cutting station 34 by the conveyor 37 where the chips are removed by the air knife 39 . as can be appreciated , the invention is not limited to the above example which is presented for illustration purposes only .
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the following description is intended to convey a thorough understanding of the embodiments by providing a number of specific embodiments and details involving a siding panel assembly . it is understood , however , that the invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details , which are exemplary only . it is further understood that one possessing ordinary skill in the art , in light of known devices , systems and methods , would appreciate the use of the invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments . generally speaking , as shown in fig1 , panel systems 100 of the present invention are generally flat sections used in building , construction and other applications , including in walls , siding , flooring , tiling , shelving , furniture and like . in one described but non - limiting embodiment , a panel system 100 of the invention includes siding panels 110 that have a plurality of horizontally adjacent siding panels 120 that are interlocked on their vertical ends 115 and 125 to provide a composite siding panel 200 . the siding panels 110 and 120 are joined together so that the composite siding panel 200 forms a single unit , such as in a row with outer - facing surfaces 117 and 127 of the siding panels providing an exterior siding surface of building in which a row of siding panels forms a substantially planar surface . any horizontal expansion or contraction of the individual siding panels 110 or 120 is transferred to the end of the composite panel 200 , rather than causing gapping or buckling at the junction between two adjacent panels 110 and 120 . in some embodiments several composite siding panels 200 may be assembled in horizontal rows , adjacent other composite siding panels 200 along respective horizontal edges of the adjacent rows , to form a siding panel assembly ( not shown ) that covers a surface , such as the wall of a building . as used herein , the terms โ horizontal โ and โ vertical โ are not intended to be limited to a specific orientation and reflect generally perpendicular sides , edges or ends with respect to one another . the references of โ horizontal โ and โ vertical โ as describing one embodiment of the invention are intended to continue to reference the respective edge , side or end in other embodiments where a panel 110 or panel system 100 is provided in another orientation relative to the ground or horizon . in the various exemplary embodiments , the siding panel systems 100 and their components may be made from solid or foamed polymers , such as vinyl or cellular pvc . however , the embodiments are not so limited . the siding panel systems 100 and their components may be made from any known or later developed material used for siding panels including , but not limited to , wood , aluminum , steel and other metals , polymer materials , plastics , masonry , stone , brick , concrete , composites and combinations thereof . panels of various materials may be shaped by extrusion , milling , molding , and the like . one having ordinary skill in the art would understand how to apply the teachings of various materials and panel manufacturing methods to various embodiments of the invention . referring to fig2 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention an interlocking lap joint for adjacent siding panels 110 a and 120 a in siding panel system 100 a is shown as described in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 402 , 707 , which is included herein by reference . siding panel 110 a has an integrally formed interlock including a rectangular receiving groove 113 a and a rectangular projection 114 a at a vertical end . siding panel 120 a has a mating integrally formed interlock including a rectangular receiving groove 123 a and a rectangular projection 124 a at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 110 a . siding panels 110 a and 120 a may be joined the their corresponding interlocks to form a composite siding panel 200 . referring to fig3 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention an interlocking lap joint for adjacent siding panels 1108 and 120 b in siding panel system 1008 is shown . siding panel 1108 has an integrally formed interlock including a non - perpendicular parallelogram - shaped receiving groove 113 b and a non - perpendicular parallelogram - shaped projection 114 b at a vertical end . siding panel 120 b has a mating integrally formed interlock including a non - perpendicular parallelogram - shaped receiving groove 1238 and a non - perpendicular parallelogram - shaped projection 124 b at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 1108 . siding panels 1108 and 120 b may be joined the their corresponding interlocks to form a composite siding panel 200 . the angled geometry of the interlock may provide a positive interlock between siding panels 1108 and 120 b . referring to fig4 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention an interlocking lap joint for adjacent siding panels 110 c and 120 c in siding panel system 100 c is shown . siding panel 120 c has an integrally formed interlock including a receiving groove 123 c and a punched interlock tab 420 at a vertical end . siding panel 110 c has a mating integrally formed interlock including a receiving groove 113 c and a rectangular projection 114 c at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 120 c . siding panels 110 c and 120 c may be joined the their corresponding interlocks to form a composite siding panel 200 . the punched interlock tab 420 of siding panel 110 c may retract into a recess in receiving groove 113 c during assembly of a composite siding panel 200 to allow for a more forgiving field installation and fitment between siding panels 110 c and 120 c . referring to fig5 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention an interlocking saw - tooth lap joint for adjacent siding panels 110 d and 120 d in siding panel system 100 d is shown . siding panel 110 d has an intergally formed interlock including a flange 512 with a saw - tooth geometry surface 513 . siding panel 120 d has a mating integrally formed interlock including a flange 522 with a saw - tooth geometry surface 523 at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 110 d . siding panels 110 d and 120 d may be joined the their corresponding interlocks with an adhesive to form a composite siding panel . the saw tooth geometry 512 and 522 of the flange surfaces may provide mechanical interlocking as well as greater surface area for adhesive bonding . referring to fig6 a - 6c , in another exemplary embodiment the invention siding panel system 100 e may include siding panels 110 e - g and 120 e - g which include an arrow - head snap fit geometry for interlocking joint attachment . siding panel 110 e - g may include an arrow - head snap 612 e - g that may be inserted in a complementary recess 622 e - g in siding panel 120 e - g . the snap head 612 e - g and complementary recess 622 e - g may be shaped to secure a head pointing outward in multiple directions 612 e as shown in fig6 a or pointing in one of opposite directions 612 f and 612 g as shown in fig6 b and fig6 c resepctively . the snap fit geometry may provide a strong mechanical joint which may not require a bonding adhesive . referring to fig7 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention an interlocking ratcheted tongue and groove joint for adjacent siding panels 110 h and 120 h in siding panel system 100 h is shown . siding panel 110 h has an integrally formed interlock including a ratcheted tongue 713 at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 120 h . siding panel 120 h has a mating integrally formed interlock including a receiving groove 723 at a vertical end . receiving groove 723 may include a mating ratchet surface to ratcheted tongue 713 . siding panels 110 h and 120 h may be joined the their corresponding interlocks to form a composite siding panel 200 . the interlock between receiving groove 723 and ratcheted tongue 713 may provide a tight mechanical fit which may not require adhesive or other bonding means . referring to fig8 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention an interlocking standard tongue and groove for adjacent siding panels 110 j and 120 j in siding panel system 100 j is shown . siding panel 110 j has an integrally formed interlock including tongue 813 at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 120 j . siding panel 120 j has a mating integrally formed interlock including a receiving groove 823 at a vertical end . siding panels 110 j and 120 j may be joined the their corresponding interlocks to form a composite siding panel 200 . the interlock between receiving slot 823 and tab 813 may be secured at the joint by an adhesive . the tongue and groove interlock may simplify fabrication of the siding panels 110 j and 120 j . the adhesive bond between siding panels 110 j and 120 j may also provide added strength to the interlock . referring to fig9 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention a lap joint for adjacent siding panels 110 k and 120 k in siding panel system 100 k is shown . siding panel 110 k has an intergally formed flange 912 . siding panel 120 k has a mating integrally formed flange 922 at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 110 k . siding panels 110 k and 120 k may be joined the their corresponding interlocks with an adhesive to form a composite siding panel 200 . the simple geometry of the flanges may simplify fabrication of the siding panels 110 k and 120 k . the adhesive bond between siding panels 110 k and 120 k may also provide added strength to the siding panel system 100 k . referring to fig1 , a cross section view a - a of one embodiment of the invention a lap joint for adjacent siding panels 110 l and 120 l in siding panel system 100 l is shown . siding panel 110 l has an integrally formed flange 1012 . siding panel 120 l has a mating integrally formed flange 1022 at a vertical end adjacent to the vertical end of siding panel 110 l . siding panels 110 l and 120 l may be joined the their corresponding interlocks with a mechanical cleat 1030 to form a composite siding panel 200 . the mechanical cleat 1030 may include barbs or other protrusions that may pierce or otherwise deform the mating surfaces of flanges 1012 and 1022 to grip and interlock siding panels 110 l and 120 l to form a composite siding panel 200 . the mechanical cleat 1030 may be made of metals , plastics or the like . flanges 1012 and 1022 may provide a relief space for the mechanical cleat 1030 so the mechanical cleat 1030 may be inserted while allowing the outer surfaces of siding panels 110 l and 120 l to remain substantially parallel . referring to fig1 , in another embodiment siding panel 110 m and 120 m ends may be joined as a butt joint 1110 with one or more mechanical fasteners 1130 , such as a cleat across a seam of one or both outer surfaces of created by the adjacent siding panel 110 m and 120 m . the mechanical fastener 1130 may include barbs or other protrusions that may pierce or otherwise deform the outer surfaces of flanges siding panels 110 m and 120 m to form a composite siding panel 200 . the mechanical fastener 1130 may be made of metals , plastics or the like . in other embodiments , fastening components may include , without limitation , one or more of adhesives , welds , mechanical fasteners , melt - bonds and magnets . referring to fig2 - 11 , in other exemplary embodiments , various other interlocking lap geometries may be provided to secure ends of adjacent siding panels . such geometries may be secured at the joint by , without limitation , by one or more of frictional fits , shaped mechanical fits , adhesives , mechanical fasteners , welds , melt - bonds and magnets . in the preceding specification , various preferred exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings . it will , however , be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto , and additional exemplary embodiments may be implemented , without departing from the broader scope of the invention as may be set forth in such patent claims as may be based on this application and specification . the specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense .
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example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings . with initial reference to fig1 , an instrument cluster constructed in accordance with one example of the present teachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 10 . the instrument cluster 10 can include a fascia 12 having a display or activity field 14 . the display field 14 can comprise a dial plaque 18 . the dial plaque 18 in one exemplary embodiment may be taken to be representative of a speedometer display with low values at the left end and higher values toward the right - most or clockwise end . in this way , the dial plaque can comprise a set of indicia 20 arranged generally around the dial plaque 18 to indicate a measured quantity ( such as a vehicle speed ). those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that while the dial plaque 18 has been representative of a speedometer to indicate vehicle speed , the dial plaque 18 can be configured to represent indicia indicative of any measured quantity such as , but not limited to , engine speed ( a tachometer ), a coolant temperature , a fuel level , an oil pressure , a cabin temperature , and outside temperature , time ( a clock ) and the like . it is appreciated that the cluster 10 can be arranged in any vehicle , such as an automobile , an aircraft , a boat , or for various parameters in a power plant or other application displaying information to an operator . the indicia 20 can be in the form of increment or scale markers 22 that may be preprinted on the dial plaque 18 to give values to the measured quantities in miles per hour , kilometers per hour , degrees , rpm , psi , minutes , etc . the outline of the dial plaque 18 may also be printed , embossed or otherwise created on the fascia 12 of the cluster 10 for function and aesthetic appeal . various non - analog displays or โ telltales โ collectively referred to at reference numeral 24 can include a low fuel display 26 , turn signal arrows 28 , 30 , engine temperature 32 , high beam light 34 and check engine 36 . other telltales may also be provided . it will be noted that the telltales 24 can be physically arranged so as to correspond generally at an elevation on the dial plaque 18 consistent with the indicia 20 . the user responsive elements or buttons 38 a , 38 b can be provided on or near the display field 14 of the instrument cluster 10 . the portion of the display field occupied by button 38 a , 38 b is the activity field . as will be described in detail herein , the buttons 38 a , 38 b can be configured to perform any action , such as but not limited to , resetting a displayed quantity on an information display 39 ( i . e ., such as a trip odometer ) upon user actuation of the buttons 38 a , 38 b . the buttons 38 a , 38 b can be actuated by any movement , such as linear translation , rotation about its axis and / or pivoting about an axis . according to one example , illumination markers are created in the display field 14 around a 360 ยฐ sweep of the dial plaque 18 to identify a desired , measured quantity value on the dial plaque 18 , such as at the indicia 20 as well as concurrently illuminating any combination of the telltales 24 identified above . these illumination markers are created by a light source 40 which operates in an on / off mode under the control of a high - speed controller 44 . in one example , the light source 40 can comprise a diode laser . in another implementation the light source 40 can comprise a light emitting diode ( led ) and an optical element . the controller 44 can be configured to receive vehicle inputs from various vehicle components ( not shown ). the controller 44 can include signal interpretation algorithms that interpret the vehicle inputs and generate a set of light source on / off sequential signals as will be described . in one example , multiple transducers can be provided that are capable of sending electrical signals representing instantaneous values of the various measure quantities . the conversion of the electrical signals from analog to digital form may be carried out either within the controller 44 or externally thereof by a suitable nd converter according to the preferences of the system . the light source 40 according to a first example is configured to output an incident or primary beam of light 50 in a direction toward an optical device 52 that is mounted for rotation about an axis 54 . the optical device 52 can be a simple curved surface mirror ( like in the example shown in fig1 ) or other configurations ( like the optical device 52 โฒ shown in fig2 ) or more complex optical components or systems that are capable to redirect and spread or focus the incident light . the optical device 52 can have a reflective surface 56 . the optical device 52 can be rotated by way of a shaft 58 that extends from a motor 62 at a high and continuous rate of speed so that the light reflected off the optical device 52 ( hereinafter referred to as a secondary beam 66 ) sweeps angularly across the display field 14 from left to right in a clockwise fashion as explained in greater detail below . in the exemplary configuration of fig1 , the optical device 52 is located generally within a boundary of the dial plaque 18 and is operable to reflect light 360 ยฐ around the dial plaque 18 to illuminate in any combination the indicia 20 and the telltales 24 . additional details regarding the configuration and operation of the optical device 52 or 52 โฒ and other suitable optical device configurations may be found in commonly owned u . s . pat . no . 7 , 193 , 729 and co - pending u . s . patent application ser . no . 12 / 275 , 365 , which are expressly incorporated herein by reference . the secondary beam 66 that is reflected off of the optical device 52 can also be reflected toward a photo - detector sensor 70 , the output of which is connected as an input signal 72 to the controller 44 for calibrating or โ zeroing โ purposes explained in detail below . in one example , a signal , hereinafter angular position signal 74 can be sent from the motor 62 to the controller 44 indicative of an angular position of the shaft 58 ( and therefore the angular position of the optical device 52 ). in one example , the motor 62 can be a brushless dc motor . in operation , the light source 40 can be turned on to produce a calibration pulse , which is directed toward the photo - detector 70 . this resets the data in the controller 44 to the zero - sweep position when the angular position determined from the angular position signal 74 satisfies a predetermined value , the controller 44 outputs a signal , hereinafter light signal 80 that turns the light source 40 on and a stripe - like marker of light 82 ( fig1 ) is caused to appear on the dial plaque 18 of the display field 14 . the light signal 80 can include light duration and starting point with regard to the angular position signal 74 of the motor shaft 58 . the controller 44 can also output a signal , hereinafter a shaft angular speed control signal 84 to the motor 62 . the controller 44 can also have a light source driving function that compares the light signal 80 and the angular position signal 74 , determined by signal interpretation algorithms in the controller 44 and switch the light source 40 on / off per the comparison result . with continued reference now to fig2 - 4 , one example implementation of the present disclosure will be described . a light barrier 90 a can be coupled for movement with the button 38 a . the button 38 a can be biased to a withdrawn or unactuated position ( fig4 ) by a biasing member 39 a . a light barrier 90 b can be coupled for movement with the button 38 b . while the light barriers 90 a and 90 b have been shown generally adjacent to the respective buttons 38 a and 38 b in fig2 and below the respective buttons 38 a and 38 b in fig3 and 4 , the light barriers 90 a and 90 b can be located at any suitable location for concurrent or subsequent movement with the buttons 38 a and 38 b . a fixed mirror 92 a can be disposed generally adjacent to the button 38 a . a fixed mirror 92 b can be disposed generally adjacent to the button 38 b . a fixed zero position mirror 96 can be provided for reflecting light toward the photo detector 70 as will be described . during operation , the respective light barriers 90 a and 90 b are configured to block the respective secondary beams of light 66 a 1 and 66 b 1 from reaching the fixed mirrors 92 a and 92 b when the respective button 38 a or 38 b is actuated ( fig3 ). in this way , primary light 50 is emitted from the light source 40 and reflected off surface 56 of the optical device 52 โฒ and directed as a secondary beam 66 a 1 toward the fixed mirror 92 a . if the button 38 a has not been actuated ( such as in a withdrawn position , fig4 ), the secondary beam 66 a 1 reflects off of the fixed mirror 92 a as a tertiary beam of light 66 a 2 toward the photo detector 70 . if the button 38 a is actuated ( such as in a depressed position , fig3 ), the light barrier 90 a will block the secondary beam 66 a 1 from reaching the fixed mirror 92 a and therefore preclude creation of the tertiary beam 66 a 2 . therefore , actuation of the button 38 a will preclude a tertiary beam 66 a 2 from ever reaching the photo detector 70 . as can be appreciated , the button 38 b can be configured similarly . in this way , actuation of the button 38 b can move the light barrier 90 b into alignment with the secondary beam 66 b 1 , such that the secondary beam 66 b 1 cannot reflect off of the fixed mirror 92 b as the tertiary light 66 b 2 . with continued reference now to fig2 - 4 and additional reference now to fig5 , a plot of light beam 66 a 1 , button 38 a action and photo detector 70 signal is illustrated versus an exemplary time sequence . during operation , the controller 44 turns on the light source 40 such that the light beam 66 a 1 is ultimately created from a time t 1 - t 4 and again from time t 5 - t 8 and again at t 9 - t 12 . it is appreciated that the light beam 66 a 1 is kept on through the respective durations t 1 - t 4 , t 5 - t 8 and t 9 - t 12 when the optical device 52 โฒ is pointing at the appropriate angle . at some time between t 2 and t 3 , the secondary light 66 a 1 shines on the fixed mirror 92 a and is reflected off as the tertiary beam 66 a 2 , which its aimed onto the photo detector 70 . because the button 38 a is not depressed ( fig4 ), the tertiary light 66 a 2 reaches the photo detector 70 and the photo detector 70 produces a signal 72 back to the controller 44 . in one example , the photo detector 70 can generate a pulse signal during time t 2 - t 3 indicating that the button 38 a is not depressed . at some time between t 4 and t 5 , the button 38 a is depressed causing the movable light barrier 90 a to block the secondary beam 66 a 1 from reaching the fixed mirror 92 a . as a result , the scheduled pulse on the signal 72 is missing from the time duration t 6 to t 7 , indicating that the button 38 a is depressed ( fig3 ). at some time before t 9 , the button 38 a is released causing the movable light barrier 90 a to withdraw and the secondary beam 66 a 1 to reach the fixed mirror 92 a again . as a result , the scheduled pulse on the signal 72 appears in the time duration between t 10 - t 11 indicating that the button 38 a is not depressed . in one example , the time duration between t 4 and t 5 , as well as t 8 - t 9 can be equivalent to a single revolution of the optical device 52 โฒ. in another example , these times can define multiple revolutions of the optical device 52 โฒ. according to one configuration , the maximum toggle rate of the button 38 a can be the same as the rotating rate of the optical device 52 โฒ. in this way , the controller 44 is not able to identify more than one button action ( pushing or releasing ) at an individual button within a rotating period of the optical device 52 โฒ. turning now to fig6 , a time sequence example is shown for a configuration having six buttons ( such as 38 a - 38 f , not all specifically shown ). buttons 38 c - 38 f can interact with light beams 66 c 1 - 66 f 1 . the exemplary time sequence illustrates actuation of the button 38 a from a time after t 1 to a time t 6 . according to the present teachings , for multiple button implementations , since the controller 44 is aware of the exact moment of turning on and the duration of a respective light beam ( 66 a 1 - 66 f 1 ) for each of the buttons ( 38 a - 38 f ), the controller 44 is able to distinguish which missing pulse ( photo detector signals 72 a - 72 f ) from the photo detector 70 is for which of the respective buttons 38 a - 38 f in the case where multiple push - buttons are pressed simultaneously . the fixed zero position mirror 96 ( fig2 ) reflects a secondary beam 66 z 1 as a tertiary beam 66 z 2 . the zero position mirror 96 is strategically placed such that the time period of t 1 - t 2 is significantly different than that of t 2 - t 7 - t 1 . therefore with proper algorithms , the controller 44 is able to distinguish the pulse 72 z from other pulses by computing the time period between the pulses . this helps the system establishing synchronization during the start up and can be used for continuous synchronization . in the event that all buttons 38 a - 38 f are depressed , the controller 44 receives only one pulse 72 z . as shown in fig6 , when the button 38 a is depressed , the associated photo detector signal ( i . e ., 72 a ) is absent . with reference now to fig7 and 8 , a button 110 constructed in accordance to another implementation of the present teachings will be described . the button 110 can be movably coupled with a mirror 112 . a biasing member 114 can bias the button 110 into the unactuated position ( fig7 ). in the configuration shown in fig7 and 8 , a secondary light beam 66 h 1 is not reflected to the photo detector 70 unless the button 110 is depressed . in other words , instead of seeking a missed pulse of light , the controller 44 is configured to search for present pulses to identify button activities . turning now to fig9 and 10 , additional features of the present teachings will be described . in other configurations , the button can be configured as a stem 130 having a user engaging portion 132 supported within a stem rack 134 . a fixed mirror 138 can be supported by the stem rack 134 . a distal end of the stem 130 can support a double sided mirror 140 . the stem 130 can be configured to have six possible statuses : inactive , pushed only , turn left 90 ยฐ only , turn right 90 ยฐ only , push and turn left 90 ยฐ, and push and turn right 90 ยฐ. when turning the stem 130 left 90 ยฐ ( shown in solid line , fig1 ), an incident beam 150 l 1 is reflected off the mirror 140 to the photo detector 70 as a secondary beam 150 l 2 . when turning the stem 130 to the right 90 ยฐ ( shown in dashed line , fig1 ), the incident beam 150 r 1 is reflected to the photo detector 70 as the secondary beam 150 r 2 . the location of the mirror 140 in an unrotated position is illustrated in dotted line in fig1 . when the stem 130 is not depressed , as shown in solid line in fig9 , the incident beam 150 s 1 is reflected to the photo detector 70 as a secondary beam 150 s 2 . when the stem 130 is depressed , as shown in dashed line in fig9 , the incident beam 150 s 1 is blocked by the stem 130 . therefore , the photo detector 70 will not receive the scheduled beam 150 s 2 . when the stem 130 is not turned nor depressed , the photo detector 70 receives only the beam 150 s 2 . by combining the above examples , the controller 44 is able to distinguish the status of the stem 130 and act upon the signals ( such as the pulse signals 72 discussed above ) appropriately . with reference now to fig1 and 12 , a button 160 constructed in accordance to another implementation of the present teachings will be described . the button 160 can have as part of its construction an optical component 162 , which reflects the light 164 in such a way as to illuminate a face 166 of the button 160 . in fig1 it is shown that when the button 160 is in the normal ( unactuated ) position , after the light beam 164 strikes the optical element 162 it passes through a first opening 165 in the body of the button 160 and illuminates the face 166 of the button 160 . in fig1 it is shown that when the button 160 is in the actuated position the light beam 164 passes through a second opening 168 in the button 160 and is reflected from a fixed mirror 170 . the reflected light 172 can be directed to a photo detector such as described above . of note , the button 166 includes an elastomeric or flexible material that can bulge outwardly ( fig1 ) as a result of actuation . it is noted that the elastomeric button configuration of fig1 and 12 can be used for any button disclosed herein . with reference now to fig1 and 14 , a user interface 178 can be constructed using a cavity 180 formed in a front surface 182 ( i . e ., of the instrument cluster ) such that walls 184 defining the cavity 180 allow light beam 186 to pass when a blocking element 190 is not present . in the exemplary drawings , the blocking element 190 is a finger but it can be a pencil , pen , or any other object which can fit into the cavity 180 and also block the light beam 186 . in fig1 the user interface 178 is in the actuated mode with the blocking element 190 in the cavity 180 and blocking the light beam 186 . in fig1 the user interface 178 is in the normal ( unactuated ) mode as the blocking element 190 is removed from the cavity 180 and the light beam 186 is incident on fixed mirror 194 . the reflected light 196 can be directed to a photo detector such as described above . the foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description . it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure . individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment , but , where applicable , are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment , even if not specifically shown or described . the same may also be varied in many ways . such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure , and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure .
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the figures show an embodiment of the invention which is adapted to both identify interfaces and determine their height in a multi - phase batch of fluid and to establish an inventory of the batch . more particularly , the embodiment comprises a metering separator a and a capacitance probe assembly b working together to yield useful information which is processed by a microprocessor c , forming part of the assembly b , for the calculation of mass rates of the batch components . as shown in fig1 the separator a comprises a vertical vessel 1 having a tangentially arranged feed line 2 opening into its upper end . flow into the vessel 1 through the line 2 is controlled by a valve 3 . the feed line 2 delivers the oilwell production stream into an involute inlet housing 4 , mounted within the vessel chamber 5 . the housing 4 has a side - opening fluid outlet 6 and a top - opening gas outlet 7 . the production stream entering the housing 4 swirls and forms an inner gas vortex and an outer liquid layer containing entrained gas . the outer fluid layer leaves the housing 4 through the outlet 7 . the gas moves out of the vessel chamber 5 through overhead line 8 . a meter 8a in line 8 measures the gas flow and supplies signals indicative thereof to the microprocessor c . a backpressure valve 9 maintains a pre - determined backpressure in the vessel chamber 5 , for flushing out the batch 10 , when it is to be dumped . the liquid - containing fluid can leave the vessel chamber 5 through an underflow line 11 . flow through the underflow line 11 is controlled by a dump valve 12 . the components of the batch 10 separate in the chamber 5 , as shown in fig2 to form a bottom layer 16 of free water , an intermediate layer 17 of gassy emulsion , and a top layer 15 of free gas . a differential pressure transducer 26 is associated with the vessel 1 . the transducer 26 comprises a first sensor 49 at the base of the liquid - containing column 18 ( formed by free water and emulsion layers 16 , 17 ) and a second sensor 19 in the gas layer 15 . the differential pressure transducer 26 is adapted to monitor the increasing head of the fluid column 18 and emit signals indicative of the fluid head &# 39 ; s magnitude . the output of the differential pressure transducer 26 is fed to the microprocessor c . as shown in fig5 during the accumulation of a batch , the dump valve 12 is closed and the fill valve 3 is open . when the head of the liquid - containing column 18 reaches a pre - determined high value , the microprocessor c signals inlet valve 3 to close . the dump valve 12 is signalled to open by the microprocessor c when the fluid column is stabilized . the backpressure in the vessel chamber 5 then functions to quickly discharge part of the column 18 through underflow line 11 . when the head of the column 18 diminishes to a pre - determined low value , the microprocessor c acts to close the dump valve 12 . the sequence is schematically illustrated in fig5 . the microprocessor c is suitably connected and programmed to process the signals indicative of the gas flow , the mass of each fluid dump , and the time involved . a liquid - containing column 18 having two layers , one being free water 16 and the other being gassy emulsion 17 , is generated ; the quantity of free gas 15 passing through the vessel is measured and the results are collected by the microprocessor ; the total mass of liquid - containing fluid passing through the underflow line 11 is measured and the results are collected by the microprocessor ; and turning now to the capacitance probe assembly b , as shown in fig2 , 4 , it includes a capacitance probe 20 , a yoke 24 supporting the probe 20 , a signal wire conduit 35 for connecting the probe 20 with the microprocessor c , a packoff 33 for sealing the conduit 35 to the wall of the vessel 1 , a restraint 29 for centering the probe 20 in the vessel chamber 5 , and a circuit board 27 for actuating the assembly b . more particularly , as shown in fig2 , 4 , the probe 20 comprises a linear array 23 of sixteen active plates p1 - p16 mounted in an electrically insulating probe shell 22 , which is suspended vertically in the vessel contents by the supporting yoke 24 . by &# 34 ; electrically insulating &# 34 ;, the meaning thereof will be understood by capacitance probe designers that the shell is made from a dielectric material so that the plates are capacitance coupled to the fluid but resistively insulated from the fluid . the dielectric selected should , of course , be chemically resistant to the fluid , examples thereof including but not limited to : teflon , ceramic materials , and preferably fiberglass - reinforced epoxy , e . g ., bondstrand . the active plates p1 - p16 , generally any conductor , preferably aluminum are capacitively coupled by the shell 22 and the fluid in the vessel chamber 5 to a common return plate 25 which , in the embodiment shown , is the wall of the vessel 1 . the vessel wall , generally any conductor , for example , mild steel , is optionally coated on the interior side with a substance which will prevent corrosion , e . g ., an epoxy coating . for purposes of terminology , the capacitance probe assembly b , when associated with the return plate 25 , forms a capacitive assembly . as shown in fig6 an electronic circuit 21 is provided for activating the plates p1 - p16 and transmitting the frequency signals generated , which are indicative of the dielectric constant of the fluid being tested , to the microprocessor c for analysis . the circuit 21 , forming part of the probe 20 , is designed to minimize parasitic capacitance . in this respect , an individual oscillator circuit 28 , for charging and discharging an associated active plate , is mounted close to each such active plate p1 - p16 . means are provided for energizing and for selectively and individually enabling the discrete oscillator circuits 28 . more particularly , in the preferred embodiment shown , the circuit 21 , fig6 comprises sixteen separate or discrete relaxation oscillator circuits 28 . each of the oscillator circuits 28 is mounted on the printed circuit board 27 , fig4 which is centered in one of the sixteen , vertically and linearly arranged , cylindrical active plates p1 - p16 . each oscillator circuit 28 comprises a dual input schmidt nand gate s1 - s16 connected with a feedback resistor r1 - r16 . the active plate p1 - p16 is connected by a short conductor w1 - w16 to an input of the schmidt nand gate s1 - s16 . the oscillator circuits 28 are sequentially and individually enabled by a logical high applied to one of the dual inputs of the schmidt nand gates s1 - s16 by one of the outputs q1 - q8 of two serial - to - parallel shift registers 30 , 31 operatively controlled by microprocessor c . the outputs of the shift registers 30 , 31 are initially cleared on set - up by clocking in sufficient consecutive zeros into the first shift register 30 or by the correct toggle of the clear line 33 . the data line 84 is held high by the microprocessor c while the clock line 33 is toggled , thereby raising q 1 of the shift register 30 , enabling the oscillator circuit 28 , connected to p 1 , subsequent toggles of the clock , which will enable the next oscillator circuit 28 . the outputs of non - selected oscillator circuits 28 will be at a logical one . sixteen blocking diodes d1 - d16 are provided for transferring the output signal from an enabled oscillator circuit and for blocking the signal from reaching non - enabled oscillator circuits . more particularly , each diode d1 - d16 is connected to the output of one of the schmidt nand gates s1 - s16 . the anodes of the diodes d1 - d16 are connected to a pull up resistor 37 and the input to a frequency divider 38 . the diodes d1 - d16 and resistor 37 cooperate to allow a selected oscillator circuit 28 to output its frequency signal to the input of the frequency divider 38 . the frequency signal is dependent on the dielectric value of the fluid between the active plate p1 - p16 involved and the return plate 25 . the frequency divider 38 conditions the signal frequency to a lower frequency by dividing the frequency before it is transmitted out of the probe 20 by the output conductor 39 to the microprocessor c , for analysis . as described , we have chosen to enable the oscillator circuits 28 in a sequence and to then collect the signals from the oscillator circuits 28 as they are activated . however it is contemplated that alternatively all of the oscillator circuits could be enabled continuously and their output signals multiplexed . as described , individual oscillator circuits 28 are placed adjacent or near to each active plate p1 - p16 in order to eliminate the effects of parasitic capacitance . however it is contemplated that alternatively a single oscillator or other such electronic circuit capable of measuring capacitance could be utilized and the effects of the parasitic capacitance minimized by other means such as the use of switching devices adjacent to , or at , the active plates . a circuit 61 to accomplish this end is disclosed in fig7 . the circuit 61 comprises an electronic capacitance measuring circuit 85 and a microprocessor 67 . the circuit 61 is connected to the probe 20 by a coaxial cable 65 having a center lead 62 and a shield 53 . the center lead 62 is connected to one contact of the switches c1 - cn . each switch c1 - cn is located adjacent an active plate p1 - pn and is connected thereto by a short conductor w1 - wn . the capacitance of the coaxial cable 65 ( represented by variable capacitor 64 ) can be measured with all of the switches c1 - cn open and this reading is subtracted from the individual readings obtained when each plate p1 - pn is sequentially activated to measure the capacitance between the selected plate and the common return plate 25 . the switches c1 - cn are sequentially closed normally under control of the microprocessor 67 . the switches c1 - cn can be either of a solid state nature , an electro - mechanical device , or a mechanical device . any interface circuits required to control the switching devices are dependent upon the switching device chosen and are well understood by those skilled in the art . in the use of the system , the capacitance probe 20 is positioned in the vessel chamber 5 so that it will extend downwardly sufficiently to intersect the emulsion / free water and gas / emulsion interfaces 40 , 41 . open the feed line inlet valve 3 and close the dump valve 12 , as illustrated in fig5 a , to initiate accumulation of a batch and to monitor the head until a batch has been accumulated ; close the feed line valve 3 and to instruct the shift registers 30 , 31 to commence sequentially enabling each of the oscillator circuits 28 and their respective active plates p1 - p16 , to determine the dielectric constant profile of the accumulated batch ; open the dump valve 12 , as illustrated in fig5 c , and monitor the head until the batch has been dumped ; close the dump valve 12 , as illustrated in fig5 d , and monitor the head until it is stable and determine the dielectric profile of the fluid remaining ; and during the steps shown in fig5 b and 5d , during which the batch is held , the microprocessor c is programmed to read the differential pressure transducer 26 and obtain a measure of h 3 , i . e . the total head which is contributed by the layers 16 and 17 of free water and emulsion , as shown in fig2 . the microprocessor c is further programmed to compare the frequency readings due to capacitance of the feed stock , as seen by plates p1 - p16 , to determine the heights at which the readings changed markedly , thereby identifying and locating the interfaces 40 and 41 . for example , the microprocessor c determines which plates of linear array 23 are below the emulsion / free water interface 40 , which plates are below the gas / emulsion interface 41 , and which plates of array 23 are intersected by the interfaces 40 , 41 . the microprocessor c then uses the following relationship to determine the heights h1 &# 39 ; and h2 &# 39 ; of the interfaces on the particular plates that are intersected : ## equ1 ## where r gas = reading 100 % gas , a program constant r e = average reading of the plates that are totally between the gas / emulsion and emulsion / free - water interface . similarly ## equ2 ## where r h20 = reading for 100 % formation water , a program constant as shown in fig3 the microprocessor c then calculates the heads h 1 and h 2 of the free water and emulsion layers respectively , using the following relationships : h 2 &# 39 ;= the height of interface 41 on plate p13 the head ( h e ) due to the emulsion may be calculated using the relationship : h 3 = the total head of the emulsion and free water as measured by the differential pressure transducer 26 sg w = known specific gravity of formation free water , a program constant . the specific gravity of the emulsion ( sg e ) may then be calculated using the relationship : having the specific gravity of the emulsion and the capacitance value for each of the plates p1 - p16 , the microprocessor c may calculate the oil / water ratio of the emulsion extending between a plate of array 23 and the return plate 25 . the microprocessor c may then average the oil / water ratios for the plates of array 23 in the emulsion layer 17 and determine a value . indicative of the overall oil / water ratio for the layer . more particularly , the readings associated with each plate of array 23 of the probe 20 are scaled by the microprocessor c in order to accommodate the end point and span variations in accordance with the relationship . other known mathematical techniques to compensate for end point and span variations can be used . ฯ oil = unscaled reading for 100 % oil ( formation ), a program constant for the particular plate ฯ h2o = unscaled reading for 100 % water ( formation ) a program constant for the particular plate n = scaler quantity desired for 100 % water scaled reading , a program constant the dielectric constants of gas and oil are small when compared to that of water . the microprocessor c therefore may calculate as a first approximation the volumetric ratio c v of water in the gassy emulsion in accordance with the relationship : this relationship was experimentally established for a given probe design . for example . in one instance , it was found to be : v w = c v [ v e ]= c v [ v g + v o + v w ] and ## equ4 ## a = cross sectional area of vessel cross sectional of probe , a program constant sg 0 = known specific gravity of the formation oil , a program constant . the scaled reading is then corrected to account for the entrained gas and used to obtain the mass cut of the emulsion in accordance with : n g = scaled reading for gas 100 %, a program constant then the mass cut c m can be calculated as follows : the prototype assembly described was tested by passing a production stream of gassy emulsion separately through it and comparing the calculated water cuts against centrifuged water cuts , with the following results : table 1______________________________________well spun cut calculated cut difference______________________________________well 9 - 16 46 % 44 . 5 % - 1 . 5 % 46 % 45 . 8 % - 0 . 2 % 48 % 46 . 7 % - 1 . 3 % 46 % 45 . 7 % - 0 . 3 % ______________________________________ the calculated cuts were the average cut readings of all of the plates covered by the emulsion whereas the spun cuts were obtained from small samples of the emulsion . the samples from well 3b13 contained water droplets mixed in the emulsion . it is believed that the higher calculated cut readings for well 3b13 are a result of the probe accounting for these water droplets , which were not accounted for with the spun cuts as they had separated from the emulsion prior to being spun .
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the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment thereof . referring first to fig5 there is schematically shown the arrangement of a reverberation - imparting device according to an embodiment of the invention . the reverberation - imparting device of this embodiment is not used alone , but is adapted to be used together with another suitable reverberation - imparting device such as the proposed one previously described with reference to fig2 in a manner being connected thereto at a suitable part thereof , as in an application thereof , described later . as shown in fig5 the reverberation - imparting device according to the present embodiment is comprised of a delay line 1 formed by a ram , which has a similar function to the delay line 111 of the conventional device in fig2 multipliers 2 and 3 , an adder 4 for adding together outputs from the multipliers 2 , 3 , a cross - fade waveform - generator 5 for generating cross - fade waveforms , hereinafter referred to , a rise detector 6 for detecting leading edges of outputs from the cross - fade waveform - generator 5 , latch circuits 7 and 8 for latching input signals ( random numbers ) thereto , in response to leading edge - detection signals from the rise detector 6 , a random number generator 9 for generating random numbers and supplying the same to the latch circuits 7 , 8 , an address generator 12 for generating address values , and adders 10 and 11 for adding together outputs from the address generator 12 and outputs from the latch circuits 7 , 8 . an input signal to the reverberation - imparting circuit is first supplied to the delay line 1 , which in turn generates outputs through two different reading outputs corresponding to respective different reading addresses ra1 and ra2 , which are delivered to the multipliers 2 , 3 connected , respectively , to the two reading outputs . the multipliers 2 , 3 are , on the other hand , supplied with signals indicative of coefficients cf1 and cf2 ( hereinafter referred to as &# 34 ; the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 ) from the cross - fade waveform generator 5 to multiply the outputs from the delay line 1 by the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 , respectively , and supply the resulting products to the adder 4 , where the two products are added together to be output to an external processing device such as the conventional reverberation - imparting device . the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 are generated from the cross - fade waveform generator 5 . the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 have cross - fade waveforms having speeds , i . e . repetition periods which are determined by the cross - fade waveform generator 5 , based on a signal for determining the repetition periods from a speed ( repetition period ) generator , not shown . the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 from the cross - fade waveform generator 5 are supplied to the rise detector 6 as well as to the multipliers 2 , 3 . upon detecting a rise ( leading edge ) of the cross - fade signal cf1 output from the cross - fade waveform generator 5 , the rise detector 6 generates and supplies a pulse s1 indicative of the detection of the rise to the latch circuit 7 , and upon detecting a rise ( leading edge ) of the cross - fade signal cf2 from the generator 5 , it generates and supplies a pulse s2 to the latch circuit 8 . the latch circuits 7 , 8 are also supplied with random numbers from the random number generator 9 . the random number generator 9 is supplied with a depth signal for determining an output range of random numbers , from a depth generator , not shown . outputs from the latch circuits 7 , 8 are delivered , respectively , to input terminals of the adders 10 , 11 , which have the other input terminals thereof supplied with address values from an address generator 12 . output signals indicative of the reading address values ra1 and ra2 from the adders 10 , 11 and an output signal indicative of a writing address value wa are supplied to a memory controller , not shown , which controls the delay line 111 so as to write the input signal into an address designated by the writing address value wa and read data from addresses designated by the reading address values ra1 , ra2 to be delivered to the multipliers 2 , 3 . the address generator 12 generates basic reading address values bra1 and bra2 as well as the writing address value wa . the basic reading address values bra1 , bra2 are added to respective outputs from the latch circuits 7 , 8 into the reading address values ra1 , ra2 . the memory controller decrements these address values ra1 , ra2 , and wa every sampling interval , and the decremented address values are used for writing and reading : data into and out of the delay line 1 , as stated above . if the outputs from the latch circuits 7 , 8 are equal to &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, the address values ra1 , ra2 become equal to the basic address values bra1 , bra2 , respectively . since the address values ra1 , ra2 , and wa are thus progressively decreased every sampling interval in a uniform manner , there occurs no change in the difference between these address values , i . e . there occurs no change in the delay time . however , after the outputs from the latch circuits 7 , 8 have been changed to random numbers in response to the pulses s1 , s2 , there occur changes between the address values ra1 and wa , and between the address values ra2 and wa , so that the delay time changes . the control operation of the reverberation - imparting device according to the present embodiment constructed above will now be described with reference to fig5 and 6 . fig6 shows , by way of example , the timing relationship between the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 , the pulses s1 , s2 from the rise detector 6 , and random number values rd1 , rd2 from the latch circuits 7 , 8 . as shown in fig6 before a time point t1 the cross - fade signal cf1 from the cross - fade waveform generator 5 assumes a high level of &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, and the cross - fade signal cf2 from the generator 5 a low level of &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;. at this time , as shown in the figure , the latch circuit 7 latches and generates a random number value rd1 from the random number generator 9 , while the latch circuit 8 latches and generates a random number value rd2 from the generator 9 . accordingly , the adder 10 adds together the random number value rd1 and the basic address value bra1 from the address generator 12 to generate the sum as the reading address value ra1 , and the adder 11 adds together the random number value rd2 and the basic address value bra2 value from the address generator 12 to generate the sum as the reading address value ra2 . then , data read from an address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value ra1 is multiplied by the value of &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; of the cross - fade signal cf1 and the resulting product is delivered to the adder 4 , whereas data read from an address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value ra2 is multiplied by the value of &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; of the cross - fade signal cf2 and the resulting product , that is , &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, is delivered to the adder 4 . consequently , only the data read from the address designated by the reading address value ra1 is output from the adder 4 . then , at the time point t1 , the cross - fade signal cf1 starts to rise , whereupon the rise detector 6 generates a pulse s2 . upon rising of this pulse s2 , the latch circuit 8 latches a random number value rd4 then being generated from the random number generator 9 . the latched random number value rd4 is added to the basic address value bra2 from the address generator 12 at the adder 11 , and the resulting sum is output as the reading address value ra2 to the memory controller . the memory controller operates in response to this reading address value ra2 to read data from an address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value ra2 . on this occasion , data read from the address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value ra1 is multiplied by the cross - fade signal cf1 at the multiplier 2 , and the data read from the address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value ra2 is multiplied by the cross - fade signal cf2 at the multiplier 3 . the two kinds of data are added together by the adder 4 to be output . then , from the time point t1 to a time point t2 , the cross - fade signal cf1 progressively declines from &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, whereas the cross - fade signal cf2 progressively rises from &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;. accordingly , the output from the adder 4 progressively changes from the value of data read from the address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value ra1 toward the value of data read from the address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value ra2 . then , at the time point t2 , the cross - fade signal cf1 starts to rise , whereupon the rise detector 6 generates a pulse s1 , and the latch circuit 7 operates in response to this pulse s1 to latch a random number value rd3 . the latched random number value rd3 and the basic address value bra1 from the address generator 12 are added together at the adder 10 into the reading address value ra1 , so that data is read from an address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address value pa1 . thereafter , the output from the adder 4 progressively changes from the value of data read from an address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address ra2 toward the value of data read from the address of the delay line 1 designated by the reading address ra1 , with a progressive increase in the cross - fade signal cf1 and a progressive decrease in the cross - fade signal cf2 . operations at time points t3 and t4 are similar to the above described operations at the time points t1 , t2 , description of which is therefore omitted . examples in which the present embodiment described above is actually applied to the device of fig2 will be described . in a first application , the data input ( write address wa of the delay line 1 ) of the present embodiment is connected to the reading output b in fig2 . then , as shown in fig7 an initial reflected sound waveform f is obtained , which is identical with one shown in fig1 . however , following the initial reflected sound waveform f , a subsequent reflected sound waveform ( reverberation sound waveform ) s &# 39 ; is obtained , which moves forward and backward at random timewise , as shown in fig7 . in a second application , the data input of the present embodiment is connected to the reading output d in fig2 . then , as shown in fig8 the time interval of generation of output pulses from the delay line 121 , i . e . delay time difference , varies at random , as distinct from the time interval shown in fig4 . as exemplified above , if the device according to the present invention is connected to outputs of the prior art reverberation - imparting device , the time delay amount of the output from the latter device varies at random due to the use of random numbers , thereby eliminating delay characteristics inherent in the circuitry and hence enabling to create a reverberation sound closer to natural sound . although in the above described applications , the device according to the embodiment of the invention is connected to the reading outputs b , d in fig2 this is not limitative , but it may be connected to any of the locations or reading outputs a1 to a12 , c1 , c2 in fig2 or e in fig3 . further , the device according to the embodiment may be connected to two or more locations of a device like one in fig2 at the same time , whereby better results may be obtained . although in the above described embodiment the basic reading address values bra1 , bra2 from the address generator 12 are set to different values from each other , they may be set to the same value , because the output from the random number generator 9 is latched by the latch circuits 7 , 8 at different timing , so that there is very little possibility that the outputs from the latch circuits 7 , 8 , hence the sums of the same outputs and the basic reading address values bra1 , bra2 which are different from each other , become identical with each other . further , although in the above described embodiment the invention is realized by a hardware construction , alternatively part of the circuit of fig5 may be replaced by software . for example , the rise detector 6 , the latch circuits 7 , 8 , and the random number generator 9 may be implemented by software executed by a microcomputer . the time intervals at which random numbers are latched by the latch circuits 7 , 8 depend upon the repetition period of the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 . if the repetition period is too short , the cross - fade frequency becomes higher , which degrades the phase characteristic . therefore , the repetition period should be set to an optimal value by a listening test . the optimal values of the above repetition period and the depth of random numbers from the random number generator depend upon the reading output ( s ) or location ( s ) to which the device according to the invention is connected . in most cases , they depend upon the range of delay time that data output from the reading output ( s ) or location ( s ). moreover , although in the above described embodiment the reading address values ra1 , ra2 are varied by adding together the outputs from the latch circuits 7 , 8 and the basic reading address values bra1 , bra2 , alternatively they may be modulated by multiplying basic reading address values by coefficients based on random numbers . further , although in the above described embodiment , random numbers from the random number generator 9 are latched by the latch circuits 7 , 8 at timing corresponding to rises ( e . g . leading edges ) of the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 , alternatively , they may be latched at timing corresponding to falls ( e . g . trailing edges ) of the cross - fade signals cf1 , cf2 . as described above , according to the invention constructed as above , delay characteristics inherent in the circuitry of the device can be eliminated , to thereby enable to create a reverberation sound closer to natural sound . besides , by virtue of the use of cross - fade means , the delay time is not abruptly varied , whereby noise can be avoided .
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referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like and corresponding parts throughout the several views , fig1 shows an ergonomic support apparatus 10 for supporting a portion of a lower limb 12 of a user 14 . user 14 is seated in a reclining position in chair 16 having a headrest 18 , backrest 20 , seat cushion 22 , and arm rests 24 ( one shown ) directly or indirectly supported by chair base 26 . ergonomic support apparatus 10 includes main body portion 30 supporting lip or shoulder portion 32 sized and shaped to be received and supported by generally planar surface 34 of a desktop or workstation 36 supported at an elevation by legs 38 , 40 . with reference now to fig2 - 4 , it will be seen that main body portion is contemplated to be configured in any of a wide variety of shapes designed to receive a lower limb ( hereinafter understood to include a foot and / or calf and / or lower leg as so chosen by the user ). by way of example as will be more fully described and shown below , it will be appreciated that a generally triangular shaped main body portion 50 will comfortably receive a lower limb at an acute angle to the leading edge of the desk or workstation , while minimizing excessive overlap of the planar desk area on which it is to be received . as will be more fully described below in connection with fig6 - 11 , the generally triangular shape of the main body portion 50 may be substituted with circular , oval , ellipsoid , rectilinear , semi - circular , crescent or compound shapes including such geometric shapes to provide alternate lower limb receiving options . in a preferred embodiment , main body portion 50 transitions to downwardly extending supporting lip or shoulder portion 52 which is sized and shaped to be received and supported by generally planar surface 34 of a desktop or workstation 36 in embracing relationship to protect the user against direct contact with a leading edge of 58 of the desk or workstation 36 . with reference to fig3 , it will be seen that a concavity 60 may be optionally formed in the main body portion 50 to assist in positioning and retaining the lower limb during use of the apparatus 10 . it will be appreciated that a single concavity 60 may be provided extending in a direction perpendicular to the major axis of lip or shoulder portion 52 , and centered in relationship thereto , or alternatively , a plurality of concavities may be provided at acute angles to the lip or shoulder portion 52 to accommodate a user &# 39 ; s limb extending also at an acute angle , such as might be expected when the user is seated other than square with the leading edge of 58 of the desk or workstation 36 . with reference to fig5 , main body portion 50 and lip or shoulder portion 52 may be further formed with a memory foam or other shape compliant material , and optionally , an internally contained metallic or non - metallic frame , truss , or brace 62 may be provided to provide even greater structural enhancement . with regard to the such materials of construction , memory foams of desired density and resiliency may be selected as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan . alternatively , shaped cushions may be filled with compressed air , gels , silicon , or non - memory foams depending on intended use and market factors . it is further contemplated that slip covers ( not shown ) may be provided which are sized and shaped to accommodate the structural fillings . with regard to frame 62 , it will be further appreciated by the skilled artisan that such frame may be constructed of metals such as aluminum , steel or other metallic components or alloys or combinations thereof , or of non - metallic components such as plastics , wood , or even heavier density plastics acting in cooperation with the basic foam construction to achieve an ergonomic support apparatus 10 having desired flexibility / rigidity properties . no matter which construction is selected , the apparatus may be simply installed about the leading edge of the desk 36 in opposing relationship with the user 14 and supported in place by the resulting friction between the lower surface 51 of main body portion 50 and generally planar surface 34 of desktop or workstation 36 . alternatively , enhanced friction may be provided by providing a textured surface to the lower surface 51 of main body portion 50 to prevent undesired slippage therebetween when the user moves his lower limb . yet other slippage reduction apparatus may be provided , including but not limited to one or more suction cups secured to lower surface 51 for adhesion to the selected surface 34 ( whether planar or not ). a further embodiment contemplates the use of โ c โ shaped clamp installed at the underside of main body portion 50 , for removable installation to a desk or workstation having an exposed edge to which the clamp may be removably secured . such clamp may include either a screw type tensioning attachment , or may be constructed with a flexible , memory - based material ( metallic or polymeric ) for being secured to an exposed edge . ideally , any such attachment means includes surfaces and edges which are non - destructive and non - marring when applied to the desk surface . with reference now to fig6 - 11 , additional preferred embodiments of the support apparatus 10 are shown , all of which utilize the underlying construction previously described . specifically , fig6 shows a right triangle shaped main body portion 70 and a lip or shoulder portion 72 extending therefrom . fig7 shows a unilateral triangular shaped main body portion 74 and a lip or shoulder portion 76 extending therefrom . fig8 shows a generally circular shaped main body portion 78 and a generally circular lip or shoulder portion 80 extending therefrom . fig9 shows a generally circular shaped main body portion 82 and a generally straight lip or shoulder portion 84 extending therefrom . fig1 shows a generally planar main body portion 86 and an orthogonally oriented planar lip or shoulder portion 88 extending therefrom . fig1 shows a generally planar main body portion 90 such as that shown in fig1 , and an orthogonally oriented planar lip or shoulder portion 92 extending therefrom by interconnecting straps or panels 94 . it will be appreciated that straps / panels 94 may be adjusted in length co raise or lower the height of lip or shoulder portion 92 relative to main body portion 90 as necessary or desirable to overlap a surface edge ( such as surface edge 58 , fig1 ) for the reasons previously discussed . with reference now to fig1 - 14 , the upper surface of main body portion of any of the disclosed embodiments of any shape may be provided with a generally planar limb receiving upper surface 94 ( fig1 ), a reverse sloping limb receiving upper surface 96 ( fig1 ), or a reverse sloping limb receiving upper surface 98 transitioning to a concavity 100 bounded by a rear forward sloping surface 102 . it will be further appreciated that a central concavity 60 such as that shown in fig2 and fig3 , or any other concavity such as those previously described may be formed in the main body portions shown in fig1 - 14 , and any such combination is to be construed as being with the scope and spirit of the present invention . it is to be understood that although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments , workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broader aspects and , therefore the aim in the appended claims is to cover such changes and modifications as may fall within the scope and spirit of the invention .
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the process to form the desired imidazolinium salt involves four steps : imidazoline formation , michael addition to the imidazoline , amidation and quaternization . all of these reactions are individually known in the art . the imidazoline precursor for the desired imidazoline salt has the formula ## str5 ## methods for preparing these imidazolines are well - known in the art . this precursor is conveniently prepared by reacting ethylene polyamine of the formula ## str6 ## wherein r 3 , r 4 , y and n have the aforementioned meanings , with an acylating reactants , such as a carboxylic acid , ester or acid chloride , having the acyl group ## str7 ## wherein r has the aforementioned identity . this reaction proceeds efficiently at elevated temperatures , generally from about 100 ยฐ c . to about 250 ยฐ c ., with the evolution of water which is removed by distillation during the course of the reaction . to facilitate the reaction , reduced pressure can be advantageously employed . normally , essentially equimolar quantities of the reactants are employed , but an excess of either reactant can operably be present . the progress of the reaction can be monitored by the amount of water recovered in the distillate . two moles of water are generated for each mole of imidazoline formed , one mole of water being produced in the condensation reaction to an amide and a second mole of water being produced in the cyclodehydration reaction to the imidazoline . preferably , the reactants are substantially completely ( greater than 90 mole percent ) converted to the imidazoline . the imidazoline product can be readily recovered by distillation at reduced pressure to remove the more volatile unreacted reactants and impurities as necessary . the preferred acylating reactants are fatty acids or mixtures thereof having an aliphatic group of from 9 to 23 carbon atoms , so that r has from 8 to 22 carbon atoms . examples of such fatty acids include lauric , oleic , decanoic , undecanoic , stearic , linoleic , palmitic acids and the like . especially preferred fatty acids are crude mixtures thereof derived from vegetable or animal oils , such as tall oil , soybean oil or coconut oil . alkyl esters of the aforementioned fatty acids and the naturally occurring glyceride esters are also operable . the polyamine reactant is preferably ethylenediamine , diethylenetriamine , linear triethylenetetraamine or aminoethylethanolamine , i . e ., r 3 and r 4 in the compound of formula iii are each hydrogen . more preferably , the polyamine reactant is diethylenetriamine or aminoethylethanolamine . the most preferred polyamine reactant is aminoethylethanolamine . the imidazoline precursor represented by formula ii is reacted with an ฮฑ , ฮฒ - unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ( iv ), as illustrated by the following equation : ## str8 ## wherein r a is hydrogen , methyl or ## str9 ## r d is a c 1 - c 4 alkyl ; and the other symbols have the aforementioned identities . the reaction between the imidazoline of formula ii and the unsaturated ester of formula iv occurs rapidly at room temperature ( 20 ยฐ c .) or above in a liquid reaction medium . if the imidazoline formation is substantially complete , the compound of formula iv can be introduced directly into the post - reaction mixture from step a . otherwise a prior distillation of this post - reaction mixture may be necessary . it is generally advantageous to maintain the reaction temperature at less than 100 ยฐ c . it is preferred that the reaction be carried out in a neat liquid medium , with agitation at least until the solution becomes homogeneous . the reaction is preferably performed under an inert gas atmosphere ( e . g . nitrogen ). typically , equimolar quantities of the reactants are employed . although an excess of either reactant is operable , this excess must be removed by distillation from the product and therefore , is not desirable . the reaction is usually exothermic and this assists in maintaining a reaction temperature which promotes rapid reaction . the reactant of formula iv is preferably methyl acrylate , ethyl acrylate , propyl acrylate , butyl acrylate , methyl methacrylate , or ethyl methacrylate . more preferably , this reactant is methyl acrylate , ethyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate . the compound of formula i can be conveniently recovered by distillation of the more volatile components of the reaction mixture , as necessary . the imidazoline represented by formula v is reacted with a primary or secondary amine of the formula h -- nr 7 r 8 , wherein the symbols have the aforementioned identities , to produce an imidazoline represented by the formula ## str10 ## preferably , r 8 is hydrogen and r 7 is a c 8 - c 22 aliphatic group . if r in formula v is not a c 8 - c 22 aliphatic group , then r 7 must be a c 8 - c 22 aliphatic group . the amidation reaction proceeds efficiently at elevated temperatures , generally from about 100 ยฐ c . to about 250 ยฐ c ., with the evolution of a lower alkanol which is removed by distillation during the course of the reaction . to facilitate the reaction , it is best to perform it at reduced pressure . the progress of the reaction can be monitored by the amount of alkanol recovered . preferably , stoichiometric quantities of the reactants are employed . thus , equimolar quantities of the amine and imidazoline are preferably employed , unless r a in the compound of formula v is an ester moiety , in which case a 2 : 1 mole ratio of the amine to the imidazoline is preferred . if an excess of either reactant is employed , then the compound of formula vi can be recovered by distillation of the reaction mixture . the compound of formula vi is reacted with an alkylating agent in a known manner to prepare the quaternary imidazolinium salt represented by formulae i or ia . the alkylating agent employed to prepare the salt of formula i can be any one of a number of known agents , such as , methylchloride , ethylbromide , diethylsulfate , dimethylsulfate , hexadecylchloride , and the like , but dimethylsulfate is preferred . in formula i , r 2 is an alkyl or aralkyl having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms , preferably a c 1 - c 4 alkyl and x is an anion associated with the alkylating agent , representative anions include chloride , bromide , methylsulfate , ethylsulfate and the like . in formula ia , the salt is an inner salt prepared using acrylic acid or methacrylic acid as the alkylating agent . the quaternary imidazolinium salt represented by formula i is preferred . equimolar quantities of the alkylating agent and the imidazoline are operable , but a slight excess of the alkylating agent is preferred to assure maximum quaternization . the excess of the alkylating agent is desirably sufficient to effect a ph in the reaction medium of from about 5 to about 7 . the reaction temperature is desirably from about 40 ยฐ c . to about 80 ยฐ c . and from about 1 to about 12 hours are necessary to complete the reaction . the imidazolinium salts of formulae i or ia impart superior softening to fabrics , while reducing fabric static charge and retention . the fabric conditioning compositions containing the instant imidazolinium salt are preferably aqueous and contain an effective concentration of the conditioning agent . these compositions preferably contain from about 0 . 1 to about 10 weight percent , most preferably from about 2 to about 5 weight percent , of the instant salt . in addition to the subject quaternary imidazolinium salt , the fabric conditioning compositions of the present invention can contain other fabric conditioning agents , such as , antistatic agents , softeners and whiteners . many of these prior art fabric conditioning agents are described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 127 , 489 , the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference . other adjuvants can also be employed to advantage in the fabric conditioning composition . these adjuvants include aldehyde preservatives , emulsifiers , thickeners , opacifiers , coloring agents , brighteners , fluorescers , ph adjustment agents and perfumes . the aqueous fabric conditioning compositions herein can be prepared by adding the instant fabric softening and static control agents to water using conventional techniques . for example , the agent or agents can be heated to form a liquid oily phase , which is then added to water at elevated temperatures with mixing . adjuvants are added in accordance with methods known in the art . the fabric conditioning composition is then adjusted to a ph of from about 3 to about 9 , preferably from about 4 . 5 to about 7 . the compositions of the present invention are used in one preferred embodiment in the rinse cycle of the conventional automatic laundry operations . generally , rinse water has a temperature of from about 15 ยฐ c . to about 60 ยฐ c . when compositions of the present invention are added to the rinse cycle , the fabric conditioning agents are generally present at levels of from about 2 parts per million ( ppm ) to about 500 ppm , preferably about 10 ppm to about 100 ppm . the concentration levels achieve superior fabric softening and static control . in general , the invention herein in its fabric conditioning method aspect comprises : ( a ) washing fabrics in a conventional automatic washing machine with a detergent composition ( normally containing a surfactant or mixture of surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic , nonionic , amphoteric or ampholytic surfactants ), ( b ) rinsing the fabrics , and ( c ) adding during the rinse stage of the operation the above - described levels of the fabric conditioning agents . preferably , a final step ( d ) includes drying the fabrics in an automatic dryer at a temperature of at least about 38 ยฐ c . this drying stage facilitates spreading of the fabric conditioning materials herein across the fabric surfaces . the following examples further illustrate the invention . all parts and percentages in the examples are by weight unless otherwise specified . in a series of ten similar reactions , 1 mole of an imidazoline represented by formula ii , wherein n is 0 , r is an alkyl identified in table i , and r 3 and r 4 are each hydrogen , was charged to a reaction vessel and heated to 90 ยฐ c . under a nitrogen atmosphere . one mole of methyl acrylate was added to the reaction vessel with stirring at a rate slow enough to maintain a reaction temperature of about 95 ยฐ c . after the addition of the methyl acrylate was completed , the reaction temperature was maintained at 100 ยฐ c . for 30 minutes . one mole of a primary amine , r 7 nh 2 , wherein r 7 is tabulated in table i , was charged to the reaction mixture and the reaction temperature was increased to 180 ยฐ- 200 ยฐ c . this reaction temperature was maintained , while methanol distilled from the mixture . infrared spectrophotometric analysis after 3 hours confirmed that no ester remained in the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was cooled to 80 ยฐ- 100 ยฐ c . one mole of dimethylsulfate was added to the stirred reaction mixture at a rate slow enough to maintain a reaction temperature of about 125 ยฐ c . the reaction mixture was maintained at 130 ยฐ c . for an additional hour . the product was analyzed by the conventional techniques of infrared spectrophotometric and proton magnetic resonance analysis . the structure for the product represented by formula i was confirmed , wherein n , r 8 , r 3 , r 4 each have the identities mentioned above ; r 5 and r 6 are each hydrogen , r 2 is methyl ; x . sup .โ is a methylsulfate anion and r and r 7 have the identities tabulated in table i . the desired salt was obtained in essentially quantitative yield in each example . table i______________________________________example r r . sub . 7______________________________________1 -- c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- c . sub . 8 h . sub . 172 -- c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- c . sub . 12 h . sub . 253 -- c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 374 -- c . sub . 7 h . sub . 15 -- c . sub . 8 h . sub . 175 -- c . sub . 7 h . sub . 15 -- c . sub . 12 h . sub . 256 -- c . sub . 7 h . sub . 15 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 377 -- c . sub . 11 h . sub . 23 -- c . sub . 8 h . sub . 178 -- c . sub . 11 h . sub . 23 -- c . sub . 12 h . sub . 259 -- c . sub . 11 h . sub . 23 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 3710 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 37 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 37______________________________________ in a manner otherwise identical to example 2 , one mole of acrylic acid was employed as the alkylating agent in place of the dimethylsulfate and reacted for three hours at 130 ยฐ c . with the imidazoline amide of formula v . the product was found by conventional analytical techniques to correspond to formula ia , wherein n is 0 , r 3 - r 7 and r 9 are each hydrogen , r is ethyl and r 8 is dodecyl . in a series of three similar reactions , 1 mole of an imidazoline represented by formula ii , wherein n is 1 ; y is -- o --; r is an alkyl or alkenyl identified in table ii and r 3 and r 4 are each hydrogen , was charged to a reaction vessel and heated to 90 ยฐ c . under a nitrogen atmosphere . one mole of methyl acrylate was added to the reaction vessel with stirring at a rate slow enough to maintain a reaction temperature of about 95 ยฐ c . after addition of the methyl acrylate , the reaction temperature was maintained at 100 ยฐ c . for 3 hours . one mole of a primary amine , r 7 nh 2 , wherein r 7 is an alkyl identified in table ii , was charged to the stirred reaction mixture and the reaction temperature was maintained at 100 ยฐ c . for 30 minutes . this reaction temperature was maintained , while methanol distilled from the mixture . infrared spectrophotometric analysis after 3 hours confirmed that no ester remained in the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was cooled to 80 ยฐ- 100 ยฐ c . one mole of dimethylsulfate was added to the stirred reaction mixture at a rate slow enough to maintain a reaction temperature of about 125 ยฐ c . the reaction mixture was maintained at 130 ยฐ c . for an additional hour . the structure of the product was elucidated by conventional analytical techniques and can be represented by formula i , wherein r and r 7 are each alkyls or alkenyls tabulated in table ii ; y , n , r 3 , r 4 and r 8 each have the aforementioned identities ; r 5 and r 6 are each hydrogen ; r 2 is methyl and x . sup .โ is a methylsulfate anion . the desired salt was obtained in essentially quantitative yield in each example . table ii______________________________________example r r . sub . 7______________________________________12 -- c . sub . 17 h . sub . 35 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 3713 -- c . sub . 17 h . sub . 33 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 3714 -- c . sub . 17 h . sub . 33 -- c . sub . 4 h . sub . 9______________________________________ in a series of three reactions , 0 . 2 mole of an imidazoline represented by formula ii , wherein n is 1 ; y is -- nh --; r is an alkyl identified in table iii and r 3 and r 4 are each hydrogen , was reacted with 0 . 2 mole of methyl acrylate in a manner otherwise identical to example 1 . two tenths mole of a primary amine , r 7 nh 2 , was charged to the reaction mixture and the reaction temperature was increased to 200 ยฐ c . this reaction temperature was maintained while methanol distilled from the mixture . infrared spectrophotometric analysis after 4 hours confirmed that no ester remained in the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was cooled to 90 ยฐ c . and then 0 . 2 mole of dimethylsulfate was slowly added with stirring . the stirred reaction mixture was maintained at 100 ยฐ c . for an additional hour . the product was determined by conventional analytical techniques to correspond to formula i , wherein r and r 7 are each alkyls tabulated in table iii ; y , n , r 3 , r 4 , and r 8 each have the aforementioned identities ; r 5 and r 6 are each hydrogen , r 2 is methyl and x . sup .โ is a methylsulfate anion . table iii______________________________________example r r . sub . 7______________________________________15 -- c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- c . sub . 12 h . sub . 2516 -- c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 3717 -- c . sub . 17 h . sub . 35 -- c . sub . 18 h . sub . 35______________________________________ an 8 . 5 pound load of shirts , sheets , socks and polyester , polyester / cotton and nylon swatches were repeatedly washed in a conventional washing machine with a cup of a typical commercial alkyl benzene sulfonate - based detergent . the temperature of the wash water was 50 ยฐ c . and the temperature of the rinse water was 25 ยฐ c . in three of the washes , either 3 or 5 grams of the imidazolinium salt prepared in example 12 was added in an aqueous solution during the wash or rinse cycle . between each of the fabric softener tests the laundry was washed three times to remove residual softener . in one wash not embodying this invention , no fabric softening agent was employed . the laundry was dried after washing in a conventional clothes dryer and the static charge of a shirt and three swatches of cloth was measured with a simco electrostatic locator at a distance of six inches . the degree of softness of the cloth was subjectively determined by the operator feeling the laundered fabric in each case . the operating parameters and results of these tests are tabulated in table iv . table iv______________________________________agent staticloading agent ( kilovolts ) example ( grams ) added swatches shirt softening______________________________________18 5 rinse 0 . 0 - 0 . 5 0 . 8 good19 5 wash 2 . 0 - 2 . 5 1 . 0 slight20 3 rinse 0 . 0 - 0 . 5 1 . 0 moderatecompara - none not 2 . 0 - 4 . 0 4 . 0 harsh feeltive exper - appli - iment cable______________________________________ an 8 . 25 pound load of shirts , sheets , and socks were washed in a conventional washing machine at 45 ยฐ c . with 0 . 5 cup of a typical commercial alkyl benzene sulfonate - based detergent . at the beginning of the rinse cycle , a 5 . 0 gram sample of the imidazolinium salt prepared in example 17 dissolved in 95 grams of ethanol was added to the laundry . the laundry was dried after washing and the static charge of several shirts was measured with a simco electrostatic locator at a distance of six inches . the measured static charge of these shirts is tabulated in table v under &# 34 ; agent - 17 &# 34 ;. this laundry was washed three times in the detergent alone to remove the fabric conditioning agent residue , dried and the static charge of the garments was measured once more as described above . the measured static charge is tabulated in table v under the heading &# 34 ; comparative experiment &# 34 ;. the laundry was washed once more and 5 . 0 grams of the imidazolinium salt prepared in example 13 dissolved in 95 grams of ethanol was added during the rinse cycle . the laundry was dried and the static charge measured as above . the measured static charge is tabulated in table v under the heading &# 34 ; agent - 13 &# 34 ;. table v______________________________________ static charge ( kilovolts ) shirt fabric comparativeno . composition agent - 17 experiment agent - 13______________________________________1 65 % polyester / 0 . 0 - 4 . 0 0 . 5 35 % cotton2 100 % nylon 0 . 0 20 . 0 2 . 03 65 % polyester / 0 . 5 - 5 . 0 - 0 . 5 35 % cotton4 100 % polyester - 1 . 0 - 10 . 0 - 0 . 55 100 % nylon - 1 . 0 25 . 0 - 1 . 56 65 % polyester / - 0 . 3 - 9 . 0 - 0 . 5 35 % cotton7 100 % polyester - 1 . 0 - 11 . 0 - 3 . 08 100 % polyester - 1 . 75 - 9 . 0 - 1 . 0______________________________________
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fig1 and 2 together illustrate a gaming table 10 and controls associated therewith installed as a portion of a system of the present invention . the system of this invention is specifically designed to permit quick and inexpensive retrofit of existing gaming tables or as an original manufacture option for a gaming table installed in a casino to incorporate this invention . another advantage of the present invention resides in the fact that some of the gaming tables 10 may be fitted with the controls of this invention independent of other tables in the same poker room which are not fitted with the controls . referring now to fig1 and 2 , the table 10 is shown with a plurality of player areas ( seats ) 12 , of which ten such areas are illustrated , although more or preferably fewer may be so designated . a control panel 14 is installed on the table at a location easily accessible to the dealer , such as adjacent a dealer location 16 . a chip rack 18 is also typically present directly in front of the dealer &# 39 ; s station . further details of the control panel and its associated components are provided in fig2 and the presently preferred embodiment of the control panel 14 itself is shown and described below in respect of fig6 . in operation , when a player approaches the table and wants to sit down to play , if a player area 12 is both unoccupied and unreserved , as described below , the dealer takes the player &# 39 ; s magnetic identification card and swipes the players identifying data at a card reader 20 on the control panel 14 . data from the card , for tracking and other purposes , is gathered at a terminal device 22 , preferably located below table level . data is packetized and transmitted in bursts from a transmitter 24 to a central computer for the casino , shown and described below in respect of fig3 and 4 . in addition , a player may be added from the central computer via a magnetic card swipe or โ player lookup โ function . when a player is added from the central computer , data is sent to the panel at the table to activate the led associated with the player &# 39 ; s seat . a player may also be added as a โ guest โ from the table panel or from the central computer when he doesn &# 39 ; t have a player &# 39 ; s card or wishes not to use one . the player may later be associated with his player account from the central computer . the system incorporates an existing casino drop 28 or jackpot drop 26 where chips are placed . for each hand , the dealer inserts one or more chips into the casino or jackpot drop . the jackpot drop or casino drop may be used to track the number of hands being played at that particular table . the control panel 14 includes a plurality of buttons 30 , one button designating each of the player areas 12 . an unlit button indicates that no one is sitting at that designated player area , and thus anyone can sit there and begin to play . a lighted button indicates that a player has logged in and is currently playing at that designated area . if a player gets up to take a break , then the dealer logs that player as temporarily away ( i . e . โ lobbying โ), and the button begins to glow at a lower intensity and / or with a low level pulse , for example . this indicates that no one is currently sitting at that area , but it is reserved for when the player returns . once the player returns and is logged back into play at that table , the button is pressed and it reverts to glowing with a steady glow . the control panel 14 includes the controls for illumination of the buttons 30 as just described . the control panel also includes a button 32 to call for services , as described below , and a button 34 for summoning a supervisor or moving a player from one seat to another , also as described below . finally , an โ in / out โ button is provided for the dealer to log a player out of the system when he is through playing . the โ in / out โ button may also be used for dealer login at the table and for a call for chip service . fig3 and 4 illustrate an overall system diagram of the system of the present invention . fig3 shows a hardwired configuration of the system , while fig4 illustrates a wireless configuration . referring first to fig3 , each table which is incorporated into an overall system of this invention includes a transmitter 24 , as previously described , to send data from the table , including log - in and log - out data regarding the players at that table . the electronics at the table , including the control panel and the transmitter , are powered from a power source 40 and preferably an uninterruptible power supply ( ups ) 42 . a ups is a power supply that includes a battery to maintain power in the event of a power outage . typically , a ups keeps a computer running for several minutes after a power outage , enabling the operator to save data that is in ram and shut down the computer gracefully . many upss now offer a software component that enables one to automate backup and shut down procedures in case there is a power failure while the computer is unattended , for some reason . for the present application , maintenance of the continuity of power is important to the good will of the casino , particularly in compensating the good clients of that casino . in the embodiment of fig3 , data from the transmitter 24 is transmitted over a communications cable 44 , such as a hardwired ethernet cable as shown , to a switch 46 . the switch 46 acts as a multiplexer , receiving data packets from the plurality of tables distributed around the poker room , and sending the data to a number of stations for manipulation , analysis , and storage . the station which receives data from and transmits data to the switch 46 is the application server 58 with its own ups 60 , which acts as a gateway between the transmitter and the database server and the central computer . the station which receives data from the application server 58 is a database server 54 powered by its own ups 56 . the server 54 , preferably a structured query language ( sql ) type server , maintains the customer records , accounting data , historical data , records of play at the casino , player queue data , and the like . the station which retrieves data from the database server 54 and transmits data to the application server 58 and database server 54 is a central computer 48 , also referred to herein as the main โ pit โ computer . the central computer is responsible for displaying the activity throughout the poker room to a supervisor , for which the central computer 48 is provided with a monitor or graphical user interface 49 . the central computer is also provided with a printer for printing hard copy reports , as required , and the central computer and peripheral equipment may be powered from a ups 50 . the embodiment illustrated in fig4 includes the same basic elemental building blocks as the embodiment of fig3 , except that the various tables communicate with the application server wirelessly . each table includes a wireless bridge 70 which is powered by the ups 42 which powers the electronics of the table 10 . the wireless bridge transmits to a wireless access point 74 which is powered by a dedicated ups 76 . the wireless bridge communicates wirelessly , as indicated by a dotted line 72 in the drawing figure . the great advantage in this , the presently preferred embodiment of the invention , is that cables 44 need not be strung throughout the casino floor in order for the tables to communicate with the application server 48 . now that the basic structure of the system has been described , those of skill in the art will understand the following description of the operation of this invention . to begin play , a player sits at a poker table ( table 1 , seat 1 at a seat 12 ) and hands the dealer his player &# 39 ; s card . the player &# 39 ; s card includes a magnetic stripe in the conventional fashion to carry the player &# 39 ; s identifying data . the dealer swipes data from the card into the magnetic card reader on the control panel 14 and the dealer pushes the led button # 1 of the buttons 30 . this sends a data signal ( name and any other information on the card ) from the transmitter 24 to the application server 58 and logs the player into the system at table 1 , seat 1 . button # 1 is illuminated with a steady glow indicating the player &# 39 ; s time starts . if the player does not have a player &# 39 ; s card , the dealer registers the player as a guest by pressing the in / out button 86 , for example , and the above procedure is repeated . the guest may also be logged into the system as described below in respect of the preferred embodiment of the control panel 14 . any time a player leaves the game temporarily , the dealer presses the associated seat number button 30 and the player &# 39 ; s time stops . the indicator light associated with the seat to which the player was assigned begins to blink . when the player returns , the button is pressed and his time is started again , at which time the light glows steadily again . when a player leaves the game , an in / out button 86 is pressed then the player &# 39 ; s seat number button is pressed and the player is checked out . other visual indicators of โ logged in โ, โ lobbying โ, and โ logged out โ may of course be used . if at any time during play , a problem with the game arises , ( player betting out of turn , dealer misinterpreting a player , etc .) the pit supervisor must come to the table to correct the problem . the pit supervisor may be summoned or signaled with the appropriate supervisor decision button 89 on the control panel 14 by holding down the button for 2 . 5 seconds . notification can be accomplished by visual display , emailing , paging , internet or automated public announcement . after the problem has been resolved , the supervisor or dealer presses the decision button for 2 . 5 seconds to turn the signal off . the decision is later noted and categorized at the central computer . the number of times a decision has to be made as well as the particular decision made is tracked . if a player needs beverage or food service , the dealer presses the service button 88 and the data is sent to the service department that service is need at the table . notification can be accomplished by visual display , emailing , paging , internet or automated public announcement . if chip fill or credit is needed at the table , the dealer presses and holds the in / out button 86 for 2 . 5 seconds . notification can be accomplished by visual display , emailing , paging , internet or automated public announcement . the system tracks the number of hands played by a light or mechanical sensor placed in the casino drop slot 28 or jackpot drop 26 indicating a played hand when chips are dropped . this can also be accomplished with the pressing of a button , switch , voice recognition , etc . thus , the system as just described tracks the total accumulated time for each player . once a player accumulates a total predetermined time of playing at poker tables , for example fifty hours , the casino typically will want to reward the player with a comp . as previously described , the present invention also provides a means for a supervisor to track the progress of play , and during certain circumstances , such as during a tournament , to direct certain aspects of poker play throughout the poker room . the present invention also facilitates the management of a queue of players waiting for a seat vacancy in a desired game . fig5 depicts a screen display 100 of one aspect of this monitoring function provided on the monitor 49 as the central computer 49 . the screen display is a scale model of the layout of the poker room , and includes a depiction of a podium 80 , for example , where the pit supervisor will typically be posted . the display includes the plurality of tables 10 , each includes a number of player seats 12 . for the ease of the supervisor , the tables are displayed in a variety of colors , such as for example : white table closed yellow 1 or 2 seats open red 3 or more seats open green table full blue tournament table the players seats 12 shown on the screen may also be color coded according to the following scheme : white seat open yellow lobby less than 15 minutes red lobby 15 minutes or more green seat occupied each table may also include a legend 102 showing the game and stakes at each table . for example , the table that is numbered โ 20 โ in fig5 includes the legend that this table is a $ 2 -$ 4 hold &# 39 ; em table , etc . note also that a tournament may be carried out alongside other non - tournament tables within the scope and spirit of the invention . fig6 depicts a presently preferred embodiment of a control panel 14 of the invention . the control panel includes a row of buttons 82 and a corresponding row of indicator lights 84 . the control panel displayed is presently preferred because it combines the best features of low cost and durability in the environment in which the invention finds application . the buttons 82 are numbered 1 - 10 , corresponding to the seats 12 at the table . fewer seats may be used , if desired . each control button 82 includes an indicator light 84 associated with it . the panel 14 also includes an input / output ( i / o ) button 86 with an associated indicator light 86 โฒ; a food / beverage ( f / b ) button 88 with an associated indicator light 88 โฒ; and a supervisor / decision button 89 with an associated indicator light 89 โฒ. the functions of these buttons and indicator lights will be described below . the panel 14 also includes a hand counter 85 . for each hand that is dealt , the dealer inserts a chip from the ante pile into the counter 85 . the counter includes a lamp 90 and a photodiode 92 . so long as the photodiode detects a light from the lamp 90 , the system is in steady state . when a chip passes between the lamp and the diode , the hand counter associated with that table is incremented , thus keeping an accurate track of the number of hands dealt at that table and by the dealer that is logged into that table . hand counts can also be monitored with a light sensor placed in the casino drop 28 . when the dealer pulls back the drop a photo sensor detects ambient light and the hand counter associated with that table is incremented , thus keeping an accurate track of the number of hands dealt at that table and by the dealer that is logged into that table . the control panel provides a means for the system to keep track of the accumulated time played by each player at the table . to check a player into a seat , the dealer swipes the player &# 39 ; s card ( the i / o light 86 โฒ goes on ). the dealer then presses a seat number button 82 ( the seat light 84 goes on and i / o light 86 โฒ goes off ). if the player does not present the dealer with an identification card , the dealer may press the i / o button 86 ( the i / o 86 โฒ light goes on ) and then presses seat number button 82 ( the seat light 84 goes on and i / o light 86 โฒ goes off ). if desired , the player may be logged into the system by a pit supervisor or other casino personnel at the central computer 48 . to check a player out of a seat , the dealer presses the i / o button 86 and then presses the seat number 82 to which the player was assigned ( the seat light 84 goes off ). alternatively , the player may be checked out the system by a pit supervisor at the central computer . to place a player in โ lobby โ ( i . e . to temporarily turn off the tracking clock , but keep the seat reserved for the player ), the dealer presses the seat number of guest in lobby ( the player &# 39 ; s seat light 84 flashes ). this action turns the seat indicator on the display 100 to a yellow color . to take a player out of โ lobby โ, the dealer presses the seat number 82 of the player in lobby and the seat light 84 goes on steady . to check a dealer into a table , the dealer swipes his employee identification card with the card reader 20 ( the i / o light 86 โฒ goes on ) and the he presses the i / o button 86 ( the i / o light 86 โฒ goes off ). alternatively , a pit supervisor may log the dealer into the system at the central computer . to mark a supervisor decision at table , the dealer holds down the s / d button 89 for 2 . 5 seconds ( the s / d light will blink to signal acceptance ) and then the supervisor clicks on a decision icon and classifies the decision at the central computer , or a similar action . to move a player from one seat to another seat , the dealer presses the s / d button 89 and then presses the control button 82 for the seat from which the player is moving and then the control button 82 for the seat to which the player is moving . if the player wishes to move from one table to another , he is logged out of the system at the table that he is moving from and logs back into the system at the new table . alternatively , a pit supervisor may move the player from seat to seat or table to table at the central computer . to request a chip fill or credit , the dealer presses the i / o button for 2 . 5 seconds ( the i / o button will blink to signal acceptance ). the principles , preferred embodiment , and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification . this invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed , since these are regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive . moreover , variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention .
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fig1 is an embodiment of a device of the present invention . the device consists of an nc machine tool ( machining center ) that conducts thermal displacement correction , a temperature sensor , a temperature measuring device , a storage device that stores each parameter , a correction device that computes a correction value based on the detected temperature and nc unit information , and an nc unit that conducts a numerical control on the machine tool . here , the thermal displacement in x - axis direction where the dimension of a workpiece and moving distance are large will be explained as an example . fig1 is a side schematic view of a double - column machining center . columns 6 , 6 are disposed on opposite sides of a bed 1 ( in the direction orthogonal to a drawing sheet ). between the columns 6 , 6 , across rail ( not shown ) is bridged transversely , and a saddle 7 is mounted on the cross rail movable in the y - axis direction orthogonal to the drawing sheet . a main spindle 8 is attached on the saddle 7 movable in the z - axis direction that is vertical . at the distal end of the main spindle 8 , a tool 9 is rotatably connected . above the bed 1 , a table 4 is disposed movable in the x - axis direction parallel to the drawing sheet , and a workpiece 5 is fixed on the table 4 . the position of the table 4 in the x - axis direction is determined by a scale 2 disposed on the bed 1 and a scale detector 3 fixed on the table 4 . the temperature sensors are preferably disposed oil each component of the machine tool , in particular , a component that relatively moves a cutting edge and a workpiece in the axial direction to be corrected . in this embodiment , the temperature sensor 10 a is disposed on the bed 1 near a scale to measure a temperature of the scale , the temperature sensor 10 b is disposed on the table 4 to measure a temperature of the table , and the temperature sensor 10 c is disposed on the workpiece 5 to measure a temperature of the workpiece . hereinafter , correction of the thermal displacement in the x - axis direction at the coordinate data of the fixed position of the workpiece shown in fig1 using the temperature of the workpiece , table , and bed shown in fig5 will be explained . in fig1 , the x - coordinates of the positive end position of cutting stroke xlp , the x - coordinates of the negative end position of cutting stroke xlm , and the x - coordinates of the fixed position of the workpiece xw are as follows . the first embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart shown in fig6 . at s 1 , a temperature measuring device 11 converts the analog signals into numerically expressed digital signals representing the temperatures of each sensor 10 a - 10 c with a predetermined interval ( 10 seconds ) by a well - known method . in a parameter storage device 13 , the x - coordinates of the fixed position of the workpiece xw , the coefficient of linear thermal expansion ฮฑ , and the standard temperature are preset . at s 2 , the x - coordinates of a current cutting edge position is detected by an nc unit 14 . at s 3 , using a correction amount computing unit 12 , the amount of displacement of the scale ฮดa 1 , the amount of displacement of the table ฮดb , and an amount of displacement of the workpiece ฮดa 2 are computed a using equations 5 , 6 , and 7 , respectively . here , as a computing method for obtaining a temperature for estimating the thermal displacement shown in the first term on the right - hand side of equation 5 , there is provided an exponential smoothing filter as shown in the japanese published unexamined patent application no . 9 - 225781 filed by the present applicant . accordingly , equation 5 can be expressed as follows . x 7n = y 7n ยท( x โ xs )ยท k 7 [ equation 5a ] y 7n = y 7n โ 1 +( t 70n โ y 7n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 7 k : a coefficient of linear thermal expansion ( k 7 = 11 ร 10 โ 6 ) x 8n = y 8n ยท( xs โ xw )ยท k 8 [ equation 6a ] y 8n = y 8n โ 1 +( t 80n โ y 8n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 8 x 2n = y 2n ยท( xw โ x )ยท k 2 [ equation 7a ] y 2n = y 2 โ 1 +( t 20n โ y 2n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 2 ฮฑ : a coefficient of a filter ( ฮฑ 8 = 3 . 2 ร 10 โ 2 , ฮฑ 2 = 8 . 3 ร 10 โ 3 ) k : a coefficient of linear thermal expansion ( k 8 = 11 ร 10 โ 6 , k 2 = 11 ร 10 โ 6 ) then , from equations 1 and 4 , the amount of correction at the x - coordinates xc is computed . at s 4 , the nc unit carries out correction of the thermal displacement , moving by the amount of correction xc in the axis direction . at s 5 , it returns to s 1 when correction is continued , or the process is finished when the correction is discontinued . another embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on a flowchart of fig7 . at s 11 , the temperature measuring device 11 converts the analog signals into numerically expressed digital signals representing the temperatures of each sensor 10 a - 10 c with a predetermined interval ( 10 seconds ) by a well - known method . in the parameter storage device , the x - coordinates of the positive end position of the cutting stroke xlp , the x - coordinates of the negative end position of the cutting stroke xlm , the x - coordinates of the fixed position of the workpiece xw , and a standard temperature are preset . at s 12 , with the correction amount computing unit 12 , a correction amount xcp at the coordinate data of the positive end position of the cutting stroke is computed based on an amount of displacement of the scale ฮดa 2 ( from equation 9 ), an amount of displacement of the table ฮดb ( from equation 6 ), an amount of displacement the workpiece ฮดc 2 ( from equation 12 ) using equations 1 and 8 . x 9n = y 9n ยท( xlp โ xs )ยท k 9 [ equation 9b ] x 8n = y 8n ยท( xs โ xw )ยท k 8 [ equation 6b ] x 5n = y 5n ยท( xw โ xlp )ยท k 8 [ equation 12b ] y 9n = y 9n โ 1 +( t 90n โ y 9n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 9 y 8n = y 8n โ 1 +( t 80n โ y 8n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 8 y 5n = y 5n โ 1 +( t 50n โ y 5n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 5 ฮฑ : a coefficient of a filter ( ฮฑ 9 = 3 . 2 ร 10 โ 2 , ฮฑ 8 = 3 . 2 ร 10 โ 2 , ฮฑ 5 = 8 . 3 ร 10 โ 3 ) k : a coefficient of linear thermal expansion ( k 9 = 11 = 10 โ 6 , k 8 = 11 ร 10 โ 6 , k 5 = 11 ร 10 โ 6 ) similarly , a correction amount at the coordinate data of the negative end position of the cutting stroke xcm is computed based on the amount of displacement of the scale ฮดa 3 ( from equation 11 ), the amount of displacement of the table ฮดb ( from equation 6 ), and the amount of displacement the workpiece ฮดc 3 ( from equation 13 ) using equations 1 and 10 . x 10n = y 10n ยท( xlm โ xs )ยท k 10 [ equation 11c ] x 8n = y 8n ยท( xs โ xw )ยท k 8 [ equation 6c ] x 6n = y 6n ยท( xw โ xlm )ยท k 6 [ equation 13c ] y 10n = y 10n โ 1 +( t 100n โ y 10n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 10 y 8n = y 8n โ 1 +( t 80n โ y 8n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 8 y 6n = y 6n โ 1 +( t 60n โ y 6n โ 1 )ยท ฮฑ 6 ฮฑ : a coefficient of a filter ( ฮฑ 9 = 3 . 2 ร 10 โ 2 , ฮฑ 8 = 3 . 2 ร 10 โ 2 , ฮฑ 5 = 8 . 3 ร 10 โ 3 ) k : a coefficient of linear thermal expansion ( k 9 = 11 ร 10 โ 6 , k 8 = 11 รร 10 โ 6 , k 5 = 11 ร 10 โ 6 ) at s 13 , the computed correction amounts are transmitted to a servo system . in this servo system , the correction amounts at both ends of the cutting stroke are processed with a linear interpolation method and correction is carried out in accordance with the coordinate data of the cutting edge position using a well - known two - point correction method . at s 14 , it returns to s 11 when correction is continued , or the process is finished when the correction is discontinued . fig8 shows a result of thermal displacement correction in the x - axis direction at each machining position of fig9 a - 9d using the methods of the first and second aspects of the present invention . this result shows that the thermal displacement is controlled irrespective of the cutting edge position and the fixed position of the workpiece . although in this figure the thermal displacement in the x - axis direction is explained , the thermal displacement in the y - axis direction can be corrected by using the temperature of the cross rail instead of the temperature of the bed . likewise , the thermal displacement in the z - axis direction can be corrected by using the temperature of the column instead of the bed , and the temperature of the main spindle instead of the table . moreover , it is required that workpiece information , such as the coordinate data of the fixed position of the workpiece , the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the workpiece , and the standard temperature ( that requires dimensional accuracy of the workpiece ) are set for each workpiece to be machined . for this reason , by providing a setting screen as shown in fig4 to set the information with an operation panel , the setting operation becomes easy . further , by setting the workpiece information using nc program , the workpiece information can be set in an unattended machining process of the workpiece , for example , with an automatic pallet changer .
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the present invention includes the discovery that high doses of chromium , administered in the form of chromic picolinate , about an order of magnitude higher than the u . s . rda , combined with high doses of biotin , promote significant reduction in blood glucose levels and stabilize blood glucose levels in individuals with type ii diabetes . this reduction is markedly greater than what would be expected when either component is administered alone , thus indicating a synergistic effect . the synthesis of chromic picolinates is described in u . s . pat . no . 5 . 087 , 623 , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference . chromic tripicolinate and biotin are commercially available from health food stores , drug stores and other commercial sources . in order to reduce the requirement for insulin and / or diabetic drugs and to reduce several important risk factors associated with type ii diabetes , it is anticipated that the dosage range of chromium administered to a patient in the form of chromic tripicolinate will be between about 1 , 000 and 10 , 000 ฮผg / day . in a preferred embodiment , this amount is between about 1 , 000 and 5 , 000 ฮผg / day . with regard to the biotin component of the combination therapy , the preferred daily dosage is between about 1 mg and 200 mg . more preferably , the daily dosage of biotin is between about 5 mg and 50 mg . for oral administration , the chromic picolinates and biotin may be provided as a tablet , aqueous or oil suspension , dispersible powder or granule , emulsion , hard or soft capsule , syrup or elixir . compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known in the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and such compositions may contain one or more of the following agents : sweeteners , flavoring agents , coloring agents and preservatives . the sweetening and flavoring agents will increase the palatability of the preparation . tablets containing chromic tripicolinate in admixture with non - toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients suitable for tablet manufacture are acceptable . pharmaceutically acceptable means that the agent should be acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation ( as well as non - injurious to the patient ). such excipients include inert diluents such as calcium carbonate , sodium carbonate , lactose , calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate ; granulating and disintegrating agents , such as corn starch or alginic acid ; binding agents such as starch , gelatin or acacia ; and lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate , stearic acid or talc . tablets may be uncoated or may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period of time . for example , a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate alone or with a wax may be employed . formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent , for example calcium carbonate , calcium phosphate or kaolin , or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium , such as peanut oil , liquid paraffin or olive oil . aqueous suspensions may contain the chromic tripicolinate complex of the invention in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions . such excipients include suspending agents , dispersing or wetting agents , one or more preservatives , one or more coloring agents , one or more flavoring agents and one or more sweetening agents such as sucrose or saccharin . oil suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil , such as arachis oil , olive oil , sesame oil or coconut oil , or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin . the oil suspension may contain a thickening agent , such as beeswax , hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol . sweetening agents , such as those set forth above , and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation . these compositions may be preserved by an added antioxidant such as ascorbic acid . dispersible powders and granules of the invention suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent , a suspending agent , and one or more preservatives . additional excipients , for example sweetening , flavoring and coloring agents , may also be present . syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents , such as glycerol , sorbitol or sucrose . such formulations may also contain a demulcent , a preservative , a flavoring or a coloring agent . the chromic tripicolinate preparations for parenteral administration may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation , such as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension . this suspension may be formulated according to methods well known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents . the sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non - toxic parenterally - acceptable diluent or solvent , such as a solution in 1 , 3 - butanediol . suitable diluents include , for example , water , ringer &# 39 ; s solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution . in addition , sterile fixed oils may be employed conventionally as a solvent or suspending medium . for this purpose , any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono or diglycerides . in addition , fatty acids such as oleic acid may likewise be used in the preparation of injectable preparations . the pharmaceutical compositions may also be in the form of oil - in - water emulsions . the oily phase may be a vegetable oil , such as olive oil or arachis oil , a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin , or a mixture thereof . suitable emulsifying agents include naturally - occurring gums such as gum acacia and gum tragacanth , naturally occurring phosphatides , such as soybean lecithin , esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides , such as sorbitan mono - oleate , and condensation products of these partial esters with ethylene oxide , such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono - oleate . the emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavoring agents . the amount of chromic tripicolinate / biotin that may be combined with the carrier material to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration . the above description of the invention is set forth solely to assist in understanding the invention . it is to be understood that variations of the invention , including all equivalents now known or later developed , are to be considered as falling within the scope of the invention , which is limited only by the following claims .
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one aspect of the present invention provides a method for determining the existence and the amount of soluble fibrin contained in an opaque specimen fluid . in accordance with embodiments of the present invention , the method comprises the steps of : ( a ) mixing a portion of the opaque specimen fluid in a transparent container with a sufficient amount of precipitating reagent under a condition that causes the soluble fibrin to precipitate ; ( b ) aggregating and concentrating the soluble fibrin precipitates in a region of the container for rendering the precipitates optically detectable in the opaque specimen fluid ; ( d ) recording the time when the precipitates are first become optically detectable in the opaque specimen fluid , wherein the time elapsed from the addition of the precipitating reagent to the detection of the aggregated precipitates is an inverse measure of the quantity of soluble fibrin present in the opaque specimen fluid . for purposes of the present invention , the opaque specimen fluid can be any body fluids that contain soluble fibrin . the inventions are , however , particularly applicable to opaque body fluids such as whole blood , bloody effusions , bloody cerebrospinal fluid and the like . preferably the specimen fluid is whole blood . in one embodiment of the present invention , whole blood is diluted . the whole blood can be diluted by a diluent such as saline solution . a precipitating reagent is any reagent which can cause soluble fibrin to precipitate out of the soluble fibrin - containing specimen fluid . examples of a precipitating reagent include , but are not limited to , protamine sulfate , polybrene , and the like . preferably , the precipitate reagent is protamine sulfate . the amount of a precipitating reagent is sufficient if it can cause substantially all of the soluble fibrin contained in a specimen fluid to precipitate out of the fluid . one skilled in the art can readily determine the amount of the precipitating reagent that should be used without undue experimentation in view of the instant disclosure . a portion of the opaque specimen fluid is mixed with a precipitating reagent under a condition that causes the soluble fibrin to precipitate . in one embodiment of the present invention , the mixing may take place at a ph of about 5 . 9 or below , and at a temperature of about 37 ยฐ c . according to embodiments of the present invention , the soluble fibrin precipitates contained in a transparent container may be aggregated and concentrated to a limited region of the container by placing the transparent container to an apparatus of the present invention . the apparatus used in the present invention must have the characteristics of producing in the reaction mixture hydraulic flow patterns so that the apparatus will aggregate and concentrate the sf precipitates in a highly localized portion of the reaction mixture so as to render them visible in an opaque medium such as diluted whole blood . in one embodiment of the present invention , an optical blood homeostatic analysis apparatus as described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 184 , 188 , the relevant content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference . in general , an optical blood hemostatic analysis apparatus is capable of both rotating and rocking a transparent , approximately cylindrical specimen container ( for example , a 12 ร 75 mm glass test tube ) while maintaining the container in a nearly horizontal position and at a temperature of approximately 37 ยฐ c . specimen fluid and a precipitate reagent are introduced into the open end of the container , and are then mixed and incubated by the apparatus . as described in the &# 39 ; 188 patent , one embodiment of the mechanical apparatus of the invention is illustrated in fig1 a and 1 b , which show a specimen container 1 containing specimen fluid 2 , which is supported in a nearly horizontal position on a pair of rotating rollers 3 . fig1 c is an end - view of the apparatus shown in fig1 a and 1 b . the rollers 3 may be rotated by any convenient means , such as an electrical motor coupled to the rollers either directly or through a drive train ( e . g ., a belt , gears , or a friction drive ). in the preferred embodiment , the specimen container 1 is rocked longitudinally around an approximate mid - point pivot p through an angle of preferably about ยฑ 3 ยฐ, as shown by comparing fig1 a with fig1 b . the rotational rate of the specimen container 1 is typically about 12 rpm , and the rocking rate is typically about 15 cycles per minute . the rocking motion may be imparted by a cam or any other convenient means . the specific rocking and rotation rates are not necessarily critical , but the particular values described above have been found to be effective . the specimen fluid 2 does not run out of the open end of a small - diameter specimen container 1 when tilted forward because of the strong surface tension of the contained fluid , aided by the small radius of curvature of the rim of the container 1 . during the rotating and rocking , the precipitating reagent causes the soluble fibrin contained in the diluted whole blood to precipitate out of solution . as the precipitation reaction is occurring , the rocking and rotating motion moves the not - yet - visible fibrin monomer ( sf ) clumps to a region where all of the sf in the entire sample will accumulate . as they reach this preferred region the clumps interact with sf material already there making the location even more attractive for sf accumulations that are still too small to be detected optically . if the amount of sf is sufficiently large , the sf precipitates will adhere to the inner tube surface and be lifted clear of the reaction mixture . the time the precipitates first become optically detectable is defined as the first end - point . the time the precipitates stick to the tube and rotate with the tube is defined as the second end - point . the time that it takes from the start of the process to the first end - point , and to the second - end point will be measured . the time measurements can be correlated to the quantity of sf by a standard curve respectively . the sf standard curve is produced by adding known quantities of sf to native whole blood and analyzing the resulting mixtures . for the purpose of determining the quantity of sf in a specimen fluid , one may use either of the time measurements or both to determine the quantity of sf with a standard curve . the time that it takes from the start of the process to the second - end point is easier to measure . however , when the level of sf is low , the first end - point may be the only one available since the precipitates may not be concentrated enough to reach the second end - point . in this case , it is preferred to use the time measurement of the first end - point to determine the quantity of sf . any comparable means of accomplishing this goal is within the scope of this invention , including simple rotation or agitation of a sealed container , or use of a container having a liquid retention rim at its opening . since the process works best at 37 ยฐ c ., it is desirable to maintain the specimen at that temperature . the temperature of the specimen fluid can be maintained , for example , by a tungsten filament light bulb 4 situated near the specimen container 1 and controlled by a thermostatic circuit 5 having a temperature sensor 6 adjacent to or in contact with the specimen container 1 . alternatively , the temperatures can be maintained by placing the specimen container 1 in an incubated chamber having the desired temperature . the time that it takes from the start of the process to the end - points can be measured by a variety of means that detect the end - points . a number of different types of end - point detectors can be used in the invention . examples of types of end - point detectors include , but are not limited to , direct visual observation ; a flying spot scanner ; a charge couple device ( ccd ) camera , a detector consisting of a narrow beam of light ( e . g ., from a small , solid state laser ) that is caused to sweep ( e . g ., by means of an oscillating mirror ) the inner wall of the transparent specimen container from a position just outside the open end of the container ; and a detector that uses a light beam and a time - delay discriminator circuit which distinguishes the presence of soluble fibrin precipitates from the rocking surface of the blood itself . the above detectors are fully described in the &# 39 ; 188 patent , the content of which is incorporated herein by reference . it is to be understood that the optical blood hemostatic analysis apparatus described above has been chosen only for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment and function of the invention . other types of optical apparatus may also be used as long as the apparatus can perform the same function as the one described above . suitable apparatus would be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure . in one embodiment of the present invention , the measurement steps are repeated with a second precipitating reagent . in accordance with this embodiment , the measurement method further includes the steps of mixing another portion of the opaque specimen fluid with a second precipitating reagent and repeating steps ( a ) to ( d ) described above to obtain a second timing measurement for elapsed time . then the first timing measurement and the second timing measurement are related to respective standard curves prepared with respective first and second precipitating reagents . the quantity of soluble fibrin present in the opaque specimen sample is determined by an average of the two measurements . for the purpose of the present invention , the first and the second precipitating reagents may be the same reagents at different concentrations or may be two different reagents . it should be understood that portions of an opaque specimen fluid may be mixed respectively with two or more different concentrations of a precipitating reagent to obtain two or more measurements , and the quantity of sf contained in the specimen fluid may be determined by averaging the measurements . alternatively , portions of an opaque specimen fluid may be mixed with two or more different types of precipitating reagents to achieve the same results . a method of determining soluble fibrin with the present invention is used to measure the amount of sf in a whole blood sample treated with thrombin to determine the kinetics of the reaction . 2 ml of whole blood was mixed with 0 . 01 nih units of thrombin at time zero and 150 ฮผl aliquots were removed at the times noted . each aliquot was suspended in about 450 ฮผl of saline solution at ph 5 . 0 and was placed in a specimen container together with about 20 ฮผl of the precipitating reagent , protamine sulfate . the time of the appearance of precipitates was measured and recorded in sf units . the results is summarized in table i . table i time after thrombin sf time soluble visible addition ( min ) ( sec ) fibrin units fibrin 0 250 2 . 8 no 1 12 . 5 56 . 0 no 2 10 . 2 68 . 6 no 3 9 . 8 71 . 4 no 4 9 . 9 70 . 7 no 5 11 . 2 62 . 5 no 8 13 . 5 51 . 9 yes 10 14 . 4 48 . 6 yes 19 14 . 7 47 . 6 yes 31 17 . 0 41 . 2 yes 70 19 . 4 36 . 1 yes 112 20 . 2 35 . 0 yes 189 21 . 2 33 . 0 yes [ 0049 ] fig2 is a plot of the kinetics of the production of sf in whole blood . at the point marked by the arrow thrombin is added to the reaction mixture . the present invention is utilized to perform analysis at intervals of 1 - 30 minutes . over an initial period of 3 - 4 minutes after the addition of a small quantity of thrombin , the sf concentration titer rises . the early sf molecules produced can be carried by the fibrinogen and kept from polymerizing as a visible fibrin clot . following a peak concentration reached at approximately three minutes , the sf present in excess of the carrying capacity of the fibrinogen precipitates out of the mixture in the form of a visible fibrin clot and over the next 30 minutes the level of sf decreases by about 50 %. over the ensuing hours , the sf level declines slightly but is essentially stable for periods in excess of 2 hours . as noted in fig2 the kinetics of the reaction require a test that can be completed within minutes , hence require that the test be performed in whole blood . in a second test of the system , a series of 150 ฮผl whole blood samples were , at thirty minute intervals , removed from a patient undergoing liver transplantation . these samples were suspended in about 450 ฮผl saline , and were placed in a specimen container together with about 20 ฮผl of the precipitating reagent , protamine sulfate . the whole blood sample was taken from a patient at the start of the operation , then every 30 minutes with samples spaced more closely during the critical reperfusion phase of the transplantation process . the mixture of protamine sulfate and whole blood was placed in a hemostatic analysis apparatus as described in the &# 39 ; 188 patent at a temperature of about 37 ยฐ c . to allow the mixture to react until precipitates formed and adhered to the inner tube surface . the time that it took from the start of the process to the first - end point , and the second end - point were then measured , and the measurements were correlated to the quantity of sf by a standard curve . other portions of the same samples were centrifuged to recover plasma and refrigerated until the next day so that additional assays for fibrin degradation products ( fdps ), d - dimer levels and fibrinogen levels could be performed . these four assays are plotted in fig3 a and 3 b to show the congruence of the results . [ 0053 ] fig3 a is a series of fibrinogen measurements performed on samples from a patient undergoing liver transplantation . fig3 b shows three other assays performed on the same patient : measurements of d - dimer , fibrin degradation products ( fdps ) and soluble fibrin ( sf ) in relation to the time of liver replacement . only the sf tests were performed during the actual surgery . the remaining tests were performed on the following day since all of the remaining tests required the preparation of plasma from the whole blood samples and the patient &# 39 ; s condition was changing so rapidly that the values were not useful to the operating surgeon . the close correlation of the various measures on all four test methods indicates that the information provide by the sf assay within minutes of the time the sample was drawn is useful for managing a very unstable patient . correlation coefficients are summarized in table ii . table ii confirms the visual impression that all four assays are highly correlated โ that as fibrinogen disappears from the patient &# 39 ; s circulation sf and the various measures of fibrinogen / fibrin breakdown ( fdp , d - dimer ) begin to appear . table ii correlation coefficients ( r ) 0 . 9026 sfu vs fdp dilution 0 . 8558 sfu vs d - dimer dilution โ 0 . 8572 sfu vs fibrinogen the foregoing is meant to illustrate , but not to limit , the scope of the invention . indeed , those of ordinary skill in the art can readily envision and produce further embodiments , based on the teachings herein , without undue experimentation . the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics . the described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not as restrictive . the scope of the invention is , therefore , indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description . all changes which come within the meaning and range of the equivalence of the claims are to be embraced within their scope .
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referring to the illustrations , drawings , and pictures , reference character 10 generally designates a new and improved puller device , assembly , system and method of using same constructed in accordance with the present invention . invention 10 is generally used in oil and gas well operations but may be utilized in other applications . the current invention should not be considered limited to just seat , valve seat , pump liners , and so forth removal . now referring to the illustration and more in particular to fig1 , invention 10 may include spring catch 20 , bottom nose 30 , puller shaft 40 , and sleeve 50 generally positioned axially as depicted in the illustrations as will be discussed further below . again referring to the drawings in general and more specifically to fig2 , invention 10 may generally be utilized with a pump assembly 60 . a portion of the invention 10 is generally depicted being inserted into opening 70 of a pump or pump head 80 for engaging stuck valve seat 90 . valve seat 90 comprises an outer diameter or ring 100 having a lower rim or bottom face 110 and an inner diameter or ring 120 . the inner diameter 120 has an aperture 130 . valve seat 90 may also include a top face or portion 140 having an angled surface 150 . spring catch 20 may be generally cylindrical and made from a metal alloy that allows for flexing and or bending , durable for the force required and also rigid enough to return to its original shape after flexing or bending . a preferred construction may be made from american iron and steel institute , also known as aisi , 8620 alloy steel that is a hardenable chromium , molybdenum , nickel low alloy steel often used for carburizing to develop a case - hardened part . spring catch 20 is generally formed of j - shaped hooks 160 that allow for flexing and or bending . a preferred embodiment is of a one piece construction having twelve ( 12 ) j - shaped hooks 160 although more or less j - shaped hooks 160 may be utilized . the spacing between the j - shaped hooks 160 generally allows for the circumference to be made smaller when the j - shaped hooks 160 are compressed such as but not limited to bending into a smaller circumference 165 . the spring quality of the design allows for the j - shaped hooks 160 to return to the original spacing when not compressed such as but not limited to going back to the original circumference 175 . puller shaft 40 may generally be threaded and utilized to hold spring catch 20 and sleeve 50 . it may be rotated for the desired lifting and lowered from above by hydraulic means , mechanical means , and combinations thereof . invention 10 contemplates utilization with a hydraulic jack puller shaft 40 may be made of steel known in the industry and have threading known in the industry . puller shaft 40 may generally comprise a top or top portion 170 that may attach to a nut 180 for holding puller shaft 40 in a relatively fixed position in opening 70 of pump head 80 while allowing the puller shaft 40 to move up and down as desired . the movement may be accomplished through hydraulic , mechanical and combinations thereof as known in the art . bottom or bottom portion 190 of puller shaft 40 may generally be utilized to removably hold bottom nose 30 . bottom nose 30 may be made from steel and or other materials known in the art . bottom nose 30 may generally be removably threaded onto and axially aligned with puller shaft 40 bottom portion 190 . it is understood that numerous types of removable connections to puller shaft 40 are contemplated . sleeve 50 may also be constructed from steel and other materials known in the art . it is contemplated that sleeve 50 is generally fixed axially on puller shaft 40 and generally holds spring catch 20 and allows spring catch 20 to move up and down , relative to puller shaft 40 , while being trapped at the top of spring catch 20 inside sleeve 50 . generally this configuration provides a โ floating โ spring catch 20 inside sleeve 50 . it is also contemplated that invention 10 may not utilize sleeve 50 , sleeve 50 may be incorporated into spring catch 20 , sleeve 50 may be generally non - movably fixed to spring catch 20 , combinations thereof , and so forth . sleeve 50 may generally look like a cup and or cap fixed and or removably fixed on puller shaft 40 with threads , welds , and so forth . now again refereeing to the illustrations and more in particular to fig3 through fig9 , generally , the puller shaft 40 is inserted in through the valve seat 90 from the top of the pump head 80 by inserting the puller shaft 40 bottom nose 30 down hole or opening 70 until bottom nose 30 passes valve seat 90 and sleeve 50 contacts top of valve seat 90 bringing puller shaft 40 essentially to a stop . sleeve 50 may also generally function as a general guide for passing spring catch 20 through the pump assembly 60 as well as an indicator when the puller shaft 40 has descended far enough into the pump assembly 60 to engage valve seat 90 . it is then contemplated that a hollow shaft hydraulic jack 200 is put onto the puller shaft 40 and secured by nut 180 . at this point , the valve seat 90 is pulled by the hydraulic jack 200 upward . it is contemplated that invention 10 will allow for a generally vertical removal of valve seat 90 without the need for a rotational force as the prior art devices . it is also contemplated that puller shaft 40 may not be threaded . it is still further contemplated that top or top portion 170 of puller shaft 40 may be formed and or adapted to attach and or communicate with a hydraulic jack 200 as known in the prior art . the improved design of invention 10 generally pushes steel spring catch 20 through valve seat 90 and then springs back once passing the bottom face 110 of valve seat 90 . j - shaped hooks 160 are essentially forced into bending into a smaller circumference 165 as the downward force on spring catch 20 contacts with the angle of surface 150 of valve seat 90 . after the j - shaped hooks 160 clear the bottom face 110 of valve seat 90 , they are allowed to spring back and or unbend to the original circumference 175 thus allowing the j - shaped hooks 160 to engage the lower rim 110 of valve seat 90 for pulling upward and out . the bottom nose 30 of invention 10 is pulled up inside of the spring catch 20 , causing the spring catch 20 to be held rigid and not allowing it to close . thus creating a near solid ring of steel at bottom 190 of the puller shaft 40 just below bottom face 110 of valve seat 90 . the yield strength of this ring may be greater than that of the hydraulic jacks 200 currently being used to pull valve seats 90 . once the seat is removed from the pump , the bottom nose 30 of the invention 10 may then be removed by simply loosening it from the puller shaft 40 by hand . steel spring catch 20 is then slid off of puller shaft 40 , and then valve seat 90 may be slid off . steel spring catch 20 may then be placed back on puller shaft 40 and bottom nose 30 may then be threaded back until it stops turning . current invention 10 generally requires no tools to be assembled or disassembled . spring catch 20 may generally be a one piece hollow cylindrical construction having a top 210 , a bottom 220 , a length 230 , and wall 240 . top 210 is generally a solid ring whereas wall 240 has split ( s ) and or slit ( s ) 250 for forming protrusion ( s ) and or segment ( s ) 260 along wall 240 . it is contemplated that spring catch 20 may be hollow and have an aperture and or opening through length 230 with an open ended top 210 and bottom 220 . it is also understood that top 210 may not be open and have a solid portion not depicted . a j - shaped hook or hooks 160 is generally formed from segments 260 wherein the distal end ( s ) 270 has a j - shaped end ( s ). it is also understood that distal end ( s ) 270 may look more like an l - shape and the term j - shaped should not be considered to limit the invention to such . generally top 210 is formed not to flex and or compress but remain essentially rigid . slits ( s ) 250 allow segment ( s ) 260 to change the circumference of bottom 220 from un - flexed and or non compressed spring catch 20 of original circumference 175 to a flexed and or compressed smaller circumference 165 . generally , compression and or flexion occur when segment ( s ) 260 bend inward . it is contemplated top 210 does not bend nor bottom 220 . distal end ( s ) 270 are contemplated to also stay generally rigid . it is further contemplated bottom nose 30 may include a recessed lip portion 280 wherein after engagement of valve seat 90 by spring catch 20 , distal end ( s ) 270 of j - shaped hook or hooks 160 are generally trapped against bottom nose 30 after spring catch 20 slides into position for extraction . it is contemplated that this may generally add structural support to bottom 220 of spring catch 20 as well as keep spring catch 20 in original circumference 175 during the removal process . changes may be made in the combinations , operations , and arrangements of the various parts and elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . furthermore , names , titles , headings and general division of the aforementioned are provided for convenience and should , therefore , not be considered limiting .
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there is shown in fig1 a terminal applicator 10 having a frame 12 , a reciprocating ram 14 , and a terminal feed mechanism 16 . the frame 12 includes first and second upright plates 18 and 20 , respectively , and a base plate 22 which are rigidly attached to each other in an orthogonal arrangement as shown . the frame 12 includes a ramway 24 which guides the ram 14 in its reciprocating movement toward and away from the base plate 22 . a crimping anvil and terminal guide track , not shown , typically mount to the base plate and mating terminal and insulation crimping bars , not shown , mount to the ram 14 . the crimping bars operationally engage the crimping anvil in the usual manner for attaching the terminals to their respective conductors during operation of the applicator . the feed mechanism 16 , as shown in fig3 , 5 , and 6 , includes first , second , and third links 34 , 36 , and 38 , respectively , each of which is pivotally attached to a respective standoff or boss extending from the frame 12 , the three links having the pivot axes 40 , 42 , and 44 , respectively which are mutually parallel . each of the standoffs has a reduced diameter end that extends into and is a slip fit with a hole 49 in its respective link so that the link is free to pivot . a screw 50 with flat washer 51 is threaded into a hole in the standoff 48 to maintain the link in place , as best seen in fig1 . a feed end point adjusting mechanism 46 is pivotally attached to an end of the third link 38 opposite the pivot axis 44 , as best seen in fig3 and 4 , and will be described below . the first and second links 34 and 36 each have gear teeth 52 and 54 , respectively , extending outwardly into mutual meshing engagement so that when the first link is pivoted in a first rotational direction counterclockwise the second link is made to pivot in a second opposite rotational direction clockwise . as best seen in fig5 the first link 34 includes a stud 56 extending from an end thereof and secured in place by means of a nut tightly threaded onto a threaded end 60 of the stud . another end 62 of the stud has a follower roller 64 journaled for rotation thereon . as shown in fig1 and 3 , a cam bar 72 having a cam surface 74 is attached to and carried by the ram 14 . the follower 64 is in following engagement with the cam surface 74 so that as the ram 14 moves toward the base plate 22 , the cam surface 74 causes the follower 64 to move toward the left , as viewed in fig3 thereby causing the first link to pivot counterclockwise about the axis 40 and the second link 36 to pivot clockwise about the axis 42 . a return compression spring 68 is arranged between the frame 12 and the second link 36 to return the first and second links to their original positions when the ram and cam bar 72 are retracted . the second link 36 includes a projection 70 that extends into one end of the spring 68 and a similar projection extends from the frame into the other end of the spring to hold the spring in position . as best seen in fig3 and 5 , the second link includes a first elongated opening 80 and the third link includes a second elongated opening 82 . a slide member 84 includes a projection 86 that is a sliding fit with the second elongated opening 82 and is held captive to the third link by means of a screw 88 that extends through a washer 90 and into a threaded hole formed in the projection 86 . a knurled cap 94 is attached to the screw 88 by means of an opening in the cap that is a light press fit with the head of the screw . the knurled cap aids in easy manual adjustment of the screw , the purpose of which will be explained below . a diameter 96 extends outwardly from the slide member opposite the projection 86 and includes a groove 98 near its end . a follower roller 100 is journaled for rotation on the diameter 96 and held in place by means of a retaining ring 102 in the groove 98 . the follower roller 100 is sized to be closely received within the elongated opening 80 . a series of deep serrations 104 are formed along an edge of the third link 38 , as shown in fig3 and 5 . the slide member 84 includes an ear 106 extending outwardly therefrom and closely adjacent the edge of the third link having the serrations 104 . the ear 106 includes a threaded through hole 108 into which a relatively long thumb screw 110 is threaded . the thumb screw 110 extends through a hole 112 in a flange 114 that projects from the side of the third link 38 and is held in position by means of a retaining ring 116 in a groove 118 in the thumb screw , the head of the screw and the retaining ring straddling the flange 114 . an indica mark 119 is formed on a side of the ear 106 adjacent the serrations 104 as a visual aid for adjusting the position of the slide member 84 when changing the length of feed stroke , as will be described below . the feed end point adjusting mechanism 46 is pivotally attached to the end of the third link 38 by means of a screw 120 , lock washer 122 , and bushing 124 . the bushing is a slip fit with a hole 126 formed through the end of the third link . the screw 120 extends through the lock washer and bushing , the hole 126 , and into a threaded hole formed in a block 128 of the mechanism 46 . a torsion spring 132 is disposed about the screw 120 within a cavity 134 formed in the block 128 . one end of the torsion spring is latched against an edge of the cavity 134 and the other end of the spring is latched against the third link 38 so that the feed end point adjusting mechanism 46 is urged to pivot clockwise , as viewed in fig3 . as shown in fig6 the feed end point adjusting mechanism 46 includes the block 128 and a slide 136 having two parallel arms 138 and 140 in sliding engagement with two grooves 142 and 144 formed in opposite sides of the block 128 . the slide 136 has an upwardly formed tab 146 having a hole 148 formed therein , the axis of the hole being parallel with the arms 138 and 140 . an elongated hole 150 is formed through an end of the slide 136 with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the arms 138 and 140 . a relatively long thumb screw 152 having a reduced diameter end 154 and a retaining ring groove 156 extends through and in threaded engagement with a threaded hole 158 formed through the block 128 . the reduced diameter 154 extends through a thrust washer 162 and the hole 148 , and is held captive by means of a retaining ring 160 in the groove 156 . a knurled cap 164 is attached to the screw 152 by means of an opening in the cap that is a light press fit with the head of the screw . the knurled cap aids in easy manual adjustment of the screw when positioning the end feed point . by rotating the thumb screw 152 the slide 136 is made to slide within the grooves 142 and 144 to a desired position . a thumb screw 166 is threaded into a threaded hole formed in the block 128 and intersecting the groove 142 . the thumb screw 166 is used to tighten against the arm 138 when securing the slide 136 in position . a knurled cap 168 is attached to the screw 166 by means of an opening in the cap that is a light press fit with the head of the screw . a terminal feed finger 170 is attached to a support block 172 by means of two screws 174 that extend through clearance holes 176 in the feed finger and into threaded holes 178 in the support block . the support block 172 is secured to the slide 136 by means of a screw 180 that extends through a flat washer 182 , the elongated hole 150 , and into threaded engagement with the hole 184 . the lateral position of the feed finger 170 can be easily adjusted by loosing the screw 180 , moving the support block to the desired position , and then again tightening the screw 180 . as stated above the action of the torsion spring 132 causes the feed end point adjusting mechanism 46 to pivot clockwise , as viewed in fig3 . this keeps the feed finger 170 in feeding engagement with the strip of terminals in the terminal guide track . the first , second , and third links 34 , 36 , and 38 , respectively , and the slide 136 are stamped from sheet material thereby minimizing the cost of manufacturing the feed mechanism with respect to prior art feed mechanisms having cast and machined parts . the operation of the feed mechanism 16 will now be described with reference to fig3 , 8 , and 9 . the slide member 84 is shown in its full up position as viewed in fig3 and 7 . this yields the longest feed stroke . in fig7 a terminal guide track is indicated by the phantom line 194 and has a strip of terminals thereon , indicated by the phantom lines 196 and 198 , respectively . the starting position of the feed finger 170 , as shown in fig3 is shown in phantom lines 200 , in fig7 with the finger against a terminal 198 . as the ram 14 moves toward the base plate 22 the cam surface 74 causes the follower 64 to move left thereby pivoting the first link 34 counterclockwise . this causes the second and third links 36 and 38 to pivot clockwise and counterclockwise , respectively , thereby moving the feed finger 170 along a feed path 204 to the position shown in solid lines in fig7 . the thumb screw 152 is adjusted to position the terminal 198 directly in line with the crimping tooling , not shown , and the thumb screw 166 is then tightened against the slide 136 locking it in place . when it is desired to shorten the feed stroke the thumb screw 88 is loosened and the thumb screw 110 is adjusted to cause the slide member 84 to move downwardly , as viewed in fig7 a desired amount or to a maximum down position , as shown in fig8 which provides the shortest feed stroke . as the projection 86 of the slide member 84 moves downwardly within the second elongated opening the slide member moves toward the second pivot axis 42 and away from the third pivot axis 44 . the starting position of the feed finger 170 , as shown in fig8 is shown in phantom lines 202 in fig9 with the finger against a terminal 198 . as the ram 14 moves toward the base plate 22 the cam surface 74 causes the follower 64 to move left thereby pivoting the first link 34 counterclockwise . this causes the second and third links 36 and 38 to pivot clockwise and counterclockwise , respectively , thereby moving the feed finger 170 to the position shown in solid lines in fig9 . the thumb screw 166 is loosened and the thumb screw 152 is then adjusted to position the terminal 198 directly in line with the crimping tooling , not shown , and the thumb screw 166 is then tightened against the slide 136 locking it in place . when it is desired to lengthen the feed stroke the thumb screw 88 is loosened and the thumb screw 110 is adjusted to cause the slide member 84 to move upwardly , as viewed in fig8 a desired amount or to a maximum up position , as shown in fig3 which provides the longest feed stroke . as the projection 86 of the slide member 84 moves upwardly within the second elongated opening the slide member moves toward the third pivot axis 42 and away from the second pivot axis 44 . any desired length of feed stroke between that shown in fig7 and 9 can be achieved in this manner . the feed mechanism 16 has been illustrated and described in side feed configuration , as shown in fig1 . however , the component parts of the feed mechanism 16 can easily be rearranged on the frame 12 in end feed configuration , as shown in fig2 . in this case , the identical parts are used including the first , second , and third links 34 , 36 , and 38 , respectively and the feed end point adjusting mechanism 46 . the only differences being that the three links are pivotally attached to the three standoffs or bosses 186 that extend from the upright plate 20 , and the cain bar 72 is mounted on a different side of the ram 14 . in all other respects the two configurations are identical in structure . the operation of the feed mechanism when in the end feed configuration is similar to that described above except that the first , second , and third links 34 , 36 , and 38 , respectively , pivot in rotational directions that are opposite to those occurring in the side feed configuration . all other operational characteristics are identical in both configurations . an important advantage of the present invention is that the components of the feed mechanism are reconfigurable between side feed and end feed thereby reducing the quantity of different parts that must be manufactured and inventoried . additionally , this conversion of the applicator from one configuration to the other can be accomplished in the field by the end user . another important advantage is that the major operating components are manufactured by stamping and forming thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs . further , the adjusting mechanisms for the feed stroke length and for the feed end point are independent resulting in a simple easily performed adjustment procedure .
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the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown . as those skilled in the art would realize , the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways , all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention . the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive . like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification . fig1 shows a flowchart of a manufacturing method of a flow passage network ( hereinafter referred to as โ a manufacturing method โ for convenience ) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention , and fig2 shows a schematic diagram of bifurcated branches applied to a flow passage network manufactured according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 and 2 , an exemplary embodiment shows a method of optimizing geometric factors upon which a first branch 21 and a second branch 22 are bifurcated from a mother vessel 10 , and exemplarily shows the individual lengths l 0 , l 1 , and l 2 , diameters d 0 , d 1 , and d 2 , and bifurcation angles ฮธ 1 , ฮธ 2 , and ฮธ 1 + 2 of the mother vessel 10 , the first branch 21 , and the second branch 22 , in order to minimize flow loss occurring in a flow passage 2 . as shown in fig2 , the flow passage 2 may be configured in a single bifurcation form in which the first branch 21 and the second branch 22 are bifurcated from the mother vessel 10 , or may be configured in forms of flow passage networks 4 and 6 ( see fig4 and 5 ) by combining single bifurcations if necessary . therefore , the manufacturing method according to the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to determining geometric factors in the flow passage 2 of a single bifurcation , but also includes determining geometric factors in the flow passage networks 4 and 6 . referring to fig2 , the length l 0 is set between one end of the mother vessel 10 and a bifurcated point b , the length l 1 is set between the bifurcated point b and an end of the first branch 21 , and the length l 2 is set between the bifurcated point b and an end of the second branch 22 . the diameters d 0 , d 1 , and d 2 are set in the mother vessel 10 , the first branch 21 , and the second branch 22 , respectively . the bifurcation angle ฮธ 1 is set between an extended center line of the mother vessel 10 and the first branch 21 , the bifurcation angle ฮธ 2 is set between an extended center line of the mother vessel 10 and the second branch 22 , and the bifurcation angle ฮธ 1 + 2 is set between the first branch 21 and the second branch 22 . the manufacturing method according to the present exemplary embodiment has been developed on the basis of observation of microcirculation systems of human bodies and hydrodynamic theoretical formulae . fig3 shows a schematic diagram of fluid flow inside a circular tube . referring to fig3 , when flow in a circular tube 8 has a laminar flow characteristic , the hagen - poiseuille flow , a pressure drop ฮดp , and wall - face shearing stress t w are the same as in equation 1 , and a flow rate q (= inflow rate q in = outflow rate q out ) is the same as in equation 2 . here , d is the diameter of the circular tube 8 , l is the length of the circular tube 8 , and ฮผ is a viscosity coefficient of a fluid . meanwhile , according to murray &# 39 ; s law derived by a minimum work principle , in order to minimize flow energy loss of a fluid flowing from the mother vessel 10 to the first branch 21 and the second branch 22 ( see fig2 ), the relationship as in equation 3 should be established . further , in order to minimize the flow energy loss , the relationships as in equations 4 to 6 between optimal bifurcation angles ฮธ 1 , ฮธ 2 , and ฮธ 1 + 2 and the diameters d 0 , d 1 , and d 2 of the mother vessel 10 and the first and second branches 21 and 22 are established . since a is the radius of the passage , the relationship of d = 2ฮฑ is established . that is , the relationships of ฮฑ 0 = d 0 / 2 , ฮฑ 1 = d 1 / 2 , and ฮฑ 2 = d 2 / 2 are established . it is possible to optimize the flow passage 2 composed of the single bifurcation of the mother vessel 10 and the first and second branches 21 and 22 through the relational equations between the geometric factors , that is , equations 3 to 6 , and it is possible to optimize the entire flow passage networks 4 and 6 composed of a combination of such optimized signal bifurcations . in general , murray &# 39 ; s law relates to a minimizing energy required for fluid flow . it is known that the mother vessel 10 and the first and second branches 21 and 22 manufactured on the basis of murray &# 39 ; s law minimize flow disturbances at the bifurcated point b ( see fig2 ). particularly , an exponent 3 seen in murray &# 39 ; s law has a low loss coefficient with respect to diameter ratio of almost all branches . the manufacturing method of the flow passage 2 according to an exemplary embodiment may be implemented as a manufacturing process shown in fig1 . the manufacturing method of an exemplary embodiment includes a first step st 10 , a second step st 20 , a third step st 30 , a fourth step st 40 , a fifth step st 50 , and a sixth step st 60 . the first step st 10 sets the diameter d 0 of the mother vessel 10 to 1 , and sets the bifurcation angel ฮธ 1 of the first branch 21 to a predetermined value that is a known design specification value . the second step st 20 calculates the diameter d 1 of the first branch 21 by substituting the diameter d 0 of the mother vessel 10 and the bifurcation angle ฮธ 1 of the first branch 21 set in the first step st 10 into equation 4 . the third step st 30 calculates the diameter d 2 of the second branch 22 by substituting the diameter d 0 of the mother vessel 10 and the diameter d 1 of the first branch 21 calculated in the second step st 20 into equation 3 . the fourth step st 40 calculates the bifurcation angle ฮธ 2 of the second branch 22 by substituting the diameter d 0 of the mother vessel 10 and the diameter d 2 of the second branch 22 calculated in the third step st 30 into equation 5 . the fifth step st 50 checks whether all the geometric factors d 0 , d 1 , d 2 , ฮธ 1 , ฮธ 2 , and ฮธ 1 + 2 having been calculated in the first , second , third , and fourth steps st 10 , st 20 , st 30 , and st 40 have correct values by using equation 6 . the sixth step st 60 determines whether a next bifurcated stage is in the first or second branch 21 or 22 . when the first or second branch 21 or 22 is bifurcated , the process returns to the first step st 10 to calculate geometric factors of the next branches . when the first and second branches 21 and 22 are not bifurcated , the process finishes . when the first or second branch 21 or 22 is bifurcated , the first or second branch 21 or 22 becomes a mother vessel and the next branches become first and second branches . it is possible to manufacture the mother vessel 10 and the first and second branches 21 and 22 with desired design specification values through the first to sixth steps st 10 to st 60 , and it is possible to optimize the entire flow passage networks 4 and 6 composed of a combination of bifurcated branches by performing calculations with respect to the next branches ( not shown ) bifurcated from the first or second branch 21 or 22 by repeating the same process . the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment exemplifies a method of calculating the other geometric factors d 1 , d 2 , ฮธ 2 , and ฮธ 1 + 2 from the diameter d 0 of the mother vessel 10 and the bifurcation angle ฮธ 1 of the first branch 21 . further , even though not shown , it is possible to calculate the other geometric factors d 2 , ฮธ 1 , ฮธ 2 , and ฮธ 1 + 2 from the diameter d 0 of the mother vessel 10 and the diameter d 1 of the first branch 21 , and it is possible to calculate the other geometric factors d 1 , ฮธ 1 , ฮธ 2 , and ฮธ 1 + 2 from the diameter d 0 of the mother vessel 10 and the diameter d 2 of the second branch 22 . in order to verify equations 3 to 6 and obtain information of the geometric factors actually used during manufacturing of the flow passage 2 , the results in table 1 ( measured values of geometric factors of circulation systems ) were obtained by performing measurement with respect to circulation systems of living bodies . in table 1 , the ratio d 2 / d 1 of the diameters d 1 and d 2 of the first and second branches 21 and 22 is 1 . 001 , which means that almost all branches existing in a circulation system of a living body have the symmetric bifurcation ( d 1 = d 2 ) pattern . if a calculation is performed by substituting d 1 = d 2 into equations 3 to 6 on the basis of the measured results , it can be seen that the measured values shown in table 1 are very similar to the theoretical values ( d 1 / d 0 = d 2 / d 0 = 2 โ 1 / 3 โ 0 . 794 , ฮณ = 2 1 / 3 โ 1 . 260 , ฮธ 1 = ฮธ 2 = 37 . 5 ยฐ) of the geometric factors of the symmetric branch system . the manufacturing method of the first to sixth steps st 10 to st 60 is effective as manufacturing guidelines of each of the first and second branches 21 and 22 . however , in order to manufacture the configuration of the entire flow passage network 4 or 6 , manufacture conditions of the diameters d 1 and d 2 and lengths l 1 and l 2 of the first and second branches 21 and 22 are additionally required . therefore , the manufacturing method of an exemplary embodiment may further include a seventh step st 70 . the seventh step st 70 optimizes the global flow resistance of the flow passage network 4 that is sequentially bifurcated . fig4 shows a schematic diagram of a flow passage network composed of a combination of bifurcated branches . referring to fig4 , additional manufacturing conditions of the flow passage network 4 are derived through optimization of the global flow resistance of the flow passage network 4 that is sequentially bifurcated as shown in fig4 . the global flow resistance p total the flow passage network 4 shown in of fig4 is the same as in equation 7 . here , v and { dot over ( m )} represent the kinematic viscosity coefficient and a mass flow rate , respectively , and i represents a bifurcation generation number . a resistance factor which is an important geometric factor having a great effect on the global flow resistance p total can be considered as l / d 4 represented by a ratio of a length l and a diameter d . a manufacturing condition of the length l and the diameter d which are geometric factors constituting the resistance factor is obtained as follows . first , in a case of symmetric bifurcation ( d 1 = d 2 ), murray &# 39 ; s law of equation 3 is the same as in equation 8 . a volume v i of a branch in each bifurcation generation of fig4 is expressed as equation 9 . if a condition in which volumes of branches in each bifurcation generation i are the same ( v i is constant ) is applied to equation 9 , the manufacturing condition of the diameter d and length l of a branch is determined . ( d i + 1 d i ) 2 = 2 - 2 3 ( l i + 1 l i ) = 2 - 1 3 is satisfied . that is , a reduction ratio of the diameter d and the length l is the same as in equation 10 . as the generation number increases in the flow passage network 4 , it is possible to minimize loss caused by the flow resistance , if the length l and the diameter d are reduced at a ratio of 2 โ 1 / 3 , that is , by about 20 . 63 %. fig5 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a flow passage network using the manufacturing method of fig1 . referring to fig5 , a flow passage network 6 manufactured by applying the manufacturing method of an exemplary embodiment is illustrated . since the flow passage network 6 that is optimally manufactured optimizes individual branches and the entire flow passage 6 through equations 1 to 10 , it is possible to minimize flow loss . further , even though the description has been made in an exemplary embodiment by exemplifying the flow passage network in which the mother vessel and the branches are formed to have a circular cross - section , the exemplary embodiment can be applied in the same way to a flow passage network configured to have a rectangular cross - section . while this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments , but , on the contrary , is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims .
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referring to fig1 and 2 , an embodiment of tissue pattern paper is shown . in the respective figs ., tissue pattern paper 1 comprises a sheet made of tissue paper material measuring 20 by 36 inches ( fig1 ) and 51 by 91 centimeters ( fig2 ), on which there are a series of straight lines ruled 1 / 4 inch ( fig1 ) and 1 / 2 centimeter ( fig2 ) apart , vertically 2 and horizontally 3 . every line that equals a measurement of 1 inch ( fig1 ) and 1 centimeter ( fig2 ), vertically 4 and horizontally 5 , has a heavier marking than the rest of the lines so as to stand out from the rest of the lines to facilitate measuring . beginning at the first heavier marked line , vertically 6 and horizontally 7 , and each heavier marked line thereafter , the lines are , starting with number 1 , numbered consecutively on the border of the four sides of the tissue pattern paper . because the body measurements of most commercial tissue paper patterns sold today are in proportion , but the bodies of most people buying the patterns are not , alterations ranging from minor to major are required on the patterns before they can be used in making good fitting garments for the people using them . commercial tissue paper patterns give very few body measurements , and those that are given , are for use in selecting a pattern size closest to one &# 39 ; s body measurements . for example : a size 14 pattern would normally show a waist size of 28 inches ( 71 cm ) and a hip size of 38 inches ( 97 cm ). but these waist and hip sizes are of little use in altering a pattern because how much of the 28 inches ( 71 cm ) and 38 inches ( 97 cm ) are for the front of the waist and hips and how much for the back are not known and must be known before comparison can be made with a person &# 39 ; s corresponding body parts . the front half of a person &# 39 ; s waist / hips , like the front half of so many other parts of the body , seldom , if ever , measure the same as the corresponding back half . the first step , therefore , in altering one of the above patterns is to measure the various parts of the pattern so that comparison can be made to the corresponding body parts . for instance , a dress pattern where the top ( bodice ) and skirt join at the waist would require the taking of many measurements if a good fitting garment were later to be made from it . the measurements required would be as follows : ( 1 ) the various parts of the front top ( bodice ) pattern piece would have to be measured ( the neck , shoulder length , bust , waist , shoulder to waist , center front , plus other measurements depending on the design of the pattern ), ( 2 ) the various parts of back top ( bodice ) pattern piece , and ( 3 ) the various parts of the front skirt pattern piece and ( 4 ) the various parts of the back skirt pattern piece . if the various parts were measured with a measuring tape , a ruler , a measuring device in combination with another measuring device , or some other current means of measuring , the process would be time consuming for , by and large , each part would have to be measured separately . one advantage of tissue pattern paper is that it greatly reduces the time it takes to measure a pattern piece for the user of the pattern piece has simply to place the pattern piece on top of an accommodating sized sheet of tissue pattern paper and practically any measurement needed can be seen almost at a glance . measuring the various parts of the pattern pieces of the above dress pattern with tissue pattern paper would take far less time than it would if the same measurements were taken with the current measuring means available to the public . tissue pattern paper not only saves time when measuring , but when doing the actual alteration / s as well . for example : the pattern manufacturer states on the pattern the length of &# 34 ; finished back from waist &# 34 ; of the above skirt is 271 / 2 inches ( 69 . 85 cm ). the pattern user in measuring the back skirt pattern piece with tissue pattern paper noted the bottom edge of the skirt rested on the 291 / 2 inch ( 74 . 93 cm ) line of the tissue pattern paper . thus the skirt had a hem of 2 inches ( 5 . 08 cm ). the user decides to lengthen the skirt 11 / 2 inches ( 3 . 81 cm ). the advantage of doing this alteration with tissue pattern paper rather than without it is as follows : ( 1 ) cut the front ( later the back ) skirt pattern piece in two where the pattern manufacturer designates the pattern piece should be cut for lengthening or shortening ( 2 ) move the bottom edge of the skirt pattern piece from the 291 / 2 inch ( 74 . 93 cm ) line on the tissue pattern paper to the 31 inch ( 78 . 74 cm ) line or the user could insert a scrap strip of tissue pattern paper containing 6 of the 1 / 4 inch ( 6 . 3 cm ) units ( for a total of 11 / 2 inches or 74 . 93 cm ) between the two cut edges ( 3 ) tape the 11 / 2 inch ( 3 . 81 cm ) strip of tissue pattern paper now between the two cut sections to the sections ( 1 ) do step 1 above ( 2 ) tape a strip of plain tissue paper to one of the edges of the two cut sections ( 3 ) with a measuring tape , ruler , or some other measuring device , measure 11 / 2 inches ( 3 . 81 cm ) out from one cut edge and mark measurement ( mark in two places for accuracy ) on the plain tissue paper ( 5 ) tape the 11 / 2 inch ( 3 . 81 cm ) strip of plain tissue paper now between the two cut sections to the sections by using tissue pattern paper , two steps in the process of lengthening a skirt have been eliminated while at the same time insuring greater accuracy of measurement than if done without tissue pattern paper because the user could , for example , have measured 11 / 2 inches ( 3 . 81 cm ) for one mark and 11 / 4 inches ( 3 . 18 cm ) for the other mark , an easy mistake , which when realized would take time to correct . besides lengthening the skirt , the user needs to enlarge the front skirt pattern piece to allow for her protruding stomach and thus insure that the skirt side seams hang straight rather than swing to the front as often happens when there is a stomach protrusion . comparison of the user &# 39 ; s body measurements to the pattern measurements show the stomach area of the skirt pattern piece needs to be enlarged 3 / 4 inch ( 1 . 90 cm ) where the stomach protrudes the most , that being 31 / 4 inches ( 8 . 25 cm ) down from the waist at center front . the steps involved in doing this alteration with and without tissue pattern paper are as follows : using the lines and measurements on the tissue pattern paper , the user would : ( 1 ) cut the front skirt pattern piece horizontally along the 31 / 4 inch ( 8 . 25 cm ) line of the tissue pattern paper from center front to , but not through , the side seam ( 2 ) spread the cut 3 / 4 inch ( 1 . 9 cm ) on tissue pattern paper at center front thereby leaving the spread to taper out to nothing at the side seam since the user &# 39 ; s body measurement and the pattern piece measurement are the same at that point since pattern manufacturers don &# 39 ; t designate a line on a skirt pattern piece for stomach alterations , the user would have to : ( 1 ) measure down 31 / 4 inches ( 8 . 25 cm ) from waist at center front and at the side seam , and mark measurements ( 3 ) cut along the drawn line from center front to , but not through , the side seam ( 4 ) tape plain tissue paper along the edge of one of the cuts ( 5 ) at center front measure from cut 3 / 4 inch ( 1 . 9 cm ) on plain tissue paper and mark ( 6 ) at center front place the other cut edge on the mark the advantage of using tissue pattern paper over not using it for the above alterations is obvious in that tissue pattern paper comprised ( 1 ) the measurements , ( 2 ) the lines for alignment , and ( 3 ) the tissue material needed to lengthen / enlarge the pattern pieces . as a result , the alterations could be done ( 1 ) faster , ( 2 ) easier , and ( 3 ) with a greater assurance of accuracy as a whole , with the use of tissue pattern paper . whether it &# 39 ; s enlarging a pattern piece as above , or reducing a pattern piece , it is advantageous to use tissue pattern paper because tissue pattern paper comprises the means to do an enlargement or reduction of a pattern piece faster , easier , and with a greater assurance of accuracy than if done without it . for the most part , doing alterations with the use of tissue pattern paper involves cutting pattern pieces where normally they would be cut for certain alterations , then moving the pattern pieces up or down , in or out , on an accommodating sized sheet of tissue pattern paper until the pieces are placed at the desired measurement . but the advantage of using tissue pattern paper is not limited to the altering of all or part of a tissue paper pattern . another advantage is it enables the user to change the design of parts of the pattern without changing the original pattern . for example : if a user has a good fitting dress pattern with a round neck and straight skirt and wants to use the pattern to make an after - five dress with a vee neck and a full skirt , the user can do so easily with tissue pattern paper . for the neck , the user would simply place a sheet of tissue pattern paper on top ( not under as in the case for alterations ) of the front top ( bodice ) dress pattern piece so that a line on the tissue pattern paper lines up with the center front line on the pattern piece . using the center front line on the pattern piece , pinpoint on the tissue pattern paper the desired depth of the vee . using the shoulder and neck lines on the pattern piece , pinpoint on the tissue pattern paper , the desired width of the vee . connect the pinpoints . starting at width of vee on shoulder , trace along shoulder about 11 / 2 ( 3 . 81 cm ) to 2 inches ( 5 . 08 cm ). at depth of vee on center front , trace down about 11 / 2 ( 3 . 81 cm ) to 2 inches ( 5 . 08 cm ). draw a diagonal line connecting end of lines . tissue pattern paper will now show a portion of the front top ( bodice ) pattern piece with a vee neck . this &# 34 ; alternate &# 34 ; vee neck pattern piece when cut out of the tissue pattern paper , will later be lined up with the appropriate lines on the pattern piece when the latter is used to make the dress . the round neck and surrounding area on the original pattern piece will simply be folded back to make room for the alternate vee shaped neck pattern piece . as for the full skirt , two or more sheets of tissue pattern paper would be taped together and lined up on top of the front skirt pattern piece . marks designating desired fullness of the skirt would be marked on the tissue pattern paper and lines drawn connecting the marks . the waist line would be traced from the skirt pattern piece on to the tissue pattern paper thereby making a new alternate front skirt pattern piece with a full skirt . the steps would be repeated for the alternate back skirt pattern piece . to make the above alternate neck and skirt pattern pieces with the use of plain tissue paper and the current measuring devices and means for making such alternate pattern pieces , would take more time , be more difficult , and wouldn &# 39 ; t have the assurance of overall accuracy that it would otherwise have with the use of tissue pattern paper . another advantage of tissue pattern paper is those people who don &# 39 ; t like to cut on the original pattern to make alterations or changes of any kind don &# 39 ; t have to . some people like to use a pattern more than once , particularly if it is an expensive pattern , so don &# 39 ; t like to cut the original pattern in any way , especially if major alterations are needed to be made on it . one example of this is when a person &# 39 ; s measurements fluctuate because of weight gain or loss . because the original pattern is made of tissue paper , it is not likely to hold up if too many alterations have to be made on it each time it is used . therefore , those pieces of the pattern where the major alterations would be needed can be transferred on to the tissue pattern paper . the transferred pieces then act as the original pieces and the alterations are made on them with the use of other sheet / s of tissue pattern paper . another advantage of tissue pattern paper is that a person can , with the use of tissue pattern paper , make a pattern from imagination , a picture , a piece of clothing , or whatever else the idea for a pattern comes from . for example : if a woman saw a picture of a blouse she liked and wanted to make , she could pinpoint her front body measurements on an accommodating sized sheet of tissue pattern paper , allowing for ease , drape or other design allowance , plus seam allowance . she could then connect the pinpoints while at the same time drawing the pattern piece . likewise , she could do the same for the back pattern piece . another advantage of tissue pattern paper is that it can accommodate the user &# 39 ; s needs in terms of big or small . because of its units of measurement and lines , two or more sheets of tissue pattern paper can be easily joined together without affecting the accuracy or function of the tissue pattern paper in any way . likewise , a sheet of tissue pattern paper can be decreased to the smallest of sizes without accuracy or function being affected . another advantage of tissue pattern paper is that there is little or no waste with it . any unused portion , big or small , of a sheet of tissue pattern paper , because of the units of measurements and lines , can be used for a variety of alterations , as well as for making a variety of patterns and pattern pieces , including small pattern / pattern pieces such as doll clothing pattern / pattern pieces . another advantage of tissue pattern paper is that its use is not limited to the field of apparel , be that male or female , children or adult apparel . the field of crafts is but one of many other fields where the use of tissue pattern paper would be advantageous . still another advantage of tissue pattern paper is that it is a general - purpose device , that being it is designed or adaptable for more than one use . example : a man wants an alteration person to change his ready - made flared - legged trousers to straight - legged . with the use of tissue pattern paper , the alteration person could line a leg seam up on the tissue pattern paper and immediately know how much flare would have to be removed to make the trousers straight - legged . because tissue pattern paper is a general - purpose device , all of its uses and advantages are too numerous to mention . but aside from its many uses and advantages , tissue pattern paper has an advantage in that it is simple to use , easy to store and inexpensive to buy .
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as illustrated in fig1 the press comprises a base structure or frame 50 which is provided with a ram 9 and a fixed table 52 . support bearings 12 , in which guide shafts 11 are able to move in the direction of the y - axis , are mounted on the fixed table 52 . two adjacent guide shafts 11 are fixedly connected to two cross - bars 10 which extend in the direction of the x - axis . the front cross - bar 10 forms the fixed section of the x - carriage 40 and moves the latter with it in the y - direction in the event of displacement of the guide shafts 11 through the support bearings 12 . the carriage 40 can move in the direction of the x - axis on the cross - bar 10 , inter - alia , by means of the handles 13 which allow manual actuation . a similar carriage 54 is arranged on the rear cross - bar 10 , and the pcb 2 is attached between the rear carriage 54 and the front carriage 40 , it being possible to move this pcb in the direction of the x - axis by means of the carriage 40 and in the direction of the y - axis by means of the guide shafts 11 . as shown more clearly in fig2 the pcb 2 is , at various locations , provided with series of holes 5 which correspond to the selected insertion zone into which the attachment pins 7 ( of the press - fit type ) of a connector 1 have to be inserted . for this purpose , the ram 9 of the press is provided with an insertion die 4 , and the fixed table 52 is provided with an anvil 3 . the central point of this insertion die 4 and of the anvil 3 both lie in the same vertical insertion centre line โ c โ. since the contact pins 7 of the connector 1 project out of the bottom of the pcb 2 during insertion , the anvil 3 is provided at regular intervals with grooves 6 , in order to create space for the projecting sections of the contact pins 7 . if the connector 1 also contains contact pins 7 which project on the top side , the insertion die 4 is likewise provided with grooves 8 at regular intervals . consequently , it is clear that the projecting sections of the contact pins 7 , together with the connector housing 1 , have to be accurately aligned , on the one hand with respect to the grooves 6 in the fixed anvil 3 , and on the other hand with respect to the grooves 8 in the insertion die 4 , and this alignment must be correct both in the direction of the x - axis and in the direction of the y - axis . an exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in fig3 . as already described with reference to fig1 the guide shafts 11 are supported and guided by the support bearings 12 , which are fixedly connected to the frame 50 of the press . on their front side , the guide shafts 11 are connected to a front cross - bar 10 . a carriage 40 can be moved in the direction of the x - axis on this cross - bar 10 by means of the handles 13 . the pcb 2 is supported and guided by means of the front cross - bar 10 and the rear cross - bar 54 and is positioned in the x - direction by means of a fixed ( reference point ) stop 14 and a moveable stop 15 , which are attached to the carriage 40 and which clamp the pcb 2 in place . the pcb 2 , together with the connector 1 which is to be inserted , can consequently be moved in a horizontal plane , in the direction of the x - axis , from left to right by means of the carriage 40 , and in the direction of the y - axis by pulling forwards or pushing backwards the assembly comprising carriage 40 , cross - bars 10 - 54 and guide shafts 11 with respect to the fixed support bearings 12 of the frame 50 . one can imagine that such manual positioning of the pcb 2 with connector 1 with respect to the anvil 3 and the insertion die 4 is not a simple operation and cannot be carried out with sufficient accuracy . in order to remedy this problem , the front cross - bar 10 is provided with a linear encoder 17 in order to be able to detect the exact position of the pcb 2 and the insertion zone of the connector 1 in the direction of the x - axis . an identical linear encoder 18 is arranged along one of the guide shafts 11 , in order to be able to detect the exact position of the pcb 2 and the insertion zone of the connector 1 in the direction of the y - axis . the encoder 17 of the x - axis is electrically connected to the input of an x - control unit 16 a , which sends a signal to a screen 19 in order to numerically display the position of the x - carriage 40 . the output of the x - control unit 16 a is connected to a correction motor 27 , which is connected to a guide base 35 and a threaded spindle 26 , on which a correction carriage 25 can move in the direction of the x - axis . the motor 27 and the base 35 are fixed to the x - carriage 40 . the correction carriage 25 is provided with a brake system 24 , which can be moved in the x - direction by the carriage . if the brake is activated , the x - carriage 40 is moved along by the guide base 35 of the correction carriage 25 . according to the invention , the brake system 24 is automatically activated from the moment at which the pcb 2 which is connected to the carriage 40 is displaced manually until the time at which the x - coordinate whose data have been stored in advance in the x - control unit 16 a comes to lie within a limited distance from the centre line c of the insertion die 4 and the anvil 3 . to carry out a correction in the positioning in the direction of the y - axis , the encoder 18 is electrically connected to the input of a y - control unit 16 b , which sends a signal to the screen 19 in order to display the position of the guide shafts 11 in the direction of the y - axis , for example numerically . the output of the y - control unit 16 b is connected to a correction motor 23 , which is connected to a guide base 31 and a threaded spindle 22 on which a correction carriage 21 can move in the direction of the y - axis . the correction motor 23 and the guide base 31 are fixed on the frame 50 of the press . the correction carriage 21 is provided with a brake system 20 , which can be moved in the y - direction by the carriage . if the brake is activated , the guide shaft 11 is moved along by the correction carriage 21 . in this case , the brake system 20 is likewise activated from the moment at which the pcb 2 is moved manually to the time when the y - coordinate whose data has been stored in advance in the y - control unit comes to lie within a tracking zone , the area of which extends over a limited distance with respect to the centre line c of the impression die 4 and the anvil 3 of the press . to align an insertion zone of the connector 1 in the pcb 2 with respect to the centre line c of the anvil 3 and the insertion die 4 , it is assumed that the operator has to define a reference position in the x - direction and in the y - direction . all the coordinates of the insertion zones of the pcb 2 are defined in relation to this reference position . by means of the encoder 17 on the x - axis , the x - control unit 16 a can be adjusted or adapted to the actual position of the carriage 40 on the x - axis . by means of the encoder 18 on the y - axis , the y - control unit 16 b can be adjusted or adapted to the actual position of the guide shafts 11 and the carriage 40 on the y - axis . since the pcb 2 is fixedly connected to the carriage 40 , any position of the pcb 2 will be displayed on the screen 19 using the x and y coordinates . a programmable function can be used to set the control units 16 a and 16 b using a series of x - y coordinates . according to any x - y coordinate , the holes 5 in the insertion zones of the pcb 2 must correspond to the grooves 6 in the anvil 3 , and consequently also to the grooves 8 in the insertion die 4 , since anvil 3 and die 4 are fixedly connected to the frame 50 of the press and lie in the same vertical centre line c . while the positioning program is running , the control units 16 a and 16 b , with the aid of the encoders 17 and 18 , will establish the direction in which the carriage 40 will have to be moved . this may , for example , be achieved by means of arrows which , on the screen 19 , indicate the direction in which the carriage 40 , together with the pcb 2 and the connector 1 , has to be moved . if the carriage 40 is moved in such a way that it comes to lie at a limited , predetermined distance close to the programmed y - coordinate or centre line c , the y - control unit 16 b will activate the break system 20 . on the other hand , if the carriage 40 comes to lie at a defined distance close to the programmed x - coordinate or centre line c , the x - control unit 16 a will activate the brake system 24 . at that moment , the carriage 40 is blocked in both directions , and the screen 19 shows that the press can be operated . by means of the encoders 17 and 18 , the control unit , comprising an x - control unit 16 a and a y - control unit 16 b , can detect the actual position of the centre point p of the insertion zone z of the pcb 2 together with the connector 1 . if the actual position in the direction of the x - axis differs from the x - coordinate in the program , the x - control unit 16 a will start the motor 27 . this motor 27 will produce a rotational movement of the threaded spindle 26 , with the result that the correction carriage 25 will be moved to the left or to the right . since the brake system 24 is fixedly connected to the correction carriage 25 , and as the brake system 24 is clamped to the cross - bar 10 of the x - axis , the x - carriage 40 will move to the left or to the right through the rotation of the motor 27 . if the x - control unit 16 a rotates the motor 27 in a direction which is such that the actual x - position coincides with the programmed x - coordinate of the centre line c , the holes 5 in the pcb 2 will coincide in the x - direction with the grooves 6 in the anvil 3 . if the actual position in the direction of the y - axis differs from the programmed y - coordinate , the y - control unit 16 b will start the motor 23 . this motor 23 will rotate the threaded spindle 22 , with the result that the correction carriage 21 will be moved forwards or backwards . since the brake system 20 is fixedly connected to the correction carriage 21 , and as the brake system 20 is likewise clamped to the guide shaft 11 in the direction of the y - axis , the x - carriage 40 will be moved forwards or backwards through the rotation of the motor 23 . the y - control unit 16 b will rotate the motor 23 in such a direction until the actual y - position coincides with the programmed y - coordinate of the centre line c , and then the holes 5 in the pcb 2 in the y - direction will coincide with the grooves 6 in the anvil 3 . before the press is actuated , the x - control unit 16 a and the y - control unit 16 b , by means of the encoders 17 and 18 , will check the actual position of the pcb 2 . by means of the device according to the invention , the pcb 2 can rapidly be moved from one insertion position to the other . as soon as the pcb 2 is approximately within the limited tracking zone of correction carriages 21 and 25 , the brake systems 20 and 24 are activated . the control units 16 a , 16 b and the motors 23 , 27 then automatically assume responsibility for the further fine adjustment of the position of the pcb 2 . a fine adjustment in the direction of the x - and y - axes is also necessary for accurate positioning of the insertion die 4 with respect to the connector housing 1 , if the insertion die , which is generally of rectangular shape , has to penetrate into the connector housing , which is of corresponding design , as illustrated in fig2 .
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turning to fig1 a simplified block diagram of an electronic device 100 having an adaptive lcd power supply circuit 104 consistent with the invention is illustrated . the electronic device 100 may be a portable or non - portable electronic device utilizing an lcd 108 . portable electronic devices may include laptop computers , cell phones , pagers , personal digital assistants , and the like , while non - portable electronic devices may include televisions , desktop pcs , automotive controls , industrial controls , and the like . the electronic device 100 includes a power source 102 for supplying power to all the components of the device 100 including the lcd 108 driven by the lcd panel circuit 106 . the lcd 108 may be any variety of display , e . g ., an active matrix or passive matrix display , and the lcd panel circuit 106 may be any type of driving circuit known to those skilled in the art . the power source 102 may be any variety of power sources for providing power to the electronic device . for portable electronic devices , the power source 102 may be a stand alone power source such a rechargeable battery , e . g ., lithium , nickel - cadmium , or nickel - metal hydride batteries , or a solar power source . the power source may also be various external adapters such as an ac / dc โ block โ adapter or dc โ cigarette โ type adapter to provide power to the portable electronic device . such adapters may also provide power to recharge batteries for those devices having rechargeable batteries . for non - portable electronic devices the power supply may be an ac / dc converter for converting conventional 120 volt ac power from an outlet to a dc voltage level . advantageously , an electronic device 100 consistent with the invention includes an adaptive lcd power supply circuit 104 coupled to the power source 102 and the lcd panel circuit 106 . in general , the adaptive lcd power supply circuit 104 monitors at least one load parameter from the lcd panel circuit 106 and regulates at least one supply parameter supplied from the power source 102 such that the supply parameter is adjusted to match the load parameter . in one exemplary embodiment , the load parameter may be a load voltage and the supply parameter may be supply voltage . in this way , the adaptive lcd power supply circuit 106 provides adaptive or load following voltage to the lcd panel circuit 106 that follows the instantaneous voltage requirements of the lcd panel circuit 106 as display conditions on the lcd 108 vary . as such , power dissipation is minimized . therefore , the power efficiency of the device 100 is substantially improved . for a portable electronic device having a rechargeable battery for a power source 102 , this enables the device to have prolonged times between recharging of its battery , and / or to have a smaller size battery . turning to fig2 a simplified block diagram of an adaptive lcd power supply circuit 204 consistent with the invention is illustrated . the adaptive lcd power supply circuit 204 includes a feedback path . the feedback path may include the sensor 205 and a conducting path 209 coupling the sensor 205 to the regulating circuit 207 . the feedback path may be configured to sense at least one load parameter of the lcd panel circuit 206 and provide a feedback control signal along the conducting path 209 to the regulating circuit 207 . the regulating circuit 207 may be responsive to the control signal to adjust at least one supply parameter from the power source 202 such that the supply parameter is driven to match the load parameter . the regulating circuit 207 may be a variety of circuits known to those skilled in the art for regulating a predetermined power parameter . for instance , the regulating circuit may be a dc / dc converter where the supply parameter to be adjusted is dc voltage . such a regulating circuit 207 may also include a pulse width modulated ( pwm ) switching transistor circuit functioning as a dc - dc converter . the pwm signal may be generated by a comparator comparing the output signal from a respective error amplifier , e . g ., error amplifier 334 of fig3 with an input ramp signal . the resulting pwm signal may then control a switching circuit to boost , e . g ., with the switching transistor in parallel with the load , or buck , e . g ., with a switching transistor in series with the load , the input dc voltage to the desired output dc voltage level . turning to fig3 a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of an adaptive lcd power supply circuit 304 is illustrated . in this exemplary embodiment , the sensed load parameter is dc load voltage and the regulated supply parameter is dc supply voltage . a feedback path to the dc / dc converter 303 may include two paths . one path may include a light source such as the light emitting diode ( led ) 318 , a current source 319 , and a switch 313 . this path provides a signal to the minimum decision circuit 320 at the input terminal in 1 . the current source 319 sets the current for the led 318 . the led 318 may function as a backlight for an lcd panel . another path may include a sensor , e . g . transistor q 1 , to provide another signal to the input terminal in 2 of the minimum decision circuit 320 . the first path provides a signal to the minimum decision circuit 320 which is representative of the voltage across the current source 319 when the switch 313 is closed and representative of the voltage output from the dc / dc converter when the switch 313 is open . the other path provides another control signal to the minimum decision circuit 320 representative of the voltage across transistor q 1 . the transistor q 1 may be a variety of transistor types including a p - channel mosfet . an ldo control 332 may be coupled to the gate of the transistor q 1 to control the state of the transistor q 1 and whether or not power is supplied to a load at the output terminal 330 . when power is provided by the power source 302 to a load , e . g ., an lcd panel circuit , at output terminal 330 , the voltage vpass across the source and drain of the transistor q 1 varies in proportion to load changes and voltage requirements . hence , as the instantaneous load requirements of an lcd load panel circuit ( not illustrated ) which may be coupled to the output terminal 330 changes , the voltage level vpass across the source and drain changes proportionately . the voltage level vpass may then be input to a sense amplifier 310 , which amplifies the voltage level relative to ground and may then be input to a second input terminal of the minimum decision circuit 320 . the minimum decision circuit 320 compares the voltage signal from the first path input to input terminal in 1 with the voltage signal from the other path input to its other input terminal in 2 , and provides an output signal equal to the lesser of the two voltage levels to an error amplifier 334 . the error amplifier 334 compares a reference voltage level provided by a reference voltage source 336 to the voltage level output from the minimum decision circuit 320 to provide a control signal to the dc / dc converter 303 . when the output of the minimum decision circuit 320 is equal to the reference voltage signal provided by the reference source 336 then the control signal from the error amplifier 334 instructs no change to be made to the output voltage of the dc / dc converter 303 . if the output of the minimum decision circuit 320 is less than the reference voltage , then the control signal instructs the dc / dc converter 303 to increase its output voltage . conversely , if the output of the minimum decision circuit 320 is greater than the reference voltage , then the control signal instructs the dc / dc converter 303 to decrease its output voltage . in the exemplary embodiment of fig3 the led 318 provides backlight to an lcd . if the led is on and the switch 313 is accordingly closed , an lcd panel circuit coupled to the output terminal 330 may require a lower voltage than the voltage required by the led . as such , the voltage drop across q 1 is relatively large and the output of the dc / dc converter 303 is controlled by the first path to maintain the voltage across the current source 319 equal to the reference voltage provided by the reference voltage source 336 . alternatively , if the led is off and the switch 313 is accordingly open , the output of the dc / dc converter 303 may be controlled by the second path to maintain the voltage drop across the transistor q 1 equal to the reference voltage provided by the reference voltage source 336 . in order to minimize power losses , a minimum voltage drop across transistor q 1 and the current source 319 set by the reference source 336 should be maintained . an adaptive liquid crystal display power supply circuit consistent with the invention keeps one of these two voltage levels equal to the reference voltage level depending on the relative signal levels input at in 1 and in 2 to the minimum decision circuit 320 . for example , assume the reference voltage level provided by the reference source 336 is 0 . 2 volts , the voltage required at output terminal 330 is 3 . 3 volts at a particular instant , and the voltage drop on the led 318 functioning as a backlight to an lcd is 8 . 0 volts . if the led 318 is enabled in this particular example , switch 313 is closed . as such , the voltage at the output of the dc / dc converter 303 needs to be 8 . 2 volts to properly supply the voltage for the backlight and to account for the voltage drop of about 0 . 2 volts across the current source 319 . in this instance , the voltage drop across q 1 is higher at 4 . 9 volts such that the desired voltage of 3 . 3 volts is provided at the output terminal 330 . since the voltage drop across the current source 319 in this instance ( 0 . 2 volts ), is less than the voltage drop across transistor q 1 ( 4 . 9 volts ), the minimum decision circuit will select 0 . 2 volts and the control of the dc / dc converter will be controlled by the first path input to the input terminal ini of the minimum decision circuit 320 . if the led 318 is disabled in this particular example , switch 313 is open . as such , the voltage at the output of the dc / dc converter 303 may be advantageously decreased to 3 . 5 volts compared to a voltage level of 8 . 2 volts that may otherwise be provided at all times . since the voltage drop across the transistor q 1 of about 0 . 2 volts is less than the voltage output from the dc / dc converter 303 of 3 . 5 volts , the minimum decision circuit will select 0 . 2 volts and the control of the dc / dc converter will be controlled by the other path input to the input terminal in 2 of the minimum decision circuit 320 . as such , the dc / dc converter 303 is advantageously responsive to the control signal from the error amplifier 334 to adjust its output dc voltage level to match that of the dc load voltage level . as such , an adaptive lcd power supply circuit 304 consistent with the invention includes a regulating circuit , e . g ., dc / dc converter 303 , that regulates or adjusts its secondary dc voltage to match that of the instantaneous dc load voltage requirements of a load module such as the led 318 serving as a backlight for an lcd or a separate load module such as an lcd panel circuit coupled to the output terminal 330 depending on a comparison made by the minimum decision circuit 320 . the embodiments that have been described herein , however , are but some of the several which utilize this invention and are set forth here by way of illustration but not of limitation . it is obvious that many other embodiments , which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , may be made without departing materially from the spirit and scope of the invention .
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an exemplary embodiment of a display driver of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 shows a display driver according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention . a driver 1 of the present exemplary embodiment provides a display with four grayscale levels according to line - by - line sequential drives . in order to address or achieve this , the driver 1 has a function of applying voltages associated with grayscale levels specified by image data to contact points pa , pb , pc ( the three shown by way of example , and not as a limitation ) by horizontal lines m 1 , m 2 , m 3 , m 4 and vertical lines la , lb , lc . each of the contact points is coupled to a source line of a plurality of tfts included in a display , such as an lcd panel . to perform this function , the driver 1 includes operational amplifiers 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ; logic circuits 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ; switches 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ; switches 51 a , 52 a , 53 a , 54 a , 51 b , 52 b , 53 b , 54 b , 51 c , 52 c , 53 c , 54 c ; a memory circuit 60 ; decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c ; switches 80 a , 80 b , 80 c ; a control circuit 90 ; resistors r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 ; switches swa , swb , swc ; and switches swa , swb , sbc as shown in fig1 . the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 output four voltages vp , vq , vr , vs to the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 . the four voltages are associated with the four grayscale levels specified by divided voltages using the resistors r 1 to r 5 based on a power potential vdd ( 3 v or 5v , for example ) and a ground potential vss . the voltages vp , vq , vr , vs output by the operational amplifiers 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , respectively , satisfy the inequality vp & gt ; vq & gt ; vr & gt ; vs . here , the operational amplifier is referred to as general amplifiers including related art operational amplifiers . provided in between the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 and the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 , the logic circuits 21 to 24 activate or deactivate the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 under the control of the control circuit 90 . the switches 41 to 44 are provided in between the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 and the ground potential vss . for example , the switch 41 is provided in between the horizontal line m 1 and the ground potential vss . the switches 51 a to 54 a , 51 b to 54 b , 51 c to 54 c are provided in matrix form in between the vertical lines la , lb , lc and the horizontal lines m 1 , m 2 , m 3 , m 4 . for example , the switch 51 a is provided in between the vertical line la and the horizontal line m 1 . the memory circuit 60 stores a plurality of image data dataa , datab , datac that specify an image to be displayed on the display . the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c output switching control signals sw_cnta , sw_cntb , sw_cntc associated with the plurality of image data dataa , datab , datac stored in the memory circuit 60 to the switches 51 a to 54 c under the control of the control circuit 90 . according to the present exemplary embodiment , the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c and the control circuit 90 cooperate to output ( 1 ) activation control signals ap , lp , se to control activation and deactivation by the logic circuits 21 to 24 to the logic circuits 21 to 24 ; ( 2 ) an open / close control signal bp to control the open / close of the switches 41 to 44 to the switches 41 to 44 ; ( 3 ) an open / close control signal up to control the open / close of the switches swa , swb , swc to the switches swa , swb , swc ; ( 4 ) an open / close control signal dp to control the open / close of the switches swa , swb , swc to the switches swa , swb , swc ; and ( 5 ) an open / close control signal cp to control the open / close of the switches 51 a to 54 a , 51 b to 54 b , 51 c to 54 c to the switches 51 a to 54 a , 51 b to 54 b , 51 c to 54 c . the switches 80 a , 80 b , 80 c are provided in between the contact points pa , pb , pc , which are included in the display , and the vertical lines la , lb , lc . for example , the switch 80 a is provided in between the contact point pa and the vertical line la . the control circuit 90 outputs the above - mentioned control signals ap , lp , se , bp , cp , up , dp , so as to control the whole operation of the driver 1 . the switches swa , swb , swc are provided in between the vertical lines la , lb , lc and the power potential vdd . for example , the switch swa is provided in between the vertical line la and the power potential vdd . the switches swa , swb , swc are provided in between the vertical lines la , lb , lc and the ground potential vss . for example , the switch swa is provided in between the vertical line la and the ground potential vss . fig2 shows the configuration of the logic circuit according to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention . the logic circuit 21 operates at both the power voltage vdd and an operational voltage vdd ( 1 . 5 v , for example ) that is lower than the operational voltage vdd of the logic circuit 21 , i . e . the power voltage vdd . the logic circuit 21 detects the power voltage vdd applied to the horizontal line m 1 from the power potential vdd via the switch swa , at least one of the vertical lines la , lb , lc , and at least one of the switches 51 a , 51 b , 51 c . to perform this , the logic circuit 21 includes a level shifter 211 , a flip - flop 212 , an and circuit 213 , a level shifter 214 , and a switch 215 as shown in fig2 . the level shifter 211 , the flip - flop 212 , and the and circuit 213 operate at the voltage vdd , while the level shifter 214 operates at the voltage vdd . the switch 215 establishes or terminates a connection between the horizontal line m 1 and the level shifter 211 according to the activation control signal se from the control circuit 90 . the level shifter 211 lowers the voltage level of the power voltage vdd applied to the horizontal line m 1 . the flip - flop 212 latches a signal l 1 from the level shifter 211 in sync with the activation control signal lp from the control circuit 90 . the and circuit 213 performs the logical and operation between a signal l 2 from the flip - flop 212 and the activation control signal ap from the control circuit 90 to output a signal l 3 . this means that the and circuit 213 outputs the signal l 3 at a timing specified by the activation control signal ap . the level shifter 214 raises the voltage level of the signal l 3 . thus the logic circuit 21 outputs a power control signal ps 1 to activate or deactivate the operational amplifier 11 . the other logic circuits 22 to 24 also have the same configuration and operate in the same manner as the logic circuit 21 , outputting power control signals ps 2 to ps 4 to the operational amplifiers 12 to 14 , respectively . instead of the above - mentioned configuration of the logic circuits 21 to 24 , the logic circuits 21 to 24 are also capable of outputting the control signals ps 1 to ps 4 with the configuration composed of the switch 215 , the flip - flop 212 , and the and circuit 213 when the power voltage vdd and the operational voltage vdd of the logic circuits 21 to 24 are exactly or nearly the same ( for example , both of the voltages vdd and vdd are around 5 v ). fig3 shows the configuration of the memory circuit and the decoders according to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention . to facilitate the description referring to fig3 and understanding of the memory circuit and the decoders according to the present exemplary embodiment , here the four grayscale levels are replaced by 64 grayscale levels ( six bits ), the four operational amplifiers 11 to 14 by 64 operational amplifiers op 0 to op 63 , and the four switches 51 a to 54 a by 64 switches swao to swa 63 . as shown in fig3 , the memory circuit 60 stores the image data dataa , datab , datac . for example , the image data dataa are composed of image data d 5 to d 0 ( six bits ) to specify a grayscale level out of the 64 levels and grayscale data gs selected from 2 , 4 , 8 , 16 , 32 , or 64 . both the image data d 5 to d 0 and the grayscale data gs are given an address . for example , the image data d 5 to d 0 of 000110 and the grayscale data gs of 2 are stored in an address a 0 included in the image data dataa . the other image data datab , datac also have the same configuration as the image data dataa . as shown in fig3 , the decoder 70 a outputs switching control signals sca 0 to sca 63 to control turning on and shutting off of the switches swa 0 to swa 63 to the switches swa 0 to swa 63 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 and the grayscale data gs included in the image data dataa stored in the memory circuit 60 . to achieve this , the decoder 70 a includes a converter 71 a to convert the image data d 5 to d 0 and the grayscale data gs into the switching control signals sca 0 to sca 63 , and an address counter 72 a to count the number of addresses included in the image data dataa , as shown in fig3 . the converter 71 a further includes a conversion table 73 a defining the correspondence among the image data d 5 to d 0 , the grayscale data gs , and the operational amplifiers op 0 to op 63 . fig4 shows the configuration of the conversion table according to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention . the conversion table 73 a includes the numbers of the operational amplifiers op , the values of the image data d 5 to d 0 , and the values of the grayscale data gs as shown in fig4 . the conversion table 73 a shows that , for example , the image data d 5 to d 0 ranging from 000100 to 000111 with the grayscale data gs of 16 are represented by the marked image data of 000100 corresponding to the operational amplifier op 4 . in other words , the four grayscale levels ranging from 000100 to 000111 are represented by one marked representative grayscale level 000100 corresponding to the operational amplifier op 4 . referring back to fig3 , the address counter 72 a specifies the address a 0 in the image data dataa stored in the memory circuit 60 , making the converter 71 a read out the image data d 5 to d 0 and the grayscale data gs corresponding to the address a 0 ( the image data d 5 to d 0 and the grayscale data gs corresponding to the address a 0 in the image data dataa are hereinafter referred to as image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ) and grayscale data gs ( a_a 0 ), and the same goes for the other image data datab , datac .). with the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ) of 000110 and the grayscale data gs ( a_a 0 ) of 2 , the converter 71 a refers to the column gs = 2 of the conversion table 73 a , and specifies the operational amplifier op 0 that corresponds to the marked representative grayscale level 000000 . the converter 71 a outputs the switching control signals sca 0 to sca 63 ( corresponding to sw_cnta in fig1 ) for making the switch swa 0 for the operational amplifier op 0 turn on and the other switches swa 1 to swa 63 shut off to the switches swa 0 to swa 63 , and thereby connecting the vertical line la ( corresponding to the vertical line la in fig1 ) and a horizontal line hl 0 ( corresponding to any of the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 in fig1 ), that is , making a connection between the vertical line la and the operational amplifier op 0 . in sync with the output of the switching control signals sca 0 to sca 63 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ) and the grayscale data gs ( a_a 0 ) from the decoder 70 a , the other decoders 70 b , 70 c also output switching control signals scb 0 to scb 63 , scc 0 to scc 63 based on image data d 5 to d 0 ( b_a 0 ), ( c_a 0 ) and grayscale data gs ( b_a 0 ), ( c_a 0 ) to switches swbo to swb 63 , swco to swc 63 ( the switches not shown , corresponding to the switches 51 b to 54 b , 51 c to 54 c in fig1 ), respectively , provided in between the horizontal lines hl 0 to hl 63 and the vertical lines lb , lc in the same manner . for example , the switch swbo is made turn on by the switching control signals scb 0 to scb 63 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( b_a 0 ) of 001100 and the grayscale data gs ( b_a 0 ) of 2 , while the switch swc 0 is made turn on by the switching control signals scc 0 to scc 63 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( c_a 0 ) of 011011 and the grayscale data gs ( c_a 0 ) of 2 . also , since the grayscale data gs ( a_a 0 ), ( b_a 0 ), ( c_a 0 ) are all 2 , the operational amplifiers op 1 to op 62 other than the operational amplifiers op 0 and op 63 remain deactivated . at the same time , only the operational amplifier op 0 is activated according to the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ), ( b_a 0 ), ( c_a 0 ), while the operational amplifier op 63 remains deactivated . the address counter 72 a specifies an address a 1 in the image data dataa stored in the memory circuit 60 following the address a 0 , making the converter 71 a read out image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) and grayscale data gs ( a_a 1 ) corresponding to the address a 1 from the memory circuit 60 . with the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) of 100001 and the grayscale data gs ( a_a 1 ) of 8 , the converter 71 a refers to the conversion table 73 a and specifies the operational amplifier op 36 that corresponds to the marked representative grayscale level 100100 . the converter 71 a outputs the switching signals sca 0 to sca 63 to make the switch swa 36 turn on and the other switches swa 0 to swa 35 and swa 37 to swa 63 shut off to the switches swa 0 to swa 63 , and thereby connecting the vertical line la and the horizontal line hl 36 , that is , making a connection between the vertical line la and the operational amplifier op 36 . in the same manner as mentioned above , in sync with the output of the switching control signals sca 0 to sca 63 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) and the grayscale data gs ( a_a 1 ) from the decoder 70 a , the other decoders 70 b , 70 c also output the switching control signals scb 0 to scb 63 , scc 0 to scc 63 based on image data d 5 to d 0 ( b_a 1 ), ( c_a 1 ) and grayscale data gs ( b_a 1 ), ( c_a 1 ) to the switches swb 0 to swb 63 , swc 0 to swc 63 , respectively . according to the present exemplary embodiment , for example , when the grayscale data gs ( a_a 0 ), gs ( b_a 0 ), and gs ( c_a 0 ) are all 4 , the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ) is 000000 , d 5 to d 0 ( b_a 0 ) is 000001 , and d 5 to d 0 ( c_a 0 ) is 000010 , the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c do not activate all the three operational amplifiers op 0 , op 1 , op 2 corresponding to the grayscale levels of 000000 , 000001 , 000010 , respectively , but activate only the operational amplifier op 0 corresponding to the grayscale level of 000000 that represents the three grayscale levels . here , the power consumed by an operational amplifier is the total of stationary power ( power consumed irrespective of the size of the load or grayscale level of the operational amplifier ) and load power ( power consumed depending on the size of the load of the operational amplifier ) as widely known . if one operational amplifier takes three grayscale levels , the amount of power it consumes ( a total of one stationary power and three load powers ) is less than the amount of power consumed by three operational amplifiers each taking a grayscale level ( resulting in a total of three stationary powers and three load powers ) as with the case of related art methods . therefore , making the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c activate one operational amplifier op 0 can reduce the power consumed compared to the related art methods in which the three operational amplifiers op 0 , op 1 , op 2 are all activated . fig5 shows the operation of the driver according to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention . the driver 1 drives a plurality of gate lines ( not shown in the drawing ) of a display line by line as shown in fig5 . in other words , a gate line is driven during a horizontal synchronization period ( 1h ) in which a voltage based on a grayscale level specified by the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ), ( b_a 0 ), ( c_a 0 ) etc . via the vertical lines la , lb , lc corresponding to a plurality of source lines is applied to the plurality of source lines . since the driving is performed line by line , the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c operate simultaneously , or more specifically , synchronously as described above . for example , the switching control signals sw_cnta , sw_cntb , sw_cntc specified by the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ), ( b_a 0 ), ( c_a 0 ), respectively , are simultaneously output to the switches 51 a to 54 a , 51 b to 54 b , 51 c to 54 c , respectively . now the operation of the decoder 70 a will be described in greater detail for the better understanding . during a first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 , the decoder 70 a activates the operational amplifier 11 corresponding to a grayscale level specified by the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ), for example , the grayscale level of 4 using the power control signal ps 1 ( at high level ) in an on period ont 1 , while deactivates the other operational amplifiers 12 , 13 , 14 using the power control signals ps 2 , ps 3 , ps 4 ( all at low level ). the decoder 70 a thus provides the grayscale level of 4 on a display . following the display , at a beginning timing t 1 of an off period oft 1 , the control circuit 90 makes the switches 80 a , 80 b , 80 c shut off using the open / close control signal cp ( at low level ) to control the open / close of the switches 80 a , 80 b , 80 c , while the logic circuits 21 to 24 deactivate the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 using the power control signals ps 1 to ps 4 ( all at low level ). consequently , during the off period ofti the vertical lines la , lb , lc and the contact points pa , pb , pc are close , while the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 remain deactivated . following the timing t 1 , at a timing t 2 the control circuit 90 makes the switches 41 to 44 turn on using the open / close control signal bp ( at high level ), that is , making a connection between the horizontal lines m 1 , m 2 , m 3 , m 4 and the ground potential vss . the control circuit 90 also makes the switches swa , swb , swc turn on using the open / close control signal dp ( at high level ), that is , making a connection between the vertical lines la , lb , lc and the ground potential vss . the former connection allows the discharge of any charge possibly remaining on the horizontal lines m 1 , m 2 , m 3 , m 4 , while the latter connection allows the discharge of any charge possibly remaining on the vertical lines la , lb , lc . since only the operational amplifier 11 is activated in the on period ont 1 as described above , the charge remains only on the horizontal line m 1 that is coupled to the operational amplifier 11 . the above - mentioned connections discharge the horizontal line m 1 and any of the vertical lines la , lb , lc coupled to the horizontal line m 1 . after the discharge begins , at a timing t 3 the control circuit 90 outputs the open / close control signal bp ( at low level ), and thereby making the switches 41 to 44 and the switches swa , swb , swc shut off . at a timing t 4 , the decoder 70 a reads out the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) following the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 0 ) from the memory circuit 60 , that is , the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) to specify a grayscale level to be displayed in the next horizontal synchronization period or a second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 . then the decoder 70 a outputs the switching control signal sw_cnta corresponding to the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) to the switches 51 a to 54 a , and thereby connecting the vertical line la and one operational amplifier that is selected from the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 and corresponds to the grayscale level to be achieved based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ). the following description assumes that a connection between the vertical line la and the operational amplifier 12 is made by turning on and shutting off of the switches 51 a to 54 a according to the switching control signal sw_cnta based on the grayscale level of 3 specified by the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ). at a timing t 5 , the control circuit 90 turns on the switches swa , swb , swc using the open / close control signal up ( at high level ), that is , making a connection between the vertical lines la , lb , lc and the power potential vdd , and thereby setting the vertical lines la , lb , lc to have the power potential vdd . since the operational amplifier 12 has a connection to the vertical line la as mentioned above , the output terminal of the operational amplifier 12 , i . e . the horizontal line m 2 is set to have the power potential vdd , which means to be charged , via the vertical line la and the switch 52 a . at this timing t 5 , the control circuit 90 couples the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 to the logic circuits 21 to 24 , respectively , all at once using the switching control signal se ( at high level ). for example , the control circuit 90 couples the horizontal line m 1 to the logic circuit 21 as shown in fig2 . at a timing t 6 , the control circuit 90 outputs the activation control signals lp , ap to the logic circuits 11 to 14 . with the rising edge of the activation control signals lp , ap , the logic circuits 21 to 24 identify whether the power potential vdd is on the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 , in other words , which of the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 is charged . as mentioned above , only the horizontal line m 2 among the horizontal lines m 1 to m 4 is charged to have the power potential vdd . therefore , only the logic circuit 22 detects the power potential vdd on the horizontal line m 2 , and as a result it applies the power control signal ps 2 ( at high level ) to the operational amplifier 12 and recognizes that the operational amplifier 12 is to be activated . detecting no power potential vdd on the horizontal lines m 1 , m 3 , m 4 , the other logic circuits 21 , 23 , 24 apply the power control signals ps 1 , ps 3 , ps 4 ( at low level ) to the operational amplifiers 11 , 13 , 14 and recognize that the operational amplifiers 11 , 13 , 14 are to be deactivated . at a beginning timing t 7 of an on period ont 2 of the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 following the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 , the logic circuit 22 activates the operational amplifier 12 using the power control signal ps 2 ( at high level ), while the logic circuits 21 , 23 , 24 deactivate the operational amplifiers 11 , 13 , 14 using the power control signals ps 1 , ps 3 , ps 4 ( at low level ). also at this timing t 7 , the control circuit 90 turns on the switches swa , swb , swc using the open / close control signal cp ( at high level ), that is , making a connection between the vertical lines la , lb , lc and the output terminals pa , pb , pc . as a result , the voltage vq from the operational amplifier 12 is output by the output terminal pa via the horizontal line m 2 , the switch 52 a , and the vertical line la . as mentioned above , the driver 1 of the present exemplary embodiment includes the control circuit 90 , the decoder 70 a , and the logic circuits 21 to 24 cooperating to recognize that , during the off period oft 1 of the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) to be displayed during the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 , only the operational amplifier 12 is to be activated and the other operational amplifiers 11 , 13 , 14 are to be deactivated during the on period ont 2 of the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 . thus , the operational amplifier 12 is activated , while the other operational amplifiers 11 , 13 , 14 are deactivated at the beginning timing t 7 of the on period ont 2 . this makes it possible to reduce the amount of power consumed compared to related art drivers that always activate all the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 . in addition to the above - mentioned activation of the operational amplifier 12 by the decoder 70 a during the off period oft 1 of the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 , the decoder 70 b , which synchronizes with the decoder 70 a , and the logic circuits 21 to 24 cooperate to recognize that , during the off period oft 1 of the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( b_a 1 ) to be displayed during the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 , only the operational amplifier 11 , for example , is to be activated during the on period ont 2 of the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 . furthermore , the decoder 70 c , which synchronizes with the decoders 70 a , 70 b , and the logic circuits 21 to 24 cooperate to recognize that , during the off period oft 1 of the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 based on the image data d 5 to d 0 ( c_a 1 ) to be displayed during the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 , only the operational amplifier 12 , for example , is to be activated during the on period ont 2 of the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 . in this case , the logic circuits 21 to 24 activate only the operational amplifiers 11 , 12 at the beginning timing t 7 of the on period ont 2 of the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 . to put it another way , during the off period oft 1 of the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 , the driver 1 identifies which of the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 is to be required during the on period ont 2 of the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 based on the plurality of image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ), ( b_a 1 ), ( c_a 1 ) to be displayed during the second horizontal synchronization period hsp 2 , and activates only the required one at the timing t 7 . this makes it possible to reduce the amount of power consumed compared to related art drivers that always activate all the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 instead of the above - mentioned operational structure , in which in sync with the timing the decoder 70 a outputs the switching control signal sw_cnta corresponding to the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ) to the switches 51 a to 54 a , the other decoders 70 b , 70 c output the switching control signals sw_cntb , sw_cntc corresponding to the image data d 5 to d 0 ( b_a 1 ), ( c_a 1 ) to the switches 51 b to 54 b , 51 c to 54 c , respectively , the following operational structure is also conceivable . during the off period oft 1 of the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 as shown in fig6 , the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c may sequentially output the switching control signals sw_cnta , sw_cntb , sw_cntc to the switches 51 a to 54 a , 51 b to 54 b , 51 c to 54 c , respectively . more specifically , during the off period oft 1 , a cycle of operations from the timing t 1 to the timing t 7 shown in fig5 is executed sequentially for the vertical lines la , lb , lc in this order . like the above - mentioned exemplary embodiment , this makes it possible to identify which of the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 is required to be activated , and moreover , to what degree each required operational amplifier is to be activated . for example , the decoder 70 a outputs the switching control signal sw_cnta corresponding to the image data d 5 to d 0 ( a_a 1 ), making the logic circuit 21 recognize that the operational amplifier 11 is to be activated for one vertical line . then the decoder 70 b outputs the switching control signal sw_cntb corresponding to the image data d 5 to d 0 ( b_a 1 ), making the logic circuit 22 recognize that the operational amplifier 12 is to be activated for one vertical line . subsequently , the decoder 70 c outputs the switching control signal sw_cntc corresponding to the image data d 5 to d 0 ( c_a 1 ), making the logic circuit 22 recognize that the operational amplifier 12 is to be activated for another vertical line , which means that the operational amplifier 12 is to be activated for two vertical lines in total . therefore , the logic circuits 21 to 24 recognize that for how many vertical lines each required operational amplifier is to be activated . this makes it possible to control the degree of activation using the power control signals ps 1 to ps 4 , and thereby increasing accuracy in the activation and decreasing the amount of power consumed compared to the above - mentioned exemplary embodiment . instead of the operational structure of the first exemplary modification , another operational structure is also conceivable in which the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c , i . e . the switching control signals sw_cnta , sw_cntb , sw_cntc , are divided into a plurality of blocks bl 1 , bl 2 , bl 3 ( not limited to the three ) as shown in fig7 . for example , the block bl 1 is composed of the decoders 70 a , 70 b , 70 c , 70 d . in addition , during the off period oft 1 , a cycle of operations from the timing t 1 to the timing t 7 shown in fig5 is executed sequentially for the blocks bl 1 , bl 2 , bl 3 in this order . moreover , the switching control signal sw_cnt from the decoder 70 , more specifically , the switching control signals sw_cnta , sw_cntb , sw_cntc , sw_cntd from the decoder 70 a are output all at once . these allow a reduction in power consumed compared to the above - mentioned exemplary embodiment . for example , during the off period oft 1 of the first horizontal synchronization period hsp 1 , the decoders 70 a to 70 d output the switching control signals sw_cnta to sw_cntd all at once , making the logic circuits 21 to 24 recognize that the operational amplifiers 11 , 12 are to be activated . then , decoders 70 e to 70 h output switching control signals sw_cnte to sw_cnth all at once , making the logic circuits 21 to 24 recognize that the operational amplifiers 11 , 13 are to be activated . subsequently , decoders 70 i to 70 l output switching control signals sw_cnti to sw_cntl , making the logic circuits 21 to 24 recognize that the operational amplifiers 11 , 12 are to be activated . in this case , the operational amplifier 11 needs to take the three blocks bl 1 , bl 2 , bl 3 , and is required to be activated for 12 vertical lines at most ( four lines ร three blocks ); the operational amplifier 12 needs to take the two blocks bl 1 , bl 3 , and is required to be activated for eight vertical lines at most ( four lines ร two blocks ); the operational amplifier 13 needs to take the one block bl 2 , and is required to be activated for four vertical lines at most ( four lines ร one block ); and the operational amplifier 14 is not required to be activated at all . therefore , the logic circuit 21 activates the operational amplifier 11 for 12 vertical lines using the power control signal ps 1 , the logic circuit 22 activates the operational amplifier 12 for eight vertical lines using the power control signal ps 2 , the logic circuit 23 activates the operational amplifier 13 for four vertical lines using the power control signals ps 3 , and the logic circuit 24 deactivates the operational amplifier 14 using the power control signal ps 4 . the total amount of power consumed in the second modification is for 24 vertical lines ( 12 + 8 + 4 + 0 ), which is less than that of related art drivers that always activate the operational amplifiers 11 to 14 each for 12 vertical lines , that is , consuming power for 48 vertical lines ( 12 lines ร four operational amplifiers ).
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in an embodiment , the invention is based in part on the discovery that foulant material can form in a separation zone or fractionation system downstream of a coking process resulting in a separated coker gas oil containing coke particles and foulant . the foulant is a coke precursor material that is high in hydrocarbon content , but low in metal content . while it is a coke like material , it is referred to herein as โ foulant โ to distinguish it from coke particles that have escaped from the coking process . it has also been discovered that foulant agglomeration results at least in part from the presence of macromolecules in the separation region having a molecular weight ranging up to about 3000 , usually from about 1000 up to about 3000 . such macromolecules , including polymers and oligimers , but collectively referred to herein as oligomers , coat the coke &# 39 ; s surface resulting in foulant particles that can adhere to each other and the filters employed to remove coke from the gas oil . the presence of foulant particles on the filters results in diminished filter regeneration effectiveness during backflushing steps . the oligomers form largely from oxygen induced polymerization of conjugated dienes present in the coker effluent . oligomers of conjugated dienes structurally contain one olefinic double bond per unit of conjugated diene polymerized . additionally , styrenes and indenes present in the coker effluent may form oligomers and may also be incorporated into the conjugated diene oligomers . as is known to those skilled in the art of polymerization , the presence of unsaturation in a polymer as results from the incorporation of olefinic double bonds and aromatics leads to the formation of a sticky polymer . it is believed that filter fouling results when the oligomers coat the surface of coke in the high boiling fractions separated from the coker effluent . as temperature increases , these oligomers grow and can become insoluble , gummy materials . potentially , each double bond in the oligomer is attached by physical interaction to the coke surface forming foulant . it is the sum of all the attachments that gives adhesive strength for the oligomer to hold onto the coke and form a tenacious multilayer sticky coating that then leads to fine coke particles that would otherwise pass through the filter sticking to each other . in conventional processing of the coker gas oil , the gas oil is conducted to one or more filters during a first step where coke is removed from the gas oil . the filter gradually accumulates coke particles , resulting in reduced filter permeability and lower gas oil yield . accordingly , a second step is employed following the first step , where the separated gas oil is diverted away from the filter and the filter is backflushed to remove the coke from the filter . some systems employ gas pressure to assist this backflush . when filter permeability is restored , the second step is concluded and the first step is commenced . the first and second steps may be alternated in a semi - continuous fashion . the presence of foulant during filtering of the fine ( micron and submicron ) coke particles leads to agglomeration of the fine particles into particles too large to pass through the filter and therefore to premature plugging of the filters during the first step . additionally , the adhesive forces mediated by the foulant prevent the effective backflushing and regeneration of the plugged filters . moreover , foulant attached to the surface of the coke has low solubility in conventional organic and hydrocarbon solvents employed for the optional filter soak step , and , consequently , the effectiveness of the backflush during the second step gradually diminishes as foulant accumulates on the filter . it has been discovered that the foulant may be removed and filter permeability can be restored by contacting the filter with a treatment solution comprising hydrogen peroxide . it has also been discovered that coke particles coated with foulant can be upgraded by contacting the fouled coke particles with the treatment solution . while filter fouling may be experienced when processing effluent from any coker process , and the methods described herein may be used to control fouling in all coking processes , an embodiment for mitigating filter fouling in effluent from a flexicoking process will be described in detail as a representative case . referring to fig1 , fresh feed containing one or more of heavy oil , resid , coal tar , shale oil , bitumen , and the like is pre - heated into a range of about 600 ยฐ f . to about 700 ยฐ f . ( 315 to 370 ยฐ c .) and then conducted via line 1 to reactor 3 where the feed contacts a hot fluidized bed of coke obtained via line 9 from heater 8 . the hot coke provides sensible heat and heat of vaporization for the feed and the heat required for the endothermic cracking reactions . the cracked vapor products pass through cyclone separators at the top of the reactor to remove coke particles for return to the bed . the vapors are then quenched in the scrubber 4 located above the reactor , where a portion ( preferably a high boiling portion ) of the cracked vapors are condensed and recycled to the reactor . the remaining cracked vapors are conducted to the coker fractionator via line 5 . wash oil is conducted to the scrubber via line 6 to provide quench cooling and to further reduce the amount of entrained coke particles . coke produced by cracking forms as a deposit on the surface of existing coke particles in the reactor . such coke is stripped with steam conducted to the reactor via line 2 and then returned to the heater via line 7 where it is heated to a temperature of about 1100 ยฐ f . ( 593 ยฐ c .). the heater serves to transfer heat from the gasifier 16 to the reactor . accordingly , coke flows via line 13 from the heater to the gasifier where the coke reacts with steam , conducted in via line 17 and air conducted in via line 18 . a fuel gas product is formed comprising co , h 2 , co 2 , n 2 , h 2 s , and nh 3 . coke can be returned from the gasifier to the heater via line 12 . fuel gas is conducted from the top of the gasifier via line 14 to the bottom of the heater to assist in maintaining a fluidized coke bed in the heater . coke gas is removed from the process via line 15 . coke is removed from the process via line 10 . referring now to fig2 , effluent from the coker is conducted to a first separation region , the coker fractionator 21 , via line 19 . a stream of coker naphtha is separated from the top of the fractionator ( temperature about 230 ยฐ f . ( 110 ยฐ c .) to about 260 ยฐ f . ( 127 ยฐ c .)) and conducted to a second separation region , drum 22 , via line 23 . region 22 is maintained in thermal equilibrium at about 110 ยฐ f . ( 43 ยฐ c .). the coker naphtha is very reactive as it contains high concentrations of low molecular weight conjugated dienes compared to the higher boiling fractions . the coker naphtha also can contain styrenes and indenes . separation region 22 is divided into three zones . an upper zone ( a ) contains vapor phase material which may be withdrawn via line 24 . an intermediate zone ( b ) contains liquid hydrocarbon to be returned to the coker fractionator 21 as reflux . a lower zone ( c ) contains an aqueous liquid to maintain zone b at the proper level in region 22 so that it can be withdrawn via line 30 . excess condensed aqueous material can be conducted away via line 26 . wash oil is separated in the coker fractionator and returned to the coker via line 20 . coker gas oil is separated and conducted to filter 31 via line 27 . filtered gas oil is conducted away from the process via line 28 . it has been discovered that oxygen present in separation region 22 reacts largely with conjugated dienes and pyrroles in the coker naphtha to form peroxides . one way oxygen can be introduced into the process is via the external streams through line 25 . steam , e . g ., obtained from other petroleum processes , may contain upwards of 100 ppm oxygen , based on the weight of the steam . some refinery steam sources contain as much as 4500 ppm oxygen . the presence of more than 3 ppm oxygen in the steam will lead to the formation of significant quantities , about 0 . 5 to about 5 ppm , of peroxides with the conjugated dienes in the coker naphtha which , on subsequent heating from 110 ยฐ f . ( 43 ยฐ c .) to 230 ยฐ f . ( 110 ยฐ c .) on entering the top of the coker fractionator , initiate oligomer / polymer - forming chain reactions . accordingly , unless oxygen is excluded from the process or scavenged , peroxide initiators will form , and the peroxides will initiate the formation of oligomers in the coker fractionator . in an embodiment , the invention relates to improving yield in a coking process , reducing the frequency of filter backflushing ( i . e ., increasing the length of the first step compared to the second ), and removing an upgraded coke from the filters . in one embodiment , the pressure drop across the filter is monitored during the first and second step . initially , during the first step , the pressure drop will be at a first value in the range of about 1 to about 5 psig . the pressure drop increases during the first step as foulant and coke accumulates in and on the filter . when the pressure drop reaches a second value between about 15 and 20 psig , the first step is concluded and the second step is commenced . in one embodiment , backflushing is conducted until the pressure drop is restored into a range of about 1 to about 5 psig . alternatively , if a bank of two or more filters are in operation , a cyclic regeneration approach may be taken . in this embodiment , the filter bundle to be regenerated is isolated from the process and replaced by the second filter bundle which is put into operation while the first is regenerated in a batch ( or semi - continuous ) mode . in another embodiment , the second step is conducted for a time sufficient to remove the sticky coating and form an upgraded coke . it has been discovered using , x - ray photoelectron spectroscopy ( xps ), that the foulant and coke have different surface aromaticity . measured aromaticity of the foulant on the surface of the coke ranged from about 53 % to about 55 %, whereas bed coke particles average between 75 - 95 %. this lower level of aromaticity indicates a foulant surface coating of lower aromatic material . accordingly , the second step can have a duration sufficient to effectively restore the surface aromaticity of the coke particle into the range of 75 to about 90 % by oxidizing the foulant on the surface , or , until the particles no longer stick together . in other words , it is only necessary to oxidize the foulant on the surface to the point of eliminating stickiness . the oxidized surface , because it is functionalized by the oxidation , will have a lower aromaticity than the unoxidized foulant . hydrogen peroxide ( 30 - 70 %) is the preferred treatment solution for soaking in the third step . the hydrogen peroxide can be used in an aqueous solution , in combination with a second liquid such as acetic acid , and mixtures thereof . use of aqueous hydrogen peroxide in combination with an organic solvent such as acetic acid facilitates wetting of the organic foulant on the surface of the coke and thereby results in faster rates for the oxidation reaction . treatment solutions containing oxidizing agents soluble in water , hydrocarbon , or both may be employed . for example , nitric acid , chromic acid , permanganates , ceric oxide , peracetic acid , perbenzoic acid , ozone , and the like can be employed . when hydrogen peroxide is employed , the duration of the third step will generally range from 15 minutes to 2 hours , preferably 1 . 5 hours , and more preferably 1 hour at a temperature ranging from 50 ยฐ c . to 200 ยฐ c ., preferably 100 ยฐ c . to 200 ยฐ c ., and more preferably from 100 ยฐ c . to 125 ยฐ c . at the conclusion of the third step , the oxidized coke surface may optionally be rinsed with aqueous , aqueous - methanolic , or methanolic potassium iodide or another reducing agent , e . g ., 0 . 3 m potassium iodide in methanol , to destroy peroxides formed on the carbon surface during the backflushing .
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reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . however , the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments . in the drawings , like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout . fig1 illustrates an encryption device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention . as an example , the encryption device 100 may be included in an integrated circuit ( ic ) chip of a smart card . the encryption device 100 may include an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory ( eeprom ) 120 to store data , a central processing unit ( cpu ) 130 , and optionally , a synchronous dynamic random access memory ( sdram ) 140 . the encryption device 100 may communicate with an external environment through an input / output ( i / o ) interface 101 . the encryption device 100 may include an encryption module 110 , for example , a crypto co - processor for encryption . hereinafter , unless otherwise mentioned , depending on an application of the encryption device 100 included in a smart card or an ic chip of a smart card , at least a portion of the optional sdram 140 , the cpu 130 , and the eeprom 120 may be omitted , and various changes and applications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention . in addition , hereinafter , unless otherwise mentioned , the i / o interface 101 may be an input and output route of data input into , or output from , the encryption device 100 , irrespective of schemes , for example , a contact type scheme and / or a contactless scheme . the encryption module 110 of the encryption device 100 may use an encryption key in a process of executing an encryption algorithm . the encryption key may include a public key , a secret key , and the like . in a conventional scheme , an encryption key for executing an encryption algorithm may be stored outside of the encryption module 110 in a form of a digital value , and the encryption module 110 may receive the encryption key through a bus 102 in a process of encrypting and / or decrypting data by executing the encryption algorithm . however , such a scheme is vulnerable to physical attacks of figuring out an encryption key and / or an encryption algorithm . such physical attacks may directly attack a region in a memory , for example , the eeprom 120 , and the like , in which an encryption key is present , to extract the encryption key in the memory using a method , for example , probing , or memory scanning . in addition , a location of the bus 102 in the ic chip may be verified by performing reverse engineering . accordingly , the encryption key may be extracted by performing bus probing using a micro - probe when a predetermined command is performed artificially . according to the present embodiment , an encryption key may be generated directly by an encryption key module 111 included in the encryption module 110 , and / or a pre - generated encryption key may be stored in the encryption key module 111 . such an encryption key may be provided when the encryption module 110 executes an encryption algorithm . accordingly , the encryption key to be used by the encryption module 110 in the process of executing the encryption algorithm may not be stored outside of the encryption module 110 in a form of a digital value , and may not be transferred through the bus 102 and thus , physical attacks on the encryption algorithm of the encryption module 110 may be prevented . the encryption key module 111 to generate and / or store an encryption key and provide the encryption key when an encryption algorithm is executed by the encryption module 110 may be physically included or embedded in the encryption module 110 . various exemplary embodiments of a configuration and an operation of the encryption module 110 will be described with reference to fig2 and the subsequent drawings . fig2 illustrates the encryption module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig1 , the encryption module 110 may be connected to other components through the bus 102 in the encryption device 100 . referring to fig2 , the encryption module 110 may include at least one encryption key module 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 . the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 may generate and / or store encryption keys to be used for executing an encryption algorithm , individually or jointly , and provide the encryption keys to the encryption module 110 . in an embodiment , a single encryption key module may be included in the encryption module 110 . in another embodiment , a plurality of encryption key modules may be included in the encryption module 110 , as shown in fig2 . in addition , when a plurality of encryption key modules is included in the encryption module 110 , at least a portion of the plurality of encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 may correspond to dummies that do not provide encryption keys . an embodiment in which the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 are implemented may include a case in which the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 correspond to memory devices , and a case in which the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 correspond to non - memory devices . an embodiment in which a portion of the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 correspond to memory devices , and another portion of the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 correspond to non - memory devices may also be possible . the present invention should not be construed as being limited to a portion of the embodiments . as an example , in the embodiment in which the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 include memory devices , pre - generated encryption keys of a form of a digital value may be simply stored in the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 corresponding to the memory devices , and may be read for use , as necessary , in a process of executing an encryption algorithmun by the encryption module 110 . in the other embodiment , when the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 include non - memory devices , at least a portion of the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 may be implemented by physical unclonable functions ( pufs ). in the embodiment in which the encryption key modules 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , and 250 include non - memory devices such as pufs , there are various embodiments for implementing the pufs . as an example , the pufs may be implemented by violating a design rule in a semiconductor manufacturing process , or using a semiconductor manufacturing process variation . such embodiments will be described in detail with reference to fig4 through 13 . fig3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the encryption module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention . when data to be encrypted is input into a data input unit 310 through the bus 102 , and the like , execution of an encryption algorithm may be initiated . as described with reference to fig2 , a single encryption key module 320 or a plurality of encryption key modules 320 may be physically included in the encryption module 110 . as an example , when an encryption key module 01 ( 321 ) through an encryption key module n ( 322 ) are present , an encryption key module selector 330 may select an encryption key module to provide an encryption key to be used for an encryption algorithm . here , n denotes a natural number . such a selection may correspond to index information of an encryption key module to be selected , among indices identifying the encryption key modules 320 , or may be predetermined by wiring in a process of designing and manufacturing the encryption key modules 320 along with the encryption module 110 . when an encryption key is provided through the process , an encryption unit 340 may execute an encryption algorithm using the encryption key to encrypt the input data , and the encrypted data may be transferred to other components via a data output unit 350 through the bus 102 . although only the process of encrypting data has been described , a decryption process using an encryption algorithm may be similar . the embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to one of encryption and decryption . since the encryption key is managed within the encryption module 110 autonomously , the encryption key may not be transferred to an external environment of the encryption module 110 , or to the encryption module 110 from an external environment . accordingly , a probability of success of physical attacks may decrease . in particular , a probability of success of a physical attack of probing the bus 102 may be extremely low . a case in which encryption keys correspond to memory devices has been described with reference to fig1 and 2 . hereinafter , embodiments in which encryption key modules are implemented using pufs corresponding to non - memory devices will be described with reference to fig4 through 13 . for reference , a puf mentioned herein may generate an encryption key physically unclonable and unchanged once manufactured . hereinafter , various embodiments in which encryption key modules are implemented by pufs corresponding to non - memory devices will be described . fig4 through 8 may correspond to examples in which encryption key modules to generate encryption keys are implemented using a semiconductor process variation . fig9 through 13 correspond to examples in which encryption key modules to generate encryption keys are implemented by violating a design rule for designing a circuit . fig4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a concept of a unit cell constituting an encryption key module of a form of a puf to generate an encryption key using a process variation according to an embodiment of the present invention . in fig4 , a first inverter 410 and a second inverter 420 are shown . a semiconductor process variation may be caused by various reasons . for example , when a transistor is manufactured , a process variation may be caused by a parameter , for example , a threshold voltage , an index associated with an oxide thickness , an index associated with a doping concentration , a valid gate length , or the like . in general , a semiconductor manufacturing process with a minor process variation may be regarded as excellent . however , due to physical characteristics , the process variation may be reduced but may not be removed completely . in the present embodiment , the first inverter 410 may have a first logic threshold , and the second inverter 420 may have a second logic threshold . a logic threshold may refer to a value of a voltage when an input voltage of an inverter is identical to an output voltage of the inverter . a further detailed description will be provided with reference to fig5 . a logic threshold of an inverter device may be measured using a value of a voltage when an output terminal and an input terminal of an inverter being operated are shorted . inverters manufactured by an identical process may be designed to have an identical logic threshold . however , as described above , due to process variation in an actual manufacturing process , any two inverters may not have a perfectly identical logic threshold . according to the present embodiment , the first inverter 410 and the second inverter 420 may be manufactured by an equivalent process , and may have a difference between logic thresholds resulting from a process variation . the difference between the logic thresholds may vary depending on a process , and may correspond to , for example , a size of about a few to tens of millivolts . accordingly , the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 and the logic threshold of the second inverter 420 measured using a separate comparator circuit may be inaccurate due to an error in measurement . accordingly , there is a demand for a method of comparing logic thresholds of two inverters relatively , in particular , a method of measuring logic thresholds of two inverters without a separate comparator circuit . in an embodiment of the present invention , a greater logic threshold may be determined by comparing logic thresholds of two inverters relatively ( autonomously without use of a separate comparator circuit ). in a case in which the second inverter 420 is absent , an output voltage of the first inverter 410 may be identical to a logic threshold of the first inverter 410 when an input terminal and an output terminal of the first inverter 410 are shorted . in addition , in a case in which the first inverter 410 is absent , an output voltage of the second inverter 420 may be identical to a logic threshold of the second inverter 420 when an input terminal and an output terminal of the second inverter 420 are shorted . however , as shown in fig4 , when the input terminal of the first inverter 410 and the output terminal of the second inverter 420 are shorted to be connected to a first node , and the output terminal of the first inverter 410 and the input terminal of the second inverter 420 are shorted to be connected to a second node , different results may be yielded . when the first node and the second node are shorted using a switch 430 , values of voltages of the two shorted nodes may be values between the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 and the logic threshold of the second inverter 420 ( may not be an average value , hereinafter , the same shall apply ). irrespective of a greater value of the logic thresholds of the two inverters , a value of an output voltage may be a value between the logic thresholds of the two inverters while the switch 430 is closed . when the switch 430 is opened to open the first node and the second node , a logical level of a value of a voltage of one of the first node and the second node may be โ 0 โ, and a logical level of a value of a voltage of the other may be โ 1 โ. for example , when the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 is lower than the logic threshold of the second inverter 420 , a voltage of the first node may be higher than the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 while the switch 430 is closed such that the first node ( an opposite node of an out node ) and the second node ( the out node ) are shorted . accordingly , when the switch 430 is re - opened such that the first node and the second node are opened , the first inverter 410 may recognize a voltage of the first node ( corresponding to the input terminal of the first inverter 410 ) as a high logical level , and make a voltage of the second node corresponding to the output terminal of the first inverter 410 be a low logical level . in this instance , the second inverter 420 may recognize a voltage of the second node ( corresponding to the input terminal of the second inverter 420 ) as a low logical level , and make a voltage of the first node corresponding to the output terminal of the second inverter 420 be a high logical level . accordingly , the logical level of the voltage of the second terminal corresponding to the output terminal (โ out โ) of fig4 may be high . conversely , when the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 is higher than the logic threshold of the second inverter 420 , a voltage of the first node while the switch 430 is closed such that the first node and the second node are shorted may be lower than the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 . accordingly , when the switch 430 is re - opened such that the first node and the second node are opened , the first inverter 410 may recognize a voltage of the first node ( corresponding to the input terminal of the first inverter 410 ) as a low logical level , and make a voltage of the second node corresponding to the output terminal of the first inverter 410 be a high logical level . in this instance , the second inverter 420 may recognize a voltage of the second node ( corresponding to the input terminal of the second inverter 420 ) as a high logical level , and make a voltage of the first node corresponding to the output terminal of the second inverter 420 be a low logical level . accordingly , the logical level of the voltage of the second terminal corresponding to the output terminal (โ out โ) of fig4 may be low . as described above , depending on a higher value of the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 and the logic threshold of the second inverter 420 , the logical level of the output terminal (โ out โ) after the switch 430 is shorted - opened may be high ( or โ 1 โ), or low ( or โ 0 โ). a greater value of logic thresholds of the first inverter 410 and the second inverter 420 manufactured by an identical manufacturing process may be determined at random . probabilistically , a probability that one of two inverters has a logic threshold higher than a logic threshold of the other may be about 50 %. in addition , once manufactured , it may not be easy to change the greater logic threshold value . through the embodiment of fig4 , a 1 - bit digital value ( a value having an identical probability of being โ 1 โ or being โ 0 โ, however , may not be easy to change once manufactured ) may be generated . the process described above may be understood more clearly through a graph of fig5 . fig5 is a reference graph for understanding of the embodiment of fig4 . the exemplary reference graph illustrates a voltage characteristic for a case in which the logic threshold of the first inverter 410 is lower than the logic threshold of the second inverter 420 of fig4 . a curve 510 indicates a voltage characteristic of the first inverter 410 , and a curve 520 indicates a voltage characteristic of the second inverter 420 . when the first inverter 410 and the second inverter 420 are manufactured by an equivalent manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention , the curve 510 and the curve 520 may be almost identical , but may have a modest difference due to process variation . when a point of intersection of the curve 510 and a straight line 530 with a slope of โ 1 โ is found , the logic threshold v 1 of the first inverter 410 may be determined . in addition , when a point of intersection of the curve 520 and the straight line 530 is found , the logic threshold v 2 of the second inverter 420 may be determined . in the present embodiment , v 1 is lower than v 2 . accordingly , when the switch 430 of fig4 is closed such that the first node and the second node are shorted ( also referred to as โ reset โ), voltages v reset of the first node and the second node may correspond to values between v 1 , and v 2 . when the switch 430 is re - opened such that the first node and the second node are opened , the first inverter 410 may recognize the voltage v reset of the first node as a high logical level , and make the voltage of the second node corresponding to the output terminal of the first inverter 410 be a low logical level . in this instance , the second inverter 420 may recognize the voltage v reset of the second node as a low logical level , and make the voltage of the first node corresponding to the output terminal of the second inverter 420 be a high logical level . accordingly , the logical level of the voltage of the second terminal corresponding to the output terminal (โ out โ) of fig4 may be high . in a case in which a unit cell illustrated in fig4 generates a 1 - bit digital value , an encryption key may be generated using an n - bit digital value by integrating n unit cells . according to an embodiment of the present invention , the encryption key modules 320 may be implemented using such a scheme . an encryption key module to generate an encryption key of a form of a digital value based on a difference between logic thresholds of inverter devices using a semiconductor process variation may be implemented by a configuration of fig6 . fig6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of an encryption key module 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig6 , the encryption key module 600 may include five inverters 611 through 615 , a selector 620 , and a comparator 630 . the selector 620 may select two inverters from the five inverters of fig6 . for example , the inverter 612 and the inverter 613 may be selected . in this example , the comparator 630 may compare a logic threshold of the inverter 612 to a logic threshold of the inverter 613 , and provide an output voltage to an out terminal based on a result of the comparing . a 1 - bit digital value may be generated based on a logical level of the output voltage of the out terminal . when the selector 620 selects other two inverters , the comparator 630 may generate a 1 - bit digital value again . as described above , when the selector 620 selects two inverters from the five inverters 611 through 615 , and the comparator 630 generates a digital value by comparing logic thresholds of the two selected inverters , a digital value of a maximum of 10 bits may be obtained . although five inverters are included in the present embodiment , the present invention is not limited thereto . various changes may be made in view of an area of a circuit , a number of bits in a digital value to be generated , and the like . in the present embodiment , considering that an area of the comparator 630 to be integrated in a semiconductor chip is considerably large , when compared to an area of the inverters 611 through 615 , a plurality of inverters and the single comparator 630 are connected through the selector 620 . however , in other applications , a single comparator may make a pair with two inverters to generate an n - bit digital value . the encryption key module to generate an encryption key of a form of a digital value based on a difference between logic thresholds of inverter devices using a semiconductor process variation may also be implemented by a configuration of fig7 . fig7 illustrates a unit cell 700 of an encryption key module to generate a digital value using a process variation of a differential amplifier according to an embodiment of the present invention . the unit cell 700 may correspond to a circuit of a differential amplifier . the unit cell corresponding to the circuit of the differential amplifier including at least one device of a transistor and a resistor may amplify a difference between a voltage of a first input terminal 711 and a voltage of a second input terminal 712 , and provide the amplified difference as a difference between a voltage of a first output terminal 721 and a voltage of a second output terminal 722 . accordingly , when the first input terminal 711 and the second input terminal 712 are shorted , a value of an output voltage corresponding to the difference of the voltage of the first output terminal 721 and the voltage of the second output terminal 722 may be โ 0 โ, in theory . however , due to a difference in electrical characteristics between devices resulting from a semiconductor process variation , the voltage of the first output terminal 721 may not be identical to the voltage of the second output terminal 722 . accordingly , by comparing voltages of two output terminals to verify a higher voltage using a method similar to the method of comparing logic thresholds of inverters in the embodiment of fig6 , a 1 - bit digital value may be generated . for example , in a case in which the first input terminal 711 and the second input terminal 712 are shorted , when a value of the voltage of the first output terminal 721 is higher than a value of the voltage of the second output terminal 722 , a digital value โ 1 โ may be recognized . conversely , when the value of the voltage of the first output terminal 721 is lower than the value of the voltage of the second output terminal 722 , a digital value โ 0 โ may be recognized . accordingly , when n unit cells are integrated , each of the n unit cells may corresponding to differential amplifier 700 , an encryption key may be provided in a form of an n - bit digital value , and an encryption key module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented . such an implementation is illustrated in fig8 . fig8 illustrates an exemplary diagram in which an encryption key module 800 is implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig8 , the encryption key module 800 may include six differential amplifiers 811 through 816 , a selector 820 to select one from the six differential amplifiers , and a comparator 830 to compare two output voltages of the differential amplifier selected by the selector 820 to generate a 1 - bit digital value . in this example , all input terminals of the six differential amplifiers 811 through 816 may be shorted , and may have an identical voltage . according to an embodiment of the present invention , the selector 820 may include a 6 : 1 multiplexer ( mux ) device . however , the present embodiment may be an example for implementation of the present invention , and the present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment . accordingly , a number of input / output ports of the mux device may be changed . in addition , the selector 820 may include another device , other than the mux device . the 6 : 1 mux device may output , to two output terminals , output voltages of the six differential amplifiers through twelve input terminals . the two output terminals may be connected to two input terminals of the comparator 830 . in the present embodiment , the encryption key module 800 may generate an encryption key corresponding to a 6 - bit digital value . the embodiments in which encryption key modules are implemented using a semiconductor process variation have been described with reference to fig4 through 8 . hereinafter , embodiments in which encryption key modules are implemented by violating a semiconductor design rule will be described with reference to fig9 through 13 . fig9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a principle of generating an encryption key module by violating a semiconductor design rule according to an embodiment of the present invention . in general , a contact or a via may be designed to connect conductive layers , and a size of the contact or the via may be determined for the conductive layers to be shorted . in a general design rule , a minimum size of a contact or a via may be determined to guarantee that conductive layers are shorted . however , in an implementation of encryption key modules according to an embodiment of the present invention , by reducing a size of a contact or a via to be smaller than a size determined in the design rule , a portion of contacts or vias may short conductive layers , and another portion of the contacts or the vias may not short the conductive layers . whether the contacts or the vias short the conductive layers may be determined , probabilistically . in a conventional semiconductor process , when a contact or a via is not able to short conductive layers , the process may be considered to have failed . however , in the present invention , such a failure may be used to generate an encryption key having randomness . referring to fig9 , vias may be formed between a first metal layer 902 and a second metal layer 901 in a semiconductor manufacturing process . in a group 910 in which vias are set to a sufficient size according to a design rule , all of the vias may short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 , and whether the vias short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 may be expressed by a digital value โ 0 โ. in a group 930 in which vias are set to a small size , all of the vias may not short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 . accordingly , whether the vias short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 may be expressed by a digital value โ 1 โ. in a group 920 in which sizes of vias are between the sizes of the vias of the group 910 and the sizes of the vias of the group 930 , a portion of the vias may short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 , and another portion of the vias may not short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 . according to an embodiment of the present invention , in order to implement an encryption key module , sizes of vias may be set for a portion of the vias to short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 , and another portion of the vias not to short the first metal layer 902 and the second metal layer 901 , as shown in the group 920 . a design rule associated with a size of a via may vary depending on a semiconductor manufacturing process . for example , when a size of a via complying a design rule is set to 0 . 25 micrometers ( ฮผm ) in a process of manufacturing a complementary metal - oxide - semiconductor ( cmos ) of 0 . 18 ฮผm , in an implementation of an encryption key module according to an embodiment of the present invention , the design rule may be violated to set the size of the via to 0 . 19 ฮผm , whereby whether the via short metal layers may be distributed probabilistically . the probability distribution regarding whether the via shorts the metal layers may be set to a short probability of 50 %, ideally . in the implementation of encryption key modules according to an embodiment of the present invention , the size of the via may be set for the probability distribution to be as close as possible to 50 %. in the setting of the size of the via , the size of the via may be determined by an experiment according to a process . fig1 is a graph illustrating a configuration of an encryption key module implemented by violating a semiconductor design rule according to an embodiment of the present invention . in the graph , as a size of a via increases , a probability that metal layers are shorted may become closer to โ 1 โ. sd denotes a size of a via according to a design rule , and may correspond to a value sufficiently guaranteeing that the metal layers are shorted . sm denotes a size of a via with which a probability that the metal layers are shorted may correspond to โ 0 . 5 โ, in theory . as described above , the value may be changed depending on a process , and a similar value may be found by an experiment . however , an exact value of sm may not be easy to find . accordingly , in an implementation of encryption key modules according to an embodiment of the present invention , whether the metal layers are shorted may be set to 0 . 5 within a range between sx1 and sx2 ( although not shown separately , denoting a region having a predetermined margin based on sx ) that may have a predetermined allowable error found by experimentation . the embodiments in which an encryption key module is implemented by violating a design rule associated with a size of a via have been described with reference to fig9 and 10 . according to other embodiments of the present invention , encryption key modules may be implemented by violating a design rule associated with a gap between conductive layers . fig1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of generating an encryption key module by adjusting a gap between conductive layers according to an embodiment of the present invention . as described above , according to the present embodiment , by adjusting a gap between metal lines , whether the metal lines are shorted may be determined probabilistically . in a group 1110 in which gaps between metal lines are sufficiently narrow to guarantee that the metal lines are shorted , all of the metal lines are shorted . in a group 1130 in which gaps between metal lines are large , all of the metal lines are not shorted . in the present embodiment , in order to implement an encryption key module , gaps between metal lines may be set to short the metal lines probabilistically , for a portion of the metal lines to be shorted and another portion of the metal lines not to be shorted , as shown in a group 1120 . fig1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of an array of vias or contacts formed on a semiconductor layer to implement an encryption key module 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , m vias in width and n vias in length , a total of m ร n vias , may be formed between metal layers laminated on a semiconductor substrate . here , m and n denote natural numbers . the encryption key module 1200 may generate and provide an encryption key of m ร n bits , based on whether each of the m ร n vias shorts the metal layers ( a digital value โ 0 โ), or does not short the metal layers ( a digital value โ 1 โ). fig1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of post - processing a digital value generated in the embodiment of fig1 for balancing of โ 0 โ and โ 1 โ, rather than using the original digital value as an encryption key , according to an embodiment of the present invention . according to the present embodiment , an m ร n - bit digital value generated by the encryption key module 1200 may be divided based on k predetermined units . here , k denotes a natural number . the division shown in fig1 may be provided as an example for ease of description . in an actual implementation , a method of dividing flip - flops or registers in the encryption key module 1200 , and the like may be possible . accordingly , various changes and applications may be made by those skilled in the art to the process of performing balancing of โ 0 โ and โ 1 โ using the method of dividing the digital value , and such changes and applications should not be construed as departing from the scope of the present invention . in the example of fig1 , four digital values may be classified as a single group . the encryption key module 1200 may compare a size of a 4 - bit digital value generated by a group 1310 to a size of a 4 - bit digital value generated by a group 1320 . when the 4 - bit digital value of the group 1310 is greater than the 4 - bit digital value of the group 1320 , digital values representing the group 1310 and the group 1320 may be determined to be โ 1 โ. conversely , when the 4 - bit digital value of the group 1310 is less than the 4 - bit digital value of the group 1320 , the digital values representing the group 1310 and the group 1320 may be determined to be โ 0 โ. in another embodiment , digital values representing groups may be determined by comparing numbers of 1 - bit digital values of the groups . the method according to the above - described embodiments of the present invention may be recorded in computer - readable media including program instructions to implement various operations embodied by a computer . the media may also include , alone or in combination with the program instructions , data files , data structures , and the like . examples of computer - readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks , floppy disks , and magnetic tape ; optical media such as cd rom discs and dvds ; magneto - optical media such as floptical discs ; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions , such as read - only memory ( rom ), random access memory ( ram ), flash memory , and the like . examples of program instructions include both machine code , such as produced by a compiler , and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter . the described hardware devices may be configured to act as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations of the above - described exemplary embodiments of the present invention , or vice versa . 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 .
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fig1 shows an image forming device 10 relating to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . the image forming device 10 is structured with a print server 12 and a printer 14 . the print server 12 is equipped with a server main unit 12 s , a keyboard 12 k , a mouse 12 m , and a display section 12 l such as a crt display , an lcd display or the like . the print server 12 implements printing output in accordance with a printing job . the printer 14 is equipped with a printing section which prints an image and a scanner 42 which acquires image data , and is also equipped with a calorimeter 38 which acquires image data for color reproduction in accordance with a type of the printer . here , provided the calorimeter 38 is present , the scanner 42 is not necessary for the present invention . at the image forming device 10 , as shown in fig2 , an image forming device connected to a network 16 may be controlled by client terminals 18 . fig3 is a schematic view of a settings screen on a pc , which specifies characteristic data of a recording paper , at the display section 12 l of the print server 12 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention . a paper type settings screen 20 of the display section 12 l is structured with a list image 20 a at which one surface - processing condition is selected from four types , an image 20 b at which a basis weight is inputted to serve as a thickness , and a selection image 20 c at which a ground color is pinpointed on a color density pattern . herein , the image forming device 10 implements printing output by the printer 14 in accordance with a printing job . image data created by a pc or the like is image data in an rgb color space ( rgb signals ), but the printer 14 handles image data in a cmyk color space ( cmyk signals ). accordingly , using a profile , the rgb signals are converted to data in a device - independent color space , for example , the l * a * b * color space , and then converted to cmyk signals in a color space dependent on the output side device , and printed . with printing using a profile , printed results are close to printing targets , which are reproduction objectives of colors that are printed . however , recording papers that are printed on may not be able to reproduce desired colors using the same profile , due to factors such as surface - processing conditions , thicknesses , ground colors and so forth . hitherto , from the experience of an expert , characteristics of a recording paper to be used have been judged and a profile of which color reproduction characteristics are favorable has been extracted depending on printing targets . however , in cases in which experience is insufficient or the like , extracting a favorable profile has been difficult . accordingly , in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention , in order to create a profile , generation information is obtained by printing a cmyk patch pattern and performing colorimetry , and the generation information and characteristic data , such as a surface - processing condition , a thickness , a ground color and the like which are factors affecting color reproduction on the recording paper , are associated with a profile and saved . below , details of generation and extraction of a profile of the present invention will be described . fig4 is a functional block diagram for implementing generation and extraction of a profile in the image forming device 10 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention . a control section 30 is connected to a profile generation section 32 , a profile extraction section 34 , a generation information acquisition section 48 and a characteristic data input section 50 . when an operator instruction is a profile creation instruction , the control section 30 sends the profile creation instruction and printing target data to the profile generation section 32 . when an operator instruction is a printing instruction with employment of a profile , the control section 30 sends printing target data and printing data to the profile extraction section 34 . the control section 30 also sends profile creation instructions and profile - employing printing instructions to the generation information acquisition section 48 and to the characteristic data input section 50 . the profile generation section 32 is connected to a printing section 36 and a memory section 52 . the profile generation section 32 sends patch pattern data to the printing section 36 in accordance with a profile creation instruction from the control section 30 , so as to print a patch pattern which is a cmyk patch set . the printing section 36 is connected to the calorimeter 38 . the printing section 36 prints a patch pattern on the basis of the patch pattern data and sends printing results to the calorimeter 38 . the calorimeter 38 is connected to a colorimetry data analysis section 40 . the calorimeter 38 performs colorimetry of the patch pattern which has been printed by the printing section 36 , and sends colorimetry data , which is results of the colorimetry , to the colorimetry data analysis section 40 . the colorimetry data analysis section 40 is connected to a reference data generation section 46 . the colorimetry data analysis section 40 analyses the colorimetry data sent from the colorimeter 38 , and sends analysis results data to the reference data generation section 46 . here , provided the image forming device 10 is equipped with the colorimeter 38 , colorimetry of a patch pattern printed by the printing section 36 can be performed using the calorimeter 38 . however , if the image forming device 10 is not equipped with the calorimeter 38 , a patch pattern can be acquired using the scanner 42 . the scanner 42 is connected with an acquired data analysis section 44 . the scanner 42 acquires a patch pattern printed by the printing section 36 , and sends data that is acquired to the scanner 42 . the acquired data analysis section 44 is connected to the reference data generation section 46 . the acquired data analysis section 44 analyses acquired data sent from the scanner 42 , and sends analysis results data to the reference data generation section 46 . the reference data generation section 46 is connected to the generation information acquisition section 48 , the profile generation section 32 and the memory section 52 . the reference data generation section 46 generates reference data on the basis of analysis results data sent from the colorimetry data analysis section 40 , and sends the reference data to the generation information acquisition section 48 and the profile generation section 32 . the reference data generation section 46 also sends characteristic data such as ground color data and the like of the recording paper , which is included in the analysis results sent from the colorimetry data analysis section 40 , to the memory section 52 . the generation information acquisition section 48 is connected to the profile generation section 32 , the profile extraction section 34 and the memory section 52 . on the basis of the reference data sent from the reference data generation section 46 , the reference data generation section 46 obtains generation information such as : colorimetry data for primary color solid density data , of c , m , y and k , in the patch pattern ; colorimetry data for secondary color solid density data , of r , g , b and suchlike which are obtained by combining c , m and y ; colorimetry data for intermediate density data ; colorimetry data for density data of process grays ; ground color data of the recording paper ; and the like . the generation information acquisition section 48 also obtains generation information of colorimetry data for density data which is obtained by combining c , m , y and k for particular color ranges , such as skin tones , skies , corporate colors or the like , in consideration of the priorities of a user . when a profile creation instruction is sent from the control section 30 , the generation information acquisition section 48 sends the obtained generation information to the profile generation section 32 and the memory section 52 , and when a profile - employing printing instruction is sent from the control section 30 , the generation information acquisition section 48 sends the obtained generation information to the profile extraction section 34 in order to specify a profile . the profile generation section 32 then generates a profile on the basis of the printing target data sent from the control section 30 , the reference data sent from the reference data generation section 46 and the generation information data sent from the generation information acquisition section 48 . the profile generation section 32 sends the profile that has been generated to the memory section 52 . the characteristic data input section 50 is connected to the profile extraction section 34 and the memory section 52 . the characteristic data input section 50 sends recording paper characteristic data , which is inputted by an operator , to the memory section 52 when a profile creation instruction has been sent from the control section 30 , and sends the same to the profile extraction section 34 when a profile - employing printing instruction has been sent from the control section 30 . the memory section 52 stores profiles sent from the profile generation section 32 . the memory section 52 also stores characteristic data sent from the reference data generation section 46 , generation information obtained by the generation information acquisition section 48 and characteristic data inputted at the characteristic data input section 50 , in association with the profiles . the profile extraction section 34 is connected to the printing section 36 and the memory section 52 . on the basis of generation information sent from the generation information acquisition section 48 and characteristic data of a recording paper inputted from the characteristic data input section 50 , the profile extraction section 34 matches up and extracts a profile stored at the memory section 52 . the profile extraction section 34 sends the information of this profile and printing data , which is sent from the control section 30 , to the printing section 36 . the printing section 36 prints the printing data , employing the profile . below , operation of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described . printing data which is sent , for example , directly from the print server 12 provided at the image forming device 10 or from the client terminals 18 is subjected to image processing by the print server 12 . the printing data is sent to the printer 14 , and printing is implemented . here , printing using a profile for color reproduction is possible . first , for extracting profiles in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention , generation of a profile will be described . fig5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of generation of a profile . in step 100 , the printing section 36 prints a patch pattern , which is a cmyk patch set , and the process advances to step 102 . in step 102 , colorimetry of the patch pattern printed by the printing section 36 is performed by the colorimeter 38 . if the calorimeter 38 is not present , the patch pattern is acquired by the scanner 42 . when colorimetry has been performed , the process advances to step 104 . in step 104 , the colorimetry data from step 102 is analyzed by the colorimetry data analysis section 40 or the acquired data analysis section 44 . the reference data generation section 46 generates reference data , and the process advances to step 106 . in step 106 , the profile generation section 32 generates a profile on the basis of the printing target data and the reference data that has been generated by the reference data generation section 46 , and the process advances to step 108 . in step 108 , the generation information acquisition section 48 extracts generation information included in the reference data , and the process advances to step 110 . in step 110 , it is judged whether or not characteristic data of the recording paper is to be inputted by an operator . if the judgement is negative , that characteristic data of the recording paper is not to be inputted , the process advances to step 111 . if the judgement is positive , that characteristic data is to be inputted , the process advances to step 112 . in step 111 , the profile and the generation information are associated and stored at the memory section 52 , and this routine ends . in step 112 , characteristic data of the recording paper is inputted by an operator , and the process advances to step 114 . in step 114 , the profile , the generated information and the characteristic data are associated and stored at the memory section 52 , and this routine ends . fig6 a and fig6 b are a flowchart showing a flow for extracting a profile . in step 200 , it is judged whether or not a new recording paper is to be used . if the judgement is negative , that new recording paper is not to be used , the process advances to step 202 . in step 202 , an existing profile is selected , and the process advances to step 242 . if the judgement in step 200 is positive , that there is a new recording paper being used , the process advances to step 204 . in step 204 , it is judged whether or not generation information is to be inputted . if the judgement is negative , that generation information will not be inputted , the process advances to step 206 , and if the judgement is positive , that generation information will be inputted , the process advances to step 220 . in step 206 , a patch pattern , which is a cmyk patch set , is printed by the printing section 36 , and the process advances to step 208 . in step 208 , it is judged whether or not the calorimeter 38 is present . if the judgement is positive , that the calorimeter 38 is present , the process advances to step 210 . in step 210 , colorimetry of the printed patch pattern is performed by the calorimeter 38 , and the process advances to step 212 . in step 212 , colorimetry data which has been measured by the calorimeter 38 is analyzed by the colorimetry data analysis section 40 . the generation information acquisition section 48 obtains generation information of the new recording paper , and the process advances to step 220 . if the judgement in step 208 is negative , that there is no calorimeter 38 , the process advances to step 214 . in step 214 , a notification prompting acquisition of the patch pattern using the scanner 42 is implemented , and the process advances to step 216 . in step 216 , the printed patch pattern is acquired by the scanner 42 , and the process advances to step 218 . in step 218 , the patch pattern that the scanner 42 has acquired is analyzed by the acquired data analysis section 44 . the generation information acquisition section 48 obtains generation information for the new recording paper , and the process advances to step 220 . in step 220 , an operator inputs characteristic data of the recording paper from the characteristic data input section 50 , and the process advances to step 222 . in step 222 , it is judged whether or not input of data relating to generation information and characteristic data has finished . if the judgement is negative , that the input has not finished , the process advances to step 204 and , again , input of generation information of the new recording paper is implemented . if the judgement in step 222 is positive , that data input relating to the new recording paper has finished , the process advances to step 224 . in step 224 , the generation information of the new recording paper is compared with generation information included in existing profiles , and the process advances to step 226 . in step 226 , it is judged whether or not predetermined matching conditions are met . for these predetermined matching conditions , usually , degrees of matching are judged in sequence for : colorimetry data for primary color solid density data of c , m , y and k ; colorimetry data for secondary color solid density data of r , g , b and the like , which are provided by combining c , m and y ; colorimetry data for process gray density data ; recording paper ground color data ; and particular colors considered important by a client . an order of priority of these matching conditions can be altered in accordance with matters that are considered important by a client . if the judgement in step 226 is negative , that the predetermined matching conditions are not met , the process advances to step 228 . in step 228 , a message that there is no profile matching the new recording paper is displayed , and the process advances to step 230 . in step 230 , it is judged whether or not an existing profile is to be selected manually . if this is positive , that an existing profile is to be selected manually , the process advances to step 232 . in step 232 , an existing profile is selected , and the process advances to step 242 . if the judgement in step 230 is negative , that an existing profile is not to be selected manually , the process advances to step 234 . in step 234 , it is judged whether or not a new profile for the new recording paper is to be generated . if the judgement is negative , that a new profile is not to be generated , this routine ends . if the judgement is positive , that a new profile is to be generated , the process advances to step 236 . in step 236 , processing for generating a new profile is implemented , and this routine ends . if the judgement in step 226 is positive , that there is a profile for which the predetermined matching conditions are met , the process advances to step 238 . in step 238 , candidate profiles are displayed in order of higher degrees of matching , including complete matching , and the process advances to step 240 . in step 240 , the operator selects a profile , and the process advances to step 242 . in step 242 , printing processing is implemented using a profile included in the selected profile , and this routine ends . as has been described hereabove , a profile is generated and stored on the basis of printing target data representing a reproduction objective to be printed , and reference data obtained by printing and performing colorimetry on a patch pattern of a patch set based on arbitrary combinations of c , m , y and k . here , generation information included in the reference data obtained by colorimetry of the patch pattern , and characteristic data of the recording paper , such as a surface - processing condition , a thickness , a ground color and the like , are associated with the profile and stored . hence , for a new recording paper for which there is no profile , it is possible to extract a profile that approximates thereto , including complete matching , from pre - existing profiles on the basis of generation information and recording paper characteristic data thereof . furthermore , because an order of priority for extracting approximating profiles can be altered , closer approximating profiles can be extracted . herein , the generation information and recording paper characteristic data are stored in association with a profile , but this is not a limitation . for example , it is possible to store such data in a log file or the like in association with a profile . furthermore , a settings screen for specifying recording paper characteristic data is shown in fig3 , but this is not a limitation . settings other than the items shown in fig3 may be added as appropriate . moreover , a screen or the like which performs detailed settings for the generation information may be provided .
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referring first to fig1 a through 1e which illustrates successive stages in the initial folding and sealing of the carton , the carton comprises enclosing body walls 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 hingedly connected in the order named to provide a tubular body . normally , body wall 1 is the front wall , body wall 3 the rear wall , and body walls 2 and 4 the opposite end walls . end walls 2 and 4 are scored or cut - scored at their upper ends to provide medially disposed vertical lines of fold 5 which terminate in angularly disposed lines of fold 6 and 7 extending diagonally downwardly to the opposite side edges of the end walls , the lowermost extremeties of the diagonal lines of fold being interconnected by horizontally disposed lines of fold 8 , the liner of fold collectively defining bellows - like gussets 9 , 10 and 11 . the length of the gussets may vary relative to the length of the opposing end walls , although preferably they will lie within the upper half of the carton body walls so that a major portion of the carton will be rectangular in cross - section when erected . an end closure flap 12 is hingedly connected to the uppermost edge of rear wall 3 , the closure flap , as possibly best seen in fig1 d , having a foldable extension 13 with a centrally disposed tongue 14 . body wall 1 is provided with a tongue receiving slot 15 . the carton is lined with a tubular liner 16 the mouth of which projects upwardly beyond the body walls . the carton will be filled with contents when in the condition illustrated in fig1 a , whereupon the bellows - like gussets 9 , 10 and 11 will be deflected inwardly in the manner illustrated in fig1 b , the inward deflection of the gussets causing the front and rear walls 1 and 3 to be displaced inwardly until their upper edges coincide . this movement also causes the opposite ends of the mouth of the liner 16 to be folded inwardly and the opposite sides flattened . after flattening , the liner mouth is folded upon itself , preferably in the direction of end closure flap 12 , thereby bringing the liner mouth to the condition shown in fig1 c , the folded liner mouth defining an inner portion 16a and a reversely folded outer portion 16b . when in the folded condition , the double thickness liner mouth will be pressed together so as to crease the liner , whereupon end closure flap 12 will be infolded , the infolding of the end closure flap acting to fold the liner mouth over the uppermost edge of body wall 1 along the base edge of inner portion 16a . spots of adhesive 17 will be applied to the body wall 1 in positions to be contacted by the extension 13 of the closure flap when infolded , thereby adhering the closure flap to body wall 1 with the folded liner mouth sandwiched therebetween , the carton assuming the condition illustrated in fig1 e . the length of the liner mouth will be chosen so that when folded to double thickness , its width will be no greater than the width of closure flap 12 , the extension 13 thus extending beyond the folded liner mouth for direct contact with the underlying portion of body wall 1 . in the hands of the user , the carton may be opened by lifting the extension 13 to break the seal between the spots of adhesive 17 and the underlying body wall 1 , whereupon the carton may be reopened to the condition illustrated in fig1 a . the user may then pour the required quantity of liquid into the carton and the carton reclosed . reclosure is accomplished by deflecting the bellows - like gussets 9 , 10 and 11 inwardly and pressing together the uppermost edges of the front and rear body walls 1 and 3 , followed by the downward folding of the liner mouth in the manner illustrated in fig2 . the outermost portion 16b of the liner mouth is then reversely folded in the manner illustrated in fig3 thereby again forming a folded double thickness liner mouth , whereupon the closure flap 12 is infolded and the tongue 14 engaged in slot 15 , as seen in fig4 thereby entrapping the reversely folded , double thickness liner mouth between the closure flap 12 and underlying body wall 1 . this orientation of the liner mouth has been found to provide a liquid tight seal even when the carton is repeatedly shaken to admix its contents . it also may be observed that during initial closing of the carton , the liner need not be heat sealed or otherwise adhered together , the folding and reverse folding of the liner being sufficient to effectively protect the contents . of course , if desired , the mouth of the liner may be initially sealed , preferably along its outermost edge , although care should be taken to be certain the seal may be readily broken or , if it is severed , that sufficient liner material remains to permit the liner mouth to be folded upon itself . after the contents have been thoroughly shaken , the carton is again reopened and the contents dispensed . to this end , one of the sets of bellows - like gussets may be deflected outwardly , along with the continuous area of the liner , thereby forming a pouring spout by means of which the admixed contents may be dispensed . reference is next made to fig5 which illustrates apparatus utilized to form the end closure just described . the basic apparatus is of the type disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 063 , 403 , and comprises a main frame 18 mounting bearings 19 and 20 adjacent its opposite ends in which vertically disposed shafts 21 and 22 are rotatably journaled , the shafts mounting horizontally disposed sprockets 23 and 24 about which an endless conveyor chain 25 moves in a horizontal path of travel . driving power is supplied to the sprocket 22 through shaft 26 and gears 27 , the shaft 26 being connected by a driven sprocket 28 operatively connected to a source of power , which is not shown . the conveyor chain 25 engages a series of spaced apart carriages 29 which are guided about the path of travel of the conveyor chain by channel - shaped guide members 30 . each of the carriages 29 is adapted to receive and convey a carton 31 of the construction previously described the cartons being presented to the carriages at one end of the apparatus at a delivery station s , indicated in fig5 and 6 . each of the carriages is provided with pairs of locking arms 33 which engage the body walls of the cartons and secure them to the carriages . the cartons will be positioned on the carriages with their front walls facing outwardly , so that the end wall 2 will be the leading body wall in the direction of travel of each carton and the end wall 4 will be the trailing body wall . as each carton 31 is advanced by its carriage with the carton in the condition illustrated in fig1 a , the medially disposed lines of fold 5 at the upper ends of the end walls 2 and 4 , together with the adjacent upstanding end portions of the liner mouth , are contacted by a folding device , indicated generally at 34 , the folding device having a pair of folding fingers 35 and 36 which act to deflect the end walls inwardly along the lines of fold 5 , thereby causing the bellows - like gussets 9 , 10 and 11 to be deflected inwardly together with the opposite end edges of the liner mouth , which are also contacted by the folding fingers . a series of the folding devices 34 , only one of which is shown in fig5 is secured to a conveyor chain 37 which passes around sprockets 38 and 39 rotatably journaled on a vertical support 40 projecting upwardly from the main frame 18 by means of shafts 41 and 42 , the shaft 42 being driven through gear means 43 connected to a drive shaft 44 having gear means 45 connecting it to previously described drive shaft 26 . the folding devices are of the type taught in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 063 , 403 , the pairs of folding fingers being arranged to move from opened to closed position and return by linkage members controlled by a continuous cam track 46 adapted to receive cam followers operatively connected to the linkage members . as will be evident from fig5 the folding fingers will lie in the opened position as they approach an underlying carton , whereupon the fingers will be moved to the closed position , such movement causing inward deflection of the bellows - like gussets and the opposite ends of the liner mouth . at the same time the front and rear walls 1 and 3 of the carton will move toward each other , such movement being assisted by means of an opposing pair of guide plates 47 and 48 , best seen in fig6 which are positioned to engage the front and rear walls 1 and 3 , respectively , adjacent their uppermost edges , thereby insuring that the uppermost edges of these walls will be juxtaposed with the flattened liner mouth projecting upwardly from between the front and rear body walls . as this folding operation takes place , the closure flap 12 will be folded outwardly , as by means of a sweep 49 seen in fig6 . a vertically disposed fin 50 overlies guide plate 48 and coacts with a vertically disposed fin 51 overlying guide plate 47 , the opposing fins lying in closely spaced apart relation so as to maintain the liner mouth in flattened condition as it advances between the fins . fin 50 is spaced upwardly from guide plate 48 , the guide plate acting to maintain the closure flap 12 in the outfolded condition . fin 51 terminates immediately adjacent an inverted channel - shaped sweep 52 which engages and folds the liner mouth to the condition illustrated in fig1 c . the channel - shaped sweep folds the liner mouth over the uppermost edge of fin 50 , the dimensions of the liner mouth being such that it will be doubled upon itself to form the inner portion 16a and the reversely folded outer portion 16b . the configuration of sweep 52 and its relation to fin 50 and guide plates 47 , 48 is shown in fig7 . a pair of pressing wheels 53 and 54 lie immediately beyond the channel - shaped sweep 52 , the pressing wheels acting to crease and flatten the folded over liner mouth . upon passage beyond the pressing wheels , the liner mouth is engaged by an inverted channel - shape member 55 similar to member 52 which serves to maintain the liner mouth in its folded condition preparatory to the infolding of the end closure flap 12 , which is retained in its outfolded position overlying guide plate 48 by means of the inverted channel - shaped member 55 . a sweep 56 is positioned immediately beyond the trailing end of channel - shaped member 55 , the sweep 56 being positioned to engage and infold the end closure flap 12 immediately upon passage of the folded liner mouth beyond the channel - shaped member 55 , the infolding of the end closure flap also serving to enforce the infolding of the liner mouth along the base edge of inner portion 16a . a second sweep 57 is also located immediately beyond channel - shaped member 55 on its opposite side , the second sweep being positioned to contact and support the liner mouth as its infolding is initiated by the infolding of the end closure flap . the sweeps 56 and 57 coact to bring the closure flap and the liner mouth to an essentially horizontal position with the folded liner mouth resting upon the upper surface of guide plate 47 . in this connection , the guide plates 47 and 48 are continuous and extend in a curved path around the end of the machine . the closure flap and liner mouth are maintained in the partially infolded condition , i . e ., in an essentially horizontal position , as they are advanced along the curved end of the guide plate 47 , by means of a rotating disc 58 mounted on an upward extension 21a of shaft 21 , the rotating disc being driven in timed relation to the movement of the carriages 29 and the cartons being conveyed . the rotating disc 58 maintains the end closure flap and liner mouth in the partially infolded condition as the carton travels around the curved end of the machine until the carton reaches the straight line flight on the opposite side of the machine where the partially infolded closure flap is engaged by an overlying sweep 59 as it is released by the disc . an adhesive applicator 60 is mounted adjacent the path of travel of the carton front wall and is positioned to apply the spots of adhesive 17 ( seen in fig1 d ) to the upper portion of the front wall 1 , whereupon the sweep curves , as indicated at 59 , to complete the infolding of the closure flap , thereby juxtaposing the extension 13 to the spots of adhesive on the upper portion of underlying body wall 1 , the sweep continuing for a distance sufficient to insure that the flap extension will be adhered to the underlying carton body wall . the closing and sealing of the carton is now completed and the carton is in the condition illustrated in fig1 e . thereafter the carriages which convey the cartons are opened and the cartons ejected from the machine at a discharge station , diagrammatically indicated at d , where the cartons are discharged from the apparatus . the empty carriages then return to the delivery station s to receive additional cartons to be closed and sealed .
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referring to fig1 - 3 , an embodiment of the lure 10 of the present invention is shown built upon an elongated stiff wire support 11 comprised of a shaft portion 17 having an eyelet member 18 formed at its upper end and a looped snap member 19 formed on its lower end . said snap member is formed only after the other structural components of the lure have been threaded onto said shaft portion . a spinner unit 12 having one to eight upwardly directed blades 21 radially disposed about a hub element 22 is journaled to said shaft portion by virtue of a centered bearing bore 23 in said hub . the expressions &# 34 ; upwardly &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; forwardly &# 34 ; as employed herein are intended to denote the direction facing eyelet member 18 . when a number of blades are employed , they are of identical size and shape , and are equidistantly spaced in a circular array about the hub . the extent by which the blades are forwardly directed is indicated by the angle a of fig2 which may range between 10 and 20 degrees . in preferred embodiments , the blades are concavely curved in the upward direction , and are pitched relative to the hub in a manner of a propeller of an airplane . bore 23 is of cylindrical contour , having a length preferably at least four times its diameter , and a diameter about 0 . 004 to 0 . 020 inch greater than the diameter of shaft portion 17 . such characteristics of the bore cause the spinner unit to rotate freely and easily upon said shaft portion , yet without wobble . it is to be noted that , when the lure is allowed to fall through the water , as shown in fig3 the direction of rotation of the spinner is opposite to the direction of rotation when the line is pulled through the water , as shown in fig1 . upper and lower spherical bearing units 30 and 31 , respectively , having centered bores 32 are rotatively disposed upon said shaft portion above and below hub element 22 . a stop unit 53 is affixed to shaft portion 17 below lower bearing unit 31 for the purpose of maintaining the position of forwardly disposed components on said shaft portion . an offset , keel shaped , elongated weight member 40 having rounded extremities and an elongated axial channel 41 is mounted by virtue of said channel and affixed securely to said shaft portion below stop unit 53 . it has been found that , by affixing the weight member to the wire shaft , and by employing an offset , keel shaped weight unit , twisting of the fishing line to which the lure is attached is significantly reduced or eliminated . the weight member can be fixed to the wire via crimping , solder , adhesives , or other means . the expression &# 34 ; offset &# 34 ; is intended to denote a configuration asymmetric relative to shaft portion 17 . in particular , the keel structure is disposed on just one side of shaft 17 . a buoyant head 54 having a centered channel is rotatively mounted by virtue of said channel upon shaft portion 17 in abutment with upper bearing unit 30 and eyelet member 18 . the size , shape and degree of buoyancy of buoyant head 54 are carefully chosen so that the combined effect of the weight member , spinner unit , and buoyant head is such as to dispose the lure in a stable vertical position when falling through the water . it has been found that , in the absence of buoyant head 54 , the lure may descend in water in an orientation other than vertical with eyelet 18 upwardly directed . such is particularly the case when a lower attractor is employed comprised of feathers which create a drag force comparable to the gravitational effect of the weight element . a removable upper attractor member 55 , preferably fabricated of soft plastic material , is adapted to removably embrace said weight member . member 55 may be partially slit in a manner permitting adequate deformation for emplacement upon the weight member and wire shaft . once emplaced , attractor member 55 may be secured in place by clips , tape , wire , or other equivalent securing means . attractor member 55 may be of a shape , size and color as to resemble favorite food items of the fish being sought . numerous different attractor members may be alternatively employed on the same lure . a conventional multi - pointed fish hook 60 is held by looped snap member 19 . in order to achieve its function of concealing the fish hook without impairing its effectiveness , a lower attractor member 50 is preferably comprised of a fringed skirt element 52 or equivalent multi - stranded structure which may be fabricated of fibers , feathers , plastic tentacles and the like , and tied directly to the top of the hook . when employed in lures of the aforesaid construction , the buoyant head provides two significant effects , namely : a ) enhanced attainment of vertical posture , even without a spinner , particularly when a weight member is disposed upon the lower portion of the wire support and b ) slowed rate of descent , the magnitude of which is controllable by suitable matching of the size of the buoyant head to the size of the weight . such effects improve the efficiency of the lure in catching fish . while particular examples of the present invention have been shown and described , it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broadest aspects . the aim of the appended claims , therefore , is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention .
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a first embodiment of a gas laser oscillator according to this invention will be described with reference to fig5 . in fig5 reference character 100 designates a discharge portion comprising an insulating material 101 , an elongated anode 102 and a multi - element cathode 103 . a supply pipe 11 is employed for supplying to non - discharge portions 2a and 2b a gas including no co 2 molecules , such as a co -- n 2 -- he mixture gas . an introduction pipe 12 introduces the gas flow of co 2 molecules into a sealed container 10 . a leading pipe 13 leads , for instance , a co 2 -- co -- n 2 -- he mixture gas out of the container 10 . the flow rates of these gas flows 11g , 12g and 13g are controlled so that the mixing ratio and the total pressure in the container 10 are maintained constant at all times . as is apparent from fig5 the directions of a laser beam 5 , gas flows 7a , 7b and 7c , glow discharge are mutually perpendicular . the remaining components of the gas laser oscillator are similar to those in the prior art represented in fig3 . the output characteristic of the oscillator thus constructed has been confirmed through experiments . the output characteristic is as indicated by the straight line b in fig4 . the operating conditions of the laser oscillation are the same as those described before . the laser output of the oscillator of the invention shown in fig5 is higher by about 40 % than that of the conventional one . the oscillation efficiency is also higher by about 40 % than that of the conventional oscillator . as is clear from the figure , the output saturation phenomenon accompanying the conventional oscillator is not produced with the oscillator of the invention . when the laser output is 1 kw , the output variation percentage is about 1 % which is smaller by an order of magnitude than the output variation percentage of the conventional oscillator . as described , the performance of the laser oscillator is remarkably improved by decreasing the concentration of co 2 molecules in the non - discharge portion . the reason is that the co 2 molecule absorption coefficient is decreased in proportion to the reduction of co 2 mole fraction . if the absorption coefficient is reduced , then the gas at the non - discharge portion is protected from being heated , the output variation due to the gas temperature fluctuation is considerably reduced , and the abnormal heating action of the partial reflection mirror is not caused . in the case where no co 2 molecule is provided in the non - discharge portion , the absorption loss becomes zero , and bad influences such as for instance the above - described oscillation efficiency reduction are not caused . when the co 2 mole fraction in the non - discharge portion is 1 / 2 of that of the laser medium , the saturation output indicated by the curve a in fig4 is increased twice . in order to fully obtain the effects of the invention , the maximum co 2 mole fraction permitted under given conditions such as a desired laser output , kinds of mixture gas and the total pressure is determined . in the above - described example , the gas flow 11g including no co 2 molecules is introduced into the container 10 . however , this method may be replaced by a method in which the mixture gas in the container 10 is cooled to remove co 2 molecules therefrom so that the remaining gas , including no co 2 molecules , is introduced into the container 10 . the invention has been described with reference to the high pressure continuous oscillation co 2 laser however . it should be noted that the technical concept of the invention can be applied to other types co 2 lasers for the same effects . furthermore , the above - described oscillator is provided with the stable resonator however , the invention is not so limited . that is , the technical concept of the invention can be applied to other oscillators having unstable resonators or other type resonators , and in this case also the same effects described above can be substantially obtained . as is clear from the example of the gas laser oscillator described with reference to fig5 according to the invention , the co 2 molecule absorption loss is reduced by decreasing the co 2 molecule concentration in the non - discharge portion . therefore , the laser oscillator is high in oscillation efficiency and output stability . it can prevent the partial reflection mirror from being damaged even at the time of high output laser oscillation . a second embodiment of the gas laser oscillator according to the invention will be described with reference to fig6 . in fig6 reference characters 14a and 14b designate bypass ducts for circulating mixture gas to non - discharge portions 2a and 2b by the utilization of static pressure blowers 6 . the remaining components are similar to those in fig5 . a part of the circulating gas flow formed by the blowers 6 is allowed to flow through the bypass ducts 14a and 14b and to flow from the mirrors towards the laser medium 1 in the non - discharge portions 2 . the output characteristic of the oscillator thus constructed has been confirmed through experiments , and it is as indicated by the straight line b in fig4 . with a discharge input of 7 kw , the laser output of the oscillator of the invention is higher by about 40 % than that of the conventional one . therefore , the oscillation efficiency is also higher by about 40 % than that of the conventional oscillator . as is apparent from the figure , the output saturation phenomenon in the output characteristic accompanying the conventional oscillator does not occur . when the laser output is 1 kw , the output variation percentage is about 1 %, which is smaller by an order of magnitude than the conventional variation percentage . as described above , the performance of the laser oscillator is remarkably improved by feeding gas to the non - discharge portions . the reason is that the gas flows in the non - discharge portions prevent the light absorption and heating of the gas mixture attributing to co 2 molecules . as a result the absorption loss of the laser oscillator is reduced ( cf . fig2 ). as the gas temperature in the non - discharge portions is reduced , the output variation due to the gas temperature fluctuation is decreased , and abnormal heating action of the partial reflection mirror is prevented . the gas velocity in the non - discharge portion necessary for obtaining the effects of the invention depends on the configuration of the non - discharge portion , the kind of mixture gas , and the total pressure . for a typical example , the gas velocity to obtain the output characteristic indicated by the straight line b in fig4 was several of meters per seconds . as the gas velocity is increased , the absorption loss by co 2 molecules is decreased . if a cooler is provided at a part of the supply pipe 11 to cool the gas flowing in the non - discharge portion , the absorption loss is reduced , and the gas velocity necessary to obtain the effects of the invention can be decreased . in the above - described second embodiment , the gas flows are formed in the non - discharge portions 2 by utilizing the blowers 6a , 6b and 6c adapted to feed gas to the laser medium 1 . however , other blowers may be provided to feed the gas to the non - discharge portions . the direction of the gas flow can be selected as desired . a third embodiment of the gas laser oscillator according to the invention will be described with reference to fig7 . as is clear from fig7 the gas flows in the non - discharge portions at high speed , and therefore the same effects as described above can be obtained . the invention has been described with reference to the high pressure continuous oscillation co 2 laser , however , it should be noted that the technical concept of the invention can be applied to other co 2 laser oscillators or other gas laser oscillators , and in this case also the same effects can be obtained . furthermore , the abovedescribed oscillator is provided with the stable resonator , however , the invention is not limited thereto . that is , the technical concept of the invention can be applied to other oscillators having unstable resonators or other type resonators , and in this case also the same effects described above can be substantially obtained . a fourth embodiment of the gas laser oscillator according to the invention will be described with reference to fig8 . in fig8 reference characters 15a and 15b designate brewster windows , and reference characters 16a and 16b designates sealed chambers . a gas 16g , which slightly absorbs the oscillated laser beam , is contained in the chambers 16 , or the chambers 16 are evacuated . the remaining components are similar to those in fig5 . the surfaces , confronted with the laser medium 1 , of the brewster windows 14 are exposed to the gas flow , and therefore the heating action of the mixture gas locally left in the non - discharge portions 2 can be prevented . the output characteristic of the oscillator thus constructed has been confirmed through experiments , and it is as indicated by the straight line b in fig4 . the operating conditions in laser oscillation are similar to those described before . when the discharge input is for instance 7 kw , the laser output of the oscillator of the invention is higher by about 40 % than that of the conventional one and accordingly the oscillation efficiency is also higher by about 40 %. furthermore , as is apparent from the figure , the output saturation phenomenon in the output characteristic accompanying the conventional oscillator is not caused with the oscillator of the invention . when the laser output is 1 kw , the output variation percentage is about 1 %, which is smaller by an order of magnitude than the conventional variation percentage . the performance of the laser oscillator is remarkably improved by replacing the non - discharge portion by a gas which does not significantly absorb the oscillated laser beam or by vacuum as described above . as a result , the light absorption and heating action of the non - discharge portion can be theoretically disregarded . in the above - described fourth example , the brewster window is employed as the transmission window ; however . it may be replaced by a transmission window having anti - reflection coatings on both surfaces . the invention has been described with reference to the three orthogonal axes type co 2 laser oscillator ; however , it should be noted that the technical concept of the invention can be applied to other gas circulation type co 2 laser oscillators , such as for instance a so - called two orthogonal axes type gas laser oscillator in which the direction of the gas flow is equal to that of discharge . these directions are orthogonal with the beam axis . in this case also , the same effects described above can be obtained . as is apparent from the fourth embodiment described with reference to fig8 the absorption loss attributed to co 2 molecules can be substantially disregarded owing to the fact that the non - discharge portions are replaced by a gas which does not significantly absorb the oscillated laser beam or by vacuum . accordingly , the laser oscillator according to the invention is high in oscillation efficiency and output stability , and it can prevent the partial reflection mirror from being damaged even at the time of high output laser oscillation . fig9 shows actual measurement data . in fig9 reference characters ( a ) indicates the variations with time of the output of the conventional oscillator , and ( b ) indicates the variations with time of the output of the example of the oscillator of the invention shown in fig5 . the variations with time of the outputs of the other examples ( fig6 through 8 ) of the invention are substantially similar to that designated by the reference character ( b ).
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a description will be given of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 shows the composition of a history viewing management system in an embodiment of the invention . in fig1 , a network 1 is , for example , the intranet of a company . as shown in fig1 , connected with this network 1 are : a mail server 2 which manages e - mail transmitting / receiving : a fax terminal 3 which performs fax transmitting / receiving ; a personal computer ( pc ) 4 on which a user performs the business proceeding ; a history server 5 which manages history information of e - mails , faxes and phone calls : an ip phone conversion server 6 which performs transfer of an ip ( internet protocol ) phone call ; and a wireless lan access point 7 . moreover , the network 1 is connected with the network 8 which is , for example , the internet . and a public wireless lan access point 9 is provided on the network 8 . a mobile terminal 10 is a terminal which is owned by a user , and this mobile terminal 10 can be connected with the network 1 via the wireless lan access point 7 , or connected with the network 8 via the public wireless lan access point 9 , so that it can perform a phone call ( ip phone ) and an e - mail transmitting / receiving . fig2 shows the composition of a history viewing management system in another embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , the ip phone conversion server 6 shown in fig1 is incorporated into the history server 5 . other composition is the same as that shown in fig1 . fig3 shows the composition of a history viewing management system in another embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , the mail server 2 shown in fig1 is incorporated into the history server 5 . other composition is the same as that shown in fig1 . fig4 shows the composition of a mobile terminal 10 in an embodiment of the invention . as shown in fig4 , the mobile terminal 10 includes a phone - call function part 101 , a registration function part 102 , and a rss reading function part 103 . the phone - call function part 101 provides a phone - call function as a telephone . the registration function part 102 provides the function of connecting the mobile terminal 10 with the history server 5 at the time of termination of a phone call , and registering history information in the history server 5 . the rss reading function part 103 provides the function of reading a rss ( rdf ( resource description framework ) site summary ) from the history server 5 in which history information of a phone call , fax , mail , etc . with a customer ( communication destination ) specified by the user at the time of viewing an address book is described as a metadata in a structured language , and provides the function of reading an rss from the history server 5 in which the details of an item of history information with the customer specified by the user from among the items of the history list , are described as a metadata in a structured language . moreover , the mobile terminal 10 further includes a display function part 104 and a voice data temporary storing function part 105 . the display function part 104 provides the function of displaying history information and provides the function of specifying a customer ( communication destination ) using a display screen interface ( to support the display capabilities of the mobile terminal 10 ). the voice data temporary storing function part 105 provides the function of temporarily storing voice data of a phone call . alternatively , the voice data temporary storing function part 105 may be omitted when the voice data accumulation function exists in the ip phone conversion server 6 . fig5 shows the composition of a mail server 2 . as shown in fig5 , the mail server 2 includes a mail transmitting / receiving function part 21 and a registration function part 22 . the mail transmitting / receiving function part 21 provides the function of e - mail transmitting and receiving . the registration function part 22 provides the function of registering history information into the history server 5 every time e - mail transmitting / receiving is performed by the mail server 2 . thus , the history server 5 retains update information of the history information of e - mail transmitting / receiving . fig6 shows the composition of a fax terminal 3 . as shown in fig6 , the fax terminal 3 includes a fax function part 31 and a registration function part 32 . the fax function part 31 provides the function of fax transmitting and receiving . the registration function part 32 provides the function of registering history information into the history server 5 every time when fax transmitting / receiving is performed by the fax terminal 3 . thus , the history server 5 retains update information of the history information of fax transmitting / receiving . fig7 shows the composition of a history server 5 . as shown in fig7 , the history server 5 includes a request receiving function part 51 , a parameter analysis function part 52 , a fax distribution function part 53 , and a history database group 54 . the request receiving function part 51 provides the function of receiving various kinds of requests ( a history - information registration request , a history - information acquisition request , etc .) from any of the mobile terminal 10 , the mail server 2 , and the fax terminal 3 . the parameter analysis function part 52 provides the function of analyzing the parameters contained in a received request . the fax distribution function part 53 provides the functions of requesting to the user distribution of a fax the destination of which cannot be detected and distributing the fax . the history database group 54 includes a history database 541 , a user database 542 , a destination database 543 , and a content database 544 . moreover , the history server 5 includes a rss creation function part 55 and a response output function part 56 . the rss creation function part 55 provides the function of creating an rss which is transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 as a response . the response output function part 56 provides the function of outputting a response to one of various kinds of requests from the mobile terminal 10 , the mail server 2 and the fax terminal 3 . in the case of the composition shown in fig2 , the ip phone conversion server 6 is provided within the history server 5 . in the case of the composition shown in fig3 , the mail server 2 in which the mail transmitting / receiving function part 21 is included therein is provided within the history server 5 . fig8 shows the composition of an ip phone conversion server 6 . as shown in fig8 , the ip phone conversion server 6 includes a phone call transfer function part 61 which provides the function of transferring an ip phone call . the ip phone conversion server 6 includes a voice data accumulation function part 62 which provides the function of accumulating voice data of phone calls . alternatively , the voice data accumulation function part 62 may be omitted from the ip phone conversion server 6 . fig9 a to fig9 d show an example of a history database group 54 . fig9 a shows an example of the history database 541 , and this history database 541 includes a plurality of items , including โ user id โ, โ destination id โ, โ content id โ, โ date / time โ, โ kind โ and โ title โ. fig9 b shows an example of the user database 542 , and this user database 542 includes a plurality of items , including โ user id โ, โ name โ, โ fax number โ, โ mail address โ, and โ terminal number โ. fig9 c shows an example of the destination database 543 , and this destination database 543 includes a plurality of items , including โ destination id โ, โ name โ, โ phone number โ, โ fax number โ and โ mail address โ. fig9 d shows an example of the content database 544 , and this content database 544 includes a plurality of items , including โ content id โ and contents . fig1 is a flowchart for explaining the processing when viewing of the address book in the mobile terminal 10 is performed . as shown in fig1 , when a user wants to view the history of latest exchanges with a customer , such as phone calls , faxes and mails , in a place away from the office of the user , the user opens the address book of the mobile terminal 10 ( step s 1 ), selects a destination from among the destinations of the address book ( step s 2 ), and presses a history button of the mobile terminal 10 ( step s 3 ). fig1 a to fig1 d show examples of display screens in the mobile terminal 10 when the address book is viewed . fig1 a shows the state in which the destination ( the customer ) is selected from the address book ( the shaded portion in fig1 a ). fig1 b shows the state in which the detailed data ( phone number , e - mail address , fax number , etc .) of the selected destination is displayed and the history button appears on the screen . referring back to fig1 , when the history button is pressed by the user , the request of history acquisition is transmitted to the history server 5 from the mobile terminal 10 ( step s 4 ). the mobile terminal 10 receives a response including an rss of history information from the history server 5 ( step s 5 ). fig1 a to fig1 f show examples of rss contained in the request and the response exchanged between the mobile terminal 10 and the history server 5 . fig1 a shows an rss which is contained in the request transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the history server 5 . fig1 b shows an rss which is contained in the response transmitted from the history server 5 to the mobile terminal 10 . this rss includes the history information for each item element . referring back to fig1 , a history list is displayed in the mobile terminal 10 based on the received rss ( step s 6 ). fig1 c shows an example of a display screen of the history list . alternatively , the history list may be processed in a calendar form and such a list may be displayed as shown in fig1 d . referring back to fig1 , when a desired item of the history list which the user wants to check its detailed information is selected from the history list ( step s 7 ), the request of detailed data acquisition with respect to the selected item is transmitted to history server 5 from the mobile terminal 10 ( step s 8 ). and the mobile terminal 10 receives a response containing any of image data , voice data and text data , from the history server 5 ( step s 9 ). fig1 c shows an example of a voice data acquisition request which is transmitted to the history server 5 from the mobile terminal 10 , and fig1 d shows an example of a response which is received in that case . fig1 e shows an example of a mail text data acquisition request which is transmitted to the history server 5 from the mobile terminal 10 , and fig1 f shows an example of a response which is received in that case . referring back to fig1 , the detailed data of the selected item is displayed in the mobile terminal 10 ( step s 10 ). fig1 a to fig1 c show examples of display screens in the mobile terminal 10 when detailed item information is displayed . fig1 a shows an example of a display screen when detailed data of the phone call history information is selected ( the phone call voice will be reproduced if the playback button is pressed ). fig1 b shows an example of a display screen when detailed data of the e - mail history information is selected ( the mail text data will be displayed if the display button is pressed ). fig1 c shows an example of a display screen when detailed data of the fax history information is selected ( the thumbnail image is displayed and the detailed image will be displayed if the expand button is pressed ). fig1 is a flowchart for explaining the processing when a phone call is performed by the mobile terminal 10 . as shown in fig1 , when a user performs transmission or reception of a phone call in the mobile terminal 10 ( step s 11 ), the voice data of the contents of the phone call is stored in the mobile terminal 10 or the ip phone conversion server 6 ( step s 12 ). after the phone call is completed ( step s 13 ), a confirmation screen for phone call history information is displayed ( step s 14 ), and the user inputs comments ( step s 15 ). fig1 shows an example of a display screen on the mobile terminal 10 after a phone call is terminated . as shown in fig5 , the state in which history information , including a destination name , a phone number , an elapsed time of phone call , and a box for inputting comments are displayed . referring back to fig1 , after the comments are inputted by the user , the mobile terminal 10 transmits the history data and the voice data ( when the voice data is temporarily stored in the mobile terminal 10 ) to the history server 5 ( step s 16 ). fig1 a to fig1 c show examples of a request and a response exchanged between the mobile terminal 10 and the history server 5 . fig1 a shows a history registration request which is transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the history server 5 . fig1 b shows a description when the voice data is transmitted by a multi - part transmission . fig1 c shows a response which is transmitted from the history server 5 to the mobile terminal 10 . fig1 a and fig1 b are flowcharts for explaining the processing when a fax transmission is performed by the fax terminal and the processing when a fax reception is performed by the fax terminal . upon start of the processing shown in fig1 a , a user inputs a transmission destination on the fax terminal 3 ( step s 21 ). after scanning of the document being transmitted is performed ( step s 22 ), the fax terminal 3 requests the user to perform the manual input of the title or automatic extracting of the title ( by an optical character reader ( ocr )) ( step s 23 ). the fax terminal 3 performs fax transmission ( step s 24 ). then , the fax terminal 3 transmits history information ( including the title inputted by the user or the information obtained through the automatic extracting ) to the history server 5 ( step s 25 ). upon start of the processing shown in fig1 b , the fax terminal 3 performs fax receiving ( step s 31 ). the fax terminal 3 performs automatic extracting of the title ( step s 32 ) and outputs the received image to paper ( step s 33 ). then , the fax terminal 3 transmits history information ( including the title obtained through the automatic extracting ) to the history server 5 ( step s 34 ). fig1 a to fig1 c show examples of a request and a response exchanged between the fax terminal 3 and the history server 5 . fig1 a shows an example of a request for registration of fax transmission history information transmitted from the fax terminal 3 to the history server 5 . fig1 b shows an example of a request for registration of fax receiving history information transmitted from the fax terminal 3 to the history server 5 . fig1 c shows an example of a response to the request of fig1 a or fig1 b transmitted from the history server 5 to the fax terminal 3 . fig1 a and fig1 b show examples of display screens in the mobile terminal 10 when a fax distribution is performed . when the transmission destination cannot be detected correctly through the automatic extracting , this fax distribution is performed in order to request the user to set up the transmission destination . if the user chooses one item from among items of the list of the non - distributed fax shown in fig1 a , the display screen of the fax terminal 3 is changed to a display screen of detailed data of the selected item as shown in fig1 b . if the user chooses one item from the registered destinations in the display screen , then the transmission destination can be set up . fig2 a and fig2 b are flowcharts for explaining the processing when a mail transmission is performed by the mail server and the processing when a mail reception is performed by the mail server . as shown in fig2 a , when an e - mail is transmitted from the client ( the pc 4 in fig1 ) to the mail server 2 ( step s 41 ), the mail server 2 receives this e - mail ( step s 42 ) and performs e - mail transmission ( transfer ) ( step s 43 ). then , the mail server 2 transmits the history information ( data ) to the history server 5 ( step s 44 ). as shown in fig2 b , when the mail server 2 transmits an e - mail ( step s 51 ), the mail server 2 transmits the history information ( data ) to history server 5 ( step s 52 ). then , the client ( the pc 4 in fig1 ) received the e - mail from the mail server 2 ( step s 53 ). fig2 a , fig2 b and fig2 c show examples of a request and a response exchanged between the mail server 2 and the history server 5 . fig2 a shows an example of a request for registration of mail transmission history information transmitted from the mail server 2 to the history server 5 . fig2 b shows an example of a request for registration of mail receiving history information transmitted from the mail server 2 to the history server 5 . fig2 c shows an example of a response to the request of fig2 a or fig2 b transmitted from the history server 5 to the mail server 2 . fig2 a and fig2 b are flowcharts for explaining the processing when a mail transmission is performed by the history server and the processing when a mail reception is performed by the mail server . suppose that the history server 5 has the composition in which the mail server 2 is provided in the history server 5 as shown in fig3 . as shown in fig2 a , when an e - mail is transmitted from the client ( the pc 4 in fig3 ) to the history server 5 ( step s 61 ), the mail server 2 of the history server 5 receives this e - mail ( step s 62 ) and performs e - mail transmission ( transfer ) ( step s 63 ). at the same time , the history server 5 stores the history information ( data ) in the history database group 54 ( step s 64 ). the e - mail transmission of the step s 63 and the data storage to the history database group 54 of the step s 64 may be processed in parallel simultaneously , or they may be processed sequentially . as shown in fig2 b , when the mail server 2 of the history server 5 transmits an e - mail ( step s 71 ), the history server 5 stores the history information ( data ) in the history database group 54 ( step s 72 ). then , the client ( the pc 4 in fig3 ) receives the e - mail from the mail server 2 of the history server 5 ( step s 73 ). fig2 is a flowchart for explaining the processing when a history registration request is received by the history server . as shown in fig2 , when the history server 5 receives the information for history information registration from any of the mobile terminal 10 , the mail server 2 and the fax terminal 3 ( step s 81 ), the history server 5 acquires a user id from the terminal id , the fax sender name or the e - mail address ( step s 82 ), and acquires a destination id from the fax destination number , the phone number or the e - mail address ( step s 83 ). subsequently , the history server 5 acquires the contents of the phone call from the ip phone conversion server 6 , if needed ( step s 84 ), and stores the acquired contents into the content database 544 and acquires a content id ( step s 85 ). subsequently , the history server 5 stores the user id , the destination id , the content id , the date / time and the kind into the history database 541 ( step s 86 ). and the history server 5 transmits a response of history registration completion to the requesting terminal ( step s 87 ). accordingly , the above - mentioned embodiment of the invention allows a user to view communication history with a customer in a place away from the office of the user , and the operating activities of the user can be effectively supported by the mobile terminal of the invention . the present invention is not limited to the above - described embodiments , and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention . the present application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of japanese patent application no . 2006 - 247237 , filed on sep . 12 , 2006 , and japanese patent application no . 2007 - 220251 , filed on aug . 27 , 2007 , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference .
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the novel process can use an alpha olefin such as propylene , butene , hexene , octene , ethylene , polyethylene or other linear or branched alpha olefins . the polymerization of the alpha olefin can preferably occur at a temperature in the range between 20 ยฐ c . and 160 ยฐ c ., although for certain alpha olefins , a temperature range between 40 ยฐ c . and 120 ยฐ c . can be used . low temperature polymerization between 60 ยฐ c . and 90 ยฐ c ., can also be performed and the novel advantage of the present invention can be obtained . in the inventive process , the polymerization catalyst can be an unsupported catalyst for olefin polymerization . this unsupported catalyst can contain titanium , chromium , vanadium , zirconium , cobalt or a mixture thereof . titanium halide is an unsupported catalyst usable within the scope of the present invention . alternatively , it is possible to carry out the present invention using a supported catalyst such as a polymerization catalyst on a support of a magnesium halide . magnesium chloride is a preferred magnesium halide support . the support for a polymerization catalyst useful within the scope of the present invention can be either a titanium halide , a silica , a magnesia , an alumina , a mixed metal oxide , a non - chemically reactive organic polymer or a non - chemically reactive inorganic polymer . the preferred titanium halide support is titanium chloride . other supported catalysts usable within the present invention include chromium , vanadium , zirconium and cobalt containing supported catalyst . supported catalysts which are mixtures of titanium , chromium , vanadium , zirconium and cobalt supported catalysts are also usable within the scope of the present invention . the cocatalyst usable within the scope of the inventive process can be either a metal alkyl , a metal alkyl alkoxide , a metal alkyl halide , a metal alkyl hydride or mixtures thereof . a selectivity control agent can be used in the inventive process . aromatic esters , amines , hindered amines , esters , phosphites , phosphates , aromatic diesters , alkoxy silanes , aryloxy silanes , silanes , hindered phenols and mixtures thereof may be useful as the selectivity control agent in the inventive process . the present invention provides a novel process for polymerizing alpha olefins by eliminating the costly traditional method of changing melt flow of the reactor contents during polymerization from high to low by venting . the present inventive process reduces the hydrogen concentrations in the reactor contents containing alpha olefins to a level wherein the reactor contents have the desired melt flow index in less time than is currently required by conventional procedures . this novel method involves reacting the hydrogen with an alpha olefin , such as propylene in the reactor using a novel catalyst system . the novel polymerization or copolymerization of the alpha olefin preferably occurs in the range of 20 ยฐ c . to 160 ยฐ c ., for the polymerization or copolymerization of higher olefins , such as poly - 4 - methyl - 1 pentene and hexene , and decene . it is also possible to polymerize or copolymerize alpha olefins in the novel process using temperatures in the range of 40 ยฐ c .- 120 ยฐ c ., when olefins such as 1 - butene are used . use of this more narrow temperature range with olefins like 1 - butene in the novel process provide a product with certain desirable isotacticities . in this process it is possible to polymerize or copolymerize an alpha olefin such a propylene in the range of 60 ยฐ c .- 90 ยฐ c . and obtain the desired results . in another embodiment of the present invention , the reactor can be heated to temperatures in the range of about 25 ยฐ c . to about 100 ยฐ c . which facilitates polymerization . given the above parameters , polymerization or copolymerization of the alpha olefin can be carried out by known alpha olefin polymerization processes . the reactor usable in the present invention can be either a liquid phase reactor a gas phase reactor , a solvent slurry reactor or a or a solution polymerization reactor . these kind of reactors have been described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 652 , 527 , 3 , 912 , 701 , 3 , 922 , 322 , 3 , 428 , 619 , 3 , 110 , 707 and 3 , 658 , 780 and reference to these types of reactors is incorporated herewith . during polymerization or copolymerization , such as by the above described process , it has been discovered that the catalytic reduction of the hydrogen to carry out the transition from high to low melt flow can be performed by direct injection of one of the several hydrogenation catalysts into the polymerization or copolymerization reactor . hydrogenation catalysts useful for olefin hydrogenation , including nickel , platinum , palladium catalysts are preferred for use in this inventive process . a more extensive list of hydrogenation catalysts usable within the present invention follows . it is preferred to minimize the deleterious effects that the hydrogenation catalyst will have on the polymerization catalyst activity and on polymer quality when the novel process using direct injection of the hydrogenation catalyst approach is carried out . the hydrogenation catalyst can be in a carrier of hydrocarbon solvent , such as toluene , prior to direct injection of the catalyst into the reactor . alternatively , it has been discovered that catalytic reduction of the hydrogen can be carried out outside the polymerization reactor by circulating the reactor contents or part of the reactor contents through a fixed , external catalytic bed containing a hydrogenation catalyst , such as the nickel hydrogenation catalyst . an advantage of the external fixed bed system is that it is not necessary to deactivate or remove the hydrogenation catalyst from the fixed bed following the catalytic reduction of the hydrogen concentration , thus potentially saving even more money and steps in polymerization or copolymerization reactions . in the novel process , the hydrogen concentration of the reactor contents can be adjusted to be in the range of about 0 . 01 mole percent to about 20 mole percent to provide a melt flow of polymerized product between about 0 . 01 and 2 , 000 dg / min . the novel process can be used to adjust the hydrogen concentration of the reactor contents such that the melt flow of polymerized product is between about 0 . 1 to about 1 , 000 dg / min and in some cases between about 0 . 1 to about 700 dg / min . the hydrogenation catalysts useful to obtain the fast reduction in transition time from high melt flow to low melt flow can be a transition metal catalyst useful for the hydrogenation of alpha olefins ( such as benzenetricabonylchromium , dibenzenechromium , dihydridochlorotris ( triphenylphosphine iridium ( iii ), hydridodichlorotirs ( triphenylphosphine ) iridium ( iii ) and dicarbonylcyclopentadienylcobalt ). when a transition metal catalyst is used as the hydrogenation catalyst , a preferred catalyst of this type is a supported nickel catalyst . supported platinum catalyst and supported palladium catalyst can also be used within the scope of this invention . it is preferred to use transition metal catalysts supported on either alumina , silica , carbon or carborundum . the most preferred nickel catalyst usable within the scope of the present invention is bis - 1 , 5 - cyclooctadiene nickel . nickel octanoate is another preferred nickel catalyst usable within the scope of the present invention . when the hydrogenation catalyst is directly added to the reactor , the preferred amount of hydrogenation catalyst , in parts per million can extend from about 0 . 01 to about 3 , 000 parts per million down to 0 . 01 to 100 parts per million . between 1 to about 20 parts per million of hydrogenation catalyst has been found useful within the scope of the present invention depending on which hydrogenation catalyst is used in the polymerization . in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention , using the bis - 1 , 5 - cyclooctadiene nickel between about 5 to about 15 parts per million of the nickel catalyst can be added to the reactor to provide the desired results . other hydrogenation catalysts that may be effective within the scope of the present invention , include other nickel hydrogenation catalysts , nickel in graphite , such as graphimet ni - 10 ; palladium in graphite such as graphimet pd - 1 ; benzenetricarbonylchromium , c 6 h 6 cr ( co ) 3 ; dibenzenechromium , ( c 6 h 6 ) 2 cr ; dicarbonylcyclopentadienylcobalt , ( c 5 h 5 ) co ( co ) 2 ; dihydridochlorotris ( triphenylphosphine ) iridium ( iii ), ir ( h 2 ) cl [ p ( c 6 h 5 ) 3 ] 3 ; hydridodichlorotris ( triphenylphosphine ) iridium ( iii ), ir ( h ) cl 2 [ p ( c 6 h . . . ; bis ( 1 , 5 - cyclooctadiene ) nickel , ( ch 8 h 12 ) 2 ni ; bis ( cyclopentadienyl ) nickel , dry , ni ( c 5 h 5 ) 2 ; tetrakis ( diethylphenylphosphonite ) nickel , [ c 6 h 5 p ( oc 2 h 5 ) 2 ] 4 ni ; tetrakis ( methyldiphenylphosphine ) nickel , [( c 6 h 5 ) 2 pch 3 ] 4 ni ; tetrakis ( triethylphosphine ) nickel , [( c 2 h 5 ) 3 p ] 4 ni ; tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine ) nickel , [( c 6 h 5 ) 3 p ] 4 ni ; tetrakis ( trifluorophosphine ) nickel , ( pf 3 ) 4 ni ; tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine ) palladium , pd [( c 6 h 5 ) 3 p ] 4 ; bis ( triphenylphosphine ) platinum ( ii ) chloride , ptcl 2 [( c 6 h 5 ) 3 p ] 2 ; dichloro ( cycloocta - 1 , 5 - diene ) platinum ( ii ), pt ( c 8 h 12 ) cl 2 ; tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine ) platinum , pt [( c 6 h 5 ) 3 p ] 4 chloro ( norbornadiene ) rhodium ( i ) dimer , [ rhcl ( c 7 h 8 )] 2 ; dihydridotetrakis ( triphenylphosphine ) ruthenium ( ii ), [( c 6 h 5 ) 3 p ] 4 ruh 3 ; potassium hexachlororuthenate ( iv ), k 2 rucl 6 ; and tris ( triphenylphosphine ) ruthenium ( ii ) chloride , [( c 6 h 5 ) 3 p ] 3 rucl 2 . a nickel catalyst is the preferred catalyst within the scope of the present invention since it is both insensitive to the presence of tri - ethyl aluminum ( tea ), peeb and si ( or ) x ( r &# 39 ;) 4 - x wherein 0 & lt ; x โฆ 4 , but capable of being poisoned by reagents containing reactive chloride . sensitivity to active chloride or water can serve to limit the life of such a hydrogenation catalyst in the reactor , especially when the catalyst contains a transition metal olefin polymerization catalyst containing titanium , chromium , vanadium , zirconium or cobalt . poisoning of the hydrogenation catalyst can permit continuation of the polymerization reaction at the desired lower polymer melt flow without further loss of hydrogen ( h 2 ). additionally , hydrogenation catalysts such as nickel octanoate can be used in the novel process since they are easily poisoned by compounds such as , di - ethyl aluminum chloride ( deac ), and thereby provide a reaction wherein the hydrogen consumption can be controlled . hydrogenation catalysts which are supported transition metal catalysts , supported on a component consisting of alumina , silica , clay , carbon , layered clay , are also effective . in the above described direct injection process , it has been found that removal of the hydrogenation catalyst from the reactor or deactivation of the hydrogenation catalyst once the hydrogen concentration is reduced to the desired level is very helpful to achieve good polymerization and copolymerization results . another process for deactivating hydrogenation catalysts involves poisoning the hydrogenation catalyst in the reactor by adding a reactive chlorine containing compound , such as deac , ( diethyl aluminum chloride ), silicon tetrachloride , ethyl aluminum dichloride , chlorine gas or combination thereof to the reactor to stop any unwanted consumption of hydrogen after the desired level of hydrogen concentration is achieved . in a continuous polymerization or copolymerization process , the depletion or removal of the hydrogenation catalyst can be achieved by gradually exchanging the reactor contents . the present invention can be carried out in a variety of reactors such as gas phase reactors , liquid phase reactors , solvent slurry reactors or solution reactors , to achieve the novel rapid transition time of polymer product from high melt flow to low melt flow is less than 50 % of the conventional transition time for reducing melt flow of product . it has been found that the novel process can reduce high to low melt flow transition time as much as 1 % to 10 % of the transition time traditionally required . to a one ( 1 ) gallon polymerization reactor , 2700 cc of liquid propylene was added . the liquid propylene was initially maintained at ambient temperature , 20 ยฐ- 24 ยฐ c . in the reactor . the reactor was then heated to about 60 ยฐ c . and hydrogen gas was directly injected into the reactor . hydrogen was injected into the reactor in an amount to establish an initial liquid phase concentration of hydrogen in the reactor at about 0 . 15 % mol . about 0 . 14 mmole of diphenyl dimethoxy silane , 0 . 56 mmole of triethylaluminum and 0 . 008 mmole titanium equivalent of a polymerization catalyst were added to the reactor . the temperature in the reactor was then allowed to increase to 67 ยฐ c . for 20 - 30 minutes , additional hydrogen was directly added to the reactor until a liquid phase concentration of hydrogen , of around 0 . 5 % mol was obtained . a nickel containing solution was added to the reactor , to a level of 4 ppm ni ( basis -- total weight of reactor contents ). the nickel solution contained nickel octanoate , cyclohexane and triethyl aluminum ( tea ), ( tea stabilized the solution ). immediately following the addition of the nickel solution a temperature exotherm occurred , between about 2 ยฐ and 4 ยฐ c . indicating a significant increase in energy being evolved from the reactor . gas chromatographic analysis of the nonpolymerized liquid contents indicated that an immediate reduction in hydrogen concentration occurred . after 25 minutes , the hydrogen concentrations were reduced , essentially to zero . a substantial increase in molecular weight of the product formed after the initial injection of the nickel solution ( containing nickel hydrogenation catalyst ) was confined by gel permeation chromatography . the final yield was about 1 . 08 million grams polypropylene per gram titanium , indicating no significant loss in catalyst performance . the novel control of hydrogen during melt flow transition in an alpha olefin polymerization reaction was tested in a continuous gas phase reactor . during normal operation , the reactor was continuously fed with propylene , a ti supported shell shac ยฎ catalyst ( shell high activity catalyst ) with an aluminum alkyl as cocatalyst , a selectivity control agent ( sca ) and hydrogen to maintain a desired but high polymer melt flow . the experiment started by first establishing a base line for hydrogen consumption during the reaction . this base line was established by stopping the catalyst / cocatalyst , sca and hydrogen flows and blocking the reactor vent . the hydrogen concentration in the reactor was monitored by gas chromatography ( gc ). the gc analysis showed that the hydrogen concentration was reduced from 2 . 8 % mole to 2 . 1 % mole after 1 . 5 hours . this change in rate suggests that under normal polymerization , hydrogen is being consumed or lost at a rate of 0 . 008 %/ min . the process described in example 2 was repeated , however , instead of stopping the catalyst and cocatalyst feed as well as the hydrogen feed , the polymerization reaction was maintained as a continuous flow . a steady state of hydrogen concentration was maintained by continuously feeding hydrogen into the reactor . when a steady reactor operation was achieved , the hydrogen feed and the reactor vent were shut down and the &# 34 ; initial &# 34 ; hydrogen concentration was recorded as shown in table 1 . this was followed with an injection of the hydrogenation catalyst ( bis 1 , 5 - cyclooctadiene ni ( o ) stabilized with aluminum alkyl ). the catalyst was injected into the reactor in a single shot to achieve a calculated value of 5 ppm ni ( basis -- the polymer weight in the reactor bed ). during this process the polymer production was maintained at a constant rate by continuously feeding propylene catalyst , cocatalyst and the selectivity control agent into the reactor . the changes in the hydrogen concentrations were monitored by gc . the experimental data is summarized in table 1 . the process described in example 2 was repeated with the injection of same the hydrogenation catalyst but at a 10 ppm ni concentration ( basis -- the polymer weight in the reactor bed ). this data is summarized in table 2 . the process described in example 3 was repeated with the injection of the same hydrogenation catalyst but at 15 ppm ni concentration ( basis -- the polymer weight in the reactor bed ). this data is summarized in table 3 . the data summarized in table 4 shows that the injection of the hydrogenation catalyst had no deleterious effect on the polymerization catalyst performance . the lower than theoretical levels of ni in the polymer appears to be due to the normal polymer bed exchange that occurs during the polymerization reaction . table 1______________________________________hydrogen control ( injection of 5 ppm ( ni ) catalyst ) 1 time 2 bed 3 inletmins temp ยฐ c . temp ยฐ c . 4 mol h . sub . 2 % 5 mol c . sub . 3 h . sub . 8 % ______________________________________0 65 . 0 61 . 0 5 . 270 1 . 0145 65 . 8 60 . 5 5 . 080 1 . 02610 64 . 0 59 . 5 4 . 500 1 . 02615 63 . 5 59 . 5 4 . 280 1 . 50720 65 . 5 60 . 2 4 . 140 1 . 50725 65 . 3 60 . 3 3 . 850 1 . 73230 65 . 0 60 . 1 3 . 850 1 . 86135 65 . 1 60 . 0 3 . 700 1 . 86140 65 . 7 60 . 0 3 . 700 1 . 95545 65 . 2 59 . 5 3 . 550 2 . 01950 64 . 5 59 . 5 3 . 460 2 . 01955 64 . 0 59 . 5 3 . 460 2 . 09660 65 . 1 59 . 0 3 . 360 2 . 09670 65 . 0 59 . 7 3 . 040 2 . 13780 64 . 5 60 . 1 3 . 000 2 . 11590 65 . 5 60 . 0 2 . 930 2 . 119100 64 . 0 60 . 0 2 . 850 2 . 180110 64 . 8 60 . 0 2 . 790 2 . 204120 65 . 0 60 . 3 2 . 790 2 . 175______________________________________ table 2______________________________________hydrogen control ( injection of 10 ppm ( ni ) catalyst ) 1 time 2 bed 3 inletmins temp ยฐ c . temp ยฐ c . 4 mol h . sub . 2 % 5 mol c . sub . 3 h . sub . 8 % ______________________________________0 65 . 6 60 . 5 4 . 890 0 . 9955 66 . 5 58 . 5 4 . 890 0 . 99510 64 . 8 59 . 3 4 . 890 0 . 97115 65 . 0 59 . 5 4 . 890 0 . 97120 65 . 3 59 . 3 4 . 190 1 . 50025 64 . 8 59 . 5 3 . 410 2 . 05030 65 . 0 60 . 0 3 . 410 2 . 05035 65 . 6 59 . 7 3 . 030 2 . 42040 65 . 2 59 . 3 3 . 030 2 . 42045 64 . 9 59 . 8 2 . 760 2 . 60050 65 . 1 59 . 9 2 . 570 2 . 69055 65 . 5 59 . 6 2 . 570 2 . 69060 65 . 4 59 . 5 2 . 370 2 . 79070 64 . 9 59 . 8 2 . 370 2 . 79080 65 . 6 58 . 8 2 . 160 2 . 86090 64 . 6 60 . 2 1 . 970 2 . 840100 65 . 6 59 . 8 1 . 970 2 . 890110 64 . 9 60 . 3 1 . 920 2 . 860120 65 . 5 59 . 5 1 . 850 2 . 910______________________________________ table 3______________________________________hydrogen control ( injection of 15 ppm ( ni ) catalyst ) 1 time 2 bed 3 inletmins temp ยฐ c . temp ยฐ c . 4 mol h . sub . 2 % 5 mol c . sub . 3 h . sub . 8 % ______________________________________0 65 . 0 60 . 5 3 . 340 1 . 0605 65 . 2 58 . 9 3 . 270 1 . 05310 64 . 8 58 . 0 1 . 960 2 . 18715 64 . 2 58 . 0 1 . 960 2 . 18720 63 . 5 58 . 0 1 . 430 2 . 66825 63 . 0 58 . 2 1 . 430 2 . 66830 64 . 8 60 . 5 1 . 100 2 . 96235 65 . 1 60 . 6 1 . 100 2 . 96240 65 . 0 60 . 8 0 . 881 2 . 96945 66 . 0 60 . 8 0 . 686 2 . 96450 65 . 1 60 . 0 0 . 686 2 . 96455 65 . 0 60 . 0 0 . 605 3 . 05560 64 . 9 59 . 8 0 . 605 3 . 05570 64 . 9 60 . 1 0 . 469 3 . 14680 65 . 2 60 . 0 0 . 444 3 . 17390 64 . 9 60 . 0 0 . 398 3 . 168100 64 . 9 60 . 0 0 . 369 3 . 175110 65 . 0 60 . 2 0 . 344 3 . 125120 65 . 3 60 . 4 0 . 283 3 . 007______________________________________ table 4______________________________________hydrogen control ( product analysis ) ni catalyst total ni injection . sup . ( 1 ) total in polymerrun # ( ppm ) ti ( ppm ) xs . sup . ( 2 ) ash ( ppm ) ( ppm ) ______________________________________1 5 2 . 7 5 . 1 150 2 . 02 10 2 . 4 4 . 6 210 2 . 13 15 2 . 7 4 . 25 290 4 . 9______________________________________ . sup . ( 1 ) basis reactor polymer bed weight . . sup . ( 2 ) % wt xylene solubles .
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it is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention , while eliminating , for the purposes of clarity , many other elements which may be found in the present invention . those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will recognize that other elements are desirable and / or required in order to implement the present invention . however , because such elements are well known in the art , and because such elements do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention , a discussion of such elements is not provided herein . turning now to fig1 and 4 , fig1 shows a plan view of active side 401 of wafer 10 , which during at least one embodiment of the bevel etching process of this invention is facing downward . numeral 401 depicts active protected area of wafer 10 which is not etched . referring now to fig4 , areas 402 , 403 ( comprising areas 403 a , 403 b , and 403 c ), and 404 are the areas where etching takes place , while area 401 is the active feature area of wafer 10 which is not etched . fig2 depicts a bevel edge spin chuck 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention , showing retaining pins 202 , fluid channel 204 , gas channel 206 , and separation barrier 208 . in preferred embodiments , a fluid such as an etching solution is provided to fluid channel 204 and an inert gas such as nitrogen is provided to gas channel 206 . fig3 a is a cross section of chuck 20 taken along a path leading to fluid channel 204 . a wafer 10 is placed on the chuck with the active surface facing down onto a cushion of inert gas 304 . preferably , inert gas 304 is nitrogen , provided in a conventional manner from a source ( not shown ) at a relatively low flow rate . retaining pins 202 are used to center the wafer and prevent it from floating sideways off the chuck . in a preferred embodiment , stream nozzle 302 delivers an etching solution below the wafer into lower channel 303 in chuck 20 while the chuck is rotating . preferably , stream nozzle 302 is stationary and pointed toward lower channel 303 . centrifugal force carries the etching solution to fluid channel 204 , where the solution contacts the edge of the wafer . excess fluid flows out radially away from the wafer . preferably , fluid channel 204 delivers etching solution so that a portion of area 402 ( up to separation barrier 208 ) and areas 403 a and 403 b are affected , while areas 403 c and 404 are not . the placement and size of separation barrier 208 determine the portion of area 402 that is affected by the etching solution in fluid channel 204 . those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments of the invention may be used so that the etching solution affects either or both of area 403 c and a portion of area 404 . in this embodiment , an inert gas 305 is provided to lower channel 306 in chuck 10 while the chuck is rotating . preferably , inert gas 305 is also nitrogen , provided in a conventional manner at a relatively high flow rate and in relatively high volume so that it flows through lower channel 306 to gas channel 206 . in this way , inert gas 305 is used to purge the active side 401 of wafer 10 to ensure that vapors from the etching solution do not affect active side 401 . fig3 b is a cross section of chuck 20 , slightly rotated from the cross section of fig3 a , taken along a path leading to gas channel 206 . a high volume of inert gas 304 is introduced at the edge of wafer 10 , inward from the area to be etched by the etching solution in fluid channel 206 . inert gas 304 is allowed to escape toward the bottom of chuck 20 through gas openings 308 . ( although only one gas opening 308 is depicted in fig3 b , preferably a number of gas openings 308 are provided at intervals around chuck 20 .) by maintaining , in a conventional manner , a slightly positive pressure in air channel 310 next to separation barrier 208 , fumes from the etching solution flowing to fluid channel 204 are prevented from migrating to active side 401 of wafer 10 . in another embodiment , this invention generally comprises a method and apparatus for removing unwanted material from the edge and bevel areas of a wafer , by : placing the wafer ( having a feature side and non - feature side ), feature - side down on a cushion of gas above a spin chuck , wherein the chuck has a bevel flow ring ; vertically setting the size of the flow ring ; rotating the spin chuck and supported wafer at a rate in order to create a centrifugal force affecting any fluid applied to the wafer ; and applying a chemical etching fluid to the non - feature - side of the wafer , in amount sufficient to fill a gap between the wafer and the flow ring as the etching fluid flows over the edge of the wafer onto the flow ring , and into a space between the wafer and the flow ring , wherein the feature side of the wafer is substantially protected from exposure to the etching fluid and the areas etched are determined by an overlap between the wafer and the ring . fig5 depicts the cross section of a bevel etch spin chuck 30 in accordance with another embodiment of this invention . chemical etching fluid is dispensed above wafer 10 and as spin chuck 30 rotates , the etching fluid flows to the outside periphery or edge of wafer 10 . fig6 shows a detail of the cross section of spin chuck 30 of fig2 . wafer 10 is placed on chuck 30 with the active area 401 facing down and protected by a continuous flow of nitrogen or other gas 603 which creates a cushion between wafer 10 and the chuck 30 . the gas is fed through channel 604 to create gas cushion 603 . an outside ring 607 can be adjusted in the vertical orientation by adjusting screw 601 . the adjustment is made so there is a gap 605 between ring 607 and active area 401 of wafer 10 . the fluid dispensed above wafer 10 fills gap 605 , with the excess overflowing into area 606 . wafer 10 is processed feature side 401 down on a rotating chuck 30 . wafer 10 floats on nitrogen or other gas cushion 603 that prevents contact with chuck 30 and prevents chemical etching fluid or other chemistry from reaching active area 401 of wafer 10 . chuck 30 contains bevel flow ring 607 that can be set to a fixed gap 605 between flow ring 607 and wafer 10 . chemical etching fluid or other chemistry is dispensed from above on the backside or non - active area 404 of wafer 10 . due to the centrifugal force , the chemistry flows to the outer edge of wafer 10 . the chemistry then flows off wafer 10 edge and down onto flow ring 607 . the chemistry fills bevel flow ring 607 and contacts the outer edge ( typically by about several millimeters ) on feature side 401 of wafer 10 . with a relatively slow rotational velocity ( typically between about 50 rpm and about 1200 rpm ), chemistry is held by surface tension in gap 605 between wafer 10 and flow ring 607 . the etch distance from the edge of wafer 10 is determined by the distance that flow ring 607 overlaps with wafer 10 . the fluid in gap 605 also acts as a seal and prevents fluid from splashing onto active area 401 of wafer 10 . once the etching process is complete , the rotational velocity is increased ( typically from between about 500 rpm to about 2000 rpm ) to force the chemistry out of gap 605 . if multiple layers are present , several chemistries may be required to etch down to the desired surfaces of wafer 10 . when the etching process is complete , wafer 10 may be rinsed and spun dry . in the instant embodiment , gap 605 varies between about 0 . 001 โณ and about 0 . 015 โณ depending on the viscosity and surface tension of the etching fluid . also in this embodiment , wafer 10 and flow ring 607 may overlap by about 0 . 5 to about 5 mm which determines the distance from the edge of the etched area of wafer 10 . another embodiment of the invention concerns backside and bevel edge cleaning . bevel etch control for 300 mm wafers allows oxide , nitride , poly silicon , and copper removal from backside and bevel exclusion zone . proprietary spindle tooling enables specific bevel and side edge etching , independent of the wafer backside using a simple , mechanically determined etching area . this capability includes programmable flow rate for the bevel etch and the ability for di rinse of the bevel area . the process can be used for all wafer sizes , including notched and flat wafers , with bevel 0 . 8 - 5 mm . the disclosure herein is directed to certain features of the elements and methods of the invention disclosed as well as others that will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein . thus , it is intended that the present invention covers all such modifications and variations of this invention , provided that those modifications come within the scope of the claims granted herein and the equivalents thereof .
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with reference now to the drawings , fig1 shows the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 in use with a floor mounted toilet 2 . similarly , fig2 shows the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 in use with a wall mounted toilet 2 . referring now to both fig1 and fig2 , the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus of the current invention can be designed for use with any conventional toilet 2 . the toilet 2 may be either floor mounted , as demonstrated in fig1 , or wall mounted , as demonstrated in fig2 . the toilet 2 has a seat 4 . the seat 4 receives a portion of the body of a user , thus the seat receives the weight of the user . the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 is comprised of a weight distributing frame 8 positionable on a floor surface 10 , and a pair of toilet seat support members 12 are integral to the frame 8 . alternatively , the toilet seat support members 12 may be attached to the frame 8 , preferably by welding , but may be attached using any other conventional means . preferably , the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 is constructed of stainless steel . however , one of skill in the art will recognize that other material may be used to construct the apparatus . for example , and without limitation , the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus may be constructed of aluminum , carbon fiber , plastic , titanium or similar weight - bearing materials , or a combination thereof . preferably , the support apparatus 6 is powder coated to prevent rusting or other deterioration of the material . the toilet seat support members 12 are of a thickness such that the support members 12 may be placed between the toilet seat 4 and a toilet bowl 14 of a toilet 2 . fig3 , 4 and 5 , in addition to fig1 and 2 , demonstrate this arrangement . although fig3 , 4 and 5 demonstrate the support apparatus 6 in conjunction with a wall mounted toilet , it is understood that the apparatus may be used in the same manner with a floor mounted toilet . the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 is designed such that the toilet seat 4 rests on top surfaces 16 of the support members 12 , rather than on a top surface 15 of the toilet bowl . often toilet seats 4 have support knobs ( not shown ) on the bottom surface of the toilet seat 4 for engaging the top surface of the toilet bowl 15 . with the present invention , the toilet seat 4 is capable of being raised from or lowered onto top surfaces 16 of the support members 12 , and if support knobs exist on the toilet seats , the current invention is designed such that the knobs rest on the top surfaces 16 of the support members 12 . thus , the support members 12 are suitable to be positioned under the toilet seat 4 to receive the weight of the user so that the weight is distributed onto the frame 8 and relieved from the toilet bowl 14 . with reference now to fig1 , 2 , 4 and 6 , the weight distributing frame 8 preferably has several components that provide the advantage of redistributing a user &# 39 ; s weight from a toilet to the support apparatus of the present invention . a pair of support member braces 18 are located parallel with the toilet seat support members 12 , and at least four post members 22 are positioned perpendicular to the support member braces 18 to engage the floor surface 10 . preferably , the toilet seat support members 12 , the support member braces 18 , the post members 22 and a back plate brace 20 integral with the support members 12 are of a unitary construction , for durability and ease of construction . alternatively , the support member braces 18 may be attached in a parallel fashion along the outside edges of the bottom surfaces of the respective toilet seat support members 12 , preferably by welding . the back plate brace 20 , in this alternative embodiment , is attached to and extends between the support member braces 18 and is located perpendicular to the back edges of the support members 12 , while the post members 22 are attached to the support member braces 18 , preferably by welding , and are adapted to engage the floor surface 10 . in the alternative embodiment , the weight distributing frame 8 includes angled braces 46 attached to post members 22 . a first pair of angle braces 46 is attached to the front post members 22 and to the lower surfaces of the support members 12 . the second pair of angle braces 46 is attached to the back post members 22 and the lower surface of the back plate brace 20 . in this manner , the angle braces 46 provide additional support to the support members 12 and to add overall strength to the support apparatus 6 . the frame is secured and / or constructed preferably by welding , however , the frame may be assembled using other conventional means which will accomplish the weight distributing function of the frame 8 . referring now to fig4 and 6 , in the preferred embodiment of the current invention , the support member braces 18 and the post members 22 contain a weight bearing , threaded tube insert 50 to allow for attachment of threaded attachments such as wall location members 26 or adjustable base members 36 . the threaded tube insert 50 is placed in the braces 18 or post members 26 and fixedly secured such that a threaded bore 52 is accessible . accordingly , the support member braces 18 are adapted to receive adjustable wall locator members 26 . the adjustable wall locator members 26 engage the bore 52 of the threaded tube insert 50 . the adjustable wall locator members 26 are adjusted to engage a wall 28 proximate to the toilet . the wall locator members 26 are further adjustable to position the seat support members 12 at a proper location so that the seat support members 12 are properly positioned to engage the toilet seat 4 and receive the weight of the user . as demonstrated in fig4 and 6 , the adjustable wall locator members 26 are preferably constructed of a threaded rod 30 having a rubber stopper 32 attached to the end of the rod adapted to engage a wall 28 . the threaded tube insert 50 most preferably comprises a stainless steel member adapted to engage the threaded rod 30 wherein the member comprises a cylindrical upper portion and a generally cuboid lower portion , with a threaded bore passing therethrough . the cuboid lower portion is designed to be fixedly attached to the inner surface of the member into which it is placed . alternatively , the threaded rod 30 may directly engage a bore otherwise displaced in the interior area 24 of brace 18 or a nut may be displaced in the interior area 24 to engage the threaded rod 30 . the adjustable wall locator members preferably further include a locking nut 34 to maintain the proper position of the support apparatus 6 when in use . it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that other embodiments of adjustable wall locator members exist , including slidably adjustable wall locator members , locking lever adjustable wall locator members , and the like . referring now to fig1 , 2 and 3 , the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 of the current invention may further comprise adjustable base members 36 adapted to engage the floor surface 10 . the base members 36 may be removably attached to the frame 8 . preferably , the base members 36 are removably threaded to threaded tube inserts 50 fixedly attached within the post members 22 of the weight distributing frame 8 . the threaded tube insert 50 is also shown in fig6 in conjunction with wall locator member 26 . the adjustable base members 36 comprise height adjustment members for changing the height of the support frame 8 relative to a particular toilet . in the preferred embodiment , the height adjustment members of the support frame 8 comprise a threaded rod 38 adapted to engage a bore 52 in a threaded tube insert placed in the respective post members 22 . alternatively , the threaded rod 38 may directly engage a bore formed in the inner surface of the post members 22 . as the threaded rod 38 is adjusted relative to the post member 22 , the height of respective post members 22 is adjusted . in this manner , the height of the support apparatus 6 can be modified to fit toilets of varying heights and may also be adjusted to account for sloping or uneven floors . preferably , the height of the support apparatus 6 is adjusted such that the support members 12 , the toilet seat 4 and the top surface of the toilet bowl 15 , are substantially parallel to one another when the toilet seat 4 is in a lowered position . the adjustable base members 36 further comprise a floor member 42 adapted to engage the floor surface 10 . the floor member has a non - slip bottom surface , preferably of neoprene . the adjustable base members further comprise a means for leveling coupled to the floor member 42 and engaging the adjusting means . the leveling means is adapted to adjust for uneven floors . preferably , the leveling means comprises threaded rod 38 coupled to the floor member 42 by swivel bolt 43 . in the most preferred embodiment , the adjustable base members are stainless steel based swivel leveling mounts available from wt hight of weymouth , mass . the most preferred embodiment further comprises knurled lock nuts 44 to lock the adjustable base members 36 in place . the knurled lock nuts 44 are available from endries international , inc ., milwaukee , wis . referring to fig1 , 2 and 4 , it is recognized by those with skill in the art that conventional toilets vary their dimensions depending upon the manufacturer of the toilet . the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 of the current invention can be adapted for use on any conventional toilet . preferably , the widest dimension of the toilet with which the bariatric toilet seat apparatus 6 is to be used in conjunction with is determined . the distance 50 between support member braces 18 corresponds to this widest dimension of a toilet . correspondingly , as distance 50 narrows , distance 52 , which corresponds to the width of the seat support member 12 , will narrow as well . it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that the dimensions of the frame 8 will vary with the particular toilet that the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 is to be used in conjunction with . accordingly , it is contemplated that the overall dimensions , i . e ., height and width of the apparatus 6 , may be varied according to the particular toilet that the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 of the current invention is to be used in conjunction with . further , the overall dimensions may be varied to accord with applicable regulatory requirements . referring now to fig1 โ 6 , it will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus 6 of the current invention is capable of supporting a toilet seat 4 such that when the toilet seat receives the weight of a user , the weight is distributed onto the frame 8 of the support apparatus 6 and the weight is relieved from the toilet bowl 14 of the toilet 2 . it will be further appreciated by one of skill in the art that the addition of adjustable base members and adjustable wall locator members aid in positioning the seat support members 12 between the toilet seat 4 and the toilet bowl 14 such that the toilet seat rests in a substantially parallel manner on the top surfaces of the respective support members 12 . it should be further apparent to those skilled in the art that the bariatric toilet seat support apparatus of the current invention , as described herein , contains several features , and that variations to the preferred embodiment disclosed herein may be made which embody only some of the features disclosed herein . for example , it may be desirable to construct the apparatus having a frame of a different configuration but which ultimately achieves the object of relieving the weight from the toilet 2 . also , it may be desirable to construct a bariatric toilet seat support apparatus in accordance with the current invention without adjustable base members 36 , or with base members 36 fixedly attached to the frame 8 . additionally , it may be desirable to construct a bariatric toilet seat support apparatus without adjustable wall locator members 26 . furthermore , it may be desirable to add bores in the toilet seat support apparatus to engage a locking mechanism , such as a lock and chain to secure the apparatus at a location . even further , grab bars or other types of assistance features may be added to the apparatus for those individuals who need assistance in moving to and from a toilet , particularly when such structures are not present in the room where the toilet is located . various other combinations , and modifications or alternatives , may also be apparent to those skilled in the art . such various alternatives and other embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims , which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as the invention .
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referring to fig1 substrate 1 is used as a base and for electrical connections . an integrated circuit is fabricated into substrate 1 . alternatively , an integrated circuit is contained on another circuit assembly to which substrate 1 is connected . actuator 2 is mounted on substrate 1 by using glue . led lamp 3 is soldered to substrate 1 . image strip 4 is placed around actuator 2 and led lamp 3 and is held in place by the spacing of actuator 2 and led lamp 3 . right angle optics 5 is fixedly attached to substrate 1 . a series of images are carried on image strip 4 and are guided between led lamp 3 and right angle optics 5 . cover 6 is placed over substrate 1 and fixedly attached . cover 6 has screen 7 which mounts adjacent to right angle optics 5 so that the images are projected ( in focus ) onto screen 7 . referring to fig2 actuator 2 has three inputs which are labeled a , b , and c . these inputs are the delta connection points of the three stator coils 10 . referring to fig3 a truth table describes the relationship between actuator 2 inputs ( a , b , and c ) and the rotational position ( or output ) of magnet 8 . the inputs have either a high ( h ), a low ( l ) or a floating input (โ). by using three inputs for a , three inputs for b , and three inputs for c ; six output positions for actuator 2 are obtained . note that additional output positions may be obtained by using other binary or tri - state combinations for a , b , and c ; thus providing more than six output selections . the example of six positions is used here for clarity of description and should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention . referring to fig4 actuator 2 is shown with power off and the brake on . when no current is flowing in stator coils 10 , brake disc 9 attracts magnet 8 and causes magnet 8 to move axially until contact occurs between magnet 8 and brake disc pad 11 . referring to fig5 actuator 2 is shown with power on and the brake off . when power is applied , the brake is released because the magnetic field of the stator coils 10 overcomes the magnetic brake force and causes magnet 8 to center itself ( axially ) on the stator coils 10 . magnet 8 is then free to rotate to the requested position ( according to the truth table in fig3 ) and the brake reapplies when the input power is removed . fig6 is a block diagram of an exemplary logic circuit used to control the actuator 2 and the led lamp 3 . the inputs levels are monitored for indication of a fault or warning at block 13 . optionally , block 12 provides serial data input through communications with other monitoring devices . block 14 processes and stores the input change according to a user defined priority . the combination logic 15 and timers 16 then apply the appropriate signals to actuator 2 for a sufficient period of time to ensure the image is in place . the timers 16 then remove power from actuator 2 and power is applied to led lamp 3 . total elapsed time from input changes to the light source being powered is generally in the order of 0 . 3 to 0 . 5 seconds . the preferred embodiment would contain the logic circuitry of fig6 in a single integrated circuit package to reduce assembly costs and space . referring to fig7 substrate 1 is the base for the assembly and contains electrical connections . the stator coils 10 and led lamp 3 are soldered to substrate 1 . the integrated circuit may also be soldered to substrate 1 or may be part of another circuit assembly to which substrate 1 is connected . magnet 8 is placed around the stator coils 10 and is attached to the image strip 4 such that both are free to rotate about the stator coils 10 . into light box 17 which is fixedly attached to substrate 1 . housing 18 and cover 19 are used to enclose the rotating members ( magnet 8 and image strip 4 ) and to provide window opening 20 through which the selected image is viewed . those skilled in the art will recognize that substrate 1 , housing 18 and cover 19 may individually be incorporated into larger multifunction components within an instrument cluster . referring now to fig8 the embodiment of fig7 is shown with a plurality led lamps 3 and 3 โฒ, a plurality of light boxes 17 and 17 โฒ cooperating with a plurality of window openings 20 and 20 โฒ. this configuration allows multiple warnings to be displayed or the use of led lamps 3 and 3 โฒ that are different colors . alternately , different color led lamps 3 and 3 โฒ could be mounted for use with just one light box 17 . a second alternative embodiment of the tell - tale module , image display arrangement or apparatus is shown in fig9 - 15 and is generally indicated by the numeral 100 . because many of the details of the second alternative embodiment are similar to those other embodiments of the present invention already described herein , similar or like numerals or similarly ending numerals are used for like parts and further description is deemed unnecessary except as included below to clarify and describe any modifications . referring to fig9 - 10 , the image display arrangement or apparatus 100 includes a substrate 101 . the substrate 101 acts a base having an integrated circuit and electrical connections . the image display apparatus 100 further includes a driver 102 mounted on the substrate 101 and electrically connected to the integrated circuit contained thereon . the driver 102 includes a controllable rotatably positionable drive 120 and drive shaft 121 extending from the drive 120 . the driver 102 and drive shaft 121 provides a plurality of drive rotational positions in response to electrical signal inputs . the electrical signal inputs may be transferred from the integrated circuit contained on the substrate 101 to the driver 102 . in a preferred embodiment , the driver 102 is an air core gauge having at least two coils 10 ( shown in fig1 ) electrically connected to the substrate 101 and having inputs of plus (โ+โ or a positively biased voltage ), minus (โโโ or a negatively biased voltage ) and no voltage (โ 0 โ). the gauge may also include a magnet 8 mounted on the drive shaft 121 as previously described and shown in fig4 and 5 . referring to the table below , the relationship between the coil 10 inputs a and b in fig1 and the rotational position of the drive 120 wherein the rotational movement of the drive 120 or drive shaft 121 is measured in degrees of rotation from a default or home position is shown . the default or home position of the drive 120 or drive shaft 121 is identified as zero degrees . by using the three inputs a plus (+), minus (โ) and no voltage ( 0 ) for each of the two coil inputs a and b , eight rotational positions for the drive 120 or drive shaft 121 can be obtained . the drive 120 or drive shaft 121 is positioned into the default or home position ( 0 degrees ) by applying a positively biased voltage or plus (+) to the coil input a while not supplying voltage ( 0 ) to coil input b . to position the drive 120 or drive shaft 121 forty five degrees from the home or default position , the plus (+) would be applied to both coil inputs a and b . in a similar manner , the six remaining rotational positions may be obtained . referring to fig9 , and 12 , the image display apparatus 100 further includes a generally planar image disc 104 having at least one radially disposed indication 122 on a generally planar portion thereof . the image disc 104 is rotatably driven by the drive 120 . the image disc 104 is illustrated as being mounted on the drive shaft 121 for rotational movement with the drive shaft , however alternative drive arrangements become apparent to one skilled in the art . in other words , the image disc 104 moves in a rotational fashion relative to the substrate 101 . the disc 104 may be constructed from a metal material , i . e . the disc 104 may be made of full , hard 316 stainless steel material . however , it will be appreciated that any metal material with similar properties may be used . alternatively , the disc 104 may be made of a transparent material which allows light to pass through the disc 104 . for example , disc 104 may be made of a clear plastic material . in the embodiment illustrated , the thickness of the disc 104 is generally 0 . 002 inches . the disc 104 includes a centrally located aperture 124 . the aperture 124 has a non - circular cross section . the disc 104 includes one or more tabs 126 adjoining the centrally located aperture . if the disc 104 is made of metal , commercially available and known chemical etching techniques may be used to etch the indications or translucent icons 122 into the disc 104 . referring to fig1 , a close - up enlarged view of an indication 122 is shown formed by the process of chemical etching . connectors 128 are used to hold the centers 130 of the indications or icons 122 in place and connected to the remaining portions of the disc 104 . typically , the connectors 128 about 0 . 002 inches wide making them virtually invisible to the naked eye . the metal image disc 104 may include a non - reflective coating on its surface . the non - reflective coating may be paint , ink or a chemically deposited oxide . a disc 104 made of a transparent material , may be coated with an opaque coating or have an applique applied to form the indication 122 to prevent light from passing through the image disc 104 in selected areas . whereas the indications 122 of a chemically - etched metal disc 104 is formed by etching holes in the disc 104 , the indications 122 of the clear plastic disc 104 are formed by those areas of the disc 104 which are covered . again referring to fig1 , the image display apparatus 100 further includes a light source or illuminator 103 electrically connected to the integrated circuit of the substrate 101 for illuminating the indication 122 upon juxtaposition with the light source 103 via rotational positioning of the image disc 104 and illuminating of the light source 103 . although a light emitting diode is preferred , any light source may be used for the present invention , i . e . a directional light source such as a light emitting diode or laser or a diffusing light source such as a conventional incandescent lamp . the image display apparatus 100 further includes a light absorbing shield or cover 132 . the light absorbing shield 132 includes a light opening 134 for allowing the illumination cast by the light source 103 to pass therethrough . the shield 132 is connected to the substrate 101 and is disposed around or about the light source 103 . the light opening 134 is positioned and sized relative to the light source 103 and the image disc 104 to provide illumination of the indication 122 . the light shield 132 is internally constructed to absorb light not directed through the light opening 134 and also to control of the angle of light emitted from the opening 134 . in other words , the shield 132 prevents light cast by the light source 103 from being cast on any other area of the disc 104 other than the area defined by the indication 122 to be illuminated . the image display apparatus 100 further includes a light sheet 136 extending in spaced relationship relative to the image disc 104 for viewing the indication 122 through the light sheet 136 . the light opening 134 is positioned and sized to direct light from the light source 103 to strike the light sheet 136 at an angle generally less than forty five degrees , and hereinafter more fully described , to allow the light to pass through the sheet 136 without being reflected and captured within the sheet 136 . the light opening 134 of the light shield 132 is positioned as close as possible to the image disc 104 without contacting the disc 104 so that the gap between the light shield opening 134 and the image disc 104 is as small as practical . this positioning of the light opening 134 relative to the disc 104 ensures that the light exiting the opening 134 comes into direct contact with the indication 122 disposed on the image disc 104 . by placing the shield 132 as close as practical to disc 104 , โ glowing โ or diffusing light from the shield 132 is prevented . such close placement also prevents stray light from illuminating the indication 122 . additionally , the non - reflective coating on the image surface of the image disc 104 prevents the image disc 104 from reflecting and thereby interfering with light waves from the light source 103 or the light sheet 136 . referring to fig1 , light sheet 136 is shown positioned just above the light opening 134 of the light shield 132 . the light sheet 136 includes an upper surface 135 and a lower surface 137 . the light sheet 136 is constructed from a material capable of transmitting light between its outer upper and lower surfaces 135 , 137 , respectively . for example , light sheet 136 may be constructed from conventional optical materials including , but not limited to glass , polycarbinate or acrylic . the light emitted by light source 103 may be cast at many different angles and travel different paths through the light sheet 136 . for example , the light cast by light source 103 may follow the angles and paths designated by light rays b or c in fig1 . any light which strikes the upper surface 135 at an angle less than the critical angle ( depicted by angle a ) will pass through the upper surface 135 and exit the light sheet 136 as represented by rays tt 1 and tt 2 . any light ray which strikes the upper surface 135 at an angle greater than or equal to angle a will be reflected by the upper surface 135 back toward the lower surface 137 . in other words , the light rays will be internally reflected within the sheet 136 as depicted by light rays b and c . in the present invention , the critical angle , a , is calculated by the following formula : n = index of refraction of light sheet ( glass 1 . 5 , acrylic 1 . 45 , air 1 . 0 ) for example , in an air environment the critical angle is 41 . 8 % for a light sheet made from glass and 43 . 6 % for a light sheet made from an acrylic material . with continued reference to fig1 , light from a second light source ( not shown ) is transmitted within the light sheet 136 such that the light is internally reflected within the light sheet 136 . typically , the light from light source 103 is of one color , such as red and the light from the second light source used to illuminate the light sheet 136 is of another color , such as white . other graphic images 139 may be displayed on the light sheet upper surface 135 and may be located near the image formed by the indications 122 . the graphic images 139 may use a third color , such as green . light from the second light source strikes a diffusive surface or extractor pass 141 and causes a portion of the diffused light having an angle less than the critical angle , a , to exit through the graphic image 139 . if light rays b and c are not contained by light shield 132 , then rays b and c will cause the graphic image 139 to change color to a greenish - red color when the light source 103 is lit . to prevent this from occurring , light shield 132 may be designed to have a light opening 134 which directs the light cast by the light source 103 to strike the light sheet upper surface 135 at an angle less than angle a so that light rays from the light source 103 are not internally reflected within the light sheet 136 . in other words , the light shield 132 absorbs or traps and thereby prevents those light rays cast by the light source 103 which may interfere with or mix with the light source of the surrounding graphic images 139 . that is , the only light that exits the light shield 132 is the light passing through the light opening 134 . referring again to fig9 - 10 , the image display apparatus 100 further includes an attachment hub 138 secured to the drive shaft 121 for mounting the image disc 104 thereto . the attachment hub 138 includes an axially extending drive shaft engaging portion 140 and a generally radially extending image disc engaging flange portion 142 . the drive shaft engaging portion 140 has a non - circular cross section corresponding to the non - circular cross section of aperture 124 in the image disc 104 for cooperable engagement of the image disc 104 on the axially extending drive shaft engaging portion 140 . the axially extending drive shaft engaging portion 140 further includes one or more notches 144 for receiving the tabs 126 of the image disc 104 in a locking , snap - fit arrangement upon assembly of the image disc 104 onto the hub 138 . fig1 depicts the hub 138 and notch 144 of the axially extending drive shaft engaging portion 140 prior to snap - fit engagement with the tab 126 of the image disc 104 . fig1 depicts the hub 138 and notch 144 of the axially extending drive shaft engaging portion 140 in snap - fit engagement with the tabs 126 of the image disc 104 . as seen in fig1 and 15 , the tabs 126 are bent back into spring tension as the image disc 104 is slipped onto the axially extending drive shaft engaging portion 140 via the aperture 124 of the image disc 104 . thus , the tabs 126 exert a spring force on the drive shaft engaging portion 140 and cause the disc 104 to lie flat against the flange portion 142 of the hub 138 . in this manner , the image disc 104 is secured to the hub 138 in a flush manner . the tabs 126 of the image disc 104 and the notches 144 of the hub 138 act as a locking mechanism to lock or fixedly mount the image disc 104 to the flange portion 142 of the hub 138 so that the image disc 104 rotates with the hub 138 as the drive shaft 121 rotates . one skilled in the art will recognize that the device embodiments disclosed above may be used with or without optical elements to form virtual image displays and so called head - up - displays the preferred actuator design has an input impedance of approximately 20 ohms . this equates to a peak current of 250 ma at + 5 vdc . input power pulses should be from 200 ms to 500 ms in duration . led lamp 3 requires typically 20 ma to 70 ma to provide the required intensities . the air core gage gauge generally uses 220 ohms per coil . although the invention has been described by reference to a specific embodiment , it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described . accordingly , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiment , but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims .
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according to the present invention , the c 20 dialdehyde compound of the chemical formula 3 is newly devised to efficiently produce the conjugated polyene chain of carotenoids by the sulfone - mediated coupling and elimination reactions , and is expeditiously and economically synthesized from readily available starting materials as the following process in scheme 3 . geranyl sulfone ( i ) can be deprotonated in thf using the base selected from alkyllithium such as n - buli , s - buli , t - buli , ch 3 li or the grignard reagent such as ch 3 mgbr , etmgbr , bumgbr , et 2 mg , bu 2 mg , or metal alkoxide such as t - buok , etona , meok , and then reacted with geranyl halide to give the c 20 sulfone compound ( j ). this coupling reaction proceeds smoothly at the temperatures between โ 78 ยฐ c . and 0 ยฐ c ., and geranyl bromide or geranyl chloride can be used as the electrophilic geranyl halide . when t - buok is used as a base , it is more appropriate to run the coupling reaction at the temperatures between โ 40 ยฐ c . and 0 ยฐ c ., preferably at โ 20 ยฐ c . in dmf as a solvent . since the allylic oxidation reaction of the above c 20 sulfone compound ( j ) should be regio and stereoselective to produce the bis ( allylic alcohol ) compound ( k ) with e - configurations , the conditions using seo 2 and t - buooh as oxidants were selected ( umbreit , m . a . ; sharpless , k . b . j . am . chem . soc . 1977 , 99 , 5526 - 5528 ). the oxidations should be proceeded both at the terminal allylic positions of the compound ( j ). when a catalytic amount of seo 2 was used , the mono - allylic alcohol ( the mono - oxidation product ) was obtained as a major product regardless of the amount of t - buooh , while a significant amount of the starting compound ( j ) was recovered with less than one equivalent of t - buooh . the c 20 dialdehyde compound of the chemical formula 3 can be directly obtained by the oxidations of the compound ( j ) using excess oxidants ( more than two equivalents of each oxidant , seo 2 and t - buooh ) at room temperature , however , the yield of the desired c 20 dialdehyde never reached to 20 %, and highly polar side products were obtained as major products . therefore , it was more appropriate to run the oxidation reaction at the temperatures between โ 10 ยฐ c . and 10 ยฐ c ., preferably at 0 ยฐ c . with excess oxidants ( for example , more than 2 equivalents of seo 2 and more than 4 equivalents of t - buooh ) to synthesize the bis ( allylic alcohol ) compound ( k ) as the major product . the oxidation reaction of the bis ( allylic alcohol ) compound ( k ) produce the c 20 dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 , in which various conditions can be utilized such as the swern oxidation ( dmso / oxaly chloride / et 3 n ), mno 2 , pcc ( pyridinium chlorochromate ), and pdc ( pyridinium dichromate ). in order to efficiently synthesize the c 20 dialdehyde compound of the chemical formula 3 , it is necessary to run the allylic oxidation reaction of the c 20 coupling product ( j ) at 0 ยฐ c . using seo 2 and t - buooh , and then to oxidize the resulting reaction mixture by the swern oxidation without purification of the initial oxidation product , the bis ( allylic alcohol ) compound ( k ). this increases the yield of the c 20 dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 by converting the hydroxy - aldehyde , the further oxidation product in the initial oxidation step into the desired c 20 dialdehyde in the swern oxidation step . according to the present invention , lycopene , represented by the chemical formula 1 , can be efficiently and economically synthesized by the coupling reaction of the above c 20 dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 with two equivalents of geranyl sulfone ( i ) and the double elimination reaction as the following process in scheme 4 . in the above formulas , ar , ar โฒ, and x are defined as before . geranyl sulfone ( i ) can be deprotonated using the base selected from alkyllithium such as n - buli , s - buli , t - buli , ch 3 li or the grignard reagent such as ch 3 mgbr , etmgbr , bumgbr , et 2 mg , bu 2 mg , or metal amide such as lda , mda , lhmds , nahmds , and then reacted with the above dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 to provide the diol compound ( l ) containing the required carbon skeleton for the lycopene synthesis . the above coupling reaction should be carried out at the temperatures below โ 20 ยฐ c ., and quenched by adding a proton ( h + ) source at the same temperature . geranyl sulfone ( i ) and the dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 can be regenerated from the coupling product ( l ) by the retro - aldol type reaction at the temperatures higher than โ 20 ยฐ c . the diol of the above c 40 coupling product ( l ) can be protected by transforming either to halides or to ethers under acidic conditions . the c 40 diol ( l ) reacted with ( cocl ) 2 , socl 2 or pbr 3 in the presence of pyridine to give the corresponding dichloride or the dibromide ( m - 1 ), respectively . on the other hand , the etherification reactions with 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2h - pyran or ethyl vinyl ether in the presence of p - toluenesulfonic acid or 10 - camphorsulfonic acid catalyst produced the corresponding thp or eoe ethers ( m - 2 and m - 3 , respectively ) of the c 40 diol ( l ). the mom protection ( m - 4 ) of the c 40 diol ( l ) can be carried out by the reaction with dimethoxymethane in the presence of p 2 o 5 . finally , the double elimination reaction , which has been utilized in the synthesis of retinol by otera ( otera , j . ; misawa , h . ; onishi , t . ; suzuki , s . ; fujita , y . j . org . chem . 1986 , 51 , 3834 - 3838 ), can be applied for the protected c 40 compounds ( m ) to give rise to lycopene . the double elimination reaction can be carried out using the metal alkoxide base such as meok , etok , t - buok , meona , etona , and t - buona in the solvent selected from cyclohexane , hexane , thf , dioxane , benzene , toluene , and xylenes at the temperatures between 25 ยฐ c . to 150 ยฐ c . it is desirable to carry out the reaction at the temperatures higher than 60 ยฐ c . in order to produce the conjugated polyene chain of ( e )- configurations by thermal isomerization . the double elimination reaction of the compound ( m ) removed the arenesulfonyl groups ( ar โฒ so 2 and arso 2 ) and the group x &# 39 ; s , representing halide or ether functional groups , at the same time to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain of lycopene , represented by the chemical formula 1 . according to the present invention , ฮฒ - carotene , represented by the chemical formula 2 , can be efficiently and economically synthesized by the coupling reaction of the above c 20 dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 with two equivalents of cyclic geranyl sulfone ( n ) and the double elimination reaction as the following process in scheme 5 . in the above formulas , ar , ar โฒ, and x are defined as before . cyclic geranyl sulfone ( n ) can be deprotonated using the base selected from alkyllithium such as n - buli , s - buli , t - buli , ch 3 li or the grignard reagent such as ch 3 mgbr , etmgbr , bumgbr , et 2 mg , bu 2 mg , or metal amide such as lda , mda , lhmds , nahmds , and then reacted with the above dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 to provide the diol compound ( o ) containing the required carbon skeleton for the ฮฒ - carotene synthesis . the above coupling reaction should be carried out at the temperatures below โ 20 ยฐ c ., and quenched by adding a proton ( h + ) source at the same temperature . cyclic geranyl sulfone ( n ) and the dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 can be regenerated from the coupling product ( o ) by the retro - aldol type reaction at the temperatures higher than โ 20 ยฐ c . the diol of the above c 40 coupling product ( o ) can be protected by transforming either to halides or to ethers under acidic conditions . the c 40 diol ( o ) reacted with ( cocl ) 2 , socl 2 or pbr 3 in the presence of pyridine to give the corresponding dichloride or the dibromide ( p - 1 ), respectively . on the other hand , the etherification reactions with 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2h - pyran or ethyl vinyl ether in the presence of p - toluenesulfonic acid or 10 - camphorsulfonic acid catalyst produced the corresponding thp or eoe ethers ( p - 2 and p - 3 , respectively ) of the c 40 diol ( o ). the mom protection ( p - 4 ) of the c 40 diol ( o ) can be carried out by the reaction with dimethoxymethane in the presence of p 2 o 5 . finally , the double elimination reaction can be applied for the protected c 40 compounds ( p ) to give rise to ฮฒ - carotene . the double elimination reaction can be carried out using the metal alkoxide base such as meok , etok , t - buok , meona , etona , and t - buona in the solvent selected from cyclohexane , hexane , thf , dioxane , benzene , toluene , and xylenes at the temperatures between 25 ยฐ c . to 150 ยฐ c . it is desirable to carry out the reaction at the temperatures higher than 60 ยฐ c . in order to produce the conjugated polyene chain of ( e )- configurations by thermal isomerization . the double elimination reaction of the compound ( p ) removed the arenesulfonyl groups ( ar โฒ so 2 and arso 2 ) and the group x &# 39 ; s , representing halide or ether functional groups , at the same time to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain of ฮฒ - carotene , represented by the chemical formula 2 . according to the present invention , the aryl groups in the definition of the compounds are aromatic cyclic systems , which include the cases where more than two cyclic structures are coupled or fused . the heteroaryl groups in the definition of the compounds denote the aryl groups , in which one or more of the carbon atoms is ( are ) replaced by an atom or atoms selected from n , o , s , and p . one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the above aryl or heteroaryl groups can be replaced by a group or groups selected independently from f , cl , br , cn , no 2 , oh ; unsubstituted or f โ, cl โ, br โ, cn โ, no 2 โ or ho - substituted c 1 - c 20 alkyl ; unsubstituted or f โ, cl โ, br โ, cn โ, no 2 โ or ho - substituted c 1 - c 20 alkoxy ; unsubstituted or c 1 - c 20 alkyl , c 1 - c 20 alkoxy , f โ, cl โ, br โ, cn โ, no 2 โ or ho - substituted c 6 - c 30 aryl ; unsubstituted or c 1 - c 20 alkyl , c 1 - c 20 alkoxy , f โ, cl โ, br โ, cn โ, no 2 โ or ho - substituted c 2 - c 30 heteroaryl ; unsubstituted or c 1 - c 20 alkyl , c 1 - c 20 alkoxy , f โ, cl โ, br โ, cn โ, no 2 โ or ho - substituted c 5 - c 20 cycloalkyl ; and unsubstituted or c 1 - c 20 alkyl , c 1 - c 20 alkoxy , f โ, cl โ, br โ, cn โ, no 2 โ or ho - substituted c 5 - c 30 heterocycloalkyl . preferably , the substituent ( s ) is ( are ) selected from the groups of c 1 - c 5 alkyl , halogen , c 1 - c 5 alkoxy , oh , nh 2 , and no 2 . more specifically , the substituents ar and ar โฒ of the compounds according to the present invention are independently selected from the groups of phenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkylphenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkoxyphenyl , halophenyl , cyanophenyl , dicyanophenyl , trifluo - romethoxyphenyl , o -, m -, or p - tolyl , o -, m -, or p - cumenyl , mesityl , phenoxyphenyl , ( ฮฑ , ฮฑ - dimethylbenzene ) phenyl , ( n , n โฒ- dimethyl ) aminophenyl , ( n , n โฒ- diphenyl ) aminophenyl , ( c 1 - c 10 alkylcyclohexyl ) phenyl , biphenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkylbiphenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkoxybiphenyl , pentarenyl , indenyl , naphthyl , c 1 - c 10 alkylnaphthyl , c 1 - c 10 alkoxynaphthyl , halonaphthyl , cyanonaphthyl , biphenylrenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkylbiphenylrenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkoxybiphenylrenyl , anthracenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkylanthracenyl , c 1 - c 10 alkoxyanthracenyl , azurenyl , heptarenyl , acenaphthylrenyl , phenarenyl , fluorenyl , methylanthryl , phenanthrenyl , triphenylrenyl , pirenyl , crycenyl , ethylcrycenyl , picenyl , perylrenyl , chloroperylrenyl , pentaphenyl , pentacenyl , tetraphenylrenyl , hexaphenyl , hexacenyl , rubicenyl , coronenyl , trinaphthylrenyl , heptaphenyl , heptacenyl , piranthrenyl , obarenyl , carbazolyl , c 1 - c 10 alkylcarbazolyl , thiophenyl , indolyl , purinyl , benzimidazolyl , quinolinyl , benzothiophenyl , parathiazinyl , pyrrolyl , pyrazolyl , imidazolyl , imidazolinyl , oxazolyl , thiazolyl , triazolyl , tetrazolyl , oxadiazolyl , pyridinyl , pyridazinyl , pyrimidinyl , pyrazinyl , and thianthrenyl . however , the selection is not restricted to the above examples by any means . the c 1 - c 20 substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group in the substituent of the compounds according to the present invention can be branched or strait hydrocarbons containing the r โ o ( alkyl - oxygen ) moiety . the groups of thpo ( tetrahydropyranyloxy ), eeo ( 1 - ethoxyethoxy ), and momo ( methoxymethoxy ) are preferable examples . one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the above alkoxy group can be replaced in the same pattern as the hydrogen ( s ) of the above aryl groups . the invention is described in more detail by referring to the examples below , but it should be noticed that those examples are described only to specifically describe the present invention , so that the present invention is not restricted to the examples by any means . to a stirred solution of geranyl sulfone ( i ) ( 5 . 00 g 17 . 93 mmol ) in dmf ( 50 ml ) at โ 20 ยฐ c . was added t - buok ( 2 . 33 g , 19 . 72 mmol ). the resulting orange mixture was stirred at that temperature for 30 min , and a solution of geranyl bromide ( 4 . 28 g , 19 . 72 mmol ) in dmf ( 10 ml ) was added . the mixture was stirred at โ 20 ยฐ c . for 1 h , and quenched with 1 m hcl solution ( 20 ml ). the mixture was extracted with etoac ( 50 ml ), washed with 1 m hcl ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to give the coupling product ( j ) ( 7 . 10 g , 17 . 12 mmol ) in 95 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl . sub . 3 ) ฮด 1 . 19 ( d , j = 1 . 3 hz , 3h ), 1 . 57 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 59 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 60 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 65 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 68 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 90 - 2 . 07 ( m , 8h ), 2 . 35 ( ddd , j = 14 . 0 , 10 . 9 , 7 . 4 hz , 1h ), 2 . 89 ( ddd , j = 14 . 0 , 7 . 2 , 3 . 3 hz , 1h ), 3 . 73 ( ddd , j = 10 . 9 , 10 . 5 , 3 . 3 hz , 1h ), 4 . 97 ( t , j = 7 . 3 hz , 1h ), 5 . 02 ( d , j = 10 . 5 hz , 1h ), 7 . 47 - 7 . 55 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 58 - 7 . 66 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 82 - 7 . 88 ( m , 2h ) ppm . 13 c nmr ( 75 . 45 mhz , cdcl . sub . 3 ) ฮด 16 . 3 , 16 . 4 , 17 . 6 , 17 . 6 , 25 . 6 , 25 . 6 , 26 . 2 , 26 . 3 , 26 . 5 , 39 . 6 , 39 . 6 , 64 . 7 , 116 . 9 , 118 . 5 , 123 . 5 , 123 . 9 , 128 . 6 , 129 . 1 , 131 . 4 , 131 . 9 , 133 . 3 , 138 . 0 , 138 . 5 , 145 . 1 ppm . hrms ( fab + ) m / z calcd for c 26 h 39 o 2 s 415 . 2671 , found 415 . 2665 . to a stirred suspension of seo 2 ( 0 . 54 g , 4 . 82 mmol , 2 equiv ) and salicylic acid ( 0 . 34 g , 2 . 41 mmol , 1 equiv ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ) at 0 ยฐ c . was added a 3 . 0 m solution of t - butyl hydrogen peroxide ( tbhp ) in toluene ( 5 . 0 ml , 14 . 46 mmol , 6 equiv ). the mixture was stirred at that temperature for 1 . 5 h , and a solution of the compound ( j ) ( 1 . 00 g , 2 . 41 mmol , 1 equiv ) in ch . sub . 2cl . sub . 2 ( 5 ml ) was slowly added for 10 min . the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 ยฐ c . for 3 h , diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 30 ml ), washed with 10 % naoh solution ( 10 ml ร 3 ) and then saturated na 2 s 2 o 3 solution ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to give the diol compound ( k ) ( 0 . 47 g , 1 . 06 mmol ) in 44 % yield , together with the hydroxyl - aldehyde ( 0 . 13 g , 0 . 29 mmol , 12 % yield ), which was derived from further oxidation . both of these two compounds can provide the dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 after the swern oxidation reaction . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 1 . 24 ( d , j = 1 . 3 hz , 3h ), 1 . 58 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 63 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 65 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 92 - 2 . 24 ( m , 8h ), 2 . 36 ( ddd , j = 14 . 3 , 10 . 0 , 7 . 3 hz , 1h ), 2 . 77 ( ddd , j = 14 . 3 , 7 . 4 , 3 . 7 hz , 1h ), 3 . 76 ( ddd , j = 10 . 3 , 10 . 0 , 3 . 7 hz , 1h ), 3 . 95 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 97 ( s , 2h ), 5 . 00 ( d , j = 10 . 3 hz , 1h ), 5 . 00 ( t , j = 7 . 3 hz , 1h ), 5 . 33 ( br s , 2h ), 7 . 48 - 7 . 67 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 80 - 7 . 89 ( m , 2h ) ppm . 13 c nmr ( 75 . 45 mhz , cdcl . sub . 3 ) ฮด 13 . 6 , 13 . 6 , 16 . 1 , 16 . 4 , 25 . 4 , 25 . 8 , 26 . 7 , 39 . 1 , 39 . 2 , 64 . 6 , 68 . 5 , 68 . 6 , 116 . 9 , 118 . 8 , 124 . 6 , 125 . 2 , 128 . 7 , 128 . 9 , 133 . 4 , 134 . 8 , 135 . 3 , 137 . 9 , 138 . 1 , 144 . 8 ppm . ir ( kbr ) 3413 , 1447 , 1301 , 1144 , 1084 , 1013 cm โ 1 . hrms ( ci + ) m / z calcd for c 26 h 39 o 4 s 447 . 2569 , found 447 . 2568 . to a stirred solution of the diol compound ( k ) ( 0 . 30 g , 0 . 68 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ) was added mno 2 ( 1 . 77 g , 20 . 4 mmol ). the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h , and filtered . the filter cake was rinsed with ch 2 cl 2 , and the combined organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to give the dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 ( 0 . 18 g , 0 . 41 mmol ) in 60 % yield . to a stirred suspension of seo 2 ( 0 . 54 g , 4 . 82 mmol , 2 equiv ) and salicylic acid ( 0 . 34 g , 2 . 41 mmol , 1 equiv ) in mecn ( 15 ml ) at 0 ยฐ c . was added a 3 . 0 m solution of tbhp in toluene ( 5 . 0 ml , 14 . 46 mmol , 6 equiv ). the mixture was stirred at that temperature for 1 . 5 h , and a solution of the compound ( j ) ( 1 . 00 g , 2 . 41 mmol , 1 equiv ) in mecn ( 5 ml ) was slowly added for 10 min . the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 ยฐ c . for 3 h , diluted with etoac ( 30 ml ), washed with 10 % naoh solution ( 10 ml . times . 3 ) and then saturated na 2 s 2 o 3 solution ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude allylic oxidation product ( 1 . 50 g ). to a stirred suspension of seo 2 ( 2 . 14 g , 19 . 27 mmol , 2 equiv ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 35 ml ) was added a 70 % aqueous solution of tbhp ( 5 . 3 ml , 38 . 6 mmol , 4 equiv ). the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min , and a solution of the compound ( j ) ( 4 . 00 g , 9 . 64 mmol , 1 equiv ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 5 ml ) was slowly added . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 h , diluted with etoac ( 60 ml ), washed with 1 m naoh solution ( 20 ml . times . 3 ) and then saturated na 2 s 2 o 3 solution ( 20 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to give the dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 ( 0 . 73 g , 1 . 59 mmol ) in 16 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 1 . 27 ( d , j = 1 . 3 hz , 3h ), 1 . 63 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 72 ( d , j = 1 . 1 hz , 3h ), 1 . 73 ( d , j = 0 . 9 hz , 3h ), 2 . 15 ( t , j = 7 . 4 hz , 4h ), 2 . 30 - 2 . 46 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 86 ( ddd , j = 14 . 4 , 7 . 2 , 3 . 7 hz , 1h ), 3 . 77 ( ddd , j = 10 . 3 , 10 . 3 , 3 . 7 hz , 1h ), 5 . 02 ( dt , j d = 1 . 1 , j t = 7 . 4 hz , 1h ), 5 . 06 ( dd , j = 10 . 3 , 1 . 2 hz , 1h ), 6 . 39 ( dt , j d = 1 . 3 , j = 7 . 0 hz , 1h ), 6 . 41 ( dt , j d = 1 . 3 , j t = 7 . 2 hz , 1h ), 7 . 48 - 7 . 68 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 81 - 7 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 9 . 36 ( s , 1h ), 9 . 38 ( s , 1h ) ppm . 13 c nmr ( 75 . 45 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 9 . 2 , 9 . 2 , 16 . 2 , 16 . 4 , 26 . 7 , 26 . 9 , 27 . 1 , 37 . 9 , 38 . 0 , 64 . 4 , 118 . 0 , 119 . 7 , 128 . 8 , 128 . 9 , 133 . 5 , 137 . 2 , 137 . 9 , 139 . 4 , 139 . 6 , 143 . 8 , 152 . 8 , 153 . 7 , 194 . 8 , 195 . 0 ppm . ir ( kbr ) 2944 , 1686 , 1447 , 1303 , 1145 , 1084 cm โ 1 . hrms ( fab + ) m / z calcd for c 26 h 35 o 4 s 443 . 2256 , found 443 . 2248 . to a stirred solution of geranyl phenyl sulfone ( i ) ( 2 . 41 g , 8 . 65 mmol , 2 . 2 equiv ) in thf ( 30 ml ) at โ 78 ยฐ c . was added 1 . 6 m solution of n - buli in hexane ( 6 . 14 ml , 9 . 83 mmol , 2 . 5 equiv ). the resulting orange solution was stirred at that temperature for 1 h , and a solution of the dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 ( 1 . 74 g , 3 . 93 mmol , 1 equiv ) in thf ( 10 ml ) was added for 5 min . the resulting mixture was stirred at โ 78 ยฐ c . for 1 h , and quenched with 1 m hcl solution ( 10 ml ). the mixture was warmed to room temperature , extracted with etoac ( 30 ml ร 2 ), washed with 1 m hcl solution ( 20 ml ร 2 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to give the c 40 diol compound ( l ) ( 3 . 65 g , 3 . 66 mmol ) in 93 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 1 . 07 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 12 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 19 ( d , j = 1 . 5 hz , 3h ), 1 . 45 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 47 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 56 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 58 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 67 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 68 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 80 - 2 . 07 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 24 - 2 . 40 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 77 - 2 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 71 ( br t , j = 9 . 5 hz , 1h ), 3 . 93 ( dd , j = 9 . 1 , 7 . 0 hz , 1h ), 3 . 96 ( dd , j = 9 . 1 , 6 . 6 hz , 1h ), 4 . 59 ( d , j = 9 . 2 hz , 1h ), 4 . 60 ( d , j = 8 . 9 hz , 1h ), 4 . 68 ( d , j = 10 . 1 hz , 1h ), 4 . 72 ( d , j = 9 . 0 hz , 1h ), 4 . 90 - 5 . 05 ( m , 5h ), 5 . 30 - 5 . 43 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 45 - 7 . 68 ( m , 9h ), 7 . 78 - 7 . 90 ( m , 6h ) ppm . 13 c nmr ( 75 . 45 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 10 . 5 , 10 . 5 , 13 . 0 , 15 . 8 , 15 . 9 , 16 . 2 , 16 . 4 , 16 . 5 , 17 . 6 , 25 . 7 , 25 . 7 , 25 . 8 , 26 . 0 , 26 . 2 , 26 . 2 , 26 . 5 , 39 . 0 , 39 . 5 , 39 . 8 , 64 . 7 , 67 . 7 , 68 . 4 , 72 . 4 , 76 . 4 , 112 . 0 , 114 . 2 , 117 . 1 , 119 . 0 , 123 . 3 , 123 . 6 , 128 . 7 , 128 . 7 , 128 . 8 , 129 . 0 , 129 . 1 , 129 . 2 , 129 . 3 , 129 . 5 , 130 . 1 , 131 . 9 , 132 . 0 , 132 . 0 , 133 . 1 , 133 . 4 , 133 . 6 , 133 . 7 , 133 . 9 , 137 . 4 , 138 . 1 , 144 . 4 , 144 . 5 , 144 . 7 ppm . ir ( kbr ) 3497 , 2930 , 1447 , 1300 , 1143 , 1083 cm โ 1 . hrms ( fab + ) m / z calcd for c 46 h 65 o 3 s [ c 58 h 79 o 8 s 3 - 2 ( c 6 h 6 so 2 )โ h 2 o ] 697 . 4654 . found 697 . 4645 . to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( l ) ( 3 . 68 g , 3 . 69 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 50 ml ) at 0 ยฐ c . were added pyridine ( 1 . 5 ml , 18 . 45 mmol ) and pbr 3 ( 0 . 43 ml , 4 . 42 mmol ). the mixture was stirred at 0 ยฐ c . for 1 h , diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 30 ml ), washed with 1 m hcl solution ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous mgso 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the di - bromination product ( m - 1 ) ( 3 . 99 g , 3 . 54 mmol ) in 96 % crude yield . this compound was not purified and directly utilized in the elimination reaction to produce lycopene ( see example 9 - a ). 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 1 . 06 - 1 . 36 ( m , 9h ), 1 . 42 - 1 . 73 ( m , 21h ), 1 . 80 - 2 . 22 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 22 - 2 . 50 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 74 - 2 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 63 - 4 . 02 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 08 - 4 . 40 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 53 - 4 . 86 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 86 - 5 . 16 ( m , 4h ), 5 . 16 - 5 . 72 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 43 - 7 . 68 ( m , 9h ), 7 . 75 - 7 . 97 ( m , 6h ) ppm . ir ( kbr ) 2920 , 1663 , 1447 , 1375 , 1304 , 1145 , 1083 , 955 cm โ 1 . hrms ( fab + ) m / z calcd for c 52 h 72 bro 4 s 2 [ c 58 h 77 br 2 o 6 s 3 โ( c 6 h 5 so 2 )โ br ] 903 . 4055 , found 903 . 4055 . to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( l ) ( 0 . 74 g , 0 . 74 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 30 ml ) were added 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2h - pyran ( 0 . 35 ml , 3 . 7 mmol ) and 10 - camphorsulfonic acid ( 0 . 09 g , 0 . 37 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 h , diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 40 ml ), washed with saturated nahco 3 solution ( 20 ml ร 2 ), dried over anhydrous k 2 co 3 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel ( deactivated by et 3 n ) column chromatography to give the bis ( tetrahydropyranyl ) ether ( m - 2 ) ( 0 . 85 g , 0 . 73 mmol ) in 98 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 1 . 02 - 1 . 22 ( m , 9h ), 1 . 32 - 1 . 71 ( m , 21h ), 1 . 71 - 1 . 83 ( m , 12h ), 1 . 83 - 2 . 08 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 26 - 2 . 40 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 68 - 2 . 83 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 32 - 3 . 61 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 61 - 3 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 06 - 4 . 38 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 48 - 4 . 55 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 72 - 5 . 10 ( m , 8h ), 5 . 30 - 5 . 52 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 41 - 7 . 66 ( m , 9h ), 7 . 77 - 7 . 91 ( m , 6h ) ppm . ir ( kbr ) 2942 , 1447 , 1303 , 1144 , 1077 , 1021 cm โ 1 . hrms ( fab + ) m / z calcd for c 46 h 63 o 2 s [ c 68 h 95 o 10 s 3 - 2 ( c 6 h 6 so 2 )- 2 ( c 5 h 10 o 2 )] 679 . 4549 , found 679 . 4550 . to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( l ) ( 1 . 00 g , 1 . 00 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 10 ml ) at 0 ยฐ c . were added ethyl vinyl ether ( 0 . 80 ml , 8 . 00 mmol ) and pyridinium p - toluenesulfonate ( 0 . 13 g , 0 . 50 mmol ). the mixture was stirred at 0 ยฐ c . for 1 h , and warmed to and stirred at room temperature for 14 h . the mixture was then diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 30 ml ), washed with saturated nahco 3 ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous k 2 co 3 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel ( deactivated by et 3 n ) column chromatography to give the bis ( 1 - ethoxyethyl ) ether ( m - 3 ) ( 1 . 09 g , 0 . 84 mmol ) in 95 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 1 . 00 - 1 . 42 ( m , 24h ), 1 . 43 - 1 . 74 ( m , 18h ), 1 . 76 - 2 . 10 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 25 - 2 . 46 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 78 - 2 . 95 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 24 - 3 . 44 ( m , 11h ), 3 . 44 - 3 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 62 - 3 . 85 ( m 4h ), 4 . 05 - 4 . 22 ( m 1h ), 4 . 45 - 4 . 90 ( m , 5h ), 4 . 90 - 5 . 10 ( m , 5h ), 5 . 27 - 5 . 52 ( m 2h ), 7 . 42 - 7 . 68 ( m , 9h ), 7 . 77 - 7 . 92 ( m , 6h ) ppm . ir ( kbr ) 2929 , 1447 , 1305 , 1146 , 1093 , 1026 cm โ 1 . hrms ( fab + ) m / z calcd for c 46 h 63 o 2 s 3 [ c66h 6 o 10 s 3 - 2 ( c 6 h 6 so 2 )- 2 ( c 4 h 10 o 2 )] 679 . 4549 , found 679 . 4536 . to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( l ) ( 1 . 73 g , 1 . 73 mmol ) in dimethoxy methane ( 6 . 2 ml , 40 equiv ) at room temperature was added p 2 o 5 ( 0 . 50 g , 3 . 46 mmol , 2 equiv ). the resulting yellow solution was stirred for 9 h , and p 2 o 5 ( 0 . 25 g , 1 . 73 mmol , 1 equiv ) was added again . stirring for another 3 h , the reaction mixture was diluted with toluene ( 40 ml ), washed with saturated nahco 3 solution ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel ( deactivated by et 3 n ) column chromatography to give the bis ( methoxymethyl ) ether ( m - 4 ) ( 1 . 71 g , 1 . 58 mmol ) in 91 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 1 . 00 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 10 - 1 . 26 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 35 - 1 . 38 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 49 - 1 . 68 ( m , 18h ), 1 . 76 - 2 . 11 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 26 - 2 . 45 ( m , 11h ), 2 . 78 - 2 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 48 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 50 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 68 - 3 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 08 - 4 . 21 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 50 - 4 . 87 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 58 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 61 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 88 - 5 . 08 ( m , 4h ), 5 . 30 - 5 . 52 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 44 - 7 . 69 ( m , 9h ), 7 . 78 - 7 . 90 ( m , 6h ) ppm . hrms ( fab + ) m / z calcd for c 46 h 63 o 2 s [ c 62 h 87 o 10 s 3 - 2 ( c 6 h 6 so 2 )- 2 ( c 2 h 6 o 2 )] 679 . 4549 , found 679 . 4563 . to a stirred suspension of the crude ( see example 5 ) c 40 dibromide compound ( m - 1 ) ( 0 . 31 g , 0 . 27 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 10 ml ) and benzene ( 5 ml ) was added kome ( 0 . 58 g , 8 . 27 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 11 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 20 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 60 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give lycopene of the chemical formula 1 ( 0 . 11 g , 0 . 21 mmol ) in 76 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- lycopene ( 0 . 083 g , 0 . 15 mmol ) in 57 % yield as a dark red crystal . to a stirred suspension of the bis ( tetrahydropyranyl ) ether ( m - 2 ) ( 0 . 44 g , 0 . 38 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 20 ml ) and benzene ( 10 ml ) was added kome ( 0 . 79 g , 11 . 3 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 13 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 20 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 40 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give lycopene of the chemical formula 1 ( 0 . 20 g , 0 . 37 mmol ) in 97 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- lycopene ( 0 . 16 g , 0 . 29 mmol ) in 79 % yield as a dark red crystal . to a stirred suspension of the bis ( 1 - ethoxyethyl ) ether ( m - 3 ) ( 0 . 70 g , 0 . 61 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 20 ml ) and benzene ( 5 ml ) was added kome ( 1 . 28 g , 18 . 30 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 18 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 25 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 50 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give lycopene of the chemical formula 1 ( 0 . 24 g , 0 . 45 mmol ) in 73 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- lycopene ( 0 . 17 g , 0 . 32 mmol ) in 52 % yield as a dark red crystal . to a stirred solution of the bis ( methoxymethyl ) ether ( m - 4 ) ( 1 . 67 g , 1 . 54 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 15 ml ) and benzene ( 25 ml ) was added kome ( 3 . 78 g , 53 . 9 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 15 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 60 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 60 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give lycopene of the chemical formula 1 ( 0 . 61 g , 1 . 14 mmol ) in 74 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- lycopene ( 0 . 46 g , 0 . 86 mmol ) in 56 % yield as a dark red crystal . the 1 h nmr spectra of all -( e )- lycopene , which were prepared according to the above methods a - d , were identical to that of the authentic sample . to a stirred solution of ฮฒ - cyclogeranyl phenyl sulfone ( n ) ( 0 . 46 g , 1 . 63 mmol ) in thf ( 10 ml ) at 0 ยฐ c . was added 1 . 6 m solution of n - buli in hexane ( 1 . 22 ml , 1 . 97 mmol ). the resulting orange solution was stirred at that temperature for 1 h , and cooled to โ 78 ยฐ c . the solution of the dialdehyde of the chemical formula 3 ( 0 . 29 g , 0 . 66 mmol ) in thf ( 5 ml ) was then added for 5 min . the resulting mixture was stirred at โ 78 ยฐ c . for 1 h , and quenched with 1 m hcl solution ( 5 ml ). the mixture was warmed to room temperature , extracted with etoac ( 20 ml ร 2 ), washed with 1 m hcl solution ( 10 ml ร 2 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to give the c 40 diol compound ( o ) ( 0 . 56 g , 0 . 56 mmol ) in 86 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl . sub . 3 ) ฮด 0 . 67 ( s 3h ), 0 . 70 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 90 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 93 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 21 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 34 - 1 . 75 ( m , 8h ), 1 . 50 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 53 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 56 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 88 - 2 . 25 ( m , 12h ), 1 . 99 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 02 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 25 - 2 . 46 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 73 - 2 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 20 - 3 . 70 ( br m , 2h ), 3 . 73 ( br t , j = 9 . 6 hz , 1h ), 4 . 00 ( d , j = 9 . 5 hz , 1h ), 4 . 01 ( d , j = 9 . 5 hz , 1h ), 4 . 90 - 5 . 10 ( m , 4h ), 5 . 23 - 5 . 39 ( br s , 2h ), 7 . 45 - 7 . 65 ( m , 10h ), 7 . 78 - 7 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 8 . 00 - 8 . 07 ( m , 3h ) ppm . 13 c nmr ( 75 . 45 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 9 . 1 , 13 . 1 , 13 . 4 , 16 . 1 , 16 . 4 , 16 . 4 , 16 . 4 , 18 . 8 , 18 . 8 , 24 . 1 , 24 . 1 , 26 . 0 , 26 . 0 , 26 . 5 , 27 . 5 , 27 . 5 , 29 . 7 , 34 . 4 , 35 . 5 , 38 . 7 , 38 . 7 , 39 . 7 , 39 . 7 , 64 . 5 , 73 . 6 , 73 . 7 , 75 . 7 , 75 . 8 , 116 . 9 , 118 . 8 , 127 . 8 , 128 . 0 , 128 . 1 , 128 . 3 , 128 . 4 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 8 , 132 . 6 , 132 . 7 , 133 . 3 , 133 . 7 , 133 . 7 , 134 . 4 , 137 . 8 , 138 . 0 , 139 . 2 , 139 . 3 , 139 . 4 , 143 . 6 , 143 . 6 , 144 . 6 ppm . ir ( kbr ) 3501 , 2930 , 1683 , 1447 , 1300 , 1141 , 1083 , 756 cm โ 1 . hrms ( fab + ) m / z cacld for c 52 h 71 o 5 s 2 ( c 58 h 79 o 8 s 3 โ c 6 h 6 so 2 โ h 2 o ) 839 . 4743 , found 839 . 4730 . to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( o ) ( 0 . 13 g , 0 . 15 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 5 ml ) at 0 ยฐ c . were added pyridine ( 0 . 054 ml , 0 . 60 mmol ) and pbr 3 ( 0 . 011 ml , 0 . 12 mmol ). the mixture was stirred at 0 ยฐ c . for 40 min , diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ), washed with 1 m hcl solution ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous mgso 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the di - bromination product ( p - 1 ) ( 0 . 17 g , 0 . 15 mmol ) in 100 % crude yield . this compound was not purified and directly utilized in the elimination reaction to produce ฮฒ - carotene ( see example 15 - a ). to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( o ) ( 0 . 55 g , 0 . 55 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 10 ml ) were added 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2h - pyran ( 0 . 26 ml , 2 . 75 mmol ) and 10 - camphorsulfonic acid ( 80 mg , 0 . 33 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h , diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ), washed with saturated nahco 3 solution ( 10 ml ร 2 ), dried over anhydrous k 2 co 3 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel ( deactivated by et 3 n ) column chromatography to give the bis ( tetrahydropyranyl ) ether ( p - 2 ) ( 0 . 58 g , 0 . 49 mmol ) in 90 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 0 . 76 ( s 3h ), 0 . 78 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 05 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 08 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 20 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 30 - 2 . 25 ( m , 47h ), 2 . 25 - 2 . 47 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 73 - 2 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 28 - 3 . 28 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 58 - 3 . 92 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 92 - 4 . 25 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 38 ( br s , 1h ), 4 . 85 ( br s , 1h ), 4 . 97 ( br s , 1h ), 5 . 00 ( br s , 1h ), 5 . 10 ( d , j = 9 . 4 hz , 1h ), 5 . 12 ( d , j = 9 . 3 hz , 1h ), 5 . 30 ( br s , 1h ), 5 . 35 ( br s , 1h ), 7 . 43 - 7 . 65 ( m , 10h ), 7 . 77 - 7 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 98 - 8 . 15 ( m , 3h ) ppm . ir ( kbr ) 2943 , 1684 , 1447 , 1304 , 1143 , 1083 , 1028 cm โ 1 . to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( o ) ( 0 . 12 g , 0 . 13 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 5 ml ) at 0 ยฐ c . were added ethyl vinyl ether ( 0 . 71 ml , 0 . 73 mmol ) and pyridinium p - toluenesulfonate ( 10 mg , 0 . 05 mmol ). the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 h . the mixture was then diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 20 ml ), washed with saturated nahco 3 ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous k 2 co 3 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel ( deactivated by et 3 n ) column chromatography to give the bis ( 1 - ethoxyethyl ) ether ( p - 3 ) ( 0 . 13 g , 0 . 12 mmol ) in 90 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 0 . 74 ( t , j = 6 . 1 hz , 6h ), 0 . 98 - 1 . 32 ( m , 20h ), 0 . 98 - 1 . 79 ( m , 20h ), 1 . 79 - 2 . 26 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 26 - 2 . 46 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 77 - 2 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 26 ( dq , j d = 15 . 9 , j q = 7 . 7 hz , 1h ), 3 . 44 ( dq , j d = 15 . 5 , j t = 7 . 8 hz , 1h ), 3 . 65 - 3 . 87 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 05 ( d , j = 10 . 3 hz , 1h ), 4 . 07 ( d , j = 9 . 9 hz , 1h ), 4 . 46 - 4 . 59 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 59 - 4 . 72 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 72 - 4 . 82 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 90 - 5 . 12 ( m , 3h ), 5 . 22 - 5 . 38 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 42 - 7 . 62 ( m , 10h ), 7 . 77 - 7 . 88 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 98 - 8 . 10 ( m , 2h ) ppm . to a stirred solution of the c 40 diol compound ( o ) ( 0 . 30 g , 0 . 30 mmol ) in dimethoxy methane ( 1 . 1 ml , 12 . 12 mmol ) at room temperature was added p 2 o 5 ( 61 mg , 0 . 44 mmol ). the resulting yellow solution was stirred for 12 h , and p 2 o 5 ( 28 mg , 0 . 36 mmol ) was added again . stirring for another 4 h , the reaction mixture was diluted with toluene ( 30 ml ), washed with saturated nahco 3 solution ( 10 ml ร 3 ), dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel ( deactivated by et 3 n ) column chromatography to give the bis ( methoxymethyl ) ether ( p - 4 ) ( 0 . 31 g , 0 . 28 mmol ) in 93 % yield . 1 h nmr ( 300 . 40 mhz , cdcl 3 ) ฮด 0 . 73 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 75 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 84 - 2 . 27 ( m , 20h ), 1 . 11 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 13 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 18 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 41 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 44 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 56 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 05 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 08 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 27 - 2 . 47 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 60 - 2 . 94 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 44 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 64 - 3 . 78 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 05 ( d , j = 9 . 9 hz , 1h ), 4 . 07 ( d , j = 10 . 3 hz , 1h ), 4 . 50 - 4 . 72 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 72 - 5 . 10 ( m , 4h ), 5 . 32 ( br s , 2h ), 7 . 42 - 7 . 67 ( m , 10h ), 7 . 75 - 7 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 93 - 8 . 07 ( m , 2h ) ppm . ir ( kbr ) 2931 , 1446 , 1301 , 1141 , 1083 , 1021 cm โ 1 . hrms ( fab + ) m / z cacld for c 54 h 75 o 6 s 2 ( c 62 h 87 o 10 s 3 โ c . sub . 6h . sub . 6so . sub . 2 - ch 3 och 2 oh ) 883 . 5005 , found 883 . 4999 . to a stirred suspension of the crude ( see example 11 ) c 40 dibromide ( p - 1 ) ( 0 . 15 g , 0 . 13 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 10 ml ) and benzene ( 5 ml ) was added kome ( 0 . 28 g , 3 . 99 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 21 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 10 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 30 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give ฮฒ - carotene of the chemical formula 2 ( 56 mg , 0 . 10 mmol ) in 77 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- ฮฒ - carotene ( 36 mg , 0 . 067 mmol ) in 50 % yield as a dark red crystal . to a stirred suspension of the bis ( tetrahydropyranyl ) ether ( p - 2 ) ( 0 . 55 g , 0 . 47 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 20 ml ) and benzene ( 10 ml ) was added kome ( 0 . 66 g , 9 . 40 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 18 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 20 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 40 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give . beta .- carotene of the chemical formula 2 ( 0 . 25 g , 0 . 47 mmol ) in 100 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- ฮฒ - carotene ( 0 . 20 g , 0 . 38 mmol ) in 81 % yield as a dark red crystal . to a stirred suspension of the bis ( 1 - ethoxyethyl ) ether ( p - 3 ) ( 0 . 10 g , 0 . 09 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 10 ml ) and benzene ( 5 ml ) was added kome ( 0 . 18 g , 2 . 60 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 17 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 5 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 20 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give ฮฒ - carotene of the chemical formula 2 ( 46 mg , 0 . 086 mmol ) in 99 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- ฮฒ - carotene ( 32 mg , 0 . 059 mmol ) in 70 % yield as a dark red crystal . to a stirred solution of the bis ( methoxymethyl ) ether ( p - 4 ) ( 0 . 16 g , 0 . 14 mmol ) in cyclohexane ( 10 ml ) and benzene ( 5 ml ) was added kome ( 0 . 19 g , 2 . 76 mmol ). the mixture was heated to 70 ห 80 ยฐ c . for 18 h , cooled to room temperature , and 1 m hcl ( 10 ml ) was carefully added . the reaction mixture was extracted with a 9 : 1 ( v : v ) solution ( 30 ml ) of hexane and benzene , dried over anhydrous na 2 so 4 , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting red solid was diluted with hexane ( 30 ml ) and washed with ch 3 cn ( 10 ml ร 3 ). the combined ch 3 cn solution was extracted again with hexanes . the hexane layers were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to give ฮฒ - carotene of the chemical formula 2 ( 67 mg , 0 . 13 mmol ) in 91 % crude yield . the crude product was purified by recrystallization from meoh and thf to provide all -( e )- ฮฒ - carotene ( 53 mg , 0 . 10 mmol ) in 71 % yield as a dark red crystal . the 1 h nmr spectra of all -( e )- ฮฒ - carotene , which were prepared according to the above methods a - d , were identical to that of the authentic sample . the novel c 20 dialdehyde compound of the chemical formula 3 according to the present invention can be expeditiously prepared from the readily available geraniol , and can be efficiently utilized in the syntheses of the conjugated polyene chains of the carotenoid compounds such as lycopene and ฮฒ - carotene by the sulfone - mediated coupling and double elimination reactions . the processes of the coupling reaction between the above c 20 dialdehyde and two equivalents of geranyl sulfone or cyclic geranyl sulfone , the protection of the resulting c 40 diols , and then the double elimination reactions of the protected c 40 compounds are highly efficient in producing lycopene and ฮฒ - carotene in much shorter steps with great economical values than the previous sulfone - mediated methods . therefore , the syntheses of lycopene and ฮฒ - carotene according to the present invention have several advantages over the existing methods especially in the fast preparation of the starting materials for the coupling reaction , the efficiency of the reaction steps , and the easy handling of the intermediates , by - product , and the product , not to mention of the formation of ( e )- configuration in the carbon - carbon double bonds .
| 2 |
the following description represents one of the inventors &# 39 ; current preferred embodiments . the description is not meant to limit the invention , but rather to illustrate its general principles of operation . examples are illustrated with the accompanying drawings . a variety of drawings are offered , showing the present invention with various activated character sets . fig1 is a top view of the present invention , an integrated keyboard and mouse 1 . the integrated keyboard and mouse 1 has a top surface 1 . the integrated keyboard and mouse 1 has a defined perimeter 4 . the keyboard portion of the invention has eighteen keys 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 . the version shown in fig1 is for right - handed typing . the right - hand index finder controls five keys : 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 . the right - hand middle finger controls five keys : 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 . the right - hand ring finger controls five keys : 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 . the right - hand pinkie finger controls three keys : 20 , 21 , 22 . the present invention , an integrated mouse and keyboard 1 , has two joysticks 2 , 3 , controlled by the thumb . either joystick 2 , 3 may be designated joystick # 1 . for this embodiment , the upper joystick 3 will be designated as joystick # 1 . traditional mouse functionality is achieved by moving joystick # 1 3 . for example , in this embodiment , moving joystick # 1 to the right emulates a right mouse click on a traditional pc mouse . moving joystick # 1 to the left emulates a left mouse click on a traditional pc mouse . the mouse functionality can be configured to work with other operating systems . in the present embodiment , joystick # 2 2 controls other functions , such as activating the alt keys . by moving joystick # 2 2 to the right , the user activates the alt keys on the right - hand side of a traditional qwerty keyboard . by moving joystick # 2 2 to the left , the user activates the alt keys on the left - hand side of a traditional qwerty keyboard . the remaining positions for joystick # 2 2 are left undefined . it is intended that the end user program the remaining positions with frequently used words , phrases , or character sets ( e . g ., cyrillic character set for scientific notation ) to speed up the users typing - rate . fig2 is a bottom view of the present invention . the perimeter 4 of the present invention is apparent . fig2 shows a traditional track - ball type mouse , but the present invention can be integrated onto any type of mouse : track - ball , no track - ball , wireless , etc . the track - ball 23 is in the center of the bottom side . there are also four nubs 24 which keeps the mouse from being tilted so that the perimeter 4 hits . the bottom has a face 25 . fig3 shows a side - view of the present invention , an integrated mouse and keyboard 1 . the perimeter 4 of the mouse is visible , as are the track - ball 23 and nubs 24 of the bottom side . the two joysticks 2 , 3 are visible . a user would grasp the integrated keyboard and mouse 1 , resting the right - hand thumb just above the two joysticks 2 , 3 . in rest position , the user &# 39 ; s wrist would be in a neutral position . looking at fig1 , the thumb would rest near the joysticks 2 , 3 . the index finger would rest near keys 5 , 6 . the middle finger would rest near keys 10 , 11 . the ring finger would rest near keys 15 , 16 . the pinkie finger would rest near keys 20 , 21 . fig4 shows the activated keys with joystick # 1 3 in the neutral position . fig5 shows the activated keys with joystick # 1 3 in the down position . fig6 shows the activated keys with joystick # 1 3 in the up position . fig7 shows the activated keys with joystick # 1 3 in the up and depressed position .
| 6 |
fig1 shows a device layout of a mems metrology device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . fig2 is a detail view of the complementary measuring combs 102 of the device of fig1 . fig2 also shows the complementary comb - drive 104 that is used for increasing measurement sensitivity . in the device of fig1 , capacitance changes across the measuring combs 102 correspond with the lateral translation of the shuttle 106 as it is actuated by the comb - drives ( e . g ., drives 108 and 110 ). the device of fig1 can be a compact device , fitting inside a 1 mm by 1 mm square or smaller , that can accurately measure in - plane over - or under - cut , effective young &# 39 ; s modulus , and the comb - drive force for the material and process in which it is made . this device is useful for nanoscale calipers , manipulators , and force gauges , as well as for the scientific exploration of physical forces , developing fabrication processes , calibrating simulations of devices , and automatically recalibrating mems devices for environmental changes . details of the complementary measuring combs 102 are shown in fig2 . as used herein over - or under - cut refer to a deviation of a fabricated gap from its designed value . in one embodiment , the procedure for measuring over - or under - cut , young &# 39 ; s modulus , and the comb - drive force involves displacing the central cantilevered suspension 112 with the comb - drives 108 and 110 and measuring the deflection amount ( x ) with the complementary measuring combs 102 . for example , in connection with fig1 , two of the comb - drives 108 and 110 are actuated , which causes the cantilevers 112 to deflect and translate in the lateral direction 114 by deflection amount ( x ). cantilevers 112 may act as springs that bias the shuttle 106 back to its original position after each displacement driven by the comb - drives . using the measuring combs 102 to measure the deflection amount ( x ), the over - or under - cut can be determined . in order to increase the sensitivity of the measuring combs 102 , they can be driven closer together with the secondary measuring comb drive 104 . then , by actuating one of the comb - drives ( e . g ., drive 108 ) and measuring the capacitance change with the other comb - drive ( e . g ., drive 110 ), the fringing field correction factor can be obtained for accurately determining the comb - drive force . and , by assuming a uniform over - or undercut , the effective young &# 39 ; s modulus of the system can be obtained . when over - or under - cut varies as a function of beam width and beam gap , then the same measurements may be repeated for several different comb - drives each with varying beam width and gaps . fig2 a - f show simplified drawings of the relative movement of the complementary measuring combs 102 and the varying capacitance vs . displacement for the combs 102 . as is shown in fig2 a - f , as the central suspension 102 a is displaced ( corresponding to the displacement of shuttle 106 ), the capacitance value of the combs 102 varies from a maximum value ( fig2 a ) to a minimum value ( fig2 c ) and back to a maximum value ( fig2 f ). as is shown in fig2 f , the spacing between comb fingers 202 can be measured as the displacement corresponding to the peak capacitance values . fig2 g is a simplified drawing that extends the concept of fig2 a - f to demonstrate that differential capacitance of the complementary comb drive can be measured as the difference in capacitance between two sets of measuring combs 102 - 1 and 102 - 2 . a more detailed description of the method described above follows . first , the measuring combs 102 are used to find what applied voltages , v 1 and v 2 , on two separate comb drives 108 and 110 , will allow the cantilever 112 to displace by a fixed amount , ( x ). the comb drives 108 and 110 can have different gap sizes between comb fingers , g 1 and g 2 , and possibly different number of drive finger gaps , n 1 and n 2 . e =( n 1 v 1 2 g 2 โ n 2 v 2 2 g 1 )/( n 1 v 1 2 โ n 2 v 2 2 ). alternatively , ( e ) can be determined by finding the scale factor , ( s ), applied to v 2 , to match the measuring comb &# 39 ; s capacitive profile for the second comb drive ( e . g ., drive 110 ) with that of the first comb drive ( e . g ., drive 108 ). then , e =( s 2 n 1 g 2 โ n 2 g 1 )/( s 2 n 1 โ n 2 ). the fringing field factor ( a ) can then be determined by driving the second comb drive ( e . g ., drive 110 ) to ( x ) and measuring the change of capacitance , ( c ), on the first comb drive ( e . g ., drive 108 ): a = c ( g 1 โ e )/( xn 1 ฮต 0 ฮต air h ), where ( h ) is the thickness of the silicon . next for a uniform over - or under - cut , the effective young &# 39 ; s modulus , ( e ), of the silicon is found by : e = cv 1 2 ( l โ e ) 3 /( 4 x 2 h ( w + e ) 3 ), where ( w ) is the width of the cantilever beams 112 and ( l ) is the length of the cantilever beams 112 . multiple comb drives ( e . g ., drives 108 , 110 ) may be used to verify the over - or under - cut for beams and gaps of different sizes . to improve the accuracy of the pair of complementary combs 102 for measuring capacitance changes , one set of the complementary combs 102 ( shown in fig2 ) can be offset ( as shown in fig2 g ). with the one offset pair of complementary combs 102 - 2 , the capacitance of one pair of combs can reach a maximum when the other pair ( e . g ., combs 102 - 1 ) reaches a minimum as the shuttle 106 is actuated . this allows a differential sense circuit to be used to measure the capacitance difference between the pair of complementary combs 102 - 1 and 102 - 2 . a design layout , circuits , and measurement steps used for characterizing over - or under - cut , effective young &# 39 ; s modulus , and comb - drive forces using the mems metrology device in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention is described below . the components of the characterization device are labeled in design layout section . the measurement circuit and set - up are shown in the circuit layout section . the measurement procedures are shown in measurements section . fig3 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device of fig1 . in fig3 - 9 , electrical terminals are shown as cross - hatched boxes ( e . g ., terminals a 1 , s 1 , and s 2 of fig3 ). as can be seen , the design includes the following components or subsystems : a . an anchored guided suspension 112 with cantilever width , cw , and cantilever length , cl , b . a shuttle 106 that joins the suspension 112 and the driving and sensing apparatus , c . a set of driving and sensing comb - drives 108 / 110 , d . measuring combs 102 to sense displacement of the shuttle 106 , and e . an optional gap - closing sense array 302 for further assessing cut - error . the following guidelines can be used in the overall design of the device . the width of the guided suspension 112 , cw , can be chosen as small as possible to keep the required length of the guided suspension , cl , as low as possible . when the beam - anchor compliance is being studied , the second structure should contain another guided suspension of a different width , a good value may be cw * 1 . 25 ( this doubles the stiffness ) but the optimal value may depend on the process . the length of the guided suspension 112 , cl , should be chosen small enough that processing steps will not break it , stiction will not immobilize it , and it will fit in the desired amount of space . cl should be chosen large enough that the shuttle 106 may move far enough ( without breaking the suspension ) that the measuring combs 102 senses a capacitive peak . also , cl should be chosen large enough that the required voltage to achieve the desired displacement ( x ) of the shuttle 106 is kept small enough for the equipment to handle . the shuttle 106 should be kept as stiff as possible while still being releasable . for improved sensitivity and simplicity , driving and sensing comb - drives ( e . g ., drives 108 / 110 ) should be matched on both sides of the shuttle 106 . when measuring cut - errors for many different geometries , it may be more economical to use differing comb - drive dimensions for comb - drives located on opposite sides . fig4 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of one embodiment of the measuring combs 102 of fig3 . vertical members 102 a in fig4 correspond with the vertical members 102 a of fig3 . electrical terminals c 1 and c 2 are located adjacent anchors 410 and 420 , respectively . terminal c 3 is located within comb drive 104 . as shown in fig4 , the design of the measuring combs 102 includes the following : f . one set of matched teeth 102 - 1 , g . one set of mismatched teeth 102 - 2 , h . suspensions 402 that allow the teeth sets to be moved towards each other by moving combs 102 b , and i . comb - drive 104 to actuate the suspensions 402 . the following guidelines can be used in the overall design of the device of fig4 . the set of matched teeth 102 - 1 and mismatched teeth 102 - 2 should have the same spacing between comb teeth . in addition , the suspension drive 104 may be joined or separated depending on whether more simplicity or flexibility is needed . fig5 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a measuring combs 102 of fig3 . in the alternative configuration of fig5 , four teeth sets , 502 - 1 , - 2 , - 3 , and - 4 , may be used having four different alignments , the alignment of each set shifted by a quarter of the distance between adjacent comb teeth . the sinusoidal - like capacitance function is then shifted by 90 degrees , and a hariharan type algorithm may be applied to find the displacement ( x ) ( described in the measurements section below ). fig6 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gap closing sense array 302 of fig3 . an optional gap - closing sense array 302 may be used to further refine the measurements of cut - error and also measure layer thickness . each gap - closing sensor has two fixed gaps 601 and 602 , each defined between a beam of the gap sensor and a beam carried on the shuttle 106 . for gap 602 , beam 604 of the gap sensor overlaps with beam 606 of the shuttle by a set distance . the second set of beams 603 and 605 overlap by an additional distance , dw , compared to the overlap distance between beams 604 and 606 . the differential capacitance between the two sets of beams 604 / 606 and 603 / 605 can be used to determine the value of gaps 601 and 602 , and therefore cut - error , the method of which is discussed in further detail below . with reference to fig6 , g 1 and g 2 can be tied to a 1 if gap - closing sensing is not used ( to avoid charging effects ). in general , a 1 &# 39 ; s dc offset ( if used ) should also be applied to g 1 and g 2 . fig7 shown an exemplary schematic diagram of the drive / sense comb drives ( e . g ., such as drives 108 / 110 ) of fig3 . in a balanced configuration , such as that shown in fig7 , comb - drives 702 / 703 / 704 / 705 are disposed on both sides of shuttle 106 , one of which may be driven while the differential capacitance is sensed between them by combs 102 ( not shown ). each comb - drive ( e . g ., 702 and 703 ) may have different finger widths , w , and gap spacings , g , between fingers . the finger overlap can be kept small to reduce levitation effects . comb - drives 704 and 705 on the opposite side of the shuttle 106 may have fewer comb - fingers but more overlap to reduce tilt , or may be identical to the opposing comb - drives 702 and 703 , respectively . fig8 shows an exemplary circuit diagram of the differential sense portion of the device of fig3 , and which does not include capacitive bypassing of the power supply . in one characterization procedure , sensitive differential capacitance measurements ( with a resolution around or below 10 af ) are made while a voltage sweep is supplied to the driving comb - set . there are two variations for measuring the differential capacitance โ one using a charge - integrator scheme and another using a differentiation scheme , both of which can be used by changing capacitors and resistors . in fig8 , resistor values are denoted with an โ r โ and capacitor values are denoted with a โ c โ. in connection with fig8 , the signal from the dc biasing ( vb 1 and vb 2 ) is low - pass filtered through resistor , r 1 , and capacitor , c 1 ( large ). when an integrator is desired , c 2 is set to a small capacitive value and r 2 is set to a large resistive value . the gain ( v /| vac |) is roughly 2 * d / c 2 . when a differentiator is desired , c 2 is not used , and r 2 is set to around a 100 kohm level . the gain ( v /| vac |) is roughly 2 * d * r 2 * omega ( where omega is the frequency of vac ). the second stage amplifier can further be used to amplify the signal . the gain is roughly r 4 / r 3 . additionally , the alternating signal can be converted to a dc signal through an rms to dc converter . fig9 shows an exemplary overall circuit diagram for the device of fig3 . using the terminal notation from the previous figures , terminals not shown are grounded . vac is an alternating signal (& gt ; 200 khz ) applied to the suspension and vdc is a bias applied to the suspension ( and other components ) to correct for the levitation effect . using the systems and circuits of fig1 - 9 described above , the mems metrology in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention are described below . a first measurement methodology is described first , followed by alternative methodologies that are used to counteract the levitation effect , refine the measuring comb measurements , and refine the measurement of cut error . the description below shows how the comb - drive force ( f ), cut error ( e ), and then effective young &# 39 ; s modulus ( e ) are measured using capacitance and voltage measurements based on an known layer thickness ( h ). this methodology includes the following steps : step a : the differential sense circuit shown in fig8 is calibrated so that the capacitance , d , is known from a measurement of v ( note that there is a factor of 2 ). an lcr meter such as an hp4824a may be used for this purpose . step b : the suspension sweeping v_bias is moved and v_comp as well as v_sense (*) are measured . the v_bias and v_sense values associated with the first peak of v_comp ( either a max or min value ) are found ( it can be more accurate to do this measurement by curve - fitting ). corrections can be made when the output is shifted ( due to imperfectly matched capacitances ). the values for v_comp may be shifted such that the max and min are equidistant from the origin . vc_bias is adjusted until the maxima and minima are known to the desired accuracy . the shuttle moves a distance of half the distance ( x ) between successive complementary - comb teeth . the change of capacitance ( dc ) can then be determined from the calibration data and v_sense . the force ( f ) exerted on the suspension is then v_bias 2 dc /( 2 * x ). step c : by using a model of the comb - drive force ( f ) allows the determination of the cut error ( e ) from two different comb - drive sets . f is related to the number of fingers ( n ) of the comb - drive side with fewer comb fingers , finger gap ( g ) ( for simplicity , let g e = g โ e ), finger width ( w ), layer thickness ( h ), and fringing field factor ( ฮฑ ) as assuming ฮฑ and e remain nearly constant , two different comb - drive sets can be used with varying layout gaps , g 1 and g 2 , and number of fingers , n 1 and n 2 . using step b , the v_bias bias voltages , v 1 and v 2 , are found for the two sets that generate the same force ( same displacement ). cut error is then computed as e = f โก ( l + e ) 3 2 โข โข x โข โข h โก ( w - e ) 3 it should be noted that in step b , if and when the complementary teeth are tightly packed in the configuration in fig4 , then set vc_bias = 0 and measure the complementary - comb signal , v_comp 0 , as v_bias is swept . as vc_bias is adjusted , the sweep data is subtracted from the original sweep ( this subtraction will remove global effects ), ( v_comp โ v_comp 0 ). to measure the actual young &# 39 ; s modulus , two separate suspensions may be used , one with a differing cantilever width . the stiffness due to beam - anchor compliance and webbing effects can then be determined using the relationship : k = kweb_compliance + ksuspension . to correct for levitation effects , the optional comb - sets ( b in fig7 ) can be used . for each biasing voltage , v_bias , the following steps are taken to remove levitation effects . a . apply bias to v 2 _bias until | v_comp | is maximized . b . apply bias to vdc until | v_comp | is maximized . the cut error for differing geometries can also be measured using a gap - closing actuator shown in fig6 . this arrangement can provide for more accuracy . the measurement includes the following steps : a . as v_bias is swept , measure v_gap . b . use the calibration data to convert v_gap to capacitance , c_gap . c . use the complementary - comb data to convert v_bias to the translation , x . d . fit the data to c_gap = ฮฑฮต 0 ฮต air a /( g model โ x ). ( ฮฑฮต 0 ฮต air a is constant ) e . cut error is then g model โ g . f . a short set ( 3 - 5 microns in length ) of gap - closing sensors may be used as gap stops to allow the determination of the sidewall angle . the cut - error determined in step e is near the midpoint of the layer . actuate the shuttle until the gap is reached . measure the displacement , g bottom , using the v_sense data . the sidewall angle is approximately ( g bottom โ g model )/( h / 2 ). g . similarly , as the gap is closed , the fringing - field effect is reduced . at the point where the fringing - field effect is sufficiently reduced , the layer thickness , h , may be measured by finding the area a ( from step d ) and dividing by the layout protruding length ( it is not affected by cut error ). when the alternative approach shown in fig5 is taken , then refinements can be made to the comb - drive sensing device . v_comp and v_comp 2 will be 2 periodic functions ( of displacement which is proportional to v_bias 2 ). they will also be 90 degrees out of phase with one another . the minima and maxima can be found when the function atan ( v_comp 2 / v_comp ) crosses multiples of pi . near these regions , the data can be linearly fit to determine this crossing value precisely . note that the atan function must be unwrapped ( when values cross pi , they jump to โ pi ) and at that point , 2 * pi is added to the results to make them continuous ). the mems metrology device in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can be fabricated using a silicon - on - insulator substrate from a single mask , as shown in fig1 a - e . as is shown in fig1 a - e , the fabrication process includes the following steps . the fabrication of the device starts with a handling layer 1002 that has disposed on it an oxide layer 1004 that in turn has a device layer 1006 disposed on it ( fig1 a ). next , a photoresist layer 1008 is deposited on the device layer 1006 ( fig1 b ). next , the photoresist layer 1008 is patterned ( fig1 c ). then the device layer 1006 and the oxide layer 1004 are etched ( fig1 d ) and then the device layer 1006 is released by the removal of the oxide layer 1004 ( fig1 e ), to form the finger - like structures of fig1 . for example , the device shown in fig1 is approximately 25 - 50 ฮผm thick , has a foot print of approximately 1 . 5 mm by 1 . 0 mm , or preferably less than 1 . 0 mm by 1 . 0 mm . the mems metrology device in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can be fabricated during the same fabrication process and formed adjacent to the mems device which will be monitored by the metrology device . the metrology device can then be used to measure both the under or over - cut of the device and also monitor its material , process , geometry and dynamic properties of mems device . prototype mems metrology devices have been demonstrated to be inexpensive , reliable and accurate , having resolutions better than or similar to the resolution of optical microscopy device and nearing sem device resolutions . furthermore , due to the symmetric nature of over - or under - cut the deflection measurements of the mems metrology devices are resilient to the variation of comb tips . such comb - tip variations include variations due to cut error resulting in narrower or wider combs ; variations due to the filleting where combs are shortened and rounded ; and cross - sectional variations . as will be understood by those skilled in the art , the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof . these other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention , which is set forth in the following claims .
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referring to the drawings in detail , reference character 10 generally indicates a connector device for connecting a wire rope 12 to a chain 14 . the wire rope 12 may be of any suitable type , and as shown herein comprises a plurality of individual strands 16 wound around a centrally disposed longitudinally extending fiber core 18 ( fig2 ). the chain 14 may also be of any suitable type , and as shown herein comprises a plurality of individual link members 20 , with one link member 20a being engaged by the connector device 10 , and another link member 20b being connected with a suitable hook member 22 , or the like . the connector device 10 comprises a socket member 24 of a generally elongated conical configuration , and having a central bore 26 extending longitudinally therethrough . the bore tapers downwardly and inwardly as viewed in fig2 through 5 , for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth . a reduced diameter neck portion 28 is provided at one end of the socket 24 and is externally threaded as shown at 30 . an outwardly directed annular shoulder 32 is provided around the outer periphery of the socket 24 at the terminus of the threaded neck member 28 . in addition , the portion 31 of the bore 26 in alignment with the neck member 28 is substantially straight sided for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth . a wedge member generally indicated at 34 is provided with a downwardly and inwardly tapered outer periphery as viewed at 36 in the drawings , said tapered configuration of the wedge 34 being complementary to the tapered configuration of the bore 26 . a reduced diameter longitudinally extending neck portion 38 is provided at one end of the wedge member 34 extending in an opposite direction with respect to the tapered portion 36 and is externally threaded for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth . the wedge member 34 is adapted for insertion within the bore 28 of the socket member 24 in order to securely clamp the strands 16 of the wire rope 12 therebetween as will be hereinafter set forth in detail . a connector member generally indicated at 40 ( fig4 and 5 ) is provided for the device 10 and comprises a sleeve member 42 having a central threaded bore 44 extending longitudinally therein for threaded connection with the threaded portion 30 of the socket member 24 . an inwardly directed circumferential flange or shoulder 46 is provided at one end of the sleeve 42 for providing a central bore 48 in communication with the bore 44 . a yoke member comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending arm members 50 and 52 project from the sleeve member 42 for receiving a portion of the link member 20a therebetween . the arms 50 and 52 are provided with aligned bores 54 and 56 for receiving a locking pin 58 therethrough , and the pin 58 is locked or securely retained in position within the bores 56 and 58 by a locking sleeve 60 . whereas the locking sleeve 60 may be of any suitable type , it is preferable that it be of the split tension sleeve type as shown in my prior u . s . pat . no . re27 , 620 . the pin 58 and locking sleeve 60 securely retain the link member 20a in position between the arms 50 and 52 of the yoke member . the outer or open end of the sleeve 42 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed longitudinally extending grooves or recesses 62 and 64 ( fig4 and 5 ). in addition , a pair of diametrically opposed recesses 66 and 68 are provided on the outer periphery of the socket member 34 conterminous with the shoulder 32 as particularly shown in fig4 . the grooves 62 , 64 , 66 and 68 cooperate with a lock ring 70 for locking the connector member 40 with the socket member 24 in the assembled clamping position of the device 10 as will be hereinafter set forth . the lock ring 70 is of a generally annular configuration as shown in fig7 and is provided with a first pair of diametrically opposed , outwardly extending tab members 72 and 74 , and a second pair of diametrically opposed outwardly extending tab members 76 and 78 . the tabs 72 and 74 are preferably substantially perpendicularly arranged with respect to the tabs 76 and 78 in order that the tabs may be utilized for locking the socket member 34 and connector member 40 in an assembled position as will be hereinafter set forth . in order to connect the wire rope 12 to the chain 14 by the connector device 10 , the connector member 40 may be secured to the chain link 20a by inserting the link between the arms 50 and 52 of the yoke member and passing the pin 58 through the apertures 54 and 56 , through the locking sleeve 60 , and across the interior of the link 20a as particularly shown in fig1 and 5 . in this manner the connector 40 is secured or fastened to the chain link 20a . in order to connect the wire rope 12 to the socket 24 it is preferable to initially insert one end of the rope through the bore 26 of the socket member 24 as particularly shown in fig2 . a sufficient length of the rope 12 should extend beyond the socket 24 in order to permit the unwinding or unravelling of a portion of the rope end to separate the individual strands 16 and expose the core 18 . a length of the core member 18 may then be cut away or otherwise removed from the unravelled portion of the rope 12 , and the wedge member 34 may be positioned between the individual strands 16 in the position formally occupied by the core member 18 . the strands 16 may then be positioned around the outer periphery of the wedge 34 , and the socket member 24 may be moved longitudinally along the rope 12 and over the wedge member 34 until the outer ends of the rope strands 16 are positioned at approximately the longitudinal center of the straight sided portion 31 of the bore 26 , as shown in fig3 . in this position , the strands 16 will be clamped between the outer periphery of the wedge 34 and the bore 36 , and the threaded neck portion 38 of the wedge 34 will extend longitudinally outwardly from the neck portion 30 of the socket member 24 . the lock ring 70 may then be placed on the shoulder 32 of the socket 24 , with one pair of tabs , such as the tabs 72 and 74 being in substantial alignment with the recesses 66 and 68 of the socket 24 . the connector member 40 may be secured to the socket 24 by threadedly securing the sleeve 42 to the neck 30 as shown in fig4 . in order to facilitate threading of the sleeve 42 onto the neck 30 , it is preferable to place the socket 24 in a vise 71 , or the like , for holding the socket securely during the connecting operation . as the threads of the sleeve 42 and neck 30 are engaged , the outer periphery of the chain link member 20a is brought into engagement with the exposed end of the stem or neck 38 of the wedge member 34 for exerting a longitudinal force on the wedge 34 and urging the wedge 34 longitudinally into the bore 26 . of course , as the sleeve 42 is tightened onto the neck 30 , the wedge 34 is pressed into the bore 26 . of course , as the sleeve 42 is tightened onto the neck 30 , the wedge 34 is pressed into the bore 26 to the limit of the engagement of the link 20a as shown in fig5 thus assuring an efficient pressure clamping of the strands 16 between the wedge 34 and bore 26 . it has been found that initially chain link 20a is tightly forced against the end of the neck 38 of the wedge member 34 , once a tension load is placed on the sling further wedging movement takes place leaving link 20a freedom to move about pin 58 and locking sleeve 60 . when the connector member 40 is completely threaded onto the socket member 24 , the outer end of the sleeve 42 will be in engagement with the lock ring 70 disposed on the shoulder 32 . when this occurs , the sleeve 42 is preferably orientated with respect to the socket 24 and lock ring 70 so as to position the recesses 62 and 64 in substantial alignment with the other pair of tabs , such as the tabs 76 and 78 . a suitable tool , such as pliers or the like ( not shown ), may then be utilized in the usual manner for bending the tabs 72 and 74 into engagement with the recesses 66 and 68 , respectively , and the tabs 76 and 78 into the recesses 62 and 64 , respectively . this precludes relative rotation between the connector member 40 and socket member 24 for securely retaining the connector device 10 in the assembled position , with the strands 16 of the wire rope 12 clamped therein , and the chain link 20a secured thereto . when it is desired to disconnect the chain 14 from the wire rope 12 for any reason , the tabs 72 , 74 , 76 and 78 may be straightened by a pry bar or the like ( not shown ) in order to unlock the connector 40 from the socket 24 . the sleeve 42 may then be unthreaded or backed off from the neck 30 , and the connector may be removed from the socket 24 . additionally , the pin 58 may be removed from the bores 54 and 56 , and the connector 40 may be released from engagement with the chain link 20a , if desired . a suitable washer member 80 may be placed on the outer end of the neck 30 and around the stem member 38 as shown in fig6 and a suitable nut 82 may be screwed onto the neck 38 , thus backing the wedge 34 out of the bore 26 to the position indicated in broken lines in fig6 . the wedge 34 may then be removed from the bore 26 , and the wire rope 12 may be pulled from the socket 24 . from the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel means for connecting wire rope to a chain which comprises a socket member having an internal bore adapted to receive a wedge member therein for clamping the individual strands of the wire rope therebetween . a connector is threadedly engageable with the socket member and adapted for connection with one link of the chain in such a manner that the chain link engages the wedge member for securely wedging the strands of the wire between the wedge and the socket . locking ring means is provided for cooperating between the connector member and socket member to preclude accidental disengagement therebetween , and releasing means is provided for disconnecting the connector member from the socket and backing the wedge away from the pressure engagement in order to permit removal of the wire rope from the apparatus . the novel connector device is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction . whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto , it should be understood that other and further modifications , apart from those shown or suggested herein may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention . for instance , when the wire rope is of the type having a metal core therein a wedge of the type shown in fig8 is used in lieu of wedge 36 . in this embodiment wedge 134 includes the tapered periphery 136 and threaded neck portion 138 as heretofore described . the wedge , however , includes a longitudinal and central bore 140 which is adapted to receive the inner metal core of the wire rope . additionally , the sleeve is divided into two portions , preferably longitudinally split partially by a slit 142 , e . g . 0 . 02 &# 34 ; to 0 . 04 &# 34 ; wide . in the embodiment of fig9 connector member 150 is modified to include a shoulder 156 that extends across the connector which intersects the neck end of wedge 34 instead of link 20a of chain 14 .
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embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description . descriptions of well known starting materials , processing techniques , components and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention in detail . it should be understood , however , that the detailed description and the specific examples , while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention , are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation . various substitutions , modifications , additions and / or rearrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure . within this application several publications are referenced by arabic numerals , or principal author &# 39 ; s name followed by year of publication , within parentheses or brackets . full citations for these , and other , publications may be found at the end of the specification immediately preceding the claims after the section heading references . the disclosures of all these publications in their entireties are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for the purpose of indicating the background of embodiments of the invention and illustrating the state of the art . the below - referenced u . s . patents and u . s . patent applications disclose embodiments that are useful for the purposes for which they are intended . the entire contents of u . s . pat . no ( s ). 6 , 452 , 708 ; 6 , 501 , 871 ; and 6 , 618 , 522 are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes . the entire contents of patent cooperation treaty publication nos . wo 01 / 052455 ; wo 02 / 021736 ; wo 02 / 021737 ; wo 02 / 091031 ; and wo 03 / 081302 are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes . the entire contents of u . s . ser . nos . 09 / 657 , 996 , filed sep . 8 , 2000 ; and 10 / 197 , 016 , filed jul . 17 , 2002 are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes . in general , the context of an embodiment of the invention can include a data network . the context of an embodiment of the invention can include a cable television network . the context of an embodiment of the invention can also include ethernet networking . the invention can include an optical network architecture for transporting forward analog signals in baseband digital form after analog to digital conversion and converting them to native analog signal at a location close to the customer , whether on premises or in the hybrid fiber coaxial and fiber networks . the invention can thereby provide low incremental cost digitized downstream distribution . the invention can include baseband / wideband converting the forward analog optical signal to digital at a hub and converting the forward digital optical signal to analog at a node , optionally in the context of a hybrid fiber coax network . the baseband / wideband conversion can be defined as including a plurality of frequency octaves , preferably many frequency octaves . the invention can forward digitalize signals , for example , from approximately 50 mhz to approximately 550 mhz or from approximately 50 mhz to approximately 870 mhz . thus , this aspect of the invention includes digital - to - analog forward conversion at the node ( minifibernode ). in one embodiment , the invention can include conveying from approximately 15 to approximately 30 forward channels . in another , or the same , embodiment , the invention can includes carrying reverse digital data up to approximately 100 mhz . although this extended reverse upper frequency range may involve more attenuation is has the significant advantage of less noise . it is important to note that the same extended bandwidth reverse chips found in some legacy nodes ( minifibernodes ) can provide the digital - to - analog downstream conversion . the baseband / wideband forward digitalization of the invention provides significant commercial advantages and is much more than just qam digitalization . the invention can include the use of alternative sub - division schemes . the invention can include sub - dividing the forward throughput into multiple bandwidths ( aka chunks ). in one embodiment , the invention can sub - divide the forward throughput into one or more portion ( s ) that is ( are ) baseband digitized and one or more portion ( s ) that is ( are ) analog . in this fractional forward baseband digitalization embodiment , these portions are subsequently recombined at the node . for instance , an embodiment of the invention can divide an input from approximately 50 mhz to approximately 870 mhz into a first portion of from approximately 50 mhz to approximately 550 mhz for forward baseband digitalization and a second portion of from approximately 550 mhz to approximately 870 mhz for analog . the invention can include reducing the required forward digital bandwidth by a ) under sampling ; b ) space division multiplexing ; and / or c ) frequency down conversion or broadband conversion . for instance , given a forward signal domain of from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 200 mhz , the invention can reduce the necessary sampling frequency from approximately 400 mhz to approximately 200 mhz by defining two sub - sections including a first sub - section of from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 100 mhz corresponding to the domain of from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 100 mhz and a second sub - section of from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 100 mhz corresponding to the domain of from approximately 100 mhz to approximately 200 mhz . this embodiment of the invention provides significant advantages with respect to expense , the required speed of the implementation circuitry and / or software , the required bandwidth to implement the embodiment , and the necessary sampling frequency , thereby yielding major efficiency improvements . the invention can include subdividing the forward throughput into bandwidth portions that are equal to the reverse bandwidth of one or more minifibernodes ( that may already be deployed ). for instance , an embodiment of the invention can subdivide the forward throughput into multiple portions of from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 42 mhz , or from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 45 mhz , or from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 96 mhz , or from approximately 0 mhz to approximately 100 mhz . this embodiment of the invention is very efficient with regard to utilizing existing legacy equipment ( e . g ., previously deployed minifibernodes ) and is , therefore , a commercially important aspect of the invention . the invention can optionally include providing ethernet in the forward direction via the forward digitized signals . the invention can include alternative ways to allocate the ethernet data at the hub and alternative ways to recover it at the node . referring to fig1 , a downstream transmitter block 1000 is coupled to a digital return transceiver block 1065 . the digital return transceiver block 1065 is coupled to a digital return receiver block 1155 . still referring to fig1 , a processing block 1010 is coupled to a serializer block 1020 . a monitoring block uc 1030 is also coupled to the processing block 1010 . the serializer block 1020 is coupled to an optical transmitter block 1040 . the optical transmitter block 1040 is coupled to fan - out ( e . g ., splitter , router , etc .) block 1050 . the fan - out block 1050 is coupled to an optical link 1055 . the optical link 1055 is coupled to an optical receiver block 1060 . the optical receiver block 1060 is coupled to a deserializer block 1070 . the deserializer block 1070 is coupled to a processing block 1080 . an upstream data signal is provided to a low pass filter 1090 . the low pass filter 1090 is coupled to an analog - to - digital converter 1100 . a clock 1110 is also coupled to the analog - to - digital converter 1100 . the analog - to - digital converter 1100 is coupled to the processing block 1080 . a monitoring block uc 1120 is also coupled to the processing block 1080 . the processing block 1080 is coupled to a serializer block 1130 . the serializer block 1130 is coupled to an optical transmitter block 1140 . the optical transmitter 1140 is coupled to an optical link 1145 . the optical link 1145 is coupled to an optical receiver block 1150 . the optical receiver block 1150 is coupled to a deserializer block 1160 . the deserializer block 1160 is coupled to a processing block 1170 . a monitoring block uc 1180 is also coupled to the processing block 1170 . the processing block 1170 is coupled to a digital - to - analog converter 1190 . a clock 1200 is also coupled to the digital - to - analog converter 1190 . the digital - to analog converter 1190 is coupled to a low pass filter 1210 , thereby providing a regenerated upstream signal . referring to fig2 , a downstream digital transmitter 2000 is coupled to a digital return transceiver 2095 . the digital return transceiver 2095 is coupled to a digital return receiver 2205 . still referring to fig2 , a downstream data signal including ntsc ( national television system committee ) channels is provided to a band pass filter 2010 . the band pass filter 2010 is coupled to an analog - to - digital converter 2020 . a clock 2030 is also coupled to the analog - to - digital converter 2020 . the analog - to - digital converter 2020 is coupled to a processing block 2040 . the processing block 2040 is coupled to a serializer block 2050 . a monitoring block uc 2060 is also coupled to the processing block 2040 . the serializer block 2050 is coupled to an optical transmitter block 2070 . the optical transmitter block 2070 is coupled to fan - out ( e . g ., splitter , router , etc .) block 2080 . the fan - out block 2080 is coupled to an optical link 2085 . the optical link 2085 is coupled to an optical receiver block 2090 . the optical receiver block 2090 is coupled to a deserializer block 2100 . the deserializer block 2100 is coupled to a processing block 2110 . the processing block is coupled to a digital - to - analog converter 2120 . the digital - to - analog converter 2120 is coupled to a band pass filter 2130 , thereby providing regenerated ntsc channels . the digital - to - analog converter 2120 is also coupled to a clock 2140 . an upstream data signal is provided to a low pass filter 2150 . the low pass filter 2150 is coupled to an analog - to - digital converter 2160 . the clock 2140 is also coupled to the analog - to - digital converter 2160 . the analog - to - digital converter 2160 is coupled to the processing block 2110 . a monitoring block uc 2180 is also coupled to the processing block 2110 . the processing block 2110 is coupled to a serializer block 2170 . the serializer block 2170 is coupled to an optical transmitter block 2190 . the optical transmitter 2190 is coupled to an optical link 2195 . the optical link 2195 is coupled to an optical receiver block 2200 . the optical receiver block 2200 is coupled to a deserializer block 2210 . the deserializer block 2210 is coupled to a processing block 2230 . a monitoring block uc 2220 is also coupled to the processing block 2230 . the processing block 2230 is coupled to a digital - to - analog converter 2240 . a clock 2250 is also coupled to the digital - to - analog converter 2240 . the digital - to analog converter 2240 is coupled to a low pass filter 2260 , thereby providing a regenerated upstream signal . an embodiment of the invention can also be included in a kit . the kit can include some , or all , of the components that an embodiment of the invention includes . the kit can be an in - the - field retrofit kit to improve existing systems that are capable of incorporating an embodiment of the invention . the kit can include software , firmware and / or hardware for carrying out an embodiment of the invention . the kit can also contain instructions for practicing an embodiment of the invention . unless otherwise specified , the components , software , firmware , hardware and / or instructions of the kit can be the same as those used in an embodiment of the invention . embodiments of the invention , can be cost effective and advantageous for at least the following reasons . the invention enables longer range communications . the invention justifies accounting the capital costs of the components to more subscribers . the invention avoids loss of fidelity . the invention permits targeting data to particular subscribers . embodiments of the invention improves quality and / or reduces costs compared to previous approaches . the term plurality is defined as two or more than two . the term another is defined as at least a second or more . the terms โ consisting โ ( consists , consisted ) and / or โ composing โ ( composes , composed ) are defined as close language that does not leave the recited method , apparatus or composition to the inclusion of procedures , structure ( s ) and / or ingredient ( s ) other than those recited except for ancillaries , adjuncts and / or impurities ordinarily associated therewith . the recital of the term โ essentially โ along with the terms โ consisting โ ( consists , consisted ) and / or โ composing โ ( composes , composed ), is defined as modified close language that leaves the recited method , apparatus and / or composition open only for the inclusion of unspecified procedure ( s ), structure ( s ) and / or ingredient ( s ) which do not materially affect the basic novel characteristics of the recited method , apparatus and / or composition . the term coupled is defined as connected , although not necessarily directly , and not necessarily mechanically . the term proximate , as used herein , is defined as close , near adjacent and / or coincident ; and includes spatial situations where the specified functions and / or results can be carried out and / or achieved . the phrase radio frequency , as used herein , is defined as including infrared , as well as frequencies less than or equal to approximately 300 ghz . the term any is defined as all applicable members of a set or at least a subset of all applicable members of the set . the term approximately is defined as at least close to a given value ( e . g ., within 10 % of ). the term substantially is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly that which is specified . the term generally is defined as at least approaching a given state . the term deploying is defined as designing , building , shipping , installing and / or operating . the term means , when followed by the term โ for โ as used herein , is defined as hardware , firmware and / or software for achieving a result . the terms program or computer program are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system ( e . g ., a program , or computer program , may include a subroutine , a function , a procedure , an object method , an object implementation , an executable application , an applet , a servlet , a source code , an object code , a shared library / dynamic load library and / or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer or computer system ). as used herein , the terms โ comprises ,โ โ comprising ,โ โ includes ,โ โ including ,โ โ has ,โ โ having โ or any other variation thereof , are intended to cover a non - exclusive inclusion . for example , a process , method , article , or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process , method , article , or apparatus . further , unless expressly stated to the contrary , โ or โ refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or . for example , a condition a or b is satisfied by any one of the following : a is true ( or present ) and b is false ( or not present ), a is false ( or not present ) and b is true ( or present ), and both a and b are true ( or present ). also , use of the โ a โ or โ an โ are employed to describe elements and components of the invention . this is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention . this description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise . unless otherwise defined , all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs . in case of conflict , the present specification , including definitions , will control . in addition , the materials , methods , and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting . all the disclosed embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be made and used without undue experimentation in light of the disclosure . an embodiment of the invention is not limited by theoretical statements recited herein . although the best mode of carrying out embodiments of the invention contemplated by the inventor ( s ) is disclosed , practice of an embodiment of the invention is not limited thereto . accordingly , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that an embodiment of the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein . it will be manifest that various substitutions , modifications , additions and / or rearrangements of the features of an embodiment of the invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concept . it is deemed that the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents cover all such substitutions , modifications , additions and / or rearrangements . all the disclosed elements and features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with , or substituted for , the disclosed elements and features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such elements or features are mutually exclusive . the appended claims are not to be interpreted as including means - plus - function limitations , unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase ( s ) โ means for โ and / or โ step for .โ subgeneric embodiments of the invention are delineated by the appended independent claims and their equivalents . specific embodiments of the invention are differentiated by the appended dependent claims and their equivalents .
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it is a particular objective of the present invention to provide modified polypeptides with reduced capacity for presentation to the immune system by the mhc class u pathway . in a first embodiment , the polypeptide is modified by amino acid substitution and the substitution concerned is for one or more specific amino acid residues within the polypeptide chain to be changed for their respective d - isomeric forms . inclusion of a single d - amino acid within a polypeptide is known to disrupt binding to the mhc class ii binding groove . u . s . pat . no . 5 , 679 , 640 shows that substitution for a d - amino acid is required to be made at a critical contact site for the peptide mhc complex and substitution to a d - amino acid at non critical sites is tolerated within the mhc / peptide complex . the intent of the present invention is to exploit substitution of a d - amino acid to disrupt binding within the mhc class ii binding pocket such that the peptide fails to be presented to the tcr . this is distinct from the methods taught by u . s . pat . no . 5 , 679 , 640 where substitution occurs at a non critical binding residue in a strategy seeking to displace an auto - antigenic peptide with a auto - antigen surrogate retaining a high affinity for the mhc but which fails to enable recognition and binding with the tcr . in the art there are a number of examples where polypeptide therapeutics have been described and which feature one or more d - amino acid residues within the primary structure . these would include u . s . pat . no . 5 , 182 , 261 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 668 , 109 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 764 , 504 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 948 , 764 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 545 , 618 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 877 , 156 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 932 , 545 ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 087 , 441 and others where wholly synthetic peptide entities containing one or more d - amino acid residues have been produced . usually such substitutions are in combination with additional modifications to the n and or c terminal residues with the intention of conferring stability in vivo through a reduced propensity to undergo peptidase degradation . d - amino acids themselves show a reduced propensity to enzymatic attack thereby contributing to in vivo stability but in the contexts of the above cited examples , the d - amino acids have been included at particular positions to confer antagonistic activities to their constituent synthetic peptides usually by providing enhanced binding to a biological target and blockade of some biological activity for potential or actual therapeutic benefit . thus u . s . pat . no . 5 , 985 , 242 discloses synthetic beta - amyloid peptide analogues featuring d - amino acids which are proposed to bind the naturally occurring beta - amyloid peptide component of the nascent neurofibrilary tangles present in amyloidogenic diseases such as alzheimers disease . by so binding , the peptide analogues inhibit further aggregation . similarly , peptide analogues of human myelin basic protein ( mbp ) containing d - amino acids have been described . in one embodiment of u . s . pat . no . 5 , 948 , 764 peptides of at least 7 amino acids and preferably encompassing residues 86 - 99 of the human mbp are described . peptides including residue 87 which would otherwise be an l - valine are modified to include a d - amino acid at this position such that the peptide analogue achieves increased binding to mhc relative to the native mbp 87 - 99 . a typical modification will include l - valine to d - valine or another d - amino acid . it is a common practice in the art and especially in the field of synthetic peptide therapeutics to include โ capping โ structures at the n and or c terminus of the peptide and serve to increase the in vivo half - life of the peptide . thus from the examples above , in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 985 , 242 terminal modifications in addition to the inclusion of d - amino acids within the sequence tract include c - terminal amidation , alkylation or addition of aryl amide or hydroxyl groups . modifications to the n - terminus are also disclosed and include addition of cyclic , heterocyclic , polycyclic and or branched alkyl groups and in the art numerous other chemical groups or linkages have been contemplated with the purpose of rendering the polypeptide termini stable within the in vivo milieu . exploitation of a non - natural enatiomeric form of amino acids such as a d - amino acid is a strategy available for therapeutics produced by chemical synthesis . incorporation of d - amino acids into polypeptide therapeutics with large molecular mass as produced using recombinant expression systems is not achievable . whilst a number of microbial derived fermentation systems and purified enzymes from bacterial , fungal and other biological sources are able to inter - convert racemic forms of free amino - acids , the enzymology to enable racemisation of an amino - acid residue within a polypeptide chain to the inventors knowledge is not known in the art . the discovery of such enzymatic capability would have obvious utility under the scheme of the present invention . a second embodiment of the invention encompasses covalent attachment of a chemical group to the polypeptide therapeutic protein . the appended attachment will hinder one or more of the antigen processing steps outlined herein above and will culminate in a reduced propensity for the segment of polypeptide sequence to which the attachment is coupled to become represented in the mhc / peptide repertoire on the surface of an apc . it is most preferred that the incoming chemical group is attached to the polypeptide chain at a single desired site . alternative configurations are also contemplated whereby modification by covalent attachment occurs at a number of desired sites and or at sites specified by particular primary structural contexts of the polypeptide . in the art methods exist for the modification of polypeptides by covalent attachment of large chemical groups or appendages such as glycan derivatives , polyethylene glycol derivatives lipid moieties and the like [ for examples see u . s . pat . no . 5 , 885 , 570 ; wo0026230 ; wo90 / 13590 and others ]. other modifications such as attachment of a single carbon acetyl group have also been disclosed [ wo0035427 ], and have been conducted with the intent of enhancing the bioavailability of the therapeutic by steric blockade of particular receptor sites on the molecule and or via a generalised mechanism of immune surveillance escape . a particular example of one such envisaged chemical modification which for the purpose of the invention is considered especially suited , is the addition of an asn - linked glycosylation to the polypeptide chain . the consensus signal sequence for providing an asn - linked glycosylation is well defined as asn - x - ser / thr where x is any amino acid except pro ( three letter codes ). it is of course recognised that the generation of an asn - x - ser / thr motif by single amino acid substitution within any defined epitope will be an unlikely practical possibility for most epitopes as their core sequence will be far different from this motif . in this regard multiple substitution of amino acids to give rise to this signal sequence are proposed and fall within the scope of the present invention . other glycosylation linkages are understood in the art such as o - linked glycosylation which involves either simple oligosaccharide chains or glycosamino glycan chains [ alberts . b . et al ( 1990 ) molecular biology of the cell 2 nd edition , garland publishing inc . new york pp 433 - 475 ] and fall within the scope of the invention . it is recognised that glycosylated peptides ( e . g . asn - linked glycan ) are stable and are not able to be exported from the cytosol to the er lumen by tap [ momburg f . m . et al ( 1994 ) j . exp . med . 179 : 533 ] a critical component of mhc class i processing pathway . moreover most naturally processed peptides do not contain an n - linked glycan consensus sequence , there is reasonable expectation that processing and trafficking of glycan peptides within the mhc class ii pathway will be influenced by the presence of the glycose determinant and further augment the inability for the peptide to associate with the mhc class ii binding groove . it is understood therefore that glycosylation of a polypeptide may result in a species less immunogenic than a non - glycosylated species of otherwise identical structure . a further embodiment of the present invention is to provide a polypeptide species in which a glycosylation signal or a site of glycosylation is removed such that the resultant polypeptide species is more immunogenic than its non - glycosylated counterpart . this situation may be desired for example in the case of vaccine molecules whereby the intent is to focus an immune response to a particular molecular species . it is preferred that covalent modification of a polypeptide using the present invention occurs at a minimum number of sites . it is particularly preferred that covalent modifications are directed to defined residues within the primary structure of the polypeptide . methods for directing chemical attachments to particular residues or classes of amino acid residue within a polypeptide molecule are well known and may be exploited under the scope of the present invention to achieve modification according to the preferred embodiments . thus chemical modification schemes to enable targeted linkage to available amide groups on lys residues , or to carboxylic groups carried on asp or glu residues or activation of sulphydryls on cys residues are well documented [ see for example bioconjugate techniques , ( 1996 ) hermanson g . t . acedemic press inc ; aslam m . & amp ; dent a . bioconjugation ( 1998 ) macmillan , london ] and may be exploited under the scheme of the present invention . similarly , methods for the activation and coupling of polymeric molecules such as peg are intensively described in the art [ for example schemes see u . s . pat . no . 5 , 349 , 001 and wo90 / 13590 ] and analogous schemes for coupling other moieties of lipid or amide or glycose or other chemical character can be identified in the art as suitable for exploitation under the scheme of the present invention . where the present invention relates to methods for the reduction in immunogenic potential of a therapeutic protein , a fourth general modality by which this is achieved includes an embodiment whereby the therapeutic polypeptide is modified at one or more specific regions within its sequence of amino acid residues . the modification may be substitution , deletion or addition of an amino acid residue and the result of such a modification is to alter the recognition of the polypeptide by one or more of the critical proteases involved in peptide degradation whereby a processed peptide epitope ultimately may become associated with an mhc class ii binding groove . it is a specific embodiment of this invention to mutate or modify residues that are flanking peptides with the proven or predicted potential to bind to the mhc class ii molecules hla - dr , dq and dp , such that these peptides can no longer be excised from the antigenic protein by the proteases involved in protein processing in the mhc class ii pathway . a further embodiment is the modification of protein sequences that have the proven or predicted potential to bind to hla - dr , dq and dp molecules , such that these sequences will become susceptible to proteases involved in the nhc class ii processing pathway . this also is achieved by making amino acid changes such that motifs are created that can be recognised and cut by proteases involved in the mhc class ii pathway . in a yet further embodiment the information about proteolytic processing sites in a protein of interest is of itself valuable data that can be used in a predictive manner to identify peptides with the potential to bind to hla - dr , dq or dp and are therefore likely to be found on the surface of the apc . the protease asparagine endopeptidase plays a crucial role in the processing of antigens taken up by b - cells . the enzyme was shown to play a crucial role in the degradation of a tetanus toxin domain in disrupted lysosomes from human b - cells [ manouri et al ., ( 2000 ) nature 396 : 695 - 699 ]. the cleavage sites of the b - cell asparaginyl endopeptidase are dependent on both the sequence and the structure of the target protein . there is an appreciation that the polypeptide antigen is first digested with this protease , to result in the disclosure of sites sensitive to other proteases like cathepsins , which are necessary for further processing . the processing of the tetanus toxin c fragment by the asparaginyl endopeptidase could be inhibited by n - glycosylation of asn - residues of the antigen . the enzyme also plays a role in protein processing in thymic apcs [ mannoury et al ., ( 2002 ) nat . immunol 3 : 169 - 174 ; anderton et al ., ( 2002 ) nat . immunol . 3 : 175 - 181 ], where it has been shown to remove a cryptic epitope of myelin basic protein , containing a central apsarigine . accordingly , a polypeptide under the scheme of the present may be rendered less immunogenic by the removal of surface exposed asparagines residues . removal is achieved by amino acid substitution and most conveniently using the techniques of recombiant dna manipulation although other schemes may be contemplated for example chemical deamidation or chemical synthesis . in the first instance a particularly good substitution would be to replace asparagines with gluatamine although other replacements such as aspartic acid or glutamic acid may equally be considered . another protease , which was solely found in the thymus , is thymus - specific serine protease . the gene encoding this protein is located in the mhc class i region . expression of this protein was not observed in other apcs . the exclusive expression of this enzyme and the specific role of cathepsin l in thymic cells ( see above ) indicate that the proteolytic environment in thymic cells is rather unique . because several of the above - mentioned proteases are involved in other physiological processes as well , the mechanism and specificities of some these proteases have been analysed . table 1 summarises the specificities for a number of significant cathepsins . where it is an object of the current invention to modify antigenic proteins such that sites processed by proteases involved in the proteolytic pathway of mhc class ii presentation will be made insensitive to these proteases , leading to a reduction in the presentation of antigenic peptides on the surface of antigen presenting cells ; another object is to introduce additional protease sites in t - cell epitopes of antigenic proteins such that these epitopes will be further processed in the endocytic vesicles and no longer can be presented to the immune system . such mutations are distinct from those directed to the removal or disruption of the epitope per se , but rather results in a decreased likelihood for a potential mhc class ii ligand to emerge from the processing pathway and become presented on the surface of the apc . thus under the scheme of the present , it is not an objective necessarily to mutate mhc anchor residues of the antigenic peptides although mutations of the present may be conducted in combination with such a strategy . a number of approaches have been adopted to identifying the nature of the peptides presented on the surface of apc via the mhc class ii systems herein outlined . by way of example , it has been possible to purify antigenic peptides from the surface of antigen charged apcs and apply protein sequencing techniques to the extracted peptides . alternatively libraries of synthetic ( overlapping ) peptides , that constitute a certain protein of interest , have been bound to antigen presenting cells or purified hla - dr , dq or dp molecules , followed by elution and sequence analysis of those peptides that interact with these proteins . a further approach has been to predict which peptides of a certain protein of interest are likely to bind to hla - dr molecules , on the basis of consensus binding motifs or by x - ray diffraction / structure modelling of hla - dr molecules or other in silico based techniques such as peptide docking . in principle all of these approaches are able to yield information about the sequence of peptides with the potential to bind to mhc molecules and such data can be used to make mutations in peptides or in the proteins from which the peptides were derived , such that the interactions with mhc molecules are severely hampered . the mutations that can be made in proteins to achieve this are usually restricted to those residues of antigenic peptides that tightly bind in the peptide - binding groove of hla - dr , dq or dp , the so - called anchor residues . although these mutations for most epitopes are sufficient to reduce antigenicity , some epitopes are more difficult to remove since mutations at these positions seriously affect the functional activity of the protein . the present invention is conceived to overcome this limitation . when use is made of peptide libraries for the selection of dr binding peptides , peptides may be found that have the potential to bind to dr molecules , but that will never occur in antigen presenting cells because the proteolytic pathways in these cells do not allow this peptide to emerge from the antigenic protein . the same can be said about peptides that are predicted to bind to dr or dq molecules by computer algorithms . as a consequence , both methods can lead to an overprediction of the number of peptides that may play a role in the immune response against a protein . the ability to determine which of these predicted potential t - cell epitopes are likely to be presented on antigen presenting cells requires additional information about protease sites in the protein . according to the present invention a preferred method for the removal of protease processing sites is as follows : 1 . for a given protein of interest ( part of ) the sequence is determined . 2 . peptides that have the potential to bind to hla - dr , hla - dq or hla dp molecules are identified . 3 . stretches of amino acids flanking these epitopes are analysed for the presence of motifs that may be recognized by proteases involved in the mhc class ii processing pathway , especially proteases detailed in table 1 . 4 . mutations are designed such that proteases can no longer recognise and cut at these positions . 5 . mutations are introduced in the protein of interest by any of the now standard molecular biological techniques . 6 . optionally , modified molecules are re - analysed to verify loss of protease sensitivity at the desired region ( s ) and reduced ability of the peptide to be presented at the cell surface in association with mhc class ii . in the practice of the above method , step 3 may optionally be conducted exploiting proteolytic protein extracts from antigen presenting cells . the protein of interest is incubated with the extract and it this can be done under a range of conditions ( e . g . multiple ph points ). digestion products of the protein of interest may be analysed for example using hplc purification of various fragments , followed by identification of their sequence using edman degradation and / or mass spectrometry . according to this scheme , alignment of the sequence of the fragments found with the sequence of the protein of interest indicates the positions at which proteases have cut to enable design of rational mutations such that proteases can no longer recognise and cut at these positions . according to the present invention a preferred method for the reduction of immunogenicity by the introduction of additional processing sites is as follows : 1 . for a given protein of interest ( part of ) the sequence is determined . 2 . peptides that have the potential to bind to hla - dr , hla - dq or hla dp molecules are identified . 3 . in the peptides that are identified as t - cell epitopes mutations are designed that introduce protease recognition motifs , such that digestion with that protease can take place between the first and the last anchor residue of that t - cell epitope 4 . mutations are introduced in the protein of interest by any of the now standard molecular biological techniques . 5 . optionally , modified molecules are re - analysed to verify loss of protease sensitivity at the desired region ( s ) and reduced ability of the peptide to be presented at the cell surface in association with mhc class ii . the practice of the above method may be particularly preferred in a situation where multiple overlapping t - cell epitopes are detected . the requirement according to step 3 of the above method whereby a de novo processing site is introduced between the first and last anchor residue of a defined epitope may not be practicable to define unless a fine detail epitope map has been drawn up to the point whereby the critical nonamer peptides are identified . in all practicality , it is recognised that where a multitude of mhc class ii allotypes ( especially hla dr ) are to be considered , the nonomer sequence for one allotype may โ slip โ in register with the nonomer sequence for a similar allotypic specificity binding the same epitope , and a series of overlapping nonomers can be defined within a sequence exceeding 9 residues in length . in such a situation the de novo cleavage site so defined in step 3 may fall outside the region between the first and last anchor residue for the epitope and yet cleavage will still result in a loss of peptide presentation via mhc class ii . such mutational change will be considered to fall under the scope of the present . in a yet further embodiment the information about proteolytic processing sites in a protein of interest is of itself valuable data that can be used in a predictive manner to identify peptides with the potential to bind to hla - dr , dq or dp . as described above , t - cell epitope prediction algorithms and the selection of peptides from libraries of overlapping peptides for their ability to bind to hla - dr , dq or dp molecules , will almost inevitably lead to an overprediction of the number of t - cell epitopes . when potential t - cell epitopes are predicted that contain a recognition motif for cleavage by a protease involved in the mhc class ii processing pathway , the chance that this epitope will be found in nature is reduced and hence removing this epitope from the protein of interest is not essential . also , when potential t - cell epitopes are predicted that are not flanked by protease recognition sites , the chance that such an epitope is excised from the protein and is presented on the surface of the antigen presenting cell is reduced and hence removing this epitope from the protein of interest is not essential . according to this further embodiment of the present invention a preferred method for targeting critical t - cell epitopes for removal is as follows : 1 . for a given protein of interest the sequence is determined . 2 . potential t - cell epitopes are predicted in the sequence 3 . all potential t - cell epitopes are scrutinised for the presence of motifs within the binding region , that are likely to be recognised by proteases involved in the mhc class ii proteolytic pathway . 4 . all potential t - cell epitopes found to contain a protease cleavage site within 10 amino acids c - terminally or n - terminally of the potential t - cell epitope are considered critical for epitope removal . all potential epitopes that lack these motifs are considered less critical and may be excluded from the set of epitopes requiring removal from the protein of interest . where the present invention relates to methods for the reduction in immunogenic potential of a therapeutic protein , a fourth general modality by which this is achieved includes an embodiment whereby the therapeutic polypeptide is modified at one or more specific regions within its sequence of amino acid residues . the modification may be substitution , deletion or addition of an amino acid residue and the result of such a modification is to alter the efficiency in which the critical hla - dm catalysed reaction where a processed peptide epitope becomes associated with an mhc class ii binding groove . although the main determinant for peptide exchange of an epitope by hla - dm is the affinity of the peptide for hla - dr , there is increasing evidence that amino acid residues that do not determine the binding affinity for hla - dr can also have an effect on the exchange reaction . it has been shown that the presence of hla - dm in in vitro peptide exchange reactions using synthetic peptides with hla - dr - clip can have a large influence on the choice of peptides that will replace the clip peptide . lightstone et al . [ lightstone et al ( 1997 ); proc . natl . acad . sci . usa 94 : 9255 - 9260 ] compared the expression of self - peptide on the surface of normal , ii โ , hla - dm โ and la - dm / ii โ antigen presenting cells , and noticed a profound difference in the array of peptides that were presented on cells with or without hla - dm expression . kropshofer et al . [ kropshofer et al ( 1996 ); embo j . 15 : 6144 - 6154 ] used an affinity purification method to obtain hla - dr molecules ( dr2 and dr3 allotypes ) from ebv - transformed lymphoblastoid cells and incubated these for 16 hrs at ph 5 in the presence or absence of hla - dm . the peptides that remained complexed were eluted off and analysed by mass spectrometry . when the spectra were compared it was clear that some peptides were efficiently removed by hla - dm , whereas others were not affected . in another experiment , when a mixture of six different self - peptides , previously eluted from hla - dr1 was tested in a binding assay , five of them bound efficiently to dr1 in the absence of dm and in the presence of dm , only two of these remained associated . these and other experiments have led to the idea that hla - dm has the potential to function as a peptide editor that selects a certain subpopulation of peptides for presentation at the cell surface . it has become evident that some other factor than the affinity of these peptides for hla - dr plays a role : the kinetic stability of the complex . although stability and affinity are related ( k d = k off / k on ), the k off has a profound effect on the efficiency of the hla - dm catalysed exchange reaction . this is exemplified by the clip peptide , which has an exceptionally high k on and also a high k off . as a consequence , the affinity is relatively high , but the stability ( in the presence of dm ) is low . the role of hla - dm can thus be described as kinetic proofreading . several attempts have been made to analyse which amino acids at certain positions of a potential t - cell epitope will influence the efficiency of the hla - dm catalysed exchange reaction . kropshofer et al . [ kropshofer et al ( 1996 ); embo j . 15 : 6144 - 6154 ] analysed the effect of mutations at anchor positions of the ha ( 307 - 319 ) peptide on in vitro binding to hla - dr1 . a tyrosine at anchor residue 1 fits very well in the first pocket of the binding groove . replacing this by an aspartic acid abolishes binding . a methionine or valine at this position can still give good binding , but in the presence of hla binding is reduced . hence ( sub ) optimal residues at anchor positions can be selected against by hla - dm . a similar observation was made for pocket residue 9 . in pocket 6 a moderate opposite effect was observed : hla - dm allowed the binding of residues that were disfavoured in its absence . hla - dm also selects against epitopes shorter then 11 amino acids , reflecting the size of dr - bound peptides found in nature . raddrizzani et al . [ raddrizzani et al ( 1999 ); eur . j . immunol . 29 , 660 - 668 ] showed that ( synthetic ) peptides that are most likely to be released from hla - dr by hla - dm in vitro which are rich in glycine and proline residues . a possible explanation may be the fact that glycines and prolines can have a relatively large effect on the secondary structure of a peptide . indeed when peptides with a high affinity for hla - dr1 were compared with variant peptides in which glycines or prolines either were introduced or removed , a significant effect on the hla - dm catalysed exchange reaction in vitro was observed . the foregoing is to be taken as introduction to a yet further important embodiment of the present invention wherein there is a method concerned with modifying polypeptides such that one or more species of processed peptides from the polypeptide antigen are hindered or at least show reduced ability to participate in an hla - dm catalysed peptide exchange reaction . this is achieved by mutating a protein of interest in such a way that certain peptides that have the ability to bind to hla - dr , dq and dp will become unfavourable in this exchange reaction . a general method under this embodiment of the invention is as follows : 1 . for a given protein of interest ( part of ) the sequence is determined . 2 . peptides that have the potential to bind to hla - dr , hla - dq or hla - dp molecules are identified . 3 . mutations are designed in these ( potential ) t - cell epitopes that will reduce the efficiency of the hla - dm catalysed exchange reaction with the hla - dr - clip complex . 4 . mutations are introduced in the protein of interest by any of the now standard molecular biological techniques . mutations that are designed to reduce the efficiency of the hla - dr catalysed exchange reaction with clip peptide bound to hla - dr complexes may be made at any position in the ( potential ) t - cell epitopes . this includes positions that are likely to bind in the pockets of the antigen - binding groove of hla - dr . some mutations at these positions may not influence the affinity of the peptide for hla - dr , but may reduce the efficiency of the hla - dr catalysed exchange reaction . furthermore such mutations may be made at non - anchor positions . in a yet further embodiment of the present invention , and , as an alternative to manipulation of peptide sequences to influence hla - dm catalysed exchange , such exchange could be altered via manipulation or mimickry of hla - dm or hla - do molecules themselves . for example , hla - do molecules or other molecules which mimic the action of hla - do could be introduced into apcs other than b cells ( where they are present ) either by endocytosis of exogenously supplied hla - do ( or its mimics ) or by introduction of genes encoding hla - do or by activation of resident hla - do genes . such hla - do molecules might , in practice , be subject to modifications ( such as by amino acid changes ) which alter the ph - dependant behaviour of hla - do such that , for example , the molecule might inhibit hla - dm activity at ph5 or lower thus blocking hla - dm catalysed exchange of peptides . similarly , hla - dm molecules or other molecules which mimic the action of hla - dm could be introduced into apcs in order to improve the efficiency of peptide exchange or , with appropriate modifications to hla - dm , to resist the inhibitory action of hla - do or to change the specificity for peptides bound by hla - dm or to change the ph sensitivity of hla - dm . thus , manipulation or mimicry of hla - do or hla - dm could either enhance the presentation of specific peptides on hla - dp , dq or dr or reduce / eliminate such presentation . in a yet further still embodiment of the invention , specific protease recognition sites can be included adjacent to or within a specific hla binding peptide such that the protease site is differentially susceptible to cleavage in different apc &# 39 ; s . by this method , peptides may be preferentially released from within a protein sequence by specific apc &# 39 ; s in order to influence the type t cells response resultant from subsequent presentation of peptides on the apc &# 39 ; s . for example , preferential release of peptides from dendritic cells ( e . g . by preferential inclusion of flanking cathepsin s sites ) might then induce a different type cellular response ( e . g . th1 biased ) compared to that induced by processing of the same protein in macrophages . thus , the balance of th0 , th1 and th2 responses induced by the same protein might be influenced by judicious inclusion of flanking or internal protease sites . similarly , the differential pattern of proteases within different apc &# 39 ; s might be utilised to influence the trafficking of peptides within the apc &# 39 ; s . a particularly favourable scheme to disturb the dynamics of peptide presentation at the surface of the apc is to provide in with the therapeutic polypeptide antigen , peptide sequences which by virtue of their sequence and abundance , are able to preferentially gain presentation to the outside surface via the mhc system . in so doing these preferentially presented peptides will out - compete those other peptides present in the antigenic protein and so those peptides will not be available for initiating an immune response . critical to the usefulness of such an approach of course is that the preferentially presented peptides themselves are incapable of evoking an immune response . implicit in the design of such a scheme therefore is the use of a self peptide antigen , i . e . a peptide from the host organism to which the organism has established high level immunological tolerance . in addition to the need for a self tolerant sequence , a peptide with efficacy in such a scheme that may be termed โ immune quenching โ should also have the property of high affinity for broad range of mhc and preferably hla - dr allotypes , also high kinetic stability in the presence of hla - dm . a peptide that has the above - mentioned characteristics is termed self - peptide sp3 with the sequence in single letter code : aileframaqfsrktd ( seq id no : 1 ). under the scheme of the present invention , sp3 or a functionally equivalent peptide sequence is linked to either the c - terminus and or the n - terminus of a therapeutic protein of interest . the peptide is preferably flanked on either side by a recognition motif for a protease involved in the mhc class ii processing pathway such as any or more depicted in table 1 . the peptide may be linked in tandem repeat to the n and or c - terminus of the therapeutic protein . the means to engineer such a construct are readily available in the art and structures featuring any number of repeating units could be envisaged and fall under the scope of the present .
| 2 |
the polymer backed non - slip products , of the present invention , may be prepared by girt coating preferably a polyvinyl chloride backer material with an inorganic mineral particles . the preferred polyvinyl chloride material may be any commercially available polyvinyl chloride , but preferably is sheeting or film , and should be preferably of a thickness which will enable sufficient structural integrity for handling , but which is also sufficiently flexible and pliable to be continuously fed through radiation curing equipment , e . g ., electron beam curing equipment , adapted to produce non - slip sheet products . the preferred polyvinyl chloride backing material , preferably sheet or film , is preferably about 10 mils or less in thickness , more preferably about 6 mils or less in thickness , although the present invention is not limited to applications wherein the polyvinyl chloride backing , or other backing material , is 10 mils or less in thickness . a variety of mineral particles may be employed which will provide adequate frictional contact in use to prevent , or aid in the prevention of , slippage or skidding . examples of suitable mineral particles are aluminum oxide and silicon carbide fumed silica and silica gel ; other mineral materials which are adaptable to radiation curing , in particular electron beam curing , may also be utilized . a maker and size coating comprising at least one resin system which is radiation curable , preferably electron beam curable , and provides a durable size coating for the intended use of the product is utilized . a maker coat is the resin coat onto which the particles are deposited . a size coat is the coat which is placed over the particles to aid in holding them onto the substrate during flexing and wear applications , usually in combination with some form of pressure or other applied physical force . a second size coat , sometimes referred to as an &# 34 ; over &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; super size &# 34 ; coat , may also be applied , if desired , although in many cases this is not necessary . the amount of the maker and size coats applied are whatever is sufficient to adequately hold and secure the to the polyvinyl chloride substrate , of the present invention , in subsequent use , i . e ., as a stand - alone product or by bonding and / or lamination to some other substrate , and in final application , e . g ., a floor or a floor mat surface , a hand tool grip or other non - slip applications , as are well known to those skilled in the art . the methods of applying the coatings of the present invention may be selected from those which are conventionally used with the electron beam curing methods of forming coated abrasive products . among typical methods , for examples , are knife coating , roll pressure coating , transfer roll coating and doctor blade coating . the preferred method of coating used for the present invention is pressure roll coating . the resin system is chosen to match , in its preferred electron beam cured form , certain physical properties of the preferred polyvinyl chloride backer . the properties of the systems which are deemed to be significant are those described above , i . e ., such as flexibility , stretchability , yield , tensile , elongation , deformability , rate of softening , melt point , corrosion resistance , durability , capability of securely bonding to both the mineral particles and the preferred polyvinyl chloride backer of the present invention and , of course , the capability of being readily radiation cured , preferably electron beam cured , as applied to a preferred polyvinyl chloride backer . it is quite important to ensure that the physical properties of the preferred electron beam cured resin system ( s ), bonded to both the preferred polyvinyl chloride backer and to the mineral particles , is ( are ) capable of being deformed and bonded and / or laminated , in unison with the preferred polyvinyl chloride backer of the present invention , to substrates , either of polyvinyl chloride material or otherwise . to ensure this , it is important that the flexibility of the resin system ( s ) is ( are ) generally complimentary to that of the backer material being used . a resin system ( or systems ) which is ( or are ) deemed complimentary , within the scope of the present invention , is one ( or more ) which produces a linear tensile strength , in the product of the present invention , which is at least as great as that of the backer used , and which reduces ( or reduce ) the elongation potential of the product of the present invention to no less than 25 % of that of the backer material , as such , which is being used , but in no case produces an elongation capability of less than 125 % of the original dimension of that product , in any given direction , on stretching , before tearing . in particular , in the preferred embodiment of the present invention , it is important that the resin system ( s ), in its ( their ) preferred electron beam cured form , is ( are ) capable of a bonding strength , in respect to both the preferred polyvinyl chloride backer and the mineral particles of the present invention , which is at least as great as the bonding and / of lamination strength between the preferred polyvinyl chloride backer of the present invention and the substrates to which that polyvinyl chloride substrate is to be bonded , as the case may be . the preferred resin system or systems to be used is ( are ) a unique combination of resin components , made from commercially available resins , with diluents and other components , which re notable for their ability to be blended together . more specifically , the resin system ( s ) preferably comprise a blend of two or more grades of urethane oligomers , both of which are polyester urethane acrylates , and these are further blended with a combination of ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate and stabilized n - vinyl - 2 - pyrrolidone monomers , this latter combination being radiation curable and comprising a diluent . in addition , one or more surfactants , preferably containing fluorocarbon material , may be added as wetting agents . diluents are added to adjust the viscosity of the coating mixture , adjusting that viscosity , and the sag resistance of the resin system ( s ), to best suit the application method thereof , such as , e . g ., knife coating , roll pressure coating , transfer roll coating or doctor blade coating , techniques which are well known to those skilled in the art of making coated abrasive products . further , the diluents may be used to modify the radiation curing properties of the resin system ( s ) and the flexibility of both the radiation , e . g ., electron beam , cured resin system ( s ) and of the products of the present invention . among suitable diluents for the electron beam curable resins are the vinyl pyrrolidones and the multifunctional and mono - functional acrylates , including , but not limited to , n - vinyl - 2pyrrolidone ; 1 , 6 hexanediol diacrylate ; tetraethylene glycol diacrylate ; and trimethylolpropane triacrylate . the preferred diluent material is n - vinyl - 2 - pyrrolidone monomer , in a stabilized form . these materials , in addition to adjusting viscosity , tend to modify flexibility and reduce the energy level . of the preferred electron beam radiation energy required for curing . the preferred product of the present invention , in the form of an electron beam cured coated abrasive with mineral particles on a polyvinyl chloride backer , may be readily co - extruded with a polyvinyl chloride compound , as normally used to form floor mating material , as that compound is being formed into floor mating ; the standard floor mating then acts as a substrate , having the same composition as the grit coated polyvinyl chloride backer . alternatively , the application of sufficient heat and pressure can be utilized to laminate the two together . once in a formed state the mineral particles should remain thoroughly secured in and to the stretched film . furthermore , the product is tough and flexible enough to offer good slip - resistance , skid - resistance and durability , in the form of wear - resistance , to heavy pedestrian traffic normally encountered in restaurants , kitchens , service stations , checkout counters and the like . the following example illustrates the preferred embodiment and best presently known mode of the present invention and is in no way intended to be limiting . it is understood that many other embodiments may be readily devised , by those skilled in the art , without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . two different grades of polyester urethane acrylate resin were used in forming the preferred resin system of the present invention , the first being uvithane ยฎ uv - 782 nd the second being uvithane ยฎ uv - 783 , both as supplied by morton thiokol , inc ., morton chemical division of moss point , miss ., u . s . a . the uv - 782 resin grade , having cas number 64060 - 30 - 6 . the uv - 783 resin grade , having cas number 64060 - 31 - 7 . both of these resin grades , in their respective shipping containers , were placed into and oven at 160 ยฐ f . and held at that temperature for 24 hours to preheat them . concurrent with the latter period of the preheating of the two grades of polyester urethane acrylate resin , a mixing and blending kettle was preheated with hot water to 90 ยฐ f ., in a manner , and using equipment , common to the coated abrasive manufacturing industry . initially added to the kettle , at 90 ยฐ f ., was 192 lbs . of stabilized n - vinyl - 2 - pyrrolidone monomer , specifically v - pyrol ยฎ/ rc as supplied by gaf corporation of new york , n . y ., u . s . a ., having cas number 88 - 12 - 0 , and containing at least 98 . 5 weight percent of c 6 h 16 o 4 . while holding the stabilized n - vinyl - 2 - pyrrolidone monomer in the kettle at 90 ยฐ f ., 192 lbs . of ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate was added , mixed , and blended into that n - vinyl - 2 - pyrrolidone monomer . specifically rc - 20 ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate was used , being supplied by the same source as the uv 782 and uv 783 . the rc - 20 bears cas number 7328 - 17 - 8 and with essentially the formula c 6 h 16 o 4 . care was taken in adding the rc - 20 material to the v - pyrol ยฎ/ rc in the kettle to ensure that the mix temperature did not drift below 85 ยฐ f . after the rc - 20 and the v - pyrol ยฎ/ rc were thoroughly mixed and blended together , and the temperature was stabilized at 90 ยฐ f ., 450 lbs . of uv - 782 , at a temperature of 160 ยฐ f ., were added , being mixed in and blended in such a manner that the kettle contents temperature did not exceed 95 ยฐ f . then , likewise , 450 lbs . of uv - 783 , also at a temperature of 160 ยฐ f ., were added , being mixed in and blended in such a manner that the kettle contents temperature did not exceed 95 ยฐ f . finally , 3 lbs . of fluorocarbon surfactant , namely fc - 171 , were added in , mixed and blended , and the temperature of the batch in the kettle was stabilized at 90 ยฐ f . the mixing and blending were accomplished using a variation of mixer speeds , as is quite common in the art , and the batch mixture was circulated into and out of the kettle to further assure fully mixed and blended uniformity and a stabilized uniform batch temperature , also as is quite common in the art . thus , the preferred resin system was formulated and prepared . in the example described herein , the preferred resin system was applied to the dull side of 6 mil thickness polyvinyl chloride film , 40 inches wide , weighing the equivalent of 13 . 7 lbs ./ ream , and processed through the electron beam curing equipment , in accord with the equipment and procedures specified in the above published references which have been specifically incorporated herein by reference , using a radiation energy range of 1 to 10 mrad , preferably 3 mrad ( used for the present example ), within a range of 250 to 325 kv , preferably at 285 kv ( used for the present example ), in an inerting atmosphere of nitrogen , having an oxygen content of less than 2000 ppm . the polyvinyl chloride film used in the present example was product no . 39 - 44 - 0001 - 00 - 4 , vinyl film , as supplied by rjf international corporation ( formerly the bfgoodrich company , engineered products group ), akron , ohio , u . s . a . the application of the resin , in the example , to the 6 mil thickness polyvinyl chloride film was accomplished by use of a standard transfer roll coating system for both the make and the size coats ; the make coat and size coat were both identical , being of the preferred resin system as described above . the weight of the electron beam cured end product of the example was the equivalent of 43 . 5 lbs ./ ream ,ยฑ 4 . 0 lbs ./ ream . the mineral particles used were standard aluminum oxide grits , having a standard grit size of 100 . the applied grit may be within the weight range of about 10 to 25 lbs ./ ream , and in the present example , comprised the overall preferred equivalent weight of 20 . 0 lbs ./ ream ,ยฑ 2 . 0 lbs ./ ream , while the overall weight of electron beam cured resin in the final product may be within the range of about 4 to 5 lbs ./ ream , and in the present example comprised the preferred equivalent of 10 . 5 lbs ./ ream ,ยฑ 1 . 0 lbs ./ ream . the finished non - slip sheet product was bonded to an otherwise standard ribbed polyvinyl chloride floor mat material , as produced by rjf international corporation of akron , ohio , u . s . a . under the keroseal ยฎ trademark , by co - extrusion during the otherwise normal production of that floor mat material . the bonded floor mat material exhibited excellent bonding between the coated abrasive product of the present invention and the floor mat material , without use of any separate bonding agents or adhesives . the finished product of the instant example was tested for tensile strength and elongation by an instron ยฎ tensile tester , using a sample size of 1 &# 34 ;ร 8 &# 34 ; with a 6 &# 34 ; gauge length , a cross - head speed of 1 &# 34 ; per minute and a chart speed of 1 / 2 &# 34 ; per minute ( full chart scale = 20 lbs .). the results of those substantially all of the abrasive particles remained firmly bonded to the test pieces after being subjected to the foregoing tensile and elongation tests . as a general proposition for the products of the present invention , the tensile strength , in lbs ./ linear inch , should be at least as great as that exhibited by the particular backer material used , as measured in its uncoated state . also , as a general proposition for the non - slip product of the present invention , the elongation , in inches , should not be less than 25 % of that which is exhibited by the particular backer material used , as measured in its uncoated state , however , at the same time , the product of the present invention should be capable of being linearly stretched ( elongated ), in any given direction , to a dimension which is at least 110 % of the original unstretched ( unelongated ) dimension , in that same direction , before tearing occurs . observation has indicated that the limitations of the foregoing general propositions are necessary to ensure the desired physical properties , in particular , flexibility , as discussed above , of the non - slip sheet product of the present invention . because the sheet material of the invention is thermoformable , the thermal softening and decomposition temperatures of the backing and the radiation curable urethane polymer used to bond the abrasive particles to the backing should be such as to permit thermoforming of the finished sheet product and lamination to a desired substrate . the preferred embodiment of the product of the present invention has been carefully examined in comparison to the virgin 6 mil thick polyvinyl chloride sheet on which it is preferably formed , and both were noted to exhibit the desired physical properties as set forth and discussed above . in use , the preferred embodiment of the coated abrasive product of the present invention , as bonded to a standard ribbed polyvinyl chloride floor mat material , appears to exhibit good wear characteristics as well as providing relatively outstanding resistance to slipping and skidding . while the invention has been described with specific embodiments , there are modifications that may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention . the scope of the invention is not to be limited by specific illustrations or by the preferred embodiment and best mode , but is defined by the claims .
| 1 |
embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the center - of - gravity determining circuit for pulse generation according to the present invention . referring to fig1 fuzzy buses 7 are connected to a simple summing integration circuit 5 , and branch lines from the fuzzy buses 7 are similarly connected to a weighted summing circuit 2 . a comparator 6 is supplied with outputs from the simple summing integration circuit 5 and the weighted summing circuit 2 . reference numeral 8 denotes a trigger means ( not shown ) for resetting the integration circuit 5 . the arrangement of the embodiment will be further explained with reference to the detail view of fig2 . the simple summing integration circuit 5 is connected to the fuzzy buses 7 through respective resistances r , and a capacitor 10 and a transistor 11 are connected in parallel between a minus terminal and output terminal of an operational amplifier 9 inside the simple summing integration circuit 5 . the output terminal is connected to a minus terminal of the comparator 6 . in the meantime , the weighted summing circuit 2 is connected to the fuzzy buses 7 through respective weighting resistances r 1 . . . r n , and a resistance r f is connected between a minus terminal and output terminal of an operational amplifier 12 inside the weighted summing circuit 2 . the output terminal is connected to a plus terminal of the comparator 6 . in addition , the plus terminal of each of the operational amplifiers 9 and 12 is grounded through a resistance r 0 . the operation will next be explained by using the time chart of fig3 . first , in the simple summing integration circuit 5 the capacitor 10 is opened by the trigger means 8 to reset the circuit 5 . as a result , the output of the comparator 6 shifts to l level . since the transistor 11 turns off instantaneously , the simple summing integration circuit 5 executes simple summation of the voltages on the fuzzy buses 7 and delivers an inverted integration output v 1 which is proportional to the time constant determined by the resistance r and the capacitance c of the capacitor 10 : ## equ4 ## the weighted summing circuit 2 sums the voltages ฮผ i . . . ฮผ n on the fuzzy buses 7 in accordance with the weighting resistances r 1 . . . r n and delivers an inverted output v 2 in a predetermined ratio determined by the resistance r f : ## equ5 ## in this case , when the output v 1 of the simple summing integration circuit 5 becomes not higher than the output v 2 of the weighted summing circuit 2 , the output of the comparator 6 shifts to h level . therefore , the time t during which the comparator 6 is outputting the l - level signal is converted into a pulse width as a determined value . the time t at which v 1 = v 2 is reached is expressed by equation ( 6 ), and it corresponds to the center of gravity of the fuzzy quantities on the fuzzy buses 7 : ## equ6 ## it should be noted that the gradient of the waveform v 1 can be changed as desired by weighting . fig4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention , and fig5 is a detail block diagram . in this embodiment , the simple summing integration circuit 5 and the weighted summing circuit 2 shown in fig1 are replaced with a weighted summing integration circuit 13 and a simple summing circuit 14 , respectively . accordingly , fuzzy information that is output onto the fuzzy buses 7 is input to both the weighted summing integration circuit 13 and the simple summing circuit 14 , and an output v 1 from the weighted summing integration circuit 13 and an output v 2 from the simple summing circuit 14 are input to the comparator 6 . since the operation of he circuit can be analogized from the first embodiment , description thereof is omitted . in this embodiment , the determined value is output in the form of a reciprocal as follows : ## equ7 ## assuming that when v 1 = v 2 , t = t , ## equ8 ## according to this embodiment , it is possible to obtain an output in the form of a pulse width which is equal to the reciprocal of the time t . thus , according to the present invention , the result of weighted summation of the elements of fuzzy information and the result of simple summation of them are compared in a comparator . accordingly , the comparator output itself can be delivered as a pulse width without requiring a converter , thus enabling direct control of the actuator .
| 8 |
in various implementations , a given piece of virtual equipment has one or more associated โ sweet spots โ. a sweet spot translates into a margin of error that a user &# 39 ; s interaction with a piece of virtual equipment will cause an intended outcome in a virtual universe . in one implementation , a large sweet spot corresponds to a greater deviation on a normalized distribution curve and a small sweet spot corresponds to a lesser deviation on a normalized distribution curve . for example , there are different types of golf clubs for golfers of differing abilities , each golf club having various sized and located sweet spots . generally speaking , a golfer can select a club based on the golfer &# 39 ; s swing speed and power , and based on the golf club &# 39 ; s sweet spot . a club with a large sweet spot tends to be very forgiving since the club &# 39 ; s face has been designed with a large surface area in which to make contact with the ball and has a perimeter weigh distribution to balance a miss hit . a golfer &# 39 ; s swing of a club with a large sweet spot can be several standard deviations from the mean โ the mean being a perfect swing โ and still result in an acceptable shot . however , in having a large sweet spot the golfer usually forgoes some level of control , power and feel . for a professional golf club , the sweet spot is much smaller and requires a greater amount of skill to correctly hit the ball but the rewards for hitting a proper shot usually result in farther distance , control , precision , and accuracy . a golfer &# 39 ; s swing of a club with a small sweet spot must be closer to the mean in order to be an acceptable shot . in real life , as users become more skilled with equipment , their existing equipment is easier to use and they can select new equipment that gives them an increased level of control . this observation forms the basis for automatically adjusting a piece of virtual equipment &# 39 ; s sweet spot ( s ) according to a user &# 39 ; s skill level . graph 202 in fig2 illustrates standard deviation curves 202 b , 202 c , 202 d for variables associated with the same or different pieces of virtual equipment . for example , curve 202 b could represent the power of a virtual golf club swing , curve 202 c could represent the orientation of the virtual golf club face when it impacts a virtual golf ball , and curve 202 d could represent the trajectory of a kick or a punch for a virtual fighter . a zero deviation represents the ideal value of a variable ( e . g ., a small sweet spot ) for a piece of virtual equipment , such as the ideal power of a virtual golf club swing or the ideal aim of a virtual gun . each standard deviation away from zero represents increasingly less than ideal values for a given variable . in one implementation , values above a threshold 202 a ( which can be different for each curve ) have a higher probability of causing a successful outcome ( e . g ., achieving a goal such as landing a virtual golf ball where the user intended ) than values below the threshold . the sweet spot can be viewed as the area of a distribution curve above the threshold and within the requisite standard deviation from the mean . for instance , even with a large sweet spot , it may still be possible to cause a successful outcome if the value for a given variable is above the threshold , although the outcome may not be ideal . moreover , sweet spots can be varied by the type of virtual equipment . for example , curve 202 b could represent a professional forged golf iron club with a very small sweet spot ( e . g ., +/โ 1 standard deviation ) and curve 202 c could represent a hollow back off set beginner iron club with a much larger sweet spot ( e . g ., +/โ 1 . 8 standard deviation ). as a user becomes more adept at using a piece of virtual equipment , the sweet spot for one or more of the virtual equipment &# 39 ; s variables is adjusted to require the user &# 39 ; s interaction with the virtual equipment to achieve values for those variables closer to their means in order to cause a successful outcome . likewise , as a user &# 39 ; s skill level decreases , the sweet spot for one or more of the virtual equipment &# 39 ; s variables can be adjusted to allow the user &# 39 ; s interaction with the virtual equipment to achieve values for those variables farther from their means and still have a chance of causing a successful outcome . accuracy is the probability that a given piece of virtual equipment will perform as a user intended . the probability that a swing of a virtual golf club will cause a virtual golf ball to follow an intended trajectory and land where it was aimed is an example of accuracy . by way of another illustration , accuracy can be the probability that a virtual gun will hit a virtual target when fired . precision is the probability that user interaction with a given piece of virtual equipment will result in the same outcome time after time . for example , precision can be the probability that the same swing of a golf club will result in the same outcome . in one implementation , the accuracy and precision of a given piece of virtual equipment can be automatically increased as a user &# 39 ; s skill level increases . similarly , the accuracy and precision of a given piece of virtual equipment can be automatically decreased as a user &# 39 ; s skill level decreases . these relationships are illustrated in exemplary graphs 204 and 206 of fig2 . in summary , a user &# 39 ; s ability to control virtual equipment increases commensurate with their skill level as shown in graph 208 . although the exemplary graphs 204 , 206 and 208 in fig2 illustrate roughly linear relationships , other relationships are possible and can be defined by a virtual equipment model , as described below . fig3 is a diagram of a virtual equipment model ( vem ) system 300 for a computer game application or other simulation . the functionality encompassed in system 300 can be distributed to fewer or more components than those illustrated . the system 300 includes a vem 306 which models a piece of virtual equipment . a piece of virtual equipment may comprise more than one object in the virtual universe , such as a set of virtual balls that are juggled by the user in a computer juggling game . in one implementation , there is a vem 306 for each piece of virtual equipment a user may interact with in a virtual universe . in a further implementation , the vem 306 maintains a nonempty set of variables and a nonempty set of relationships among two or more of the variables for modeling the behavior of the piece of virtual equipment . in one implementation , a sweet spot for a piece of virtual equipment is inversely related to the precision and accuracy of the virtual equipment . in one implementation , the vem 306 minimally includes variables , as described above , representing precision , accuracy , one or more distribution curves ( e . g ., 202 b , 202 c ), thresholds ( e . g ., 202 a ), and sweet spots . if the virtual equipment is a golf club , for instance , variables can include stroke power , club face trajectory , distribution curves and associated sweet spots and thresholds for stroke power and club face trajectory , club accuracy , and club precision . generally speaking , a vem 306 variable &# 39 ; s value can be based on a user input , a user &# 39 ; s skill level at using the virtual equipment , the attribute of the virtual equipment itself , the state of the virtual universe ( e . g ., weather , emotional and physical stresses on the player ) as determined by a game engine 310 , configuration information , the value of one or more other variables , and combinations of these . an input model 302 maps user inputs ( e . g ., button presses , voice commands , sounds , gestures , eye movements , body movements , brain waves , other types of physiological sensors , and combinations of these ) to one or more variable values for variables in the set of variables associated for vem 306 . the vem 306 interprets user input provided by the input model 302 using the set of relationships . the vem 306 has an associated representation 304 of the virtual equipment that is presented to a user , such as through a graphical display means ( e . g ., a liquid crystal or plasma display device ), sound generation means , haptic technology , odor generation means , and combinations of these . for example , in a first person shooter game a virtual gun can have a graphical representation consisting of cross hairs indicating where the gun is currently pointed and sound feedback to indicate when the virtual gun is fired . a joystick or other user input device can be used to aim the virtual gun and a button can be pressed to fire the virtual gun . the vem 306 communicates with a game engine 310 to affect changes to the virtual universe based on user interaction with the vem 306 . the set of variables , their values , and relationships associated with the vem 306 can change based the state of a virtual universe , or the context or purpose for which a piece of virtual equipment is used . for example , if the virtual equipment is a sword in a sword fight computer game , successful use of the sword requires a user to perform certain offensive and defensive actions that are appropriate given the actions of the user &# 39 ; s opponent . in addition to sweet spot ( s ) associated with the virtual sword , each virtual sword action may have its own sweet spot ( s ) associated with it , which can change based on the type of offensive or defensive action the user is attempting . the sword &# 39 ; s sweets spot could also vary based on the type of sword being used which would also affect the threshold level . a skill level monitor 306 monitors changes to user skill level . a change in user skill level can be detected by the user &# 39 ; s proficiency at using a given piece of virtual equipment to achieve one or more goals in the virtual universe ( e . g ., such as an improved score ), the ability to perform relatively advanced tasks with the virtual equipment , an achieved accuracy rate using the virtual equipment , an achieved precision rate using the virtual equipment , time spent using the virtual equipment , combinations of these , and other factors . in one implementation , user skill level is quantified as a number . if the skill level increases or decreases beyond a certain threshold , a change is communicated to the vem 306 , which in turn can communicate the change to the input model 302 and the representation 304 . using a non - zero threshold value can prevent the vem 306 from changing too rapidly . based on a change in skill level , one or more of the vem 306 , the input model 302 , and the representation 304 can adapt to reflect the change . adapting the vem 306 can include changing the value of one or more variables in the set of variables , changing one or more relationships in the set of relationships , adding or removing one or more variables in the set of variables , adding or removing one or more relationships in the set of relationships , and combinations of these . in the case of an increased user skill level , for example , the virtual equipment model 306 could add additional variables for controlling the virtual equipment that were not available at a lower skill level and change variables representing distribution curves , thresholds and sweet spots . adapting the input model 302 can include changing the way a user interacts with the representation 304 by adding or removing required and optional user inputs , changing the order of user inputs , changing the semantics of user input , and changing the mappings of user input to one or more variables in the set of vem 306 variables . by way of illustration , if the virtual equipment is a golf club , the user input at one skill level could include two mouse button clicks : the first click to set the power of a stroke and the second click within a preset time limit from the first click to determine the trajectory of the golf club face as strikes a virtual golf ball . user input at a more advanced skill level could add a third mouse click to determine the loft of the virtual golf ball . adapting the representation 304 can include changing the virtual equipment appearance , the user interface , sound , haptics , odors , or combinations of these . for example , if the input model 302 or the vem 306 has been adapted , the representation can be modified to provide an indication of such to the user . a virtual golf club &# 39 ; s appearance could be changed to indicate that a user is playing with a more advanced club , for instance . a game engine 310 maintains state for the virtual universe based on user input and the interaction of objects in the virtual universe . the game engine 310 can include a renderer for rendering graphical views of the virtual universe that can be presented on a display device . the game engine can also artificial intelligence capabilities for determining one or more future states for the virtual universe . objects in the virtual universe such as virtual equipment are associated with assets 312 ( e . g ., content , models , sounds , physics , artificial intelligence ). assets are used by the game engine 310 to represent objects and render the computer game . the game engine 310 communicates with the skill level monitor 308 to convey user skill level information , such as detected changes to user skill level . the vem 306 communicates with the game engine 310 to affect changes to the virtual universe based on user interaction with the vem 306 . fig4 illustrates a virtual equipment model adaptation process . a user skill level for a piece of virtual equipment is determined by , for example , the skill level monitor 308 ( step 402 ). it is then determined whether the skill level has increased or decreased beyond a threshold ( step 406 ). if the user skill level has not increased or decreased beyond the threshold , the user skill level is determined again at a later point in time ( step 402 ). otherwise , the vem 306 associated with the virtual equipment is adapted based on the user skill level ( step 406 ), for example by changing the value of one or more sweet spots associated with the virtual equipment , or other variables . the input model 302 and representation 304 can be optionally adapted based on the user skill level ( step 408 ), for example by depicting the head of a golf club differently to emphasize the golf club &# 39 ; s changed properties . fig5 is a block diagram of exemplary system architecture 500 for automatically adapting virtual equipment model . the architecture 500 includes one or more processors 502 ( e . g ., ibm powerpc ยฎ, intel pentium ยฎ 4 , etc . ), one or more display devices 504 ( e . g ., crt , lcd ), one or more graphics processing units 506 ( e . g ., nvidia ยฎ quadro fx 4500 , geforce ยฎ 7800 gt , etc . ), one or more network interfaces 508 ( e . g ., ethernet , firewire , usb , etc . ), one or more input devices 510 ( e . g ., keyboard , mouse , game controller , camera , microphone , etc . ), and one or more computer - readable mediums 512 ( e . g . sdram , optical disks , hard disks , flash memory , l1 or l2 cache , etc .). these components can exchange communications and data via one or more buses 514 ( e . g ., eisa , pci , pci express , etc .). the term โ computer - readable medium โ refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor 502 for execution , including without limitation , non - volatile media ( e . g ., optical or magnetic disks ), volatile media ( e . g ., memory ) and transmission media . transmission media includes , without limitation , coaxial cables , copper wire and fiber optics . transmission media can also take the form of acoustic , light or radio frequency waves . the computer - readable medium 512 further includes an operating system 516 ( e . g ., mac os ยฎ, windows ยฎ, linux , etc . ), a network communication module 518 , computer game assets 520 , and a computer game application 522 . the computer game application 522 further includes a game engine 524 , a skill level monitor 526 , one or more vems 528 , one or more input models 530 , and one or more representations 532 . in some implementations , the electronic game application 522 can be integrated with other applications 534 or be configured as a plug - in to other applications 534 . the operating system 516 can be multi - user , multiprocessing , multitasking , multithreading , real - time and the like . the operating system 516 performs basic tasks , including but not limited to : recognizing input from input devices 510 ; sending output to display devices 504 ; keeping track of files and directories on computer - readable mediums 512 ( e . g ., memory or a storage device ); controlling peripheral devices ( e . g ., disk drives , printers , gpus 506 , etc . ); and managing traffic on the one or more buses 514 . the network communications module 518 includes various components for establishing and maintaining network connections ( e . g ., software for implementing communication protocols , such as tcp / ip , http , ethernet , etc .). the application 522 , together with its components , implements the various tasks and functions , as described with respect to fig2 - 4 . the user system architecture 500 can be implemented in any electronic or computing device capable of hosting the application 502 , or part of the application 502 , including but not limited to : portable or desktop computers , workstations , main frame computers , personal digital assistants , portable game devices , mobile telephones , network servers , etc . all of these component may by physically remote to each other . embodiments of the invention and all of the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry , or in computer software , firmware , or hardware , including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents , or in combinations of one or more of them . embodiments of the invention can be implemented as one or more computer program products , i . e ., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer - readable medium for execution by , or to control the operation of , data processing apparatus . a computer program ( also known as a program , software , software application , script , or code ) can be written in any form of programming language , including compiled or interpreted languages , and it can be deployed in any form , including as a stand - alone program or as a module , component , subroutine , or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment . a computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system . a program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data ( e . g ., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document ), in a single file dedicated to the program in question , or in multiple coordinated files ( e . g ., files that store one or more modules , sub - programs , or portions of code ). a computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network . the processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output . the processes and logic flows can also be performed by , and apparatus can also be implemented as , special purpose logic circuitry , e . g ., an fpga ( field programmable gate array ) or an asic ( application - specific integrated circuit ). processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include , by way of example , both general and special purpose microprocessors , and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer . generally , a processor will receive instructions and data from a read - only memory or a random access memory or both . the essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data . generally , a computer will also include , or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to , or both , one or more mass storage devices for storing data , e . g ., magnetic , magneto - optical disks , or optical disks . however , a computer need not have such devices . moreover , a computer can be embedded in another device , e . g ., a mobile telephone , a personal digital assistant ( pda ), a mobile audio player , a global positioning system ( gps ) receiver , to name just a few . computer - readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non - volatile memory , media and memory devices , including by way of example semiconductor memory devices , e . g ., eprom , eeprom , and flash memory devices ; magnetic disks , e . g ., internal hard disks or removable disks ; magneto - optical disks ; and cd - rom and dvd - rom disks . the processor and the memory can be supplemented by , or incorporated in , special purpose logic circuitry . to provide for interaction with a user , embodiments of the invention can be implemented on a computer having a display device , e . g ., a crt ( cathode ray tube ) or lcd ( liquid crystal display ) monitor , for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device , e . g ., a mouse or a trackball , by which the user can provide input to the computer . other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well ; for example , feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback , e . g ., visual feedback , auditory feedback , or tactile feedback ; and input from the user can be received in any form , including acoustic , speech , brain waves , other physiological input , eye movements , gestures , body movements , or tactile input . embodiments of the invention can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back - end component , e . g ., as a data server , or that includes a middleware component , e . g ., an application server , or that includes a front - end component , e . g ., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the invention , or any combination of one or more such back - end , middleware , or front - end components . the components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication , e . g ., a communication network . examples of communication networks include a local area network (โ lan โ) and a wide area network (โ wan โ), e . g ., the internet . the computing system can include clients and servers . a client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network . the relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client - server relationship to each other . while this specification contains many specifics , these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed , but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention . certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment . conversely , various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination . moreover , although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such , one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination , and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination . similarly , while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order , this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order , or that all illustrated operations be performed , to achieve desirable results . in certain circumstances , multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous . moreover , the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments , and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products . thus , particular embodiments of the invention have been described . other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims . for example , the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results .
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the preferred embodiment of the present invention is the experimental plasma research facility ( prf ) configured for the gasification of solid waste materials . with reference to fig1 it consists of a 150 kw plasma heating system , a refractory lined reactor vessel , a material feeding subsystem and a process control subsystem . in addition , a product gas burner subsystem was added for this project . the major components of the prf are described below . the maximum throughput of the experimental prf is 400 pounds per hour of &# 34 ; as - received &# 34 ; msw . plasma heating system ( phs ): the phs consists of a power supply which converts three phase ac into dc to feed a single 150 kw non - transferred plasma arc torch . the normal operating range of the plasma arc torch is 300 - 400 vdc at 400 - 500 amps . the power supply consists of a transformer , three saturable core reactors , a rectifier , a low energy plasma starter and a ballast resistor . the plasma starter , commonly referred to as the low - energy plasma ( lep ) igniter , is used to provide a very high step voltage to ignite the plasma and start the torch . the plasma gas is generated from air , with the flowrate continually varied by an air modulator to vary the arc attachment point on both electrodes , thereby increasing the useable life of these electrodes . standard city water is used to cool the torch . a water cooled ballast resistor is used in series with the torch power to eliminate great fluctuations in the torch operating current and voltage . torch power , plasma gas flow and torch cooling are controlled through interlocks on the process control console to turn off the torch when parameters are not maintained within certain prescribed limits . reactor vessel : the reactor vessel is tubular , with a height of 1 . 17 meters ( m ) and a diameter of 1 . 12 m , mounted in a tiltable frame . its 19 . 1 centimeters ( cm ) of refractory lining can withstand a temperature of up to approximately 1850 deg c . material feeding is accommodated through a 40 cm square opening on one side and , directly opposite , slag extraction is accommodated through a 20 cm square opening covered by a swinging door . directly above the slag opening is a 10 cm circular opening for product gas extraction . a 20 cm circular port is situated near the bottom of the vessel and on one side to accommodate the insertion of a gas burner for preheating . the torch enters the top of the vessel at an angle through a 15 cm circular port . water cooled viewing ports are installed on the top and side of the vessel for visual inspection inside the vessel ; nitrogen or air can be injected on the inside of these viewing ports to keep them free of carbon deposition . a 2 . 5 cm inlet to the vessel provides a capability to inject steam should it be required by the process . thermocouples are installed to monitor the temperature of the product gas at exit , the vessel outside wall , and the inside of the refractory at the top , middle and bottom of the vessel . material feeding subsystem : the material feeding subsystem consists of a rectangular feedhopper 40 cm wide , 75 cm long and 1 m high , slightly diverging towards the bottom to diminish the possibility of material blockage . the feed chute leading into the vessel is 40 cm square to match the vessel feed opening . a hydraulic assisted ram , 40 cm wide by 7 . 5 cm high with the top completely covered to prevent material falling behind the plunger , is used to push material from the feedhopper into the vessel through the feed chute . a gate is installed in the middle of the feed chute to act as a heat barrier between the vessel and the feedhopper . a lid is installed on the top of the feed hopper to provide a seal from the ambient environment . the feeder is totally enclosed so that gases do not leak back into the work space ; however , relief valves have been installed to circumvent the sudden buildup of pressure within the feeder . limit switches on the feeder control the length of the ram stroke so that the amount of material fed into the vessel with each stroke can be controlled . product gas handling subsystem : the product gas exits the vessel through a 10 cm diameter section of flexible stainless steel piping to permit the vessel to be tilted without breaking the integrity of the gas handling subsystem . the product gas then passes through a cyclone , which removes particulate matter , and into a spray quencher . the quencher consists of a tank , 90 cm in diameter and 3 m high , with ten layered nozzles to ensure that all of the product gas is sprayed to remove acids and other constituents . the quencher water is pretreated with lime , to neutralize the acids and facilitate later disposal , and circulated through a series of filters and a chiller to maintain a relatively clean and cool spray . after passing through the quencher the product gas passes through a baffle and a series of condenser evaporator coils to ensure as dry a product gas as possible for subsequent quantitative analyses . the product gas is then sampled for on - line gas chromatograph analyses and passed through an orifice for flowmeter printout . a blower is used to draw the product gas through the gas handling subsystem to maintain a slight negative pressure within the vessel to further prevent gas leaks into the lab work space . the product gas is then vented to the atmosphere through a 5 cm pipe and flared immediately upon exit . slag handling subsystem : the molten slag is allowed to accumulate at the bottom of the vessel through the full duration of the experiment . slag accumulation up to 20 cm deep can be accommodated before it is necessary to empty the vessel . the entire vessel is then hydraulically tilted and the slag is allowed to pour into a bed of silica sand . process control subsystem : the process control subsystem consists of a series of on / off switches and instruments . the operator has instantaneous and continuous readout of critical operational parameters of the process such as : several interlocks are incorporated in the instruments which trigger shutdown of the torch when certain parameters exceed preset values . the operator has the ability to instantaneously change operating parameters such as the material feedrate , the air flowrate through the torch and the power delivered to the torch , as well as instantaneously turn the torch on and off depending on other requirements of the process . product gas burner subsystem : a 3600 cubic feet per hour ( cfh ) sparkproof blower draws product gas from the main product gas line just before its exit to the atmosphere and passes it through an 8 cm reducing to 2 cm pipe to a 10 - 50 , 000 btu / hr burner mounted in a 30 cm diameter by 100 cm stainless steel combustion chamber . a 15 cm flue conveys the products of combustion directly to the atmosphere . the heat supplied by the phs pyrolyzes the input material , as opposed to incinerating it , since air is excluded from the process . there is always some air which enters the process with the input material ; however , this can be minimized by particular attention to feeding procedures , such as compression of the material to exclude most of the air or by partially vacuumizing the input hopper after it is filled and closed . the only other air available to the process is through the gas system used to generate the plasma in the torch and this source provides less than 2 % of the oxygen required for stoichiometric combustion . this level of oxygen can be reduced even further by recycling the product gas from the gasification process or by using an inert gas to generate the plasma . pyrolysis provides for virtual complete gasification of all volatiles in the source material , while non - combustile material is reduced to a virtually inert slag . the free carbon produced through the gasification of the volatiles reacts with the water in the input material forming additional combustible gases . in a typical gasification application , the source material is fed into the reactor vessel with no preprocessing except possibly for the shredding of very large and bulky objects to enable trouble free feeding into the vessel . the reactor vessel is lined with refractory to permit the high temperatures required for processing to be achieved and for the retention of the heat within the vessel . the source material is gasified at a temperature of approximately 1100 deg c . ( dependent on the source material ). steam can be injected directly into the process or water can be added directly to the input material as required to provide additional oxygen to react with the free carbon . the resultant products are a product gas with a heating value one - quarter to one - third the heating value of natural gas , and a virtually inert slag . the product gas can be fed directly to other equipment and / or processes for combustion , or if immediate use is not required , it can be stored or flared directly . this product gas has a high hydrogen content and it contains a high enthalpy directly from the high temperature pyrolysis process ; therefore , it burns very cleanly and efficiently . the slag must be cooled and then it can be disposed of very easily . depending on the type and composition of input material the slag can also have commercial application . the slag from the gasification of municipal solid waste , for example , can be used in applications similar to crushed stone or it can be molded into building type blocks directly from its liquor state . the pps is a closed loop system ; therefore , it forms an environmental control in itself . the high process temperatures achievable by plasma processing ensure rapid and complete breakdown of chemical bonds and avoid the particulates and partially combusted hydrocarbons normally associated with combustion processes . total gasification can be achieved very efficiently . the general absence of oxygen results in significantly less air pollution from contaminants such as nitrogen oxides ( nox ) and sulphur dioxide ( so2 ) than is associated with conventional gasification processes . the size of the plasma arc torch utilized in the pps is normally selected on the basis of the type and quantity of input material which must be processed in a specific period of time . this in turn dictates the size of the reactor vessel required and the capacity of the electrical power source . plasma arc torches are available in varying sizes with power ratings from 50 kw to 6mw . ( i ) municipal solid waste ( msw ) is fed into the reactor vessel with special precautions to minimize the amount of air which enters the vessel at the same time . the reactor vessel has been preheated to a minimum inside wall temperature of / 100 degrees c . ( ii ) the volatile content of the input material begins to decompose and is expelled from the input solid mass as gases as soon as the material enters the vessel because its temperature rises sharply due to heat radiation from the inside walls of the vessel and the direct radiation from the plasma arc torch flame . ( iii ) when these gases encounter the higher temperatures around the plasma flame they completely ionize within milliseconds because their temperature rises very rapidly due to heat acquired from the hot plasma flame gases . this rapid ionization can be described as the molecules literally being torn apart as they acquire massive amounts of heat in a very short period of time . ( iv ) the non - decomposed material is forced to move around the vessel as the gases from the plasma torch suddenly acquire the high temperatures encountered around the plasma arc andexpand very rapidly . motion is also due to the geometry of the inside of the reactor vessel which forces the material to flow through the plasma flame to a different level as it becomes molten . ( v ) as the solids pass under the plasma arc torch flame , which is through the highest temperature profile , the volatile content is completely expelled , the free carbon is converted to mostly carbon monoxide with small amounts of carbon dioxide , and the solid residue becomes completely molten and subsequently combines chemically to form metal silicates . the vessel floor temperature is also at a temperature of 1100 degrees c ., the same as the vessel inside wall and ceiling temperature , but as the glass , metals and dirt become molten and chemically combine , they remain in a molten pool over the floor of the vessel and are subjected to the higher temperature profile directly radiated from the plasma arc flame . this temperature can be upwards of 1400 degrees c . and even higher where the torch plasma flame is concentrated . ( vi ) this molten bed of solid residue acts as a secondary heat source for new material entering the vessel so that this new material is heated from all sides , including the bottom . ( vii ) the solid residue is permitted to remain in the vessel until it reaches a preset volume , at which time it is tapped and permitted to flow from the vessel into a catch container . the physical properties of this solid residue can be altered by varying the temperature of the melt and by the amount of water content in the input material . increasing the temperature of the melt will make it more fluid and increase its fragility . decreasing the water content will increase the carbon content in the melt and increase the hardness of the final product . ( viii ) some uncombined metal globules are encapsulated by the silicates previously formed in the solid residue . this occurs either because these metals , or metal alloys , have a higher melting temperature than what they are being subjected to , or there is no additional silica with which they can combine to form additional silicates . ( ix ) all other non - volatile and unreacted material is encapsulated by the silicate mass which results in the entire mass having extremely low leachability characteristics . the solid residue has the structural integrity to be considered a monolith . ( x ) upwards of 98 % of the metals in the input material are trapped in the very tight matrix of the solid residue . digestion of this solid residue in aqua regia , a solution of hydrochloric and nitric acids , results in 50 to 54 % of the original material remaining as a solid mass . carbon bearing materials which can be efficiently gasified in this manner include coal , peat , wood and municipal solid waste ( city refuse ), as well as incinerator ash . the system may be operated by a single operator monitoring critical parameters of the process through meter readouts on the control console . all critical parameters are interlocked to automatically shutdown the operation should any of these parameters exceed predetermined tolerances . the operator also has instantaneous control of the operation and can shutdown the process and bring it back up virtually at will . these operator functions are quite straight forward and no more demanding than those found in most industrial control systems . input materials handling will normally require a materials handler . the input process and design complexity will be dictated by the quantity and type of input material to be processed . mostly manual operation may be possible with a very low quantity input volume . output slag handling will normally require a slag handler . again , the output process and the design complexity will be dictated by the volume and physical composition of the slag to be handled . the system heat input process can be turned on and off virtually at the will of the operator . vernier controls on torch input power also permits a varying input load to be readily catered to up to the maximum capacity of the system while maintaining the optimal heat transfer rate to the process . conversion of a system to one of a larger size can also be accommodated very easily ; a larger size torch can be used , a second torch can be added to the reactor vessel , or an additional pps can be added . the cost of either of these options would normally be small compared to the initial cost outlay . the energy aspects of the experimental plasma gasification of msw was conducted . a summary of the results obtained and extrapolated to a 50 - 75 tonne per day commercial size system is as follows : __________________________________________________________________________ laboratory commercial size results extrapolation__________________________________________________________________________conversion ratio ( energy out / in ) 1 . 65 : 1 4 . 30 : 1overall efficiency 56 . 0 % 72 . 2 % product gas / refuse hv ratio 0 . 847 0 . 868product gas hhv ( btu / scf ) 282 . 15 282 . 15 ( max ) dry refuse / slag weight reduction 5 . 37 : 1 5 . 37 : 1wet refuse / slag weight reduction 8 . 06 : 1 8 . 06 : 1refuse / slag volume reduction 154 : 1 154 : 1e1 energy per tonne refuse ( kwhrs ) 1595 612__________________________________________________________________________ commercial size extrapolation includes known improvements obtainable through the use of a larger size and more efficient plasma arc torch , the use of additional refractory lining in the wall of the reactor vessel and economies of scale for heat losses . conversion ratio is defined as the energy available in the product gas compared to the electrical energy input to the process which created the product gas . a conversion ratio of 4 . 3 : 1 , therefore , means that for every btu of thermal energy input to the process through the plasma arc torch there are 4 . 3 btus of usable energy in the product gas . this ratio does not consider any energy recovery from the sensible heat in the hot product gas , the hot slag or the torch cooling water , which account for the majority of the 28 % losses in the process . the product gas obtained through this experimentation had the following chemical composition at the maximum heating value obtained : ______________________________________hydrogen 41 . 2 % carbon dioxide 8 . 3 % ethylene 0 . 1 % acetylene 0 . 2 % oxygen 0 . 3 % nitrogen 17 . 0 % methane 3 . 2 % carbon monoxide 29 . 7 % heating value 282 . 2 btu / scf______________________________________ experiments were undertaken to assess the environmental quality , following the parameters and procedures established by the ontario ministry of the environment , of the following products from the plasma gasification of msw : a . the product gas for organics , acid gases and trace metals ; b . the condensate from drying the product gas ( and quencher water ) for organics , acid gases and trace metals ; c . the combustion gases from burning the product gas for organics , acid gases and trace metals ; and product gas and gas borne particulate samples were obtained after the quencher outlet and after the burner , and analysed for semi - volatile organic compounds ( svoc ), metals , and acid gases , including nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide . combined quencher and condensate water samples were analysed for svocs , metals and acid gas anions . samples of slag were analyzed for chemical composition and leachate toxicity . acid insoluble portions of the slag were also analysed . the results summarized in the following tables include typical incinerator results , where available from environment canada &# 39 ; s national incinerator testing & amp ; evaluation program ( nitep ) publications , for comparison purposes , from the prince edward island ( pei ) incinerator ( 2 ), quebec urban community ( quc ) incinerator ( 3 )( 4 ), victoria hospital efw facility ( london ), london , ontario ( 5 ), and solid waste reduction unit ( swaru ), hamilton , ontario ( 6 ). in addition , where applicable , ontario regulation 309 ( 7 ) and quebec ( 8 ) limits are specified . tables 1 & amp ; 2 show svoc emissions during the two tests . table 1 relates the amount of contaminant measured in the emissions to the amount of material fed during the test run in micrograms ( ug ), or milligrams ( mg ), of emission per tonne of input material . table 2 shows the concentration of the contaminants emitted per normal cubic meter ( ncum ) at standard conditions of 25 degc , 101 . 3 kilopascals ( kpa ) and dry . the following abbreviations are used throughout tables 1 & amp ; 2 . table 1__________________________________________________________________________svoc emission data ( emissions per tonne of 35 % wet feed ) experiment no 1 experiment no 2 existing quencher burner quencher burner incineratorscompound outlet outlet outlet outlet pei ( 2 ) quc ( 3 ) __________________________________________________________________________teq values ( 9 ) pcdd ( ug ) 0 . 03 0 0 . 3 0pcdf ( ug ) 3 . 8 0 1 . 0 0 . 8actual valuespcdd ( ug ) 16 nd 26 nd 228 - 516 59 - 148pcdf ( ug ) 148 10 47 15 340 - 570 171 - 174cp ( ug ) 18900 nd 5800 nd 10800 - 29000cb ( ug ) 8500 6900 1360 980 12800 - 22000pcb ( ug ) nd nd nd nd nd - 3400pah ( mg ) 28000 5300 187000 24000 27 - 55__________________________________________________________________________ nd -- not detected . table 2__________________________________________________________________________svoc emission data ( concentration per ncum )* experiment no 1 experiment no 2 existing quencher burner quencher burner incineratorscompound outlet outlet outlet outlet pei ( 2 ) quc ( 3 ) __________________________________________________________________________teq values ( 9 ) pcdd ( ng ) 0 . 02 0 0 . 3 0pcdf ( ng ) 2 . 8 0 1 . 3 0 . 5actual valuespcdd ( ng ) 12 nd 27 nd 62 - 123 19 - 298pcdf ( ng ) 109 3 49 10 95 - 156 44 - 306cp ( ug ) 14 nd 6 nd 3 - 7 5 - 24cb ( ug ) 6 3 1 0 . 6 3 - 5 3 - 10pcb ( ug ) nd nd nd nd nd - 0 . 8 2 - 7pah ( ug ) 21000 1900 195000 15000 7 - 12 4 - 22__________________________________________________________________________ * normalized to 11 % oxygen at the burner outlet . existing incinerator concentrations are normalized to 12 % carbon dioxide and contain 9 - 13 % oxygen . tables 3 & amp ; 4 summarize the emissions for selected metals analysed for , again under the same comparison conditions . table 3__________________________________________________________________________emission data for selected metals ( gram per tonne of 35 % wet feed ) experiment no 1 experiment no 2 existing quencher burner quencher burner incineratormetal outlet outlet outlet outlet pei ( 2 ) __________________________________________________________________________antimony 2 0 . 1 1 0 . 03 2 . 1 - 9 . 6arsenic 0 . 6 0 . 1 0 . 2 0 . 01cadmium 0 . 6 0 . 1 0 . 2 0 . 01 2 . 6 - 3 . 8chromium 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 1 0 . 02 0 . 1 - 0 . 4copper 29 1 6 0 . 2lead 49 2 18 0 . 3 34 - 60mercury 0 . 014 nd 0 . 001 nd 2 . 0 - 3 . 6nickel 0 . 3 0 . 2 0 . 1 0 . 04 1 . 0 - 2 . 2__________________________________________________________________________ table 4__________________________________________________________________________emission data for selected metals ( concentration , mg / ncum )* experiment no 1 experiment no 2 existing quencher burner quencher burner incineratormetal outlet outlet outlet outlet pei ( 2 ) __________________________________________________________________________antimony 2 0 . 05 1 0 . 02 0 . 5 - 2 . 6arsenic 0 . 5 0 . 02 0 . 3 0 . 01cadmium 0 . 5 0 . 03 0 . 2 0 . 004 0 . 6 - 0 . 9chromium 0 . 2 0 . 08 0 . 1 0 . 02 0 . 03 - 0 . 1copper 22 0 . 5 7 0 . 1lead 37 0 . 6 19 0 . 2 8 . 4 - 15mercury 0 . 01 nd 0 . 001 nd 0 . 5 - 0 . 9nickel 0 . 2 0 . 08 0 . 1 0 . 02 0 . 2 - 0 . 5__________________________________________________________________________ * normalized to 11 % oxygen at the burner outlet . existing incinertor concentrations are normalized to 12 % carbon dioxide and contain 9 - 13 % oxygen . tables 5 & amp ; 6 summarize the acid gas emissions for the two tests , again under the same comparison conditions . table 6 includes nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions in parts per million ( ppm ). the chloride , fluoride and bromide acid gases were measured as individual ions but reported as the corresponding acids . table 5__________________________________________________________________________acid gases emission data ( gram per tonne of 35 % wet feed ) experiment no 1 experiment no 2 existing quencher burner quencher burner incineratoracid gas outlet outlet outlet outlet pei ( 2 ) __________________________________________________________________________hydrogen chloride 223 2 49 0 . 2 3930 - 4480hydrogen fluoride 0 . 3 2 0 . 1 0 . 1hydrogen bromide nd nd nd nd__________________________________________________________________________ table 6__________________________________________________________________________acid gases emission data ( concentration )* experiment no 1 experiment no 2 existing quencher burner quencher burner incineratoracid gas outlet outlet outlet outlet quc ( 3 ) __________________________________________________________________________hydrogen chloride ( mg / ncum ) 146 0 . 6 45 0 . 1hydrogen fluoride ( mg / ncum ) 0 . 2 0 . 7 0 . 1 0 . 07hydrogen bromide ( mg / ncum ) nd nd nd ndnitrogen oxide ( ppm ) 1710 305 210 158 169 - 246sulphur dioxide ( ppm ) 67 66 52 69 128 - 225__________________________________________________________________________ * normalized to 11 % oxygen at the burner outlet . existing incinerator concentrations are normalized to 12 % carbon dioxide and contain 9 - 13 % oxygen . table 7 summarizes the analyses of the slag samples for the two tests in micrograms ( ug ) of metal per gram ( g ) of slag . the actual analyses were performed on both an acid solution obtained by digesting the slag in a solution of aqua regia , a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids , and the insoluble portion remaining after the aqua regia digestion . this insoluble portion represented 50 % of the slag sample in experiment no 1 and 54 % of the slag sample in experiment no 2 . table 7__________________________________________________________________________metals in slag ( ug / g ) analyses experiment no 1 experiment no 2element solution insoluble solution insoluble__________________________________________________________________________aluminum * 97 , 000 101 92 , 000 3109antimony 9 2 . 36 6 1 . 86arsenic 2 . 5 nd 1 . 5 0 . 37barium 1 , 260 nd 2 , 400 54beryllium 1 -- 1 -- bismuth nd -- nd -- boron 170 -- 240 -- cadmium 1 nd nd ndcalcium * 107 , 000 nd 103 , 000 1 , 428chromium 350 1 . 2 220 18 . 2cobalt 16 0 . 1 11 . 5 0 . 58copper 980 nd 640 60iron * 53 , 000 70 22 , 000 1 , 358lead 164 -- 73 -- lithium 42 -- 35 -- magnesium 20 , 000 nd 24 , 000 366manganese * 1 , 810 0 . 7 1 , 100 100mercury 0 . 3 nd 0 . 28 ndmolybdenum 3 . 5 nd 1 . 5 ndnickel 62 nd 26 ndphosphorus * 5 , 000 -- 3 , 500 -- potassium * 12 , 800 nd 15 , 400 539selenium nd nd nd ndsilicon * 560 225 , 630 600 232 , 223silver nd nd nd ndsodium * 43 , 000 23 37 , 000 948strontium 320 nd 280 ndtellurium nd nd nd ndtin 40 nd 8 ndtitanium * 5 , 900 677 5 , 400 964vanadium 43 0 . 14 36 2 . 94zinc 430 nd 300 13total ug / g * 349 , 964 226 , 506 308 , 280 241 , 186 % metals in slag 35 23 31 24 % of slag sample 50 50 46 54 % of total metals 61 39 56 44gram / tonne refuse 63 , 715 60 , 065 % of total i / p metals 96 . 9 97 . 2__________________________________________________________________________ * the quantities recorded for these metals would increase fairly substantially if they were assumed to exist in their more common oxide form . table 8 summarizes the metals found in the leachate derived from the slag samples in milligrams ( mg ) of metal per liter ( l ) of leachate . table 8__________________________________________________________________________metals in slag leachate ( mg / l ) ontario % of quebecanalyses experiment experiment reg 309 ontario regelement no 1 no 2 ( 7 ) reg 309 ( 8 ) __________________________________________________________________________aluminum 0 . 18 0 . 03antimony nd 0 . 006arsenic nd nd 5 . 0 --/-- barium 0 . 03 0 . 1 100 . 0 0 . 03 / 0 . 1beryllium nd ndbismuth nd ndboron nd nd 500 . 0 --/-- cadmium nd nd 0 . 5 --/-- 0 . 1calcium 3 . 3 1 . 15chromium nd nd 5 . 0 --/-- 0 . 5cobalt nd ndcopper 0 . 07 0 . 09 1 . 0iron 0 . 57 1 . 79 17 . 0lead 0 . 01 0 . 02 5 . 0 0 . 2 / 0 . 4 0 . 1lithium nd ndmagnesium 0 . 2 0 . 15manganese 0 . 02 0 . 01mercury nd nd 0 . 1 --/-- 0 . 001molybdenum nd ndnickel 0 . 005 0 . 01 1 . 0phosphorus nd ndpotassium 0 . 1 0 . 05selenium nd nd 1 . 0 --/-- silica 1 . 16 0 . 68silver nd nd 5 . 0 --/-- sodium 0 . 1 1 . 3strontium nd ndtellurium nd ndtin nd ndtitanium nd ndvanadium nd 0 . 015zinc 0 . 05 0 . 02 1 . 0__________________________________________________________________________ table 9 contains comparative data on leachate analyses for selected metals from various incinerator sources obtained from recent nitep publications . table 9__________________________________________________________________________comparison of selected metals in slag leachate ( mg / l ) swaru quc london ontario quebecanalyses exp exp bottom bottom bottom boiler reg 309 regelement no 1 no 2 ash ( 6 ) ash ( 4 ) ash ( 5 ) ash ( 5 ) ( 7 ) ( 8 ) __________________________________________________________________________aluminum 0 . 18 0 . 03 0 . 11 1 . 29 3 . 04antimony nd 0 . 006 nd nd ndarsenic nd nd 0 . 29 0 . 01 0 . 03 5 . 0barium 0 . 03 0 . 1 100 . 0boron nd nd 1 1 . 4 2 . 1 1 . 6 500 . 0cadmium nd nd nd 0 . 05 0 . 14 43 . 2 0 . 5 0 . 1chromium nd nd nd 0 . 06 0 . 18 nd 5 . 0 0 . 5cobalt nd nd nd 0 . 20 0 . 27copper 0 . 07 0 . 09 0 . 5 0 . 39 0 . 87 16 . 1 1 . 0lead 0 . 01 0 . 02 nd 8 . 0 6 . 83 4 . 15 5 . 0 0 . 1mercury nd nd 0 . 1 0 . 001nickel 0 . 005 0 . 01 0 . 8 0 . 64 0 . 59 0 . 87 1 . 0selenium nd nd 1 . 0silver nd nd 5 . 0zinc 0 . 05 0 . 02 32 27 55 1340 1 . 0__________________________________________________________________________ table 10 summarizes energy balance characteristics both in the lab and extrapolated for a 50 - 70 tonne per day commercial size system . commercial size extrapolation includes known improvements obtainable through the use of a larger size and more efficient plasma arc torch , the use of additional refractory lining in the wall of the reactor vessel and economies of scale for heat losses . conversion ratio is defined as the energy in the product gas compared to the electrical energy input to the process which created the product gas . complete details are contained in volume 2 . table 10__________________________________________________________________________energy balance characteristics experiment no 1 experiment no 2performance lab commercial lab commercialcharacteristic results size results size__________________________________________________________________________conversion ratio ( energy out / in ) 1 . 52 : 1 3 . 03 : 1 1 . 92 : 1 3 . 54 : 1overall efficiency (%) 53 . 6 65 . 2 54 . 5 62 . 7product gas / refuse hv ratio 0 . 83 0 . 83 0 . 76 0 . 76wet refuse / slag weight reduction 8 . 93 : 1 8 . 93 : 1 8 . 89 : 1 8 . 89 : 1wet refuse / slag volume reduction 184 : 1 184 : 1 183 : 1 183 : 1e1 energy per tonne refuse ( kwhrs ) 1607 806 1171 635__________________________________________________________________________ table 11 shows the change in performance by combining the product gas enthalpy and heating value energies , which is a very logical extension since the hot product gas will normally be provided directly to a combustion process for the immediate utilization of the available energy . table 11__________________________________________________________________________energy balance characteristics ( combining product gas enthalpy and heating value ) experiment no 1 experiment no 2performance lab commercial lab commercialcharacteristic results size results size__________________________________________________________________________conversion ratio ( energy out / in ) 1 . 91 : 1 3 . 80 : 1 2 . 30 : 1 4 . 24 : 1overall efficiency (%) 67 . 2 81 . 7 65 . 5 75 . 3product gas / refuse hv ratio 1 . 04 1 . 04 0 . 92 0 . 92wet refuse / slag weight reduction 8 . 93 : 1 8 . 93 : 1 8 . 89 : 1 8 . 89 : 1wet refuse / slag volume reduction 184 : 1 184 : 1 183 : 1 183 : 1e1 energy per tonne refuse ( kwhrs ) 1607 806 1171 635__________________________________________________________________________ table 12______________________________________product gas chemical composition______________________________________hydrogen 33 . 0 % carbon dioxide 9 . 2 % ethylene 0 . 1 % acetylene 0 . 0 % oxygen 3 . 8 % nitrogen 32 . 1 % methane 1 . 8 % carbon monoxide 20 . 0 % heating value 202 . 5 btu / scf______________________________________ table 13__________________________________________________________________________mass balance characteristics experiment no 1 experiment no 2 december 12 , 1990 december 14 , 1990mass element ( 90 min duration ) ( 150 min duration ) __________________________________________________________________________wet refuse input ( kg ) 125 . 1 262 . 3air input - torch ( kg ) 16 . 3 27 . 2air input - viewing port ( kg ) 4 . 9 8 . 2air input through feeder ( kg ) 128 . 7 86 . 3 ( found by difference ) total mass input ( kg ) 275 . 0 384 . 0product gas output ( kg ) 228 . 9 323 . 3slag output ( kg ) 13 . 8 29 . 0cyclone ash output ( kg ) 0 . 2 0 . 7water in product gas ( kg ) 7 . 1 13 . 0water condensed ( kg ) 25 . 0 18 . 0total mass output ( kg ) 275 . 0 384 . 0condensed water / refuse ratio 0 . 20 0 . 069__________________________________________________________________________ potential uses of the slag from the plasma gasification process were reviewed by energy , mines and resources personnel , and their findings are contained in volume 2 . the following potential uses were considered feasible in the indicated order of priority :
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referring to fig3 , a termination 8 of the invention has a body 10 containing a wedge gripper 12 having a larger diameter end 34 abutting a washer 13 that is pressed against the wedge gripper 12 by a threaded cap 14 that is screwed into the body 10 . a stem 15 extends through a hole 64 in the cap 14 and is trapped inside the body 10 and a median barrier cable 16 is trapped by jaw sections 18 of the wedge gripper 12 . referring to fig4 , 5 , and 6 , the wedge gripper 12 has an outer surface 20 that tapers and , in the example embodiment , is formed by machining a piece of suitable metal , for example tool steel or other steel , to that shape and then drilling a hole in it and tapping the hole so that the hole has teeth , as shown in fig6 , that serve to grip the cable 16 . the cable 16 has a nominal effective diameter of 19 mm ( ยพ inches ), even though the cross - sectional profile of it as shown in fig2 is not round . however , the circle defined by the outer points of the lobes 22 of the cable 16 define a circle that would be approximately three - quarter inch or 19 mm in diameter . preferably , the major diameter of the teeth formed on the inside diameter of the wedge gripper 12 is less than the nominal effective diameter of the cable . for example , for the median barrier cable that is ยพ inches nominal effective diameter , the hole in the wedge gripper 12 is preferably smaller than the effective diameter of three - quarters of an inch . in particular , the major diameter , i . e . to the bottoms of the valleys between the teeth , is less than three - quarter inch ( 19 mm ). for example , for a three - quarter inch wire rope , the major diameter could be 0 . 716 inches . this would be the result of using a tap of 0 . 716 - 26 to form the teeth , which means 0 . 716 inches major diameter and 26 threads , or teeth , per inch . in addition , when assembling the cable 16 to the termination 8 , the lobes 22 should be oriented relative to the sections 18 as shown in fig5 , with each lobe roughly centered on each section 18 at the larger diameter end 34 of the wedge gripper 12 . since the lobes 22 are twisted along their length , the position of the lobes relative to the sections 18 will change along the length of the wedge gripper 12 , but at the large diameter end they should be centered relative to the sections 18 as shown in fig5 . in addition , as shown in fig4 and 6 , the taper angle x ยฐ of the wedge gripper 12 is preferably four degrees . this differs from typical taper angles for the wedges in common post - tension terminations . in addition , the tooth angles of the teeth on the inner diameter of the wedge sections 18 , that is , angles y ยฐ and z ยฐ, may be 60 and 20 degrees , respectively , as shown in fig6 , with the 20 - degree angle resisting pull - out of the cable , to try to maximize the pull - out forces necessary to dislodge the cable from the termination 8 . the body 10 has a mating frusto - conical surface 30 of the same angle as the frusto - conical outer surface 20 of the wedge gripper 12 , in the preferred embodiment , four degrees . thus , as the wedge gripper 12 is moved leftwardly as viewed in fig3 , in other words toward the cable opening 32 or smaller diameter end of the surface 30 , the wedge sections 18 collapse inwardly on the cable 16 to bite the teeth of the wedge gripper 12 into the outer surface of the cable 16 and thereby hold the cable 16 firmly to the termination 8 . the seating force to bite the teeth of the wedge gripper 12 into the cable 16 can be very large , often requiring that the wedges be โ seated โ by applying a hydraulic load to the cable to apply the seating force . this operation is most commonly done with a post - tensioning jack system , which includes a jack , hose , gauge , and pump . in the present invention , to minimize or avoid the use of such hydraulic equipment , the wedge gripper 12 may be at least partially seated using a threaded connection . the washer 13 ( shown in fig3 and 10 ) resides generally between the larger diameter end 34 of the wedge gripper 12 and the end 72 of the cap 14 . the washer 13 has an enlarged head 38 that resides in this position , and a reduced diameter shank 40 that extends into a bore 42 in the cap 14 . an o - ring 17 in a groove 70 ( best shown in fig3 and 10 ) of the shank 40 loosely secures the washer 13 inside the bore 42 . the washer 13 can rotate relative to the cap 14 to reduce the transmission of rotary force from the cap 14 to the wedge gripper 12 as the cap 14 is rotated . the cap 14 is threaded into the end of the body 10 to bear against the washer 13 and the washer 13 to bear against the larger diameter end 34 of the wedge gripper 12 to force the wedge gripper 12 axially against the tapered surface 30 . in addition , the cap 14 mechanically retains the wedge gripper 12 and the washer 13 within the body 10 , thereby inhibiting vibrations of the cable 16 , such as those encountered during a collision , from substantially loosening the engagement of the wedge gripper 12 with the cable 16 . the cap 14 ( also shown in fig1 and 12 ) has a hex 48 in conventional fashion , and the body 10 ( also shown in fig7 and 8 ) is also formed with a hex 50 at its cable end that can be gripped by a wrench or other tool . thus , a significant torque can be placed on the cap 14 while holding the body 10 with a wrench to force the wedge gripper 12 against the surface 30 and collapse the inside diameter of the wedge gripper 12 against the cable 16 . a threaded stem 15 ( shown in fig3 and 9 ) extends through a hole 64 in the cap 14 and has an enlarged head 66 trapped in the body 10 by the cap 14 . the head 66 may be flat as shown , or may have a ball surface that mates against a similar socket - shaped surface of the cap 14 so that the stem 15 can be articulated relative to the cap 14 . the stem 15 has threads 68 to attach the termination 8 to a suitable foundation , turnbuckle , or other structure so that a high tension can be induced in the cable 16 . the wedge gripper 12 is initially made in one piece , by forming the tapered outer side and drilling and tapping the inside diameter , and then it is cut into the three sections 18 . there must be enough space between the sections 18 so that the wedge gripper 12 can collapse to the full extent onto the cable 16 . also , when fully compressed against the cable 16 , the wedge gripper 12 preferably does not extend beyond the left end of the body 10 , as viewed in fig3 . a groove 19 is formed in the outer surface 20 so an o - ring ( not shown ) can be used to hold the wedge sections 18 together when the wedge is placed around a cable , prior to inserting the wedge into the body . as best shown in fig3 , the wedge gripper 12 is preferably of sufficient length such that the teeth of the each of the three sections 18 each grip at least two of the lobes 22 of the cable 16 when the cap 14 is tightened to the body 10 . for example , a wedge gripper 12 having a length of approximately two and one - half inches is sufficient to engage multiple lobes 22 of cable 16 having a nominal effective diameter of approximately ยพ inches . in addition , an opening 60 can be formed in the side of the body 10 , and if desired , the opening 60 can be tapped and a zerc fitting 62 installed . the opening 60 and if a zerc fitting 62 is used , are used for introducing a potting compound into the interior of the body 10 , and particularly into the interior of the wedge gripper 12 to fill the spaces between the lobes 22 of the cable 16 and the inside diameter of the wedge gripper 12 . it would also fill all void spaces inside the body 10 , including any spaces between the lobes 22 and spaces between the individual wires of the lobes 22 to fix the connection between the cable 16 and the body 10 . the potting compound may be , for example , an epoxy resin that bonds well to metal surfaces and hardens solid . the potting compound would help hold the barrier cable 16 inside the body 10 , help prevent it from flattening into the voids which would otherwise be there , and also reduce corrosion inside the body 10 . it could be introduced either directly through the opening 60 , or through a zerc or other suitable fitting screwed into the opening 60 . preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail . many modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments described will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art . therefore , the invention should not be limited to the embodiments described but by the claims which follow .
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the concepts incorporated in this invention , together with the details of operation may be more fully understood by considering together the following description taken in cooperation with the drawing . in fig1 element 101 constitutes a cross section of a reflector surface taken on a plane including the axis of the reflector . more specifically , the reflector 101 , as drawn in fig1 comprises a cross section view of a deep - dish parabolic reflector having a surface generated by revolving the line 101 about the axis 102 . in addition , it should be understood that other classical reflector shapes , such as spherical , may be used in association with the invention described herein . a reflector 101 of the type which is typically used with signal lights has a focal point which is designated &# 34 ; f &# 34 ;. for the purposes of this description , the focal point may be defined as a point on the optical axis 102 of the reflector 101 through which any rays of light parallel to the optical axis converge after being reflected on the reflector surface 101 . for example , light ray a impinges on the reflector surface at point a1 and through the focal point f to impinge of the reflective surface 101 at point a2 from which it is reflected out on line a3 which is parallel to the optical axis 102 . in a similar manner , light ray b reflects at point b1 , passes through focal point f and reflects at point b2 for reflection out along line b3 . however , it will be seen that light ray c which is parallel to the optical axis 102 impinges on the reflector at point c1 and is reflected through the focal point f and out along ray c3 . that is , the light reflected from point c1 does not impinge on the reflector 101 a second time and is reflected out of the system at an angle other than parallel to the optical axis 102 . accordingly , light ray c3 is not visible within the normal viewing angle of the signal light and thus does not contribute to an objectionable phantom signal . it should be observed that in accordance with laws of optics , the angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection . by way of explanation , this means , for example , that light ray e . which reflects at point e1 is reflected therefrom such that the angle 103 which is formed between the line e - e1 and a tangent to the arc a1 - c1 at the point of e1 is exactly equal to the angle 104 formed between the line e1 - e2 and the same tangent line . in like manner , the angled formed between the ray of incidence , and the ray of reflection and the plant tangent to the reflector 101 at the point of reflection are equal . from the above it will be evident that all light rays between rays a and b and which are parallel to the optical axis 102 are reflected out of the reflector 101 essentially parallel to their original direction . it is the reflected rays such as a3 , b3 and e3 which cause phantom signals . more specifically , traffic signals are usually oriented so that the viewer , who is supposed to see the signal , is approximately on the optical axis or a relatively few degrees therefrom . accordingly , a traffic light which is situated such that light rays may enter parallel to the optical axis will have light reflected out and parallel to the optical axis thereby creating a phantom signal . it should be understood , of course , that normal signals are created by means of an incandescent bulb which is located at approximately the focal point f and light rays emitted therefrom reflect on the surface 101 and out parallel to the optical axis 102 . it will be apparent that phantom signals could be avoided by employing a reflector 101 which extends only from point b1 to point b2 . with such a reflector , any light ray such as e . would reflect on the reflector at point e1 , pass through the focal point f and , since there is no reflector portion past point b2 , the light ray will not be reflected and will not extend along the line e3 to create a phantom signal . however , light signals of this type are not energy efficient and give a weak signal or require a higher input signal to provide the desired light level . accordingly , since phantom signals are created only when the light signal has a predetermined orientation and only at selected times and / or dates , it is common practice to provide energy efficient deep - dish reflectors and to modigy the system at least those situations wherein phantom signals may be produced . it will be evident that if a mask 105 , which serves to absorb or intercept light rays , is placed as illustrated in fig1 that all light rays parallel to the optical axis 102 and between light rays a and b will be intercepted and will not be able to be reflected out and parallel to the optical axis 102 . for example , light ray d will strike the mask 105 and be intercepted or stopped there instead of extending through the point d1 where it would otherwise be reflected through the focal point f and reflected again at point d2 to emerge from the system parallel to the optical axis . it will also be apparent that instead of employing the mask 105 , a mask 106 could be used with similar results . in this case , the light ray d reflects at points d1 and d2 but is stopped by the mask 106 as point d3 . as may be seen from fig1 the mask 106 extends between light rays a3 and b3 . it will be evident that a wide variety of other masks could be employed in other locations to achieve identical results . for example , mask 107 could be placed parallel to the optical axis 102 , or mask 108 could be used at an angle relative to the optical axis 102 . 109 and 110 indicate 2 additional mask locations which would provide the same general effect as mask 105 . fig2 comprises a front view of the mask 105 . from this view , it may more readily be seen that the mask 105 comprises a planar disk similar to a washer having an axis which is concentric with the optical axis 102 which passes through the focal point f . 105 &# 39 ; and 105 &# 34 ; comprise the outer and inner limits , respectively , of the mask 105 . fig3 a shows , on a reduced scale with respect to fig1 a view of the mask 107 as seen when looking along the axis 102 . fig3 b comprises a side view of the same mask 107 . accordingly , as may be seen , the mask 107 comprises a portion of a right circular cylinder having an axis coincident with the optical axis 102 . in a similar manner , fig4 a and 4b comprise front and side views , respectively , of the mask 108 illustrated in fig1 . consideration should now be given to fig5 wherein certain symmetrical and non - symmetrical relationships will be observed . the reflector 101 , shown in cross section , is illustrated as a parabolic reflector comprising the surface generated by revolving the line 101 about its axis 102 . as with fig1 light rays a , b and c , together with their points of incidence and reflection , are illustrated . it should be observed that light ray a , which enters the reflector 101 at a maximum distance from the axis 102 , leaves the reflector 101 parallel to the axis 102 but much closer thereto . conversely , light ray c , which enters the system relatively close to the axis 102 , as compared with light ray a , leaves the system after being reflected at points c1 and c2 parallel to the axis 102 but at a greater distance therefrom . examination will show that the minimum distances between the axis 102 and light rays a and c3 are identical and that the distance between the axis 102 and the light rays a and c3 are identical and that the distance between the axis 102 and the light rays c and a3 are identical . if light ray b is chosen as that ray which has its reflection points b1 and b2 on the same line with the focal point f , it will be seen that light rays b and b3 are equidistant from the axis 102 . if a mask of the type illustrated as 105 in fig1 and 2 is used in conjunction with the system of fig5 it will be evident that the net result is that the system of fig5 will , in effect , be converted from a deep - dish reflector to a shallow - dish reflector . for the purposes of this discussion , a deep - dish reflector may be defined as one wherein the limits of the reflector 101 extend beyond a plane which is at right angles to the axis 102 and includes the point f . a shallow - dish reflector may be defined as a reflector which has no portion extending beyond a plane at right angles to the axis 102 and including the point f . as may be seen , if a shallow - dish reflector is used , there will be no phantom signal , as any light ray entering the system between rays b and b3 will be reflected from the surface 101 through the focal point f and will not again encounter the reflector 101 for reflection out parallel to the axis 102 . however , as already mentioned , shallow - dish reflectors do not provide an energy efficient system and therefore it is expedient to provide deep - dish reflectors in at least those situations wherein the occurrence ot phantom signals is not expected to occur . for those few situations wherein phantom signals may be expected to occur , a standard deep - dish reflector may be employed and converted to a shallow - dish reflector by means of a mask such as that described in connection with fig2 . however , as stated , the conversion of the reflector from a deep - dish reflector to a shallow - dish reflector results in certain energy inefficiency , and the brilliance of the beam emerging from the signal in response to the illumination of an interior incandescent light bulb ( not shown ) will result in a weaker signal . considering now more specifically fig6 there will be seen a view looking toward the reflector 101 of fig5 and along the axis 102 . the outer circle designated a and c3 comprises the outer limits of the reflector 101 and the many different points at which a light ray a may be received or a light ray c3 reflected therefrom . in a similar manner , the inner circle designated c and a3 represents the many points at which a light ray c may enter the system or a light ray a3 be reflected therefrom ; and the center circle designated b and b3 constitutes the many points at which a light ray b may enter the system or a light ray b3 may be reflected therefrom . it should be evident that a mask which will convert the reflector 101 to a shallow - dish reflector may comprise a ring or washer which will intercept all the incoming light rays between the outermost and center circles . such a mask is shown in fig5 and , for convenience of illustration , displaced outward from the reflector 101 and designated 121 in fig5 and 6 . there is also shown an alternate mask 122 in fig5 and 6 which , while different in size and placement , may be seen to have the same results as the mask 121 . more specifically , if mask 122 is considered to be in place and mask 121 removed , it will be seen that any ray of light entering the system between rays and and b will be reflected on the surface 101 and through the focal point f to again be reflected from the reflecting surface 101 and be intercepted by the mask 122 . in a similar manner , any light rays entering the system between rays b3 and c3 will reflect from the surface 101 through the focal point f and again be reflected from the reflecting surface 101 to be intercepted by the upper portion of the mask 122 . in summary , either of the masks 121 or 122 will intercept the same light rays and therefore should be equally effective in preventing phantom signals . however , since mask 122 intercepts an intermediate ring of rays , it will be evident that the signal from internally - generated light rays ( from a light bulb not shown ) may be perceived as different by a viewer . this mask 122 permits signal dispersion over a larger field , albeit with a weak ring portion . it will also be apparent that if a sun shade is used and external light can never enter selected portions of the signal , corresponding portions of the mask 121 or 122 could be eliminated , thereby again increasing the energy efficiency . furthermore , if a weak phantom is not objectionable , the mask area may be selectively reduced to enhance the normal signal . empirical tests will help to determine optimum mask size and orientation . once it is recognized that the masks 121 and 122 can provide similar intercept service , it may be seen that a wide variety of masks may be designed which will be equally serviceable for intercepting the light rays which are effective to produce the undesired phantom signal . for example , one such alternate mask 123 is shown in the shaded section of fig6 a . considering fig6 a , which is drawn to a reduced scale , with respect to fig5 it will be seen that any light rays entering the upper half of the system between the boundaries of the locus of light rays a and b will be intercepted by the portion of the mask 123 between the outer two circles . similarly , any light rays entering the lower half of the system between the locus of point b3 and c3 will be intercepted by that portion of the mask 123 residing between the inner and central circles of fig6 a . another suitable form of mask 124 is illustrated in fig6 b . another mask 125 is shown in fig6 c . an analysis will show that it offers the same theoretical results . quite obviously , a wide variety of mask designs could be employed . while each of these designs may have the same theoretical results with respect to prevention of phantom signals , it will be appreciated that they are not identical with respect to the signals produced in response to the illumination of the internal incandescent lamp . experimentation with different forms of masks and different conditions has revealed that they have somewhat different effectiveness in eliminating phantoms and / or that they have different effects on the light beam as projected from the system in response to illumination of the internal lamp and as perceived by the viewer . the reasons for the difference may be a variety of factors including , but not limited to , accuracy of mask design and placement , the efficiency of the mask in absorbing light rays , the area of the mask , imperfections in the reflecting surface 101 , lack of accurate alignment of the incandescent lamp source , the idiosyncracies of the human eye in responding to signals of varying brilliance and area , and / or a variety of other factors . all of the masks illustrated in fig6 through 6c comprised masks lying in a single plane . however , as mentioned in connection with fig1 a , 3b , 4a and 4b , the mask may take cylindrical or conical shapes . considering now fig7 it will be seen that it is similar to fig5 . as suggested with respect to fig1 a and 3b , a cylindrical mask might be employed . for example , all of the rays entering the system between rays a and b or between rays b3 and c3 can be prevented from introducing a phantom signal by including a cylindrical mask having an axis 102 coincident with the axis 102 of the reflecting surface 101 and having the left - most boundary determined by a plane at right angles to the axis 102 and pasing through the focal point f and having a right - hand boundary lying in a plane normal to the axis 102 and including the points x and z &# 39 ; wherein x is the locus of all possible light rays a intersecting with the last - named plane and which is also coincident with the intersection of the locus of all points of light ray c after reflection at point c1 with the last - named plane . it may also be seen that similar results may be obtained by a cylindrical mask generated by revolving the rectangle y , z , x &# 39 ;, y &# 39 ; about the axis 102 . furthermore , the described cylindrical masks may have different radii of curvatures and different lengths with the length increasing as the radius of curvature increases . in connection with fig5 through 6c , it was shown that various combinations of the two disk masks 121 and 122 could be used to make a mask . in a similar fashion , different portions of the cylinders to the left of the line b1 - b2 and to the right of the same line of fig7 may be used to make a mask . for example , fig8 illustrates one form of mask which might be used . by analogy with fig6 through 6c , other cylindrical masks may be readily envisioned . a choice of which style of mask is used in any particular application may depend upon the variety of factors already listed as well as personal preference and / or mounting or supporting techniques . in addition to providing masks as illustrated , it will be evident that segmented conical masks could be provided . furthermore , the reflector surface 101 could be treated to prevent reflections therefrom . for example , and referring now to fig5 it would be apparent that by treating the reflecting surface 101 between points a1 and b1 a mask corresponding to mask 121 could be produced ; and by selectively treating various portions of the reflecting surface 101 , a mask corresponding to any of those illustrated in fig6 a to 6c and / or many others could be created . since the cylindrical masks are the full equivalent of selected planar disk masks , it is also evident that treating the reflecting surface 101 could provide results similar to any of the cylindrical or conical masks . as thus far described , all masks have been considered opaque for preventing the transmission of light rays . however , it will be apparent that if circumstances permit , a mask may be made which is not entirely opaque . furthermore , masks could be made of light polarizing material with appropriate orientation such that light rays which produce phantom signals pass through first and second mask portions before and after first and second reflections , respectively , and which are oriented at 90 ยฐ with respect to each other whereby such light rays entering the system are prevented from leaving and thereby preventing phantom signals . such a mask could comprise , for example , a mask of the type illustrated in fig6 wherein the first light polarizing element comprises element 121 and the second light polarizing element comprises element 122 . such a mask would have relatively little effect on light rays emitted from the internal source . another type of mask for eliminating phantom signals without significantly reducing the signal level would comprise an electrically controlled optical shutter instead of an opaque mask . such a shutter could take any of the aforedescribed configurations or could comprise a planar or curved surface covering the entire reflector . an electrical shutter might be fabricated of a liquid crystal electrically controlled by the same energy which lights an internal incandescent bulb . when the bulb is lit , the mask will become transparent , and when the bulb is off the mask becomes opaque , thereby preventing the entry of light rays which might generate phantom signals . the shutter may be opened when the internal bulb is lit as , at such time , the production of a phantom signal merely reinforces the desired signal . while there has been shown and described what is considered at present to be a preferred embodiment of the invention , modification thereto will readily occur to those skilled in the related arts . for example , in another structure the same principles of mask design and placement could be applied for use in systems having reflectors which are not entirely symmetrical about an optical axis . it is believed that no further analysis or description is required and that the foregoing so fully reveals the gist of the present invention that those skilled in the applicable arts can adapt it to meet the exigencies of their specific requirements . it is not desired , therefore , that the invention be limited to the embodiments shown and described , and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention .
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the biomarker panels and associated methods and products were identified through the analysis of analyte levels of various molecular species in human blood serum drawn from subjects having ovarian cancer of various stages and subtypes , subjects having non - cancer gynecological disorders and normal subjects . the immunoassays described below were courteously performed by our colleagues at rules - based medicine of austin , tex . using their multi - analyte profile ( map ) luminex ยฎ platform ( www . rulesbasedmedicine . com ). while a preferred sample is blood serum , it is contemplated that an appropriate sample can be derived from any biological source or sample , such as tissues , extracts , cell cultures , including cells ( for example , tumor cells ), cell lysates , and physiological fluids , such as , for example , whole blood , plasma , serum , saliva , ductal lavage , ocular lens fluid , cerebral spinal fluid , sweat , urine , milk , ascites fluid , synovial fluid , peritoneal fluid and the like . the sample can be obtained from animals , preferably mammals , more preferably primates , and most preferably humans using species specific binding agents that are equivalent to those discussed below in the context of human sample analysis . it is further contemplated that these techniques and marker panels may be used to evaluate drug therapy in rodents and other animals , including transgenic animals , relevant to the development of human and veterinary therapeutics . the sample can be treated prior to use by conventional techniques , such as preparing plasma from blood , diluting viscous fluids , and the like . methods of sample treatment can involve filtration , distillation , extraction , concentration , inactivation of interfering components , addition of chaotropes , the addition of reagents , and the like . nucleic acids ( including silencer , regulatory and interfering rna ) may be isolated and their levels of expression for the analytes described below also used in the methods of the invention . the set of blood serum samples that was analyzed to generate most of the data discussed below contained 150 ovarian cancer samples and 150 non - ovarian cancer samples . the ovarian cancer sample samples further comprised the following epithelial ovarian cancer subtypes : serous ( 64 ), clear cell ( 22 ), endometrioid ( 35 ), mucinous ( 15 ), mixed , that is , consisting of more than one subtype ( 14 ). the stage distribution of the ovarian cancer samples was : stage i ( 41 ), stage ii ( 23 ), stage iii ( 68 ), stage iv ( 12 ) and unknown stage ( 6 ). the non - ovarian cancer sample set includes the following ovarian conditions : benign ( 104 ), normal ovary ( 29 ) and โ low malignant potential / borderline ( 3 ). the sample set also includes serum from patients with other cancers : cervical cancer ( 7 ), endometrial cancer ( 6 ) and uterine cancer ( 1 ). analyte levels in the samples discussed in this specification were measured using a high - throughput , multi - analyte immunoassay platform . a preferred platform is the luminex ยฎ map system as developed by rules - based medicine , inc . in austin , tex . it is described on the company &# 39 ; s website and also , for example , in publications such as chandler et al ., โ methods and kits for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome , u . s . patent application 2007 / 0003981 , published jan . 4 , 2007 , and a related application of spain et al ., โ universal shotgun assay ,โ u . s . patent application 2005 / 0221363 , published oct . 6 , 2005 . this platform has previously been described in lokshin ( 2007 ) and generated data used in other analyses of ovarian cancer biomarkers . however , any immunoassay platform or system may be used . in brief , to describe a preferred analyte measurement system , the map platform incorporates polystyrene microspheres that are dyed internally with two spectrally distinct fluorochromes . by using accurate ratios of the fluorochromes , an array is created consisting of 100 different microsphere sets with specific spectral addresses . each microsphere set can display a different surface reactant . because microsphere sets can be distinguished by their spectral addresses , they can be combined , allowing up to 100 different analytes to be measured simultaneously in a single reaction vessel . a third fluorochrome coupled to a reporter molecule quantifies the biomolecular interaction that has occurred at the microsphere surface . microspheres are interrogated individually in a rapidly flowing fluid stream as they pass by two separate lasers in the luminex ยฎ analyzer . high - speed digital signal processing classifies the microsphere based on its spectral address and quantifies the reaction on the surface in a few seconds per sample . skilled artisans will recognize that a wide variety of analytical techniques may be used to determine the levels of biomarkers in a sample as is described and claimed in this specification . other types of binding reagents available to persons skilled in the art may be utilized to measure the levels of the indicated analytes in a sample . for example , a variety of binding agents or binding reagents appropriate to evaluate the levels of a given analyte may readily be identified in the scientific literature . generally , an appropriate binding agent will bind specifically to an analyte , in other words , it reacts at a detectable level with the analyte but does not react detectably ( or reacts with limited cross - reactivity ) with other or unrelated analytes . it is contemplated that appropriate binding agents include polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies , aptamers , rna molecules and the like . spectrometric methods also may be used to measure the levels of analytes , including immunofluorescence , mass spectrometry , nuclear magnetic resonance and optical spectrometric methods . depending on the binding agent to be utilized , the samples may be processed , for example , by dilution , purification , denaturation , digestion , fragmentation and the like before analysis as would be known to persons skilled in the art . also , gene expression , for example , in a tumor cell or lymphocyte also may be determined . it is also contemplated that the identified biomarkers may have multiple epitopes for immunoassays and / or binding sites for other types of binding agents . thus , it is contemplated that peptide fragments or other epitopes of the identified biomarkers , isoforms of specific proteins and even compounds upstream or downstream in a biological pathway or that have been post - translationally modified may be substituted for the identified analytes or biomarkers so long as the relevant and relative stoichiometries are taken into account appropriately . skilled artisans will recognize that alternative antibodies and binding agents can be used to determine the levels of any particular analyte , so long as their various specificities and binding affinities are factored into the analysis . a variety of algorithms may be used to measure or determine the levels of expression of the analytes or biomarkers used in the methods and test kits of the present invention . it is generally contemplated that such algorithms will be capable of measuring analyte levels beyond the measurement of simple cut - off values . thus , it is contemplated that the results of such algorithms will generically be classified as multivariate index analyses by the u . s . food and drug administration . specific types of algorithms include : knowledge discovery engine ( kde โข), regression analysis , discriminant analysis , classification tree analysis , random forests , proteomequest ยฎ, support vector machine , one r , knn and heuristic naive bayes analysis , neural nets and variants thereof . the following discussion and examples are provided to describe and illustrate the present invention . as such , they should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention . those skilled in the art will well appreciate that many other embodiments also fall within the scope of the invention , as it is described in this specification and the claims . correlogic has described the use of evolutionary and pattern recognition algorithms in evaluating complex data sets , including the knowledge discovery engine ( kde โข) and proteomequest ยฎ. see , for example , hitt et al ., u . s . pat . no . 6 , 925 , 389 , โ process for discriminating between biological states based on hidden patterns from biological data โ ( issued aug . 2 , 2005 ); hitt , u . s . pat . no . 7 , 096 , 206 , โ heuristic method of classification ,โ ( issued aug . 22 , 2006 ) and hitt , u . s . pat . no . 7 , 240 , 038 , โ heuristic method of classification ,โ ( to be issued jul . 3 , 2007 ). the use of this technology to evaluate mass spectral data derived from ovarian cancer samples is further elucidated in hitt et al ., โ multiple high - resolution serum proteomic features for ovarian cancer detection ,โ u . s . published patent application 2006 / 0064253 , published mar . 23 , 2006 . when analyzing the data set by correlogic &# 39 ; s knowledge discovery engine , the following five - biomarker panels were found to provide sensitivities and specificities for various stages of ovarian cancer as set forth in table i . specifically , kde model 1 [ 2 โ 0008 โ 20 ] returned a relatively high accuracy for stage i ovarian cancer and included these markers : cancer antigen 19 - 9 ( ca 19 - 9 , swiss - prot accession number : q9bxj9 ), c reactive protein ( crp , swiss - prot accession number : p02741 ), fibroblast growth factor - basic protein ( fgf - basic , swiss - prot accession number : p09038 ) and myoglobin ( swiss - prot accession number : p02144 ). kde model 2 [ 4 โ 0002 - 10 ] returned a relatively high accuracy for stage iii , iv and โ advanced โ ovarian cancer and included these markers : hepatitis c ns4 antibody ( hep c ns4 ab ), ribosomal p antibody and crp . kde model 3 [ 4 โ 0009 โ 140 ] returned a relatively high accuracy for stage i and included these markers : ca 19 - 9 , tgf alpha , en - rage ( swiss - prot accession number : p80511 ), epidermal growth factor ( egf , swiss - prot accession number : p01133 ) and hsp 90 alpha antibody . kde model 4 [ 4 โ 0026 โ 100 ] returned a relatively high accuracy for stage ii and stages iii , iv and โ advanced โ ovarian cancers and included these markers : en - rage , egf , cancer antigen 125 ( ca125 , swiss - prot accession number : q14596 ), fibrinogen ( swiss - prot accession number : alpha chain p02671 ; beta chain p02675 ; gamma chain p02679 ), apolipoprotein ciii ( apociii , swiss - prot accession number : p02656 ), cholera toxin and ca 19 - 9 . kde model 5 [ 4 โ 0027 โ 20 ] also returned a relatively high accuracy for stage ii and stages iii , iv and โ advanced โ ovarian cancers and included these markers : proteinase 3 ( canca ) antibody , fibrinogen , ca 125 , egf , cd40 ( swiss - prot accession number : q6p2h9 ), thyroid stimulating hormone ( tsh , swiss - prot accession number : alpha p01215 ; beta p01222 p02679 , leptin ( swiss - prot accession number : p41159 ), ca 19 - 9 and lymphotactin ( swiss - prot accession number : p47992 ). it is contemplated that skilled artisans could use the kde analytical tools to identify other , potentially useful sets of biomarkers for predictive or diagnostic value based on the levels of selected analytes . note that the kde algorithm may select and utilize various markers based on their relative abundances ; and that a given marker , for example the level of cholera toxin in model iv may be zero but is relevant in combination with the other markers selected in a particular grouping . skilled artisans will recognize that a limited size data set as was used in this specification may lead to different results , for example , different panels of markers and varying accuracies when comparing the relative performance of kde with other analytical techniques . these particular kde models were built on a relatively small data set using 40 stage i ovarian cancers and 40 normal / benigns and were tested blindly on the balance of the stage ii , iii / iv described above . thus , the specificity is of the stage i samples reflects sample set size and potential overfitting . the drop in specificity for the balance of the non - ovarian cancer samples also is expected given the relatively larger size of the testing set relative to the training set . overall , the biomarker panel developed for the stage i samples also provides potentially useful predictive and diagnostic assays for later stages of ovarian cancer given the high sensitivity values . however , these examples of biomarker panels illustrate that there are a number of parameters that can be adjusted to impact model performance . for instance in these cases a variety of different numbers of features are combined together , a variety of match values are used , a variety of different lengths of evolution of the genetic algorithm are used and models differing in the number of nodes are generated . by routine experimentation apparent to one skilled in the art , combinations of these parameters can be used to generate other models of clinically relevant performance , a preferred analytical technique , known to skilled artisans , is that of breiman , random forests . machine learning , 2001 . 45 : 5 - 32 ; as further described by segel , machine learning benchmarks and random forest regression , 2004 ; and robnik - sikonja , improving random forests , in machine learning , ecml , 2004 proceedings , j . f . b . e . al ., editor , 2004 , springer : berlin . other variants of random forests are also useful and contemplated for the methods of the present invention , for example , regression forests , survival forests , and weighted population random forests . since each of the analyte assays is an independent measurement of a variable , under some circumstances , known to those skilled in the art , it is appropriate to scale the data to adjust for the differing variances of each assay . in such cases , biweight , mad or equivalent scaling would be appropriate , although in some cases , scaling would not be expected to have a significant impact . a bootstrap layer on top of the random forests was used in obtaining the results discussed below . in preferred embodiments of the present invention , contemplated panels of biomarkers are : a . cancer antigen 125 ( ca 125 , swiss - prot accession number : q14596 ) and epidermal growth factor receptor ( egf - r , swiss - prot accession number : p00533 ). b . ca 125 and c reactive protein ( crp , swiss - prot accession number : p02741 ). d . any one or more of ca 125 , crp and egf - r , plus any one or more of ferritin ( swiss - prot accession number : heavy chain p02794 ; light chain p02792 ), interleukin - 8 ( il - 8 , swiss - prot accession number : p10145 ), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 ( timp - 1 , swiss - prot accession number : p01033 ), e . any one of the biomarker panels presented in table ii and table f . any of the foregoing panels of biomarkers ( a - e ) plus any one or more of the other biomarkers in the following list if not previously included in the foregoing panels ( a - e ): alpha - 2 macroglobulin ( a2m , swiss - prot accession number : p01023 ), apolipoprotein a1 - 1 ( apoa1 , swiss - prot accession number : p02647 ), apolipoprotein c - iii ( apociii , swiss - prot accession number : p02656 ), apolipoprotein h ( apoh , swiss - prot accession number : p02749 ), beta - 2 microglobulin ( b2m , swiss - prot accession number : p23560 ), betacellulin ( swiss - prot accession number : p35070 ), c reactive protein ( crp , swiss - prot accession number : p02741 ). cancer antigen 19 - 9 ( ca 19 - 9 , swiss - prot accession number : q9bxj9 ), cancer antigen 125 ( ca 125 , swiss - prot accession number : q14596 ), collagen type 2 antibody , creatine kinase - mb ( ck - mb , swiss - prot accession number : brain p12277 ; muscle p06732 ), c reactive protein ( crp , swiss - prot accession number : p02741 ), connective tissue growth factor ( ctgf , swiss - prot accession number : p29279 ), double stranded dna antibody ( dsdna ab ), en - rage ( swiss - prot accession number : p80511 ), eotaxin ( c โ c motif chemokine 11 , small - inducible cytokine a 11 and eosinophil chemotactic protein , swiss - prot accession number : p51671 ), epidermal growth factor receptor ( egf - r , swiss - prot accession number : p00533 ), ferritin ( swiss - prot accession number : heavy chain p02794 ; light chain p02792 ), follicle - stimulating hormone ( fsh , follicle - stimulating hormone beta subunit , fsh - beta , fsh - b , follitropin beta chain , follitropin subunit beta , swiss - prot accession number : p01225 ), haptoglobin ( swiss - prot accession number : p00738 ), he4 ( major epididymis - specific protein e4 , epididymal secretory protein e4 , putative protease inhibitor wap5 and wap four - disulfide core domain protein 2 , swiss - prot accession number : q14508 ), insulin ( swiss - prot accession number : p01308 ), insulin - like growth factor 1 ( igf - 1 , swiss - prot accession number : p01343 ), insulin like growth factor ii ( igf - ii , somatomedin - a , swiss - prot accession number : p01344 ), insulin factor vii ( swiss - prot accession number : p08709 ), interleukin - 6 ( il - 6 , swiss - prot accession number : p05231 ), interleukin - 8 ( il - 8 , swiss - prot accession number : p10145 ), interleukin - 10 ( il - 10 , swiss - prot accession number : p22301 ), interleukin - 18 ( il - 18 , swiss - prot accession number : q14116 ), leptin ( swiss - prot accession number : p41159 ), lymphotactin ( swiss - prot accession number : p47992 ), macrophage - derived chemokine ( mdc , swiss - prot accession number : 000626 ), macrophage inhibotory factor ( swiss prot ), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha ( mip - 1alpha , swiss - prot accession number : p10147 ), macrophage migration inhibitory factor ( mif , phenylpyruvate tautomerase , glycosylation - inhibiting factor , gm , swiss - prot accession number : p14174 ), myoglobin ( swiss - prot accession number : p02144 ), ostopontin ( bone sialoprotein 1 , secreted phosphoprotein 1 , spp - 1 , urinary stone protein , nephropontin , uropontin , swiss - prot accession number : p10451 ), pancreatic islet cells ( gad ) antibody , prolactin ( swiss - prot accession number : p01236 ), stem cell factor ( scf , swiss - prot accession number : p21583 ), tenascin c ( swiss - prot accession number : p24821 ), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 ( timp - 1 , swiss - prot accession number : p01033 ), tumor necrosis factor - alpha ( tnf - alpha , swiss - prot accession number : p01375 ), tumor necrosis factor rii ( tnf - rii , swiss - prot accession number : q92956 ), von willebrand factor ( vwf , swiss - prot accession number : p04275 ) and the other biomarkers identified as being informative for cancer in the references cited in this specification . using the random forests analytical approach , a preferred seven biomarker panel was identified that has a high predictive value for stage i ovarian cancer . it includes : apoa1 , apociii , ca125 , crp , egf - r , il - 18 and tenascin . in the course of building and selecting the relatively more accurate models for stage i cancers generated by random forests using these biomarkers , the sensitivity for stage i ovarian cancers ranged from about 80 % to about 85 %. sensitivity was also about 95 for stage ii and about 94 % sensitive for stage iii / iv . the overall specificity was about 70 %. similarly , a preferred seven biomarker panel was identified that has a high predictive value for stage ii . it includes : b2m , ca125 , ck - mb , crp , ferritin , il - 8 and tempi . a preferred model for stage ii had a sensitivity of about 82 % and a specificity of about 88 %. for stage iii , stage iv and advanced ovarian cancer , the following 19 biomarker panel was identified : a2m , ca125 , crp , ctgf , egf - r , en - rage , ferritin , haptoglobin , igf - 1 , il - 8 , il - 10 , insulin , leptin , lymphotactin , mdc , timp - 1 , tnf - alpha , tnf - rii , vwf . a preferred model for stage iii / iv had a sensitivity of about 86 % and a specificity of about 89 %. other preferred biomarker or analyte panels for detecting , diagnosing and monitoring ovarian cancer are shown in table ii and in table iii . these panels include ca - 125 , crp and egf - r and , in most cases , ca 19 - 9 . in table ii , 20 such panels of seven analytes each selected from 20 preferred analytes are displayed in columns numbered 1 through 20 . in table iii , another 20 such panels of seven analytes each selected from 23 preferred analytes are displayed in columns numbered 1 through 20 . other preferred biomarker panels ( or models ) for all stages of ovarian cancer include : ( a ) ca - 125 , crp , egf - r , ca - 19 - 9 , apo - a1 , apo - ciii , il - 6 , il - 18 , mip - 1a , tenascin c and myoglobin ; ( b ) ca 125 , crp , ca19 - 9 , egf - r , myoglobin , il - 18 , apo ciii ; and ( c ) ca 125 , crp , egf - r , ca19 - 9 , apo ciii , mip - 1a , myoglobin , il - 18 , il - 6 , apo ai , tenascin c , vwf , haptoglobin , il - 10 . optionally , any one or more of the following biomarkers may be added to these or to any of the other biomarker panels disclosed above in text or tables ( to the extent that any such panels are not already specifically identified therein ): vwf , haptoglobin , il - 10 , igf - i , igf - ii , prolactin , he4 , ace , asp and resistin . it is contemplated by the present inventors that additional , informative sets of analytes ( or biomarkers ) include any one or more , two or more , three or more and four or more of the analytes presented below in table iv , as well as any of the biomarker sets in tables i , ii or iii combined with any one or more of the analytes in table iv , and any one or more of the markers in table iv combined with any of the other biomarker sets discussed in paragraphs 70 - 75 , above , or identified elsewhere in this specification . additional set of informative analytes for use in the test kits and methods of the present invention include any one or more of ca - 125 , crp , ecg - r and he - 4 together with any one or more of the biomarkers in table iv . thus , contemplated sets of biomarkers include combinations such as : ca - 125 , crp and one or more ( or two or more ) of the biomarkers in table iv ; ca - 125 , egf - r and any one or more ( or two or more ) of the biomarkers in table iv ; ca - 125 , he - 4 and any one or more ( or two or more ) of the biomarkers in table iv ; crp , egf - r and any one or more ( or two or more ) of the biomarkers in table iv ; crp , he - 4 and any one or more ( or two or more ) of the biomarkers in table iv ; and egf - r , he - 4 and any one or more ( or two or more ) of the biomarkers in table iv . it is contemplated that markers of informative value in the foregoing biomarker sets according to the present invention include vcam - 1 , il - 6r , il - 18r and sortillin . additionally , biomarker panels comprising any one or more ( or two or more ) of the biomarkers in table iv together with any two or more , three or more and four or more of these three sets of biomarkers : ( a ) ca 125 , transthyretin , apoa - i , b2 - microglobulin and transferrin ; ( b ) ca125 and leptin , prolactin , osteopontin , and insulin - like growth factor - ii ; and ( c ) ovaplex : ca125 , c - reactive protein , serum amyloid a , il - 6 and il - 8 . in general , soluble forms of these analytes are contemplated , including protein and peptide fragments and domains that are shed into the circulating blood and lymph streams . these analytes may be detected and analyzed in blood , lymph , serum , urine and other bodily fluids . also contemplated in the compositions and methods of the present invention are autoantibodies against any of the disclosed biomarkers , as well as nucleotides that encode these biomarkers , and that may be detected and quantified as another indirect way to assess the levels of these markers . aptamers and other compounds useful for the detection of such molecular species are well known to persons skilled in the art . any two or more of the preferred biomarkers described above will have predictive value , however , adding one or more of the other preferred markers to any of the analytical panels described herein may increase the panel &# 39 ; s predictive value for clinical purposes . for example , adding one or more of the different biomarkers listed above or otherwise identified in the references cited in this specification may also increase the biomarker panel &# 39 ; s predictive value and are therefore expressly contemplated . skilled artisans can readily assess the utility of such additional biomarkers . it is contemplated that additional biomarker appropriate for addition to the sets ( or panels ) of biomarkers disclosed or claimed in this specification will not result in a decrease in either sensitivity or specificity without a corresponding increase in either sensitivity or specificity or without a corresponding increase in robustness of the biomarker panel overall . a sensitivity and / or specificity of at least about 80 % or higher are preferred , more preferably at least about 85 % or higher , and most preferably at least about 90 % or 95 % or higher . the results of the disclosed diagnostic may be output for the benefit of the user or diagnostician , or may otherwise be displayed on a medium such as , but not limited to , a computer screen , a computer readable medium , a piece of paper , or any other visible medium . the foregoing embodiments and advantages of this invention are set forth , in part , in the preceding description and examples and , in part , will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from this description and examples and may be further realized from practicing the invention as disclosed herein . for example , the techniques of the present invention are readily applicable to monitoring the progression of ovarian cancer in an individual , by evaluating a specimen or biological sample as described above and then repeating the evaluation at one or more later points in time , such that a difference in the expression or disregulation of the relevant biomarkers over time is indicative of the progression of the ovarian cancer in that individual or the responsiveness to therapy . all references , patents , journal articles , web pages and other documents identified in this patent application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties . 1 . ahmed , n ., et al ., proteomic - 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malignant diseases of the ovary . acta oncol , 1989 . 28 ( 5 ): p . 655 - 7 . 24 . erkanli , a ., et al ., application of bayesian modeling of autologous antibody responses against ovarian tumor - associated antigens to cancer detection . cancer res , 2006 . 66 ( 3 ): p . 1792 - 8 . 25 . fioretti , p ., et al ., preoperative evaluation of ca 125 and ca 19 - 9 serum levels in patients with ovarian masses . eur j gynaecol oncol , 1988 . 9 ( 4 ): p . 291 - 4 . 26 . fung , e . t ., et al . novel biomarkers to aid in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass . in igcs conference . 2006 . santa , monica , calif . 27 . fung , e . t ., et al ., classification of cancer types by measuring variants of host response proteins using seldi serum assays . int j cancer , 2005 . 115 ( 5 ): p . 783 - 9 . 28 . fung ( a ), e . t ., et al . novel biomarkers that predict survival in patients with ovarian cancer . 2006 . 29 . gadducci , a ., et al ., the serum concentrations of tag - 72 antigen measured with ca 72 - 4 irma in patients with ovarian carcinoma . preliminary data . j nucl med allied sci , 1989 . 33 ( 1 ): p . 32 - 6 . 30 . gorelik , e ., et al ., multiplexed immunobead - based cytokine profiling for early detection of ovarian cancer . cancer epidemiol biomarkers prev , 2005 . 14 ( 4 ): p . 981 - 7 . 31 . hellstrom , i ., et al ., mesothelin variant 1 is released from tumor cells as a diagnostic marker . cancer epidemiol biomarkers prev , 2006 . 15 ( 5 ): p . 1014 - 20 . 32 . ibanez de caceres , i ., et al ., tumor cell - specific brca1 and rassf1a hypermethylation in serum , plasma , and peritoneal fluid from ovarian cancer patients . cancer res , 2004 . 64 ( 18 ): p . 6476 - 81 . 33 . inoue , m ., et al ., sialyl lewis - xi antigen in patients with gynecologic tumors . obstet gynecol , 1989 . 73 ( 1 ): p . 79 - 83 . 34 . inoue , m ., et al ., [ the clinical value of sialyl ssea - 1 antigen in patients with gynecologic tumors ]. nippon sanka fujinka gakkai zasshi , 1987 . 39 ( 12 ): p . 2120 - 4 . 35 . kizawa , i ., y . kikuchi , and k . kato , [ diagnostic value of biochemical tumor markers in serum of patients with cancer of the ovary ]. nippon sanka fujinka gakkai zasshi , 1983 . 35 ( 3 ): p . 251 - 8 . 36 . knauf , s ., et al ., a study of the nb / 70k and ca 125 monoclonal antibody radioimmunoassays for measuring serum antigen levels in ovarian cancer patients . am j obstet gynecol , 1985 . 152 ( 7 pt 1 ): p . 911 - 3 . 37 . kobayashi , h ., t . terao , and y . kawashima , clinical evaluation of circulating serum sialyl tn antigen levels in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer . j clin oncol , 1991 . 9 ( 6 ): p . 983 - 7 . 38 . koelbl , h ., et al ., a comparative study of mucin - like carcinoma - associated antigen ( mca ), ca 125 , ca 19 - 9 and cea in patients with ovarian cancer . neoplasma , 1989 . 36 ( 4 ): p . 473 - 8 . 39 , koivunen , e ., et al ., cyst fluid of ovarian cancer patients contains high concentrations of trypsinogen - 2 . cancer res , 1990 . 50 ( 8 ): p . 2375 - 8 . 40 , kong , f ., et al ., using proteomic approaches to identify new biomarkers for detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer . gynecol oncol , 2006 . 100 ( 2 ): p . 247 - 53 . 41 . kozak , k . r ., et al ., identification of biomarkers for ovarian cancer using strong anion - exchange proteinchips : potential use in diagnosis and prognosis . proc nati acad sci usa , 2003 . 100 ( 21 ): p . 12343 - 8 . 42 . kozak , k . r ., et al ., characterization of serum biomarkers for detection of early stage ovarian cancer . proteomics , 2005 . 5 ( 17 ): p . 4589 - 96 . 43 . lambeck , a . j ., et al ., serum cytokine profiling as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in ovarian cancer : a potential role for interleukin 7 . clin cancer res , 2007 . 13 ( 8 ): p , 2385 - 2391 , 44 . le page , c ., et al ., from gene profiling to diagnostic markers : il - 18 and fgf - 2 complement ca125 as serum - based markers in epithelial ovarian cancer . int j cancer , 2006 . 118 ( 7 ): p . 1750 - 8 . 45 . lim , r ., et al ., neutrophil gelatinase - associated lipocalin ( ngal ) an early - screening biomarker for ovarian cancer : ngal is associated with epidermal growth factor - induced epithelio - mesenchymal transition . int j cancer , 2007 , 120 ( 11 ): p . 2426 - 34 . 46 . lin , y . w ., et al ., plasma proteomic pattern as biomarkers for ovarian cancer . int j gynecol cancer , 2006 . 16 suppl 1 : p . 139 - 46 . 48 . lokshin , a . e ., et al ., circulating il - 8 and anti - il - 8 autoantibody in patients with ovarian cancer . gynecol oncol , 2006 . 102 ( 2 ): p . 244 - 51 . 49 . lopez , m . f ., et al ., a novel , high - throughput workflow for discovery and identification of serum carrier protein - bound peptide biomarker candidates in ovarian cancer samples . clin chem , 2007 . 53 ( 6 ): p . 1067 - 74 . 50 . malki , s ., et al ., expression and biological role of the prostaglandin d synthase / sox9 pathway in human ovarian cancer cells . cancer lett , 2007 . 51 . massi , g . b ., et al ., the significance of measurement of several oncofetal antigens in diagnosis and management of epithelial ovarian tumors . eur j gynaecol oncol , 1983 , 4 ( 2 ): p . 88 - 93 . 52 . meden , h ., et al ., elevated serum levels of a c - erbb - 2 oncogene product in ovarian cancer patients and in pregnancy . j cancer res clin oncol , 1994 . 120 ( 6 ): p . 378 - 81 . 53 . mehta , a . i ., et al ., biomarker amplification by serum carrier protein binding . dis markers , 2003 . 19 ( 1 ): p . 1 - 10 . 54 . meinhold - heerlein , i ., et al ., an integrated clinical - genomics approach identifies a candidate multi - analyte blood test for serous ovarian carcinoma . clin cancer res , 2007 . 13 ( 2 pt 1 ): p . 458 - 66 . 55 . miszczak - zaborska , e ., et al ., the activity of thymidine phosphorylase as a new ovarian tumor marker . gynecol oncol , 2004 . 94 ( 1 ): p . 86 - 92 . 56 . moore , l . e ., et al ., evaluation of apolipoprotein a 1 and posttranslationally modified forms of transthyretin as biomarkers for ovarian cancer detection in an independent study population . cancer epidemiol biomarkers prev , 2006 . 15 ( 9 ): p . 1641 - 6 . 57 . mor , g ., et al ., serum protein markers for early detection of ovarian cancer . proc natl acad sci usa , 2005 . 102 ( 21 ): p . 7677 - 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94 . 80 . tosner , j ., j . krejsek , and b . louda , serum prealbumin , transferrin and alpha - 1 - acid glycoprotein in patients with gynecological carcinomas . neoplasma , 1988 . 35 ( 4 ): p . 403 - 11 . 81 . tsigkou , a ., et al ., total inhibin is a potential serum marker for epithelial ovarian cancer j clin endochrin metab , 2007 . 82 . tsukishiro , s ., et al ., preoperative serum thrombopoietin levels are higher in patients with ovarian cancer than with benign cysts . eur j obstet gynecol reprod bial , 2005 . 83 . vlahou , a ., et al ., diagnosis of ovarian cancer using decision tree classification of mass spectral data . j biomed biotechnol , 2003 . 2003 ( 5 ): p . 308 - 314 . 84 . woong - shick , a ., et al ., identification of hemoglobin - alpha and - beta subunits as potential serum biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer . cancer sci , 2005 . 96 ( 3 ): p . 197 - 201 . 85 . wu , s . p ., et al ., seldi - tof ms profiling of plasma proteins in ovarian cancer . taiwan j obstet gynecol , 2006 . 45 ( 1 ): p . 26 - 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a cooling system 100 of the present disclosure , includes a spouting device 1 that sprays water mist into the air , a dehumidifier 3 that dehumidifies the air , and a compressor 4 which pressurizes the compressed air , as shown in fig1 and 2 . the air conditioner also includes a water tank 5 that supplies the pressurized water to a spray device 1 a for spraying water mist , a pressurized water feed pump 7 , and associated conduits 51 , 52 . the spouting device 1 includes a nozzle 1 a that spouts the water mist into the air and one or more air spouting nozzles 1 b that spout the dehumidified air into the air . spray nozzle 1 a is pressurized by water feeding pump 7 which receives water from a water tank 5 by conduit 51 . air spouting nozzle 1 b ejects compressed air from the compressor 4 via conduit 52 which has been dehumidified via an air dehumidifier 3 . spouting device 1 may include a fan โ f โ to mix the fine water droplets and dehumidified air . using a fan , the pressure of dehumidified air can be as little as 1 psi . different types of dehumidifiers can be used . a membrane dryer dehumidifier is shown in fig4 , an adsorption type dehumidifier is shown in fig5 and a desiccant type dehumidifier is shown in fig6 . the desiccant type dehumidifier is an effective dehumidification structure for use in the cooling system . in the membrane dryer dehumidifier ma in fig4 , compressed air ca passes through the inside of a hollow thread membrane ps ( plastic fine thread membranes ). moisture runs off from the fibrous air holes to the outer part of the surface of hollow thread membranes ps . moisture that adheres to the surface of the fibers is spouted by compressed air ca 1 . thus , moisture is removed and evacuated with air purge pa . the humidity level of the air that passes inside the hollow thread membranes ps is adjusted according to the method described above . the hollow thread membranes ps is adapted to pass inside the purging air ducts . water vapor removal air purge pa is adapted to pass through the clearance between the surface of hollow thread membranes positioned within the duct and is discharged along with the water droplets removed from the air . the adsorption type dehumidifier in fig5 includes two towers 15 that are selectively cycled to achieve the desired dehumidification in the pressurized air stream . as can be seen in fig5 , four way valves 17 , 18 are placed in front and in back of the towers 15 a , 15 b which are filled with moisture adsorbent materials such as silica gel , zeolite , and active alumina and the like . check valves 21 , 22 prevent the reverse flow of air , and filters 19 , 20 , 23 remove impurities from the air . in dehumidifier 3 , while humid air passes through one tower 15 a to be dehumidified , the absorbent material in the other tower 15 b can be renewed . by switching the towers 15 alternatively , the dehumidification can be done continuously . impurities in the air compressed by the compressor 4 , is removed when the compressed air passes through a dust filter 10 and a drain water filter 20 . adjusted dehumidified air passes through the air filter 23 by a four way valve 18 . compressed air that passes through the dust filter 19 and drained water filter 20 goes through a discharge port 45 by the four way valve 17 . desiccant type dehumidifier in fig6 includes a desiccant rotor 30 , a motor 32 and a drive belt 31 that transmits the drive power of motor to the desiccant rotor 30 . the desiccant dehumidifier also includes fans 33 , 34 and an electric heater 35 . the disk shaped desiccant rotor is made of adsorbent materials such as silica gel , zeolite and active alumina and the like , and the front surface is partitioned into lattice or honeycomb shapes . the desiccant rotor 30 is partitioned into a treatment zone that adsorbs the moisture from the air and a renewal zone that removes the moisture that was adsorbed during air treatment . the desiccant rotor 30 rotates at a fixed speed while humid air passes through the treatment zone and the moisture that is absorbed by the media that makes up the desiccant rotor 30 is removed . by using this arrangement continuous dehumidification and renew can be accomplished . another embodiment of the cooling system is shown in fig3 . the cooling system includes a conical body 8 that is provided with a fan 8 b . the conduit 8 is structured to mix the sprayed water mist from nozzles 8 c and the dehumidified air from conduit 54 , as shown in fig3 . the cooling system includes conical conduit 8 that sprays water mist , an air dehumidifying dehumidifier 9 that that gradually sends air to conical body 8 . the system also includes spray nozzle 8 c , a water tank 5 , and a pump 7 . the cooling system of fig3 is a fan - type spray device in which a fan 8 b is positioned within a rear part of conical body 8 a . in the front end of the conical body 8 a , along its periphery , a water header 8 d is connected to duct 53 , which supplies water from a water tank 5 . the water header 8 d includes nozzles 8 c that allow water mist to be ejected in a forwardly direction . behind fan 8 b , conduit 54 is positioned and is used to send the dehumidified air , adjusted by the air dehumidifying dehumidifier 9 , to the spouting device 8 . this embodiment of the cooling system may exclude a compressor which would use less power than the first embodiment . during testing of the first embodiment , six spray nozzles were used having flow rate of 60 cc / min per unit and the water temperature of 19 ยฐ c . the dehumidified air was introduced at a volume of about 2 m 3 / min at a temperature of 26 . 5 ยฐ c ., a relative humidity of 3 . 3 %, and absolute humidity 0 . 7 g / kg . the outer air temperature during testing was 28 . 8 ยฐ c . using the above parameters the surrounding air temperature , about 2 meters in front of the spray spout nozzle and dehumidified air spout nozzle , was 14 . 7 ยฐ c . the outside air temperature during the test was 28 ยฐ c . and the relative humidity was 82 %. the wet bulb temperature , which was calculated from a psychometric diagram , was 25 . 5 ยฐ c . wet bulb temperature is the lowest temperature by which vaporization can occur and corresponds to the surrounding air temperature . during testing of the second embodiment , six spray spouting nozzles were used rated at 60 cc / min per unit with a water temperature of 19 ยฐ c . the dehumidified air was introduced at a volume of 2 m 3 / min , a temperature of 28 . 6 ยฐ c ., a relative humidity of 2 . 9 %, and an absolute humidity 0 . 7 g / kg . the outside air temperature during testing was 31 . 5 ยฐ c . using above parameters the air temperature , at a position about 2 meters in front of the spray spout nozzle and dehumidified air spout nozzle , was lowered from 31 . 5 ยฐ c . to 16 . 2 ยฐ c . during the test the outside air temperature was 33 . 5 ยฐ c . and the relative humidity was 68 %. the wet bulb temperature , obtained from a psychometric diagram , was 28 . 3 ยฐ c . during a third test only dehumidified air was spouted from the cooling system . during the test the outside air temperature was 12 . 5 ยฐ c . and the relative humidity was 75 %. no water misting was used for this test . the dehumidified air temperature was the same as the outside air temperature , and when only dehumidified air was discharged into the air , the surrounding temperature at 2 meters in front of the dehumidified air spout nozzle 6 , was 5 ยฐ c . and had a relative humidity of 43 %. the reason for the cooling is the surrounding air is cooled by the adiabatic expansion of the dehumidified air spray . the oversaturated water vapor gets mixed with dehumidified air and evaporates . this causes vaporization heat to be taken from the surrounding air causing a temperature drop . the outer air temperature was 12 ยฐ c . and the relative humidity was 75 % during the test . the wet bulb temperature obtained from a psychometric diagram was 9 . 69 ยฐ c . while this invention has been described as having a preferred design , the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure . this application is therefore intended to cover any variations , uses , or adaptations of the invention using its general principles . further , this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims .
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referring to fig1 - 3 , a preferred three - phase , two - way , submersible loadbreak vacuum interrupter switch assembly 5 constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated . the assembly comprises of an outer case 10 , formed from a sturdy , corrosive - resistant material . the preferred material is stainless steel . the dimensions of case 10 are preferably approximately 16 . 7 inches wide by 39 inches high by 25 inches deep to fit within existing access holes and underground spaces available for switching assemblies . each switch assembly case 10 is filled with dry air . neither oil nor sf 6 gas is used . case 10 preferably has sides 11 a - d , bottom 13 , and cover 12 welded together along the abutting edges . front side 11 b has viewing window 55 and the back side 11 d has viewing window 55 . as will become clear later , the viewing window permits personnel to view power interruption switches inside the sealed case in order to determine if the switches are open or closed , with the interior of the case 10 being illuminated through the rear window by exterior daylight , a room light , a flashlight , or other source of illumination . it is foreseeable that the vacuum interrupter switch assembly 5 will be placed against a wall , however , rendering the backside window useless , and it may accordingly be desirable to have a second window installed on the front side 11 b to enable a flashlight to be shined into the case via the second window while the first front window is used to view the illuminated power interruption switch . viewing window 55 on the back side can accordingly be moved to the front side , if necessary , or a third window or larger window can simply be used on the front of the illustrated case . two sets of three power bushings ( 302 a , 302 b , 302 c and 102 a , 102 b , 102 c ) extend out from cover 12 . as illustrated in fig1 - 3 , power bushings 302 a , 302 b , and 302 c extend from the left region of the cover , while power bushings 102 a , 102 b , and 102 c extend from the right region of the cover . in use , the incoming three - phase power feeder cable is electrically coupled to power bushings 302 a , 302 b , and 302 c . the power bushings 102 a , 102 b , and 102 c are electrically coupled to branch circuits to provide three - phase power . for this invention , the preferred power bushings are manufactured under the elastimold trademark by thomas & amp ; betts corporation ( memphis , tenn .). fig4 is a cut - away left side elevation view of the switch assembly 5 illustrating the preferred layout of the assembly &# 39 ; s preferred internal disconnect switch assemblies 300 a , 300 b , and 300 c . fig5 is a cut - away right side elevation view of the preferred vacuum interrupter switch assembly 5 illustrating the preferred internal layout of the vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly components 100 a , 100 b , and 100 c . fig6 is a cut - away front elevation view of the preferred vacuum interrupter switch assembly illustrating the preferred internal layout of the preferred components for the disconnect switch assemblies 300 a , 300 b , and 300 c and vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a , 100 b , and 100 c . fig7 is a side elevation view , in schematic , of a preferred vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly constructed in accordance with the invention , with its operating mechanism shown in cut - away schematic form . as illustrated in fig7 and 12 , vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a , 100 b , and 100 c each generally comprise a power bushing 102 a - c , an insulation shield 104 a - c , a vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a - c , a common bus connector 110 a - c , a push - pull insulator 116 a - c , and an operating mechanism assembly 150 a - c . for the sake of brevity , it will be understood that a description of a component having an โ a โ suffix following its reference numeral will also serve as a description of a corresponding component having a โ b โ or โ c โ suffix service unless otherwise stated in the specification or as evident from the figures . likewise , all three corresponding components may be referred to with the suffix โ a - c โ following the reference numeral . as illustrated in fig5 and 6 , vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly 100 a extends vertically upward and out of cover 12 . vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly 100 b extends vertically upward and out of cover 12 , behind vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly 100 a and generally parallel thereto . vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly 100 c extends vertically upward and out of cover 12 , behind vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly 100 b and generally parallel thereto . fig8 is a front partially - sectioned elevation view in schematic of a preferred disconnect switch assembly constructed in accordance with the invention . disconnect switch assemblies 300 a , 300 b and 300 c are all represented in fig8 , with the nomenclature 300 a - c . corresponding elements of the respective disconnect switch assemblies are denoted similarly . disconnect switch assembly 300 a - c is generally comprised of a power bushing 302 a - c , an insulating shield 304 a - c , a transparent insulating shield 318 a - c , top contact 306 a - c and bottom contact 312 a - c , a contact rod 308 a - c , an insulating shield 314 a - c , and a push - pull insulator 316 a - c . as illustrated in fig4 and 6 , internal disconnect switch assembly 300 a extends vertically upward and out of cover 12 . internal disconnect switch assembly 300 b extends vertically upward and out of cover 12 behind internal disconnect switch assembly 300 a and generally parallel thereto . internal disconnect switch assembly 300 c extends vertically upward and out of cover 12 behind internal disconnect switch assembly 300 b and generally parallel thereto . as illustrated in fig6 , each vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly 100 a - c is mechanically and electrically coupled to a corresponding disconnect switch assembly 300 a - c through bus 140 a - c . bus 140 a - c is connected to l - bracket 310 a - c ( best shown in fig8 ) of disconnect switch assembly 300 a - c and to connector 110 a - c ( best shown in fig7 ) of vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly 100 a - c . as illustrated in fig4 , disconnect switch assemblies 300 a , 300 b , and 300 c ( shown in the open position ) are connected to drive shaft 363 which is mechanically coupled to operating mechanism 350 . coupling to drive shaft 363 allows the disconnect switch assemblies 300 a - c to be controlled in unison . turning drive shaft 363 clockwise will push contact rods 308 a - c through guides 305 a - c from the shown โ open โ position into top contacts 306 a - c , the โ closed โ position where upper contacts 306 a - c and bottom contacts 312 a - c are electrically coupled through contact rods 308 a - c . from the closed position , turning drive shaft 363 counter clockwise pulls contact rods 308 a - c out from top contacts 306 a - c and back down to bottom contacts 312 a - c and into the open position . as illustrated in fig1 , vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a , 100 b , and 100 c are mechanically coupled to drive shaft 60 through operating mechanisms 150 a , 150 b , and 150 c , respectively . coupling to drive shaft 60 allows the vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a - c to be controlled in unison . referring to fig6 , the vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a - c are seen in the open position . turning drive shaft 60 clockwise results in pushing up the moveable contact of vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a - c such that the internal contacts are pushed together . this is the closed position for the vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly . from the closed position , turning drive shaft 60 counterclockwise pulls the moveable contact of vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a - c downwards so that the internal contacts are pulled apart and into the open position . fig9 is an exploded right side perspective view of the vacuum interrupter switch assembly of fig1 , illustrating the preferred interlocking control assembly . as illustrated in fig9 , interlocking control assembly 40 is preferably affixed to front side 11 b . drive shafts 60 and 363 are mechanically connected to interlocking control assembly 40 via control shafts 41 a and 41 b , respectively . interlocking control assembly 40 ensures proper and safe operation of the switch by preventing the internal disconnect switch assemblies 100 a - c from opening or closing unless the vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 a - c are open . if an underground vault has a 30 - inch diameter access hole , then switch assembly 5 described above can fit through the hole , bottom side first , and into the vault . if smaller dimensions are desired , then a variety of dielectric materials can be utilized . oil or sf 6 could also be used , but would re - introduce environmental hazards to the disclosed assembly and negate some of its features and benefits . a variety of grounding methods are available for the switch assembly 5 . one can , for example , weld ground rods to the case 10 so that a grounding wire can be connected to the rods . alternatively , a bracket can be used so that a grounding wire with a terminal can be bolted on . once positioned inside the vault , the vacuum interrupter switch can be grounded and synthetic power cables attached to power bushings 102 a - c and 302 a - c through power cable elbows such as those manufactured under the elastimold trademark by thomas & amp ; betts corporation ( memphis , tenn .) and under the cooper trademark by cooper power systems ( waukesha , wis .). for this invention , elastimold is the preferred brand . the assembly of the preferred vacuum interrupter switch assembly will now be discussed . the construction and operation of a vacuum interrupter bottle switches are known to those of ordinary skill in the art , and are not discussed here for the sake of brevity . fig1 is an exploded view of the components fastened to the inside of the cover of the vacuum interrupter switch assembly , and fig1 is a left side elevation view of the preferred components fastened to the bottom of the preferred vacuum interrupter switch assembly . referring to fig1 and 11 , support bars 14 a - d , 15 a - c , and 16 are bolted into place onto cover 12 and bottom 13 through threaded holes . floor mounting brackets 21 are fastened with bolts , nuts , and lock washers to the underside of bottom 13 at points 98 . cylindrical support rods 404 and 406 are bolted to bottom 13 through threaded holes . as best illustrated in fig5 and 11 , rectangular support rod 408 is laid on support rods 404 . support stand 410 is laid on rectangular support rod 408 and support rods 406 . support stand 410 is bolted to support rods 406 and , through rectangular support rod 408 , to support rods 404 . power bushing 102 a , 102 b , and 102 c are inserted in respective holes in the cover and welded to cover 12 . power bushing 302 a , 302 b , and 302 c are inserted in respective holes in the cover and welded to cover 12 . nut 128 a and a lock washer are installed on the threaded portion of stud adapter 130 a which is then threaded into power bushing 102 a . similarly , nuts and lock washers are installed on the threaded portion of stud adapters threaded into power bushing 102 b and 102 c . a lock washer and connector 320 c are threaded onto the stud of power bushing 302 c . the large end of top contact 306 c clasps onto the small end of connector 320 c . spring 321 c is placed onto top contact 306 c to hold it firmly onto connector 320 c . spacer 322 c is placed into a small groove inside the small end of top contact 306 c . spring 323 c is placed around the small end of top contact 306 c . the same is done for the other two power bushings . as best shown in fig1 , the right ends of shields 104 a - c have holes 105 . the ends of shields 104 a - c without the holes 105 are installed onto power bushing 102 a , 102 b , and 102 c , respectively . similarly , the ends of shields 304 a - c without holes 303 are installed onto power bushing 302 a , 302 b , and 302 c , respectively . guides 305 a - c are each cylindrically - shaped with an interior that is slanted so that one end has a smaller interior cross - section than the other end . guides 305 a , 305 b , and 305 c are inserted smaller end first into power bushings 302 a , 302 b , and 302 c , respectively . all holes 307 are aligned with holes 303 and inserted with a peg 309 . assembly of the preferred vacuum interrupter bottle switch assembly is best understood with reference to fig1 and 13 . a lock washer 106 is installed onto the stationary contact for vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 a , 108 b , and 108 c which are then threaded into stud adapters 130 a , 130 b , and 130 c , respectively . four insulating cylinders 119 cover the four short studs surrounding the moveable contact of vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a . a short threaded cylindrical spacer 121 and a long threaded cylindrical spacer 120 are screwed onto the moveable contact for vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a and tightened against one another . the same is done to vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 b and 108 c . a threaded rod 127 a with metal spacer 126 a has lock washers 131 placed on both ends and is screwed into the internal threads of the movable contact for vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a . the same is done to vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 b and 108 c . insulation cover tops 132 a , 132 b , and 132 c are loosely installed over vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 a , 108 b , and 108 c , respectively . assembly holder 129 is loosely installed over vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 a , 108 b , and 108 c through respective holes 129 a , 129 b , and 129 c . an o - ring 122 is fitted around the movable contact end of vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 a , 108 b , and 108 c . from openings 135 a , 135 b , and 135 c , insulating covers 134 a , 134 b , and 134 c are fitted over vacuum interrupter bottle switches 132 a , 132 b , and 132 c , respectively . bus connector 110 a - c , as illustrated in fig1 and 14 , comprises a generally cylindrical body with a rectangular flange at one end that has holes 107 . the other end of the connector 110 a - c has four holes 109 on the other end with internal grooves 111 . within groove 111 is a disposed band of torsion or leaf spring contact material 112 . contact elements of this type are sold , for example , under the multilam trademark . c - clips 113 secure the multilam contact 112 within groove 111 . as best illustrated in fig1 , bus connector 110 a is inserted into insulating cover 134 a through the slotted opening end , around metal spacer 126 a , and installed onto vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a by aligning its four holes 109 with the four studs ( not shown ) surrounding the movable contact of vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a . an insulating spacer 118 is inserted into bus connector 110 a , and around metal spacer 126 a , with its holes 117 aligned with holes 109 . four screws 125 are inserted through holes 117 and 109 and screwed into the four studs surrounding the movable contact for vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 a . the same is done with corresponding components to respect to vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 b and 108 c . fig2 - 28 show right side and front perspective views of a preferred operating mechanism assembly 150 ( fig7 ) constructed in accordance with the invention . fig2 is an internal view of the operating mechanism assembly 150 . the operating mechanism assembly 150 comprises a drive shaft assembly 151 , push - pull assembly 152 , and damper assembly 153 , and framing components . three identical operating mechanisms are preferably used , and are designated as 150 a , 150 b , and 150 c herein . referring to fig3 , 37a - q , and 38 a - h , the drive shaft assembly 151 is assembled with spring shaft 167 secured between the arms of rotating clevis 165 ( fig3 b ) by inserting pin 166 through holes 165 a and hole 167 a of spring shaft 167 . spring 169 is slid onto spring shaft 167 and held in place with screws at points 167 c . spring 169 is important since it controls the opening and closing speed of vacuum interrupter bottle switch 108 . pin 166 is held in place with cotter pins inserted into holes 166 a . lever arm 161 is fitted onto rotating clevis 165 with an end of pin 166 inserted into curved slot 161 a and shaft opening 161 b aligned with shaft opening 164 of rotating clevis 165 . pivot point 161 c protrudes away from rotating clevis 165 . lever arm 162 is fitted onto rotating clevis 165 with the other end of pin 166 inserted into curved slot 162 a and shaft opening 162 b aligned with shaft opening 164 of rotating clevis 165 . pivot point 162 c protrudes away from rotating clevis 165 . end 170 c of toggle link 170 a is fastened to pivot point 161 c with a retaining washer . end 170 d of toggle link 170 a along with end 171 c of toggle link 171 a are fastened by retaining washers to pivot point 173 a of clevis 172 . toggle link 170 b is substantially identical in structure to toggle link 170 a . end 170 c of toggle link 170 b is fastened to pivot point 162 c with a retaining washer . end 170 d of toggle link 170 b along with end 171 d of toggle link 171 b is fastened by retaining washers to pivot point 173 b of clevis 172 . ( note : toggle link 171 b is substantially identical in structure to toggle link 171 a ( fig3 n , o )). a threaded spacer 183 ( fig3 a ) is fitted between toggle links 170 a and 170 b and screwed into place at point 170 e of both toggle links . referring to fig2 - 33 and 38a - h , the push - pull assembly 152 is assembled with bolt 176 inserted through hole 179 d of spring support rod 179 , bottom spring holder 178 , over - travel spring 177 , and top spring holder 178 . a spring washer , two nuts , and a second spring washer are screwed onto bolt 176 . referring to fig2 , 29 , 36 and 39 , a damper assembly 153 includes a stopper 188 which is inserted through spacer 189 , through hole 186 on support 185 and held in place with a cotter pin . drive shaft assembly 151 is connected to push - pull assembly 152 by fastening the end 171 d of toggle link 171 a to the end 179 a of spring support rod 179 with a retaining washer , and fastening the end 171 d of the toggle link 171 b to the end 179 b of spring support rod 179 with a retaining washer . in fig3 and 33 , toggle links 171 a - b of drive shaft assembly 151 are shown attached to push - pull assembly 152 . referring to fig3 and 40 , flanged spacers 200 are inserted into hole 202 a on frame 202 and hole 201 a on frame 201 from the non - flanged side . spring support rod end 179 b is inserted into slot 202 b on frame 202 . bolt 197 is inserted into hole 202 c of frame 202 and screwed into threaded spacer 184 a at end 184 d . a second bolt 197 is inserted into hole 202 e of frame 202 and screwed into threaded spacer 184 b at end 184 d . pivot rod 175 is inserted into pivot shaft 174 of clevis 172 with end 175 b inserted into hole 202 g and fastened in place with a retaining washer . damper assembly 153 is installed onto spacer 184 b through hole 185 a and positioned between the arms of clevis 172 and on pivot shaft 174 at support point 185 b . spring support end 179 a is inserted into slot 201 b on frame 201 . a bolt 197 is inserted into hole 201 c of frame 201 and screwed into threaded spacer 184 a at end 184 c . another bolt 197 is inserted through hole 201 e of frame 201 and screwed into threaded spacer 184 b at end 184 c . end 175 a of pivot rod 175 is inserted through hole 201 g and fastened into place with a retaining washer . pin 168 is inserted through hole 202 d , slot 167 b , and hole 201 d and fastened in place with retaining washers . the screws in points 167 c are removed . a support screw is fitted with a flat washer , nut , and spring washer and then screwed into hole 179 f at spring support rod end 179 b . a support screw is fitted with a flat washer , nut , and spring washer and then screwed into hole 202 f of frame 202 . spring end 182 c of spring 182 is hooked onto the support screw at support rod end 179 b . spring end 182 d of spring 182 is hooked on the support screw at hole 202 f of frame 202 . a support screw is fitted with a flat washer , nut , and spring washer and then screwed into hole 179 e at spring support rod end 179 a . a second support screw is fitted with a flat washer , nut , and spring washer and then screwed into hole 201 f of frame 201 . spring end 182 c of another spring 182 is hooked onto the support screw at support rod end 179 a . spring end 182 d of the second spring 182 is hooked on the support screw at hole 201 f of frame 201 to complete the assembly of an operating mechanism designated as 150 a . two more operating mechanisms are assembled in the same manner and designated as 150 b and 150 c . the small end of push - pull insulator 116 a ( fig7 ) is screwed onto threaded rod 127 a ( fig1 ). the large end of push - pull insulator 116 a is screwed onto bolt 176 a ( fig3 , 33 ) of operating mechanism 150 a . the small end of push - pull insulator 116 b is screwed onto threaded rod 127 b . the large end of push - pull insulator 116 b is screwed onto bolt 176 b of operating mechanism 150 b . the small end of push - pull insulator 116 c is screwed onto threaded rod 127 c . the large end of push - pull insulator 116 c is screwed onto bolt 176 c of operating mechanism 150 c . turning to fig1 and 15 , assembly holder 129 is fitted onto insulating covers 134 a , 134 b , and 134 c through respective holes 129 a , 129 b , and 129 c . insulation cover tops 132 a , 132 b , and 132 c are fitted onto insulating covers 134 a , 134 b , and 134 c , respectively , with assembly holder 129 held firmly between them . the vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 a - c are mechanically linked together for operation in unison by driveshaft 60 . a holding bar 217 is placed in slots 60 a , 60 b , and 60 c of drive shaft 60 . end 60 d of drive shaft 60 is slid through operating mechanism 150 c through its flanged spacer 200 of frame 202 . end 60 d of drive shaft 60 is then slid through operating mechanism 150 b through its flanged spacer 200 of frame 202 . end 60 d of drive shaft 60 is then slid through operating mechanism 150 a through its flanged spacer 200 of frame 202 . operating mechanism 150 a is positioned over hole 60 a . operating mechanism 150 b is positioned over hole 60 b . operating mechanism 150 c is positioned over hole 60 c . drive shaft 60 is rotated until the holding bars 217 in slots 60 a , 60 b , and 60 c fall into notches 216 of each operating mechanism . drive shaft 60 is held in place with retaining washers at grooves 60 f ( fig3 ). a lever rod 199 ( fig2 ) is inserted through drive shaft hole 60 g . fig1 best illustrates the assembled three - phase vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a , 100 b , and 100 c . fig1 is a side view of disconnect switch assembly operating mechanism 350 . fig1 is an internal view of operating mechanism 350 . fig1 a through 18 t illustrate the components of the operating mechanism 350 . fig1 and 20 are front and side views , respectively , of disconnect switch assembly drive shaft 363 . as illustrated in fig1 , pin 366 ( fig1 l ) is inserted through spring rod hole 370 a ( fig1 n ), clevis holes 361 a ( fig1 g ), and fastened to clevis 361 with retaining washers 391 at grooves 366 a ( fig1 l ). end 370 b ( fig1 n ) of spring rod 370 is inserted into spring tube 367 ( fig1 j ) through opening 367 a . spring 369 ( fig1 q ) is fitted over spring tube 367 and pin 368 ( fig1 o ) is inserted through holes 367 b . pin 368 is inserted into hole 401 d of frame 401 ( fig1 c , d ) and hole 402 d of frame 402 ( fig1 a , b ) and fastened with retaining washers 391 at grooves 368 a ( fig1 o ). flanged spacers 400 ( fig1 h ) are fitted onto drive shaft 363 ( fig1 ) and at both ends of clevis 361 with the flanged ends butting against the ends of clevis 361 . end 400 a of flanged spacers 400 ( fig1 i ) is inserted into hole 401 a of frame 401 ( fig1 c ) and hole 402 a of frame 402 ( fig1 a ). openings 400 c of flanged spacers 400 ( fig1 h ) are aligned with opening 361 d of clevis 361 ( fig1 g ). end 363 a of drive shaft 363 ( fig1 ) is fitted through retaining ring 384 ( fig1 j ), opening 400 c in frame 402 ( fig1 a ), clevis shaft opening 361 d of clevis 361 ( fig1 g ) and openings 400 c in frame 401 ( fig1 c ) and fastened with retaining rings 384 ( fig1 j ) at grooves 363 e ( fig1 ). holes 361 c ( fig1 f ) and hole 363 c ( fig1 ) are aligned , and tapered pin 378 ( fig1 e ) is inserted slit end 379 first . frames 401 and 402 are held a desired distance apart by spacer tubes 374 . the openings of spacer tubes 374 ( fig1 r ) are aligned with holes 401 c of frame 401 ( fig1 c , d ) and holes 402 c of frame 402 ( fig1 a , b ). bolts are inserted through holes 401 c , spacer tubes 374 , and 402 c and fastened with lock washers and nuts . guide rod 372 controls the degree of movement of the clevis 361 . guide rod 372 ( fig1 s ) is inserted through slot 401 b of frame 401 ( fig1 c ), holes 361 b of clevis 361 , and slot 402 b of frame 402 ( fig1 a ). holes 373 of guide rod 372 ( fig1 s ) are positioned between the arms of clevis 361 . straight end 381 of retaining pins 380 ( fig1 t ) are inserted through holes 373 until section 382 of pins 380 surrounds guide rod 372 . referring to fig1 , 42 , and 43 , end 363 b of driveshaft 363 is fitted through hole 403 a of frame 403 and frames 401 , 402 , and 403 are fastened to bottom 13 through mounting nuts 401 e , 402 e , and 403 b , respectively . as illustrated in fig6 , 21 , 40a , and 40c , each operating mechanism 150 a is bolted to support stand 410 through mounting nuts 201 h and 201 i at points 411 a and 202 h and 202 i at points 411 b . operating mechanism 150 b is bolted to support stand 410 through mounting nuts 201 h and 201 i at points 412 a and 202 h and 202 i at points 412 b . operating mechanism 150 c is bolted to support stand 410 through mounting nuts 201 h and 201 i at points 413 a and 202 h and 202 i at points 413 b . as illustrated in fig6 and 22 , l - bracket 310 a is bolted through hole 311 a to insulating shield 314 a at point 313 a . connector 325 a - c are similarly shaped as connector 320 a - c , except shorter and wider in diameter . the large end of bottom contact 312 a clasps onto the small end of connector 325 a . spring 326 is placed onto bottom contact 312 a to hold it firmly onto connector 325 a . spacer 327 is placed into a small groove inside the small end of bottom contact 312 a . spring 328 is placed around the small end of bottom contact 312 a . bolts are inserted through support holes ( not shown ) in l - bracket 310 a through holes 142 a of connection bus 140 a , and into holes at the bottom of connector 325 a . similarly , l - bracket 310 b is bolted through hole 311 b to insulating shield 314 b at point 313 b . the large end of bottom contact 312 b clasps onto the small end of connector 325 b . spring 326 is placed onto bottom contact 312 b to hold it firmly onto connector 325 b . spacer 327 is placed into a small groove inside the small end of bottom contact 312 b . spring 328 is placed around the small end of bottom contact 312 b . bolts are inserted through support holes ( not shown ) in l - bracket 310 b through holes 142 b of connection bus 140 b , and into holes at the bottom of connector 325 b . likewise , l - bracket 310 c is bolted through hole 311 c to insulating shield 314 c at point 313 c . the large end of bottom contact 312 c clasps onto the small end of connector 325 c . spring 326 is placed onto bottom contact 312 c to hold it firmly onto connector 325 c . spacer 327 is placed into a small groove inside the small end of bottom contact 312 c . spring 328 is placed around the small end of bottom contact 312 c . bolts are inserted vertically through support holes ( not shown ) in l - bracket 310 c through holes 142 c of connection bus 140 c , and into holes at the bottom of connector 325 c . as illustrated in fig4 and 8 , a gasket 319 is placed around the small end of each push - pull insulator 316 . contact rod 308 a is threaded into the top side of push - pull insulator 316 a and clevis - shaped connector 330 a is bolted to the bottom side of push - pull insulator 316 a . a peg 329 is inserted and fastened to connector 330 a and rod 332 a through arm holes 331 and 333 , respectively . similarly , contact rod 308 b is threaded into the top side of push - pull insulator 316 b and clevis - shaped connector 330 b is bolted to the bottom side of push - pull insulator 316 b . a peg 329 is inserted and fastened to connector 330 b and rod 332 b through arm holes 331 and 333 , respectively . contact rod 308 c is threaded into the top side of push - pull insulator 316 c and clevis - shaped connector 330 c is bolted to the bottom side of push - pull insulator 316 c . a peg 329 is inserted and fastened to connector 330 c and rod 332 c through arm holes 331 and 333 , respectively . contact rod 308 a is inserted into insulating shield 314 a and through bottom contact 312 a . contact rod 308 b is inserted into bottom contact 312 b and insulating shield 314 b . contact rod 308 c is inserted into bottom contact 312 c . referring to fig6 , and 23 , tank side 11 a is bolted to support bar 15 a and to support bar 16 . transparent cylinder 318 a is fitted on top of the slotted end for insulating shield 314 a . the top end of transparent cylinder 318 a is fitted to the bottom end of insulating shield 304 a and insulating shield 314 a is bolted to tank side 11 a at bolting points 18 a . similarly , transparent cylinder 318 b is fitted on top of the slotted end for insulating shield 314 b . the top end of transparent cylinder 318 b is fitted to the bottom end of insulating shield 304 b and insulating shield 314 b is bolted to tank side 11 a behind insulating shield 314 a and generally parallel thereto at bolting points 18 b . likewise , transparent cylinder 318 c is fitted on top of the slotted end for insulating shield 314 c . the top end of transparent cylinder 318 c is fitted to the bottom end of insulating shield 304 c and insulating shield 314 c is bolted to tank side 11 a behind insulating shield 314 b and generally parallel thereto at bolting points 18 c . as illustrated in fig4 , and 19 , a peg 329 is inserted and fastened to rod 332 a and drive shaft lever arms 364 a through arm holes 334 and 365 , respectively . a peg 329 is inserted and fastened to rod 332 b and drive shaft lever arms 364 b through arm holes 334 and 365 , respectively . a peg 329 is inserted and fastened to rod 332 c and drive shaft lever arms 364 c through arm holes 334 and 365 , respectively . when properly assembled , and as best illustrated in fig4 , and 8 , turning drive shaft 363 clockwise will move contact rods 308 a - c through bottom contacts 312 a - c , up through guide 305 a - c and into top contacts 306 a - c . this is referred to as the closed position . top contact 306 a will be electrically coupled to bottom contact 312 a through contact rod 308 a . top contact 306 b will be electrically coupled to bottom contact 312 b through contact rod 308 b . top contact 306 c will be electrically coupled to bottom contact 312 c through contact rod 308 c . contact rods 308 a - c can be seen through transparent insulating shields 318 a - c and viewing windows 55 . from the closed position , turning drive shaft 363 counterclockwise will move contact rods 308 a - c out of top contacts 306 a - c , through guides 305 a - c , and down into bottom contacts 312 a - c as illustrated in fig8 . this is the open position . top contacts 306 a - c are not electrically coupled to bottom contacts 312 a - c and contact rods 308 a - c are not visible inside transparent insulating shields 318 a - c . as best illustrated in fig6 , connection bus 140 a is bolted to bus connector 110 a ( fig1 ) through holes 143 and holes 107 , respectively . connection bus 140 b is bolted to bus connector 110 b through holes 143 and holes 107 , respectively , behind connection bus 140 a and generally parallel thereto . connection bus 140 c is bolted to bus connector 110 c through holes 143 and holes 107 , respectively , behind connection bus 140 b and generally parallel thereto . referring to fig5 , 21 and 24 , two long cylindrical spacer rods 414 are bolted onto bottom 13 at points 415 and extend vertically upwards to cover 12 where they are bolted at points 416 . two each long cylindrical spacer rods 417 are bolted onto support bars 15 c and 16 on bottom 13 and extend vertically upwards to support bars 15 a and 15 b on cover 12 . two long cylindrical spacer rods 418 are bolted onto support bars 14 c and 14 d on bottom 13 and extend vertically upwards to support bars 14 a and 14 b on cover 12 . as best illustrated in fig1 , and 23 , a rubber cushion 52 is fitted into hole 62 of the tank &# 39 ; s front side lib . a window 55 with an o - ring 56 fitted along the edge is placed over hole 62 of tank side 11 b . window holder 57 is placed over window 55 and o - ring 56 from the outside of tank side 11 b and window backplate 58 is placed over hole 62 from the inside of tank side 11 b . window backplate 58 is bolted through holes 58 a and 59 to window holder 57 at threaded holes 57 a ( not shown ). the same method is used to place a window 55 onto tank side 11 d as shown in fig3 and 24 . it may now be appreciated that the viewing windows 55 ( fig1 - 3 ) allow an operator to look inside vacuum interrupter switch assembly 5 to see whether or not disconnect switch assemblies 300 a - c are in the open or closed position . in the closed position , contact rods 308 a - c will be seen inside transparent insulating shields 318 a - c . in the open position , contact rods 308 a - c will not be seen inside transparent insulating shields 318 a - c . as illustrated in fig2 , 0 - rings 23 are fitted into grooves 24 on gas vent plug 22 and inserted into gas vent 17 . holes 26 of gas vent 17 and holes 25 of gas vent plug 22 are aligned and cotter pin 27 is inserted . proper integration of a visible disconnect switch should preferably include proper procedures for opening and closing the vacuum interrupter switch assembly . the interlocking control assembly preferably used herein ensures that correct procedures are taken to open and close the vacuum interrupter switch assembly 5 . interlocking control assembly 40 accordingly prevents the internal disconnect switch assemblies 100 a - c from opening or closing unless the vacuum interrupter bottle switches 108 a - c are open . fig2 illustrates an expanded view of the preferred interlocking control assembly 40 . threaded cover spacers 30 and spacer guides 64 a and 64 b are welded into place on backplate 54 . referring to fig9 , and 26 , control assembly backplate 54 is bolted to front side 11 b through holes 63 and 31 , respectively . o - rings 50 are fitted into grooves 51 of control shafts 41 a and 41 b . control arm 42 has studs 44 a and 44 b inserted in holes 42 b . control arm 43 has studs 44 c and 44 d inserted in holes 43 b . referring to fig1 , 9 , 23 and 25 , the slotted end of control shaft 41 a for vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a - c is inserted through control shaft well 29 a of front side 11 b , through hole 28 a of backplate 54 , and into control arm 42 at opening 42 a . hole 45 of control shaft 41 a is aligned with hole 42 c of control arm 42 and bolted together . the slotted end of control shaft 41 b for disconnect switch assemblies 300 a - c is inserted through its control shaft well 29 b of front side 11 b , through hole 28 b of backplate 54 , and into control arm 43 at opening 43 a . hole 47 of control shaft 41 b is aligned with hole 43 c of control arm 43 and bolted together . spring 74 is placed around threaded spacer 73 . spring 75 is placed around spacer 46 . rod 71 is inserted through the large hole of blocker guide bar 68 and fastened near the middle with retaining washers . blocker 66 is screwed to blocker guide bar 68 through holes 66 b and 68 b , respectively , with rod 71 being inserted through hole 66 a of blocker 66 . pivot rod 72 is inserted through hole 69 a of blocker guide bar 69 , through slot hole 70 b of toggle bar 70 , and through hole 67 a of blocker 67 and fastened near the middle with retaining washers . a peg 70 d is installed into peg hole 70 c with peg 70 d extending inwards . toggle bar 70 is placed onto spacer 46 through pivot hole 70 a and fastened with a retaining washer . guide bar 69 is placed between spacer guides 64 b and end 72 b of pivot rod 72 is inserted into slot 54 b of backplate 54 . after installation , the flat portion of control arm 43 will be between blocker 67 and guide bar 69 . the back end of rod 71 is inserted into slot 54 a of backplate 54 and guide bar 68 is placed between spacer guides 64 a . after installation , the flat portion of control arm 42 will be between blocker 66 and guide bar 68 . as best illustrated in fig2 , a screw and washer is screwed into holes 48 a and 48 b on backplate 54 . as best illustrated in fig2 , spring end 74 a pushes against rod 71 . spring end 74 b pushes against the screw at hole 48 a and held down by the washer . spring end 75 a pushes against the screw at hole 48 b and held down by the washer . spring end 75 b pushes against peg 70 d of toggle bar 70 . when properly assembled , fig2 illustrates the positions of the interlocking control assembly 40 components when the disconnect switch assemblies 300 a - c are in the closed position and the vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies 100 a - c in the open position . as shown , control arm 42 can only rotate clockwise and control arm 43 can only rotate counterclockwise . when control arm 42 is rotated clockwise , stud 44 b will push toggle bar 70 so that it rotates counterclockwise around spacer 46 and pushes guide bar 69 downwards towards control arm 43 guided by spacers 64 b . once the rotation is completed , blocker 67 covers hole 43 a of control arm 43 to prevent access with handle 220 ( fig4 - 46 ). guide bar 69 is also positioned to prevent control arm 43 from rotating counterclockwise by blocking stud 44 d of control arm 43 . from this point , control arm 42 must be rotated counterclockwise first before control arm 43 can rotate counterclockwise . after control arm 42 is rotated counterclockwise , spring end 75 b pushes against peg 70 d so that toggle bar 70 rotates clockwise and guide bar 69 is pulled upwards to allow movement for control arm 43 . when control arm 43 is rotated counterclockwise , stud 44 c of control arm 43 will push guide bar 68 upwards towards control arm 42 guided by guide spacers 64 a . once the rotation is completed , blocker 66 covers hole 42 a of control arm 42 to prevent access with handle 220 . guide bar 68 is also positioned to prevent control arm 42 from rotating clockwise by blocking stud 44 a of control arm 42 . from this point , control arm 43 must be rotated clockwise first before control arm 42 can rotate clockwise . after control arm 43 is rotated clockwise , spring end 74 a pushes against pivot rod 71 so that guide bar 68 is pulled downwards to allow movement for control arm 42 . as best illustrated in fig6 and 23 , tank side 11 c is bolted to support bars 15 b and 15 c through threaded holes . control shafts 41 a and 41 b are aligned and fitted over ends 60 d of drive shaft 60 and end 363 b of drive shaft 363 , respectively . tank side 11 b is bolted to support bars 14 a and 14 c through threaded holes . tank side 11 d is bolted to support bars 14 b and 14 d through threaded holes . tank sides 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , and 11 d are bolted together at bolting nuts 37 . as best illustrated in fig5 , rectangular support bar 408 is bolted to tank side 11 b and 11 d at points 79 and 78 , respectively . as best illustrated in fig2 , cylindrical rods 419 are bolted to tank side 11 d at points 420 a and 420 b and to corresponding points on tank side 11 b . interlocking control assembly cover 53 is aligned and secured to threaded cover spacers 30 with washers and bolts . as illustrated in fig9 , the front end of rod 71 will extend into slot 53 a and the front end of pivot rod 72 will extend through slot 53 b of cover 53 . the front ends of spacer guides 64 a and 64 b will extend out of holes 53 c and 53 d , respectively , and fastened with retaining washers . the slotted openings for control shafts 41 a and 41 b can be accessed through holes 53 e and 53 f , respectively , of cover 53 . vacuum interrupter switch 5 is operated with handle 220 ( fig4 - 46 ) by inserting the slotted end of handle shaft 220 a into the slotted openings of either control shafts 41 a or 41 b and turning clockwise or counterclockwise . the specific components illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are presently preferred components , and there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention to an assembly using these specific components to achieve the intended result . it is recognized that those skilled in the art may be able to change or modify the specifically described hardware , and that various changes , substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by appended claims . it is accordingly intended that the claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in light of the prior art , and that the full advantage of the doctrine of equivalents be employed in such interpretation .
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the health supplement disclosed in the invention is made from a material selected from grape skin , grape seeds , grape stems , or a mixture thereof , from which the fruit flesh has been removed ; the material is further processed in order to result in the health supplement that may lower plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride . because the health supplement is made from the natural material , and does not have adverse side effects or toxicity , the health supplement may be taken in order to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes , high plasma glucose , and high plasma triglyceride . the health supplement for lowering plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride disclosed in the invention is made via a method comprising the following steps : a . using a material selected from grape skin , grape seeds , grape stems , or a mixture thereof , from which residual fruit flesh and foreign substances have already been removed ; the material is rinsed , dried , and then ground into a dark purple powder ( abbreviated as the 3sg powder ). use grape skin , grape seeds , and grape stems in a ratio of volume found in naturally available grapes as the material , and rinse the material with fresh water three times in order to remove foreign substances and residual fruit flesh , then the material is left in a drying oven at 45 ยฐ c . for three days until it becomes crisp . subsequently , the dried material is ground into powder in an automatic grinding machine , and has coarser xylem fiber removed by using a fine sieve . finally , a dark purple powder is obtained , and is called the 3sg powder , wherein the 3s stands for skin , seed , and stem , and g stands for grape . b . ethanol is added to the 3sg powder obtained in the step ( a ) at a ratio of 1 ml of ethanol to every 1 g of the 3sg powder ; the 3sg powder and ethanol are mixed together and stirred in order to release lipid - soluble flavonoids from cells in the 3sg powder ; because plant cells are enclosed by cell walls made of cellulose , it prevents cell contents within the plant cells from being easily absorbed into human digestive tracts . to solve this problem , the 3sg powder is immersed in a proportionally equal amount of ethanol in this invention . in a preferred embodiment of the invention , 99 . 8 % ethanol is used to immerse the 3sg powder for one hour , so as to release lipid - soluble flavonoids from cells in the 3sg powder into the ethanol solution . c . allowing ethanol in the mixture resulted in the step ( b ) to completely evaporate , so that the flavonoids that have been released into the ethanol solution may be adsorbed to surfaces of the 3sg powder , thereby obtaining the health supplement of the invention . after the lipid - soluble flavonoids in the 3sg powder have been released into the ethanol solution , the mixture is left in an environment of negative pressure at 37 ยฐ c . for two days , so that ethanol may evaporate completely . in the process , the flavonoids that have been released into the ethanol solution is allowed to be absorbed to the external surface of the 3sg powder , thereby giving rise to the 3sga powder , wherein the โ a โ on โ 3sga powder โ stands for the โ 3sg powder โ having been processed by alcohol . the 3sga powder of the invention may be easily absorbed into human digestive tracts because most of the flavonoids had been released from the cells in the 3sg powder and absorbed to the external surface of the 3sg powder , and may lower plasma glucose more effectively than the 3sg powder . a . animal experiments to show the 3sga powder provided function to reduce plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride 1 . animals used to test levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride : normal sd ( sprage - dawley ) rats , normal c57bl / 6 rats , sick insulin - dependent diabetes mellitus rats ( abbreviated as sick iddm rats hereafter ), and sick non - insulin dependent diabetes mellitus rats ( abbreviated as sick niddm rats hereafter ). 100 mg of 3sg powder or 3sga powder is evenly mixed with 1 ml sterilized water , and the resulted mixture is fed to the animals via a gastric tube every 8 hours ( 8 am , 4 pm , and 12 am , three times daily ). the amount fed to the animals is 25 mg / kg bw ( 25 mg of mixture to every kg of body weight ), 50 mg / kg bw , or 100 mg / kg bw . between the time of feeding the 3sg powder or the 3sga powder , the animals may eat freely , but the animals are put on fasting for 24 hours before drawing blood and testing plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride levels . on the night prior to the experiments , the normal sd rats , the sick iddm rats , and the sick niddm rats are put on fasting . on the next day , the animals are anesthetized with pentobarbital 30 mg / kg bw via intraperitoneal injection . 0 . 2 - 0 . 6 ml of blood samples are drawn from the rats on empty stomach , then the 3sg powder or the 3sga powder is fed into the stomach of the animals . separate blood samples are drawn 60 mins , 90 mins , and 120 mins after feeding , and all of the blood samples are centrifuged ( 13 , 000 rpm , 3 mins ) in order to separate plasma from blood cells . 10 ฮผl - samples are taken from the plasma at the upper layer , to which 1 ml of reactants from the glucose kit is added , the mixture is then mixed evenly before being allowed to react in a 37 ยฐ c . water bath for 10 mins . subsequently , a plasma glucose analyzer ( quick - lab , chemistry analyzer ) is used to calculate the level of plasma glucose ( mg / dl ) according to differences in light absorption and comparison with the standard . 1 . changes in plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride levels after the sick iddm rats had taken the 3sg powder and the 3sga powder : the sick iddm rats are divided into eight groups , and there are eight rats in each group . four groups of the sick iddm rats are fed with the 3sg powder of 0 , 25 , 50 , or 100 mg / kg bw in dosage . the other four groups of the sick iddm rats are fed with the 3sga powder in 0 , 25 , 50 , or 100 mg / kg bw in dosage . after feeding , blood samples are drawn from each group of rats to test the levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride . the changes in the levels of plasma glucose of rats after taking the 3sg powder and the 3sga powder is shown in fig1 , while the changes in the levels of plasma triglyceride of rats after taking the 3sg powder and the 3sga powder is shown in fig2 . it can be observed from fig1 and 2 that the levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride in the sick iddm rats had been lowered , but the feeding of the 3sga powder is more effective for lowering the levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride than that of the 3sg powder . 2 . changes in the plasma glucose levels of sick iddm rats in relation to time after taking the 3sga powder : 10 sick iddm rats are fed with the 3sga powder in dosages of 100 mg / kg bw , and the plasma glucose level of the rats is tested after 30 , 60 , 90 , and 120 mins ; the results are shown in fig3 . it can be seen from fig3 that the effect of lowering the plasma glucose level in the sick iddm rats is the best 60 mins after taking the 3sga powder . 3 . effects of normal sd rats and sick iddm rats taking the 3sg powder or the 3sga powder on glucose tolerance : the normal sd rats are divided into three groups , and there are eight rats in each group ; each rat is fed with the 3sg powder or the 3sga powder of 100 mg / kg bw in dosage , or an equal volume of fresh water . after one hour , the rats are injected with 60 mg / kg bw of glucose solution via intravenous injection , and the levels of plasma glucose are tested by taking blood samples at 0 , 5 , 10 , 15 , 20 , 25 , 30 , 60 , and 90 mins , and the results are shown in fig4 . from fig4 , it may be noted that after feeding the rats the 3sg powder and the 3sga powder , the glucose tolerance of the normal sd rats is strengthened , and the effect of the 3sga powder is stronger than that of the 3sg powder . the same experiment is carried out by using the sick iddm rats , and the results are shown in fig5 . from fig5 , it should be noted that after feeding the rats the 3sg powder and the 3sga powder , the glucose tolerance of the sick iddm rats is enhanced , and the effect of the 3sga powder is better than that of the 3sg powder . 4 . changes in the plasma glucose levels of normal c57bl / 6 rats and sick niddm rats after taking the 3 sga powder : each of the normal c57bl / 6 rats and the sick niddm rats are divided into two groups ; respectively , and there are eight rats in each group . one group of the sick niddm rats and the normal rats are fed with the 3sga powder of 100 mg / kg bw in dosage , whereas the other group of the sick niddm rats and the normal rats are fed with an equal volume of fresh water . after 60 mins , blood samples are drawn from each group of rats to test the plasma glucose levels , the outcome is shown in fig6 . it may be observed from fig6 that the plasma glucose level of the sick niddm rats dropped 26 % at 60 mins after taking the 3sga powder , but there is no significant change in the plasma glucose level of the normal rats . 5 . effect of the sick niddm rats taking the 3sga powder on the glucose tolerance : the sick niddm rats are divided into two groups , and there are eight rats in each group . the rats are fed with the 3sga powder of 100 mg / kg bw in dosage or an equal volume of fresh water . the rats are fed with 1 g / kg bw of glucose solution 30 mins later , and then blood samples are taken from the rats at 0 , 5 , 10 , 15 , 20 , 25 , 30 , 60 , and 90 mins in order to test the plasma glucose level , the outcome is shown in fig7 . from fig7 , it can be seen that after taking the 3sga powder , the glucose tolerance of the sick niddm rats is significantly enhanced . the results from the short term tests indicated that the feeding of the 3sga powder achieved better effects than that of feeding the 3sg powder , thus only the 3sga powder is used for carrying out the long term tests . 1 . the plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride levels are lowered in the sick iddm rats after taking the 3sga powder : the normal sd rats and the sick iddm rats are divided into two groups ; respectively , and each group has 10 rats . the rats are fed with the 3 sga powder of 100 mg / kg bw in dosage or an equal volume of fresh water every 8 hours . blood samples are taken every two days in order to test the levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride . the blood samples are taken approximately 1 to 2 hours after the feeding of the 3sga power . the reduction in plasma glucose levels in normal sd rats and sick iddm rats that has taken the 3sga powder for a period of time is shown in fig8 , while the reduction in plasma triglyceride levels in normal sd rats and sick iddm rats that has taken the 3sga powder for a period of time is shown in fig9 . comparing fig8 with fig9 , it has been found that the levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride of the sick iddm rats were significantly reduced in the two weeks the rats were fed the 3sga powder . however , there are no significant changes in the levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride in the normal sd rats . 2 . the sick iddm rats showed decreased fluid intake after taking the 3sga powder for a period of time : when the normal sd rats and the sick iddm rats are fed the 3sga powder , the daily fluid intake of the normal sd rats and the sick iddm rats is observed and measured , and the results are shown in fig1 . from fig1 , it may be observed that there is significant reduction in the fluid intake of the sick iddm rats when taking the 3sga powder , but not for the normal sd rats . 3 . the sick iddm rats showed decreased food intake after taking the 3sga powder for a period of time : when the normal sd rats and the sick iddm rats are on the diet of the 3sga powder , the daily food intake of the normal sd rats and the sick iddm rats is observed and measured , and the results are shown in fig1 . from fig1 , it may be noted that there is significant reduction in the food intake of the sick iddm rats when taking the 3sga powder , but not for the normal sd rats . 4 . weight loss is effectively prevented in the sick iddm rats taking the 3sga powder for a period of time : when the normal sd rats and the sick iddm rats are on the diet of the 3sga powder , changes in the weight of the normal sd rats and the sick iddm rats are observed and measured , and the results are shown in fig1 . from fig1 , it may be seen that weight loss is prevented in the sick iddm rats taking the 3sga powder , and the weight of the sick iddm rats is increased slowly . moreover , the growth of the normal sd rats taking the 3sga powder is not affected . because flavonoids are allowed to be absorbed on the external surface of the 3sga powder of the invention , and the 3sga powder had been shown to be effective for lowering levels of plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride from the above - mentioned animal experiments , without any adverse side effects or toxicity . as a result , the 3sga powder of the invention may be used as a health supplement for sufferers of diabetes , high plasma glucose , high plasma triglyceride , and metabolic disorders . although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described for purposes of illustration , it is understood that various changes and modifications to the described embodiment can be carried out without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims .
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the tube bursting concept , as previously described in u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 308 , 809 and 6 , 437 , 570 , operates on the principal that the energy associated with the initiation and propagation of cracks along the length of a tube can be carefully controlled and utilized to dissipate the energy of an impacting vehicle . this concept incorporates a tapered mandrel that is forced inside a tube of slightly smaller dimensions . as the tapered mandrel is forced inside the tube , hoop stresses develop in the tube , and these stresses then initiate and propagate cracks along the length of the tube . the cracks propagate in front of the mandrel such that there is no direct contact between the mandrel and the crack surfaces , thereby limiting friction . when the crash cushion is impacted end - on by an errant vehicle , the impact head engages and interlocks mechanically with the front of the vehicle . as the vehicle proceeds forward , the impact head is pushed forward along the box - beam rail element . the impact head then contacts the post breaker beam and breaks off the first ( end ) steel breakaway post , thus releasing the cable anchorage . shortly after the fracture of the first ( end ) post , the tapered mandrel contacts the end of the stage one energy - absorbing tube and is forced inside the tube . cracks are initiated at the corners of the tube , the locations of which are controlled by notches cut into the end of the tube . as the vehicle proceeds forward and pushes the impact head into the tube , the cracks continue to propagate in front of the impact head until a ) the vehicle comes to a controlled and safe stop ; b ) the vehicle yaws away and loses contact with the tubes ; or c ) the entire length of the stage one tube is used up . upon complete bursting of the stage one energy - absorbing tube , the process is repeated with the stage two energy - absorbing tube until , again , a ) the vehicle comes to a controlled and safe stop ; b ) the vehicle yaws away and loses contact with the tube / terminal ; or c ) the stage two tube is used up . for impacts that are end - on but at an angle , bursting of the tubular rail element proceeds until the vehicle yaws out and / or buckles the rail element and gates behind the crash cushion . similarly , for impacts near the end of the crash cushion ( e . g ., between post nos . 1 and 2 ), the impacting vehicle breaks off the end post , buckles the rail element , and gates behind the crash cushion . for impacts into the side of the crash cushion downstream of the beginning of the length - of - need ( selected to be post no . 3 or 2 . 9 m ( 9 ft - 6 in .) from the end of the crash cushion ), the crash cushion contains and redirects the impacting vehicle . the cable attachment provides the necessary anchorage to resist the tensile forces acting on the rail element to contain and redirect the vehicle . as will be described further below , for impacts into the side of the tubular frame shielding the bridge piers in the present inventive system , the tubular frame contains and redirects the impacting vehicle . anchorage for the tubular frame is provided by two cable anchorage mechanisms , one on each side of the frame . in addition , the tubular frame is stiffened by a double rail , a reduced post spacing around the bridge piers , and diagonal end struts . turning to the figures , the present inventive crash cushion system is shown generally in several configurations . fig1 a and 1b illustrate the application of the guardrail envelope of the present invention , with a typical single pier ( fig1 a ) configuration 100 a and a typical multiple pier ( fig1 b ) configuration 100 b . in fig1 a and 1b , the piers 105 are cylindrical . each configuration discloses two energy - absorbing crash cushions 102 combined with a modular , tubular envelope structure 106 around the bridge pier ( s ) 105 . fig2 a and 2b show a cushion system of the present invention enveloping two rectangular concrete bridge piers 105 . the cushion system of fig2 a and 2b is approximately 7 . 9 m ( 26 ft ) in length from the nose of the impact head 104 to the end of the stage two energy - absorbing tube 103 where the crash cushion connects to the tubular frame for the bridge piers . the major components of the crash cushion system are as follows : ( a ) an impact head assembly 104 ; ( b ) a 2438 - mm ( 8 - ft ) long section of 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 3 . 2 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in .ร โ
- in .) box - beam rail for the stage one energy absorber 101 ; ( c ) a 4940 - mm ( 16 - ft 2ยฝ - in ) long section of 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in ) box - beam rail for the stage two energy absorber 103 ; ( d ) a steel breakaway end post 111 ; ( e ) five steel breakaway posts 2 through 6 ; ( f ) a cable anchorage system 114 ; ( g ) a post breaker 115 attached to the end post 111 ; and ( h ) a restraining cable 122 ( see fig6 ). the impact head assembly as fully described in the aforementioned patents includes : a front impact plate , a mandrel tube that inserts into the energy - absorbing tube , and a tapered mandrel . the front impact plate has a dimension of 508 ร 508 mm ( 20 ร 20 in .) with 51 - mm ( 2 - in .) wide protruded edges to provide a mechanical interlock with the impacting vehicle and to distribute the impact load . the mandrel tube may be fabricated from a 1168 - mm ( 46 - in .) long section of 114 - mm ร 114 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 4ยฝ - in .ร 4ยฝ - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) tube . the upstream end of the mandrel tube may be welded to the back of the impact plate . the downstream end of the mandrel tube is inserted into the stage one energy - absorbing tube 101 for a distance of approximately 559 mm ( 22 in .). a tapered end is formed on the downstream end of the mandrel tube by welding 9 . 5 - mm ( โ
- in .) thick bent plates to the end , which acts like a plunger to shear off bolts at connections to the posts and at splices . two sets of 12 . 7 - mm ( ยฝ - in ) thick straps are welded around the mandrel tube to control the clearance of the mandrel tube within the energy - absorbing tube ) and the second set approximately 559 mm ( 22 in .) upstream from the plunger end . the cross - sectional dimension of the mandrel increases from 114 mm ร 114 mm ( 4ยฝ in .ร 4ยฝ in .) to a maximum of 168 mm ร 168 mm ( 6 . 6 in .ร 6 . 6 in .). the inside dimensions of the energy - absorbing tube is 146 mm ร 146 mm ( 5ยพ in .ร 5ยพ in .). the stage one energy - absorbing tube 101 is approximately a 2438 - mm ( 8 - ft ) long section of 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 3 . 2 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in .ร โ
- in .) box - beam rail . a cable anchor bracket 119 for one end of the anchor cable 117 is welded to the bottom of the rail . the cable anchor bracket consists of a 12 . 7 - mm ( ยฝ - in .) thick plate with a 29 - mm ( 1โ
- in .) diameter hole for the cable anchor and reinforced with gussets . two 64 - mm ร 64 - mm ร 6 . 4 mm ( 2 . 5 - in .ร 2 - 5 - in .ร ยผ - in .) angles are welded 51 mm ( 2 in .) upstream from the downstream end of the tube for connection to the standard box - beam rail section . the stage two energy - absorbing tube 103 is approximately a 4940 - mm ( 16 - ft 2ยฝ - in ). long section of 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) box - beam rail . fig3 a - 3c illustrate a unique splice mechanism 120 used to connect the one box - beam rail to a second rail . presently , the standard splice mechanism ( fig3 d ) for a box - beam guardrail system consists of two plates ( a and b ) bolted to the inside of the bottom and top of the separate box - beam rails ( c and d ). fig3 d illustrates such prior art splice mechanism . this splice design is not suitable for use with beat applications . in order for the bursting process to continue through a splice , it is necessary to shear off the splice bolts and release the splice plates in advance of the mandrel . the energy and the associated force level required to shear off all eight splice bolts e simultaneously is too high for this design to be a viable alternative . fig3 e illustrates an early design for a splice mechanism for use with beat applications . the splice mechanism consists of two angles f and f โฒ welded 50 - mm ( 2 in .) for the downstream end e of the upstream tube h , one on top f and one on the bottom f โฒ. the angles are 63 . 5 ร 63 . 5 ร 6 . 4 mm ( 2 . 5 ร 2 . 5 ร ยผ in .) in dimension and reinforced with gusset plates . two special splice plates t and t โฒ were used to connect the upstream tube h and the downstream tube k . the splice plates are fabricated from 13 - mm ( ยฝ in .) a36 steel plates and welded together to form a l - shape reinforced with gusset plates . the overall dimensions of the splice plates are 406 - mm ( 16 in .) long , 102 - mm ( 4 in .) wide , and 63 . 5 - mm ( 2 . 5 in .) high . the longer legs l and l โฒ of the splice plates are bolted to the upstream end m of the downstream tube k with two 16 - mm ( โ
in .) diameter grade 5 bolts each , again one on top and one on the bottom . the shorter legs n and n โฒ of the splice plates on the upstream end are then bolted to the angles on the upstream tube , also with 16 - mm ( โ
in .) diameter grade 5 bolts . this initial splice mechanism requires the mandrel to shear off only two bolts at one time , thus greatly reducing the energy and associated force level . also , the splice plates are outside of the tubers and do not interfere with the mandrel . however , the moment capacity of this splice mechanism is limited by the bolts connecting the splice plates to the angles , rendering the beat terminal design somewhat sensitive to redirectional type of impacts . the present invention maintains the advantages of the early design , but provides a greater moment capacity of the splice and improving the performance of the barrier or crash system for redirectional types of impacts . the splice mechanism of the present invention , shown in fig3 a , 3b , and 3 c , consists of two 464 - mm ( 18ยผ - in .) long , 121 - mm ร 51 - mm ร 6 . 4 - mm ( 4ยพ - in .ร 2 - in .ร ยผ - in .) bent plate channels 121 and 121 โฒ. the channels 121 and 121 โฒ are welded to the top and bottom of the downstream end 125 of the stage one tube for a length of 152 mm ( 6 in .). the upstream ends 127 and 127 โฒ of the channels are tapered to minimize the potential for snagging by the vehicle . two 267 - mm ( 10ยฝ - in .) long 102 - mm ร 38 - mm ร 7 . 9 - mm ( 4 - in .ร ยฝ - in .ร{ fraction ( 5 / 16 )}- in .) channel splice plates 123 and 123 โฒ, again one on top and the other on the bottom , are used to connect stage one tube to the stage two tube . the channel splice plates 123 and 123 โฒ are each bolted to the upstream end 130 of the stage two tube with two 15 . 9 - mm ( โ
- in .) diameter a325 bolts 131 . the channel splice plates were then bolted to the bent plate channels with 19 - mm ( ยพ - in .) diameter bolts 133 . the first post 1 in the system is a steel breakaway end post consisting of an upper section 1 a and a lower section 1 b ( see fig4 a - 4d ). the upper section 1 a ( fig4 a and 4b ) is a 546 - mm ( 21ยฝ - in .) long section of standard w152 ร 13 . 4 ( w6 ร 9 ) steel post used with w - beam guardrail systems . the lower section 1 b ( fig4 c and 4d ) is a 2438 - mm ( 8 - ft ) long section po standard w152 ร 22 . 3 ( w6 ร 15 ) steel post with a 102 - mm ( 4 - in .) wide u - shaped collar 1 c welded to the top of the post . the upper post 1 a is bolted to the collar 1 c of the lower post 1 b using a 15 . 9 - mm ( โ
- in .) diameter a325 bolt . a 23 - mm ( 1ยผ - in .) wide , 82 - mm ( 3ยผ - in .) long slot 1 d ( fig4 a ) is cut through the web of the upper post at the bottom to allow attachment of one end of the cable anchor . the box - beam rail is attached to the end post using an angle support bracket with 7 . 9 - mm ({ fraction ( 5 / 16 )}- in .) diameter a307 bolts . post nos . 2 through 6 are standard 1829 - mm ( 6 - ft ) long breakaway steel posts ( see fig5 ). the rail elements 134 are attached to support brackets 135 with 7 . 9 - mm ({ fraction ( 5 / 16 )}- in .) diameter bolts . the support bracket 135 is fabricated from 4 . 8 - mm ({ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) thick bent plate and reinforced with gusset plates . the 152 - mm ( 6 - in .) long 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) box - beam rail sections 136 are welded to the support brackets to serve as blockout tubes to the posts , as shown in fig5 . the support brackets are in turn attached to the posts with 15 . 9 - mm ( โ
- in .) diameter bolts . the post spacing between post nos . 1 and 2 is 1981 mm ( 6 ft - 6 in . ), and the post spacing from post nos . 2 to post 6 is 1219 mm ( 4 ft ). turning to fig6 , it may be seen that a cable anchor assembly 114 is used to transmit the force from the box - beam rail element 116 to the end post 1 . the cable 117 is anchored to the end post 1 through a hole in the base of the upper section 1 a of the end post and attached with a cable anchor bearing plate 116 , washer , and nut . the other end of the cable is attached to the cable anchor bracket 119 on the bottom of the box - beam rail 116 with washer and nut . unlike many existing energy - absorbing terminals , there was no need for a mechanism to release the cable anchor assembly 114 from the rail 116 since the rail is bursted into four strips . a post breaker 115 , as shown in fig6 , is fabricated from 51 - mm ร 51 - mm ร 5 . 4 - mm ( 2 - in .ร 2 - in .ร ยผ - in .) tubes . the post breaker is attached to the end post using a 19 - mm ( ยพ - in .) diameter a325 bolt . a second 6 . 4 - mm ( ยผ - in .) diameter bolt is also used to keep the post breaker from rotating . the post breaker is designed to facilitate the separation of the upper section 1 a from the lower section 1 b of the end post 1 by either shearing the attachment bolt or tearing the metal above the attachment bolt in the collar . the post breaker 115 is designed to function for both head - on impacts as well as reverse direction impacts into the side of the terminal . in head - on impacts , the impacting vehicle pushes the impact head 104 into the upstream end of the post breaker 115 . for side impacts into the terminal in the reverse direction , the impacting vehicle directly contacts the post breaker 115 at its downstream end . the 6096 - mm ( 20 - ft ) long by 6 . 4 - mm ( ยผ - in .) diameter steel cable 122 is used to retain the impact head 104 in case of a reverse direction impact . one end of the cable 122 is attached to the impact head and the other end of the cable is attached to the upstream end of the anchor cable 117 at the end post . the cable 122 is bundled and tied to the impact head to eliminate dangling of the cable . shielding of the bridge piers is provided by a tubular envelope or frame 106 , as shown in fig1 a , 1b , 2 a , and 2 b . the tubular frame was modular in nature . the design will handle any number , size , and spacing of bridge piers . earlier prototypes of the present invention concentrated on a tubular frame that was 1 , 829 - mm ( 72 - in .) wide and butted up directly against a 1 , 219 - mm ( 48 - in .) square bridge pier . as discussed above , based on observations of snagging of the engine hood and fender on the bridge pier during the initial crash tests , the tubular frame of the system was significantly and uniquely redesigned . the redesigned tubular frame was widened to 2 , 540 mm ( 100 in .) in order to reduce the potential for snagging of the engine hood and fender on the bridge pier . increasing the width of the frame allowed for an at least 203 - mm ( 8 - in .) gap g between the envelope 106 and a 1 , 219 - mm ( 48 - in .) square bridge pier 105 . this 8 inch gap was quite effective . it should be understood that a gap of greater than ยฝ โณ may be effective in reducing snagging , but having the frame abutting against the pier is not recommended . a preferred gap range may be approximately 5 inches to 10 inches . as shown in fig2 a and 2b , the major components of the tubular frame 106 are as follows : ( a ) a double rail section 110 or 110 โฒ at bridge pier ; ( b ) a connecting rail section 112 or 112 โฒ; ( c ) an angled end strut 114 or 114 โฒ; and ( d ) a y - shape connector 116 or 116 โฒ. ( e ) a frame cable anchorage 118 or 118 โฒ. the tubular frame forms an envelope 106 around the bridge piers . for each bridge pier , there is a double rail section 110 and 100 โฒ on each side . the double rail sections are joined by connecting rail sections 112 and 112 โฒ to form a continuous rail in front the bridge piers . again remember that more than one double rail section maybe used . the two rails are then joined by angled struts 114 or 114 โฒ on both ends to form a parallelogram . this may readily be seen in fig1 a . the end struts 114 are angled so that errant vehicles that go behind the crash cushion will not impact the end strut at a right angle . instead , the angled strut is intended to redirect the vehicle away from the bridge piers . the double rail sections 110 and 110 โฒ, as shown in fig1 a , 1b and 2 a , are placed laterally in front of and spaced apart ( by gap g ) from each bridge pier . as previously stated , the gap g should be at least ยฝ โณ from the face of the pier . the front rail section 130 is 4940 - mm ( 12 - ft 2ยฝ - in .) long , and the extended block rail section 132 is 3048 - mm ( 10 - ft ) long . both sections are fabricated from ts 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) structural tubing . the two rail sections are held together by bolting the sections between a special support bracket on the bottom and tie plates on top with 7 . 9 - mm ({ fraction ( 5 / 16 )}- in .) diameter bolts . the support brackets , fabricated from a 4 . 8 - mm ({ fraction ( 3 / 16 )} in .) thick bent plate and reinforced with gusset plates , are in turn attached to the posts with 15 . 9 - mm ( โ
in .) diameter bolts . each double rail section has four standard 1829 mm ( 6 ft .) long , w152 ร 13 . 4 ( w6 ร 9 ) guardrail line posts ( posts 9 through 12 shown in fig2 a and 2b ). the double rail sections 110 at the bridge piers are joined with connecting rail sections 113 and 113 โฒ, also fabricated from ts 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) structural tubing . the length of the connecting rail sections may vary , depending on the spacing between the bridge piers . standard box - beam rail splice plates 110 are used to join the rail sections . each connecting rail section has one or more supporting posts ( post nos . 13 and 14 shown in fig2 a ). these posts are standard 1829 - mm ( 6 - ft ) long , w152 ร 13 . 4 ( w6 ร 9 ) guardrail line posts . the same support brackets with box - beam rail blockouts or extended blockout support brackets and tie plates are used for attaching the rail section to the posts . the post spacing for the posts in the connecting rail section was 914 mm ( 3 ft ). the two sides of the envelope 106 rails are joined by angled struts 114 and 114 โฒ on both ends to form a parallelogram . the angle has been selected to be approximately 34 degrees . the angled strut is connected to the back rail with a bent splice 134 or 134 โฒ. the bent splice is fabricated from welding two short sections of ts 127 - mm ร 127 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 5 - in .ร 5 - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) structural tubing together . the welded end of each section have an angle of approximately 17 degrees for a total of approximately 34 degrees . the length on the short side of the section is 328 mm ( 12 . 9 in .). the angled strut 114 is attached to the front rail section 112 or 112 โฒ and the stage two energy - absorbing tube 103 of the crash cushion with a y connector 116 or 116 โฒ. the y connector 116 , as shown in fig7 , consists of a 292 - mm ( 11ยฝ - in .) long , ts 152 - mm ร 152 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 6 - in .ร 6 - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) center tube 137 . two 948 - mm ร 102 - mm ร 12 . 7 - mm ( 37 - in . { fraction ( 4 / 16 )}- in ร 4 ร ยฝ - in .) splice plates 139 a are welded to the top and bottom of the center tube 137 . the stage two energy - absorbing tube from the crash cushion is attached to the upstream end 141 of the splice plates and the double rail section is attached to the downstream end 143 . a ts 114 - mm ร 114 - mm ร 4 . 8 - mm ( 4ยฝ - in .ร 4ยฝ - in .ร{ fraction ( 3 / 16 )}- in .) structural tubing 142 with a length of 357 mm ( 14 in .) on the short side is welded to one side of the center tube at an angle of 34 degrees and for bolting of the angled end strut 114 or 114 โฒ. anchorage for the tubular frame is provided by a pair of cable anchorage 118 and 118 โฒ. the cable anchors are located inside of the tubular frame and attach to the box - beam rail 132 260 - mm ( 10ยผ - in .) downstream of post no . 10 ( fig2 a and 2b ) in order to provide the necessary capacity upstream of the end terminals for impacts on the terminal ends of the system . as may be seen in detail ( fig2 c ), the additional anchorages consist of the same lower end post 150 used on the end terminal anchorages , a steel cable 152 , and an anchor bracket 154 mounted underneath the box - beam rail . the lower end post 150 is a 2438 - mm ( 8 - ft ) long section of standard w152 ร 22 . 3 ( w6 ร 15 ) steel post with a 102 - mm ( 4 - in .) wide u - shaped collar 153 welded to the top of the post . a 31 . 75 - mm diameter hole is drilled in the u - shaped collar in order to attach the cable 152 . the other end of the cable is attached to a cable anchor bracket 154 on the bottom of the box - beam rail with washer and nut . the cable anchor bracket 154 consists of a 12 . 7 - mm ( ยฝ - in .) thick plate 155 with a 30 - mm ( 1โ
- in .) diameter hole for the cable anchor and reinforced with gussets . the overall system shown in the fig2 a and 2b has two 1219 - mm ( 48 - in .) square bridge piers spaced 6096 mm ( 20 ft ) apart . for different number of bridge piers , each bridge pier is shielded by the double rail system with the four supporting posts . the double rail sections are then joined by connecting rail sections to form a continuous rail . the standard setup accommodates bridge pier sizes of up to 1219 - mm ( 48 - in .) square , which is generally adequate for most situations . for larger bridge piers , the structural frame may be customized to accommodate the specific size of the bridge pier . finally , different spacing between the bridge piers may be accommodated by adjusting the length of the connecting rail sections . although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment , this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense . on the contrary , various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention . it is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications , alternatives , and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention .
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in the descriptions below , specific designs for bronchial flow restrictors are described . the restrictors can be placed in any bronchial airway , but generally the airways between and including the lobar bronchus and sub - sub - segmental bronchi are the desired airways to restrict . the restrictor is intended to impede air flow in both the inspiratory and expiratory direction usually about equally , and either permanently or temporarily . flow limitation can be from 10 % to 99 . 99 % reduction of flow , usually being from 99 % to 99 . 9 % of the unrestricted flow , depending on the clinical need . the flow limitation will have at least one of two physiologic effects . in instances where the lung region distal to the restrictor is generally free from collateral ventilation , the restrictor will induce a controlled atelectasis . the distal lung region will collapse , although at a significantly slower rate of collapse than would be the case with complete occlusion of air flow into the region , and the risk of pneumothorax will be significantly reduced . in other instances where the lung region downstream from the flow restrictor is exposed to significant levels of collateral ventilation , the restricted air flow into and from the region will induce hypoxia . the resulting reduced oxygen concentrations distal to the restrictor will catalyze the von euler reflex to shunt pulmonary perfusion to other , usually more healthy and functional , bronchopulmonary regions of the lung that have not been treated with a restrictor , and thus improve the ventilation - perfusion efficiency of the lung . fig1 a and 1b illustrate a bronchial flow restrictor ( bfr ) 10 constructed of an elastic wire frame 12 which is laminated with an elastomeric membrane 14 . on the proximal end 16 of the bfr , the membrane 14 is incomplete or perforated , creating at least one vent hole 18 . on the distal section 20 of the bfr , apertures 22 are formed in the membrane 14 to create a path for the gas flow . the size and shape of the vent hole 18 and apertures 22 can vary in order to provide a desired flow resistance within the range defined elsewhere herein . this general design permits collapsibility of the bfr for insertion into a small catheter for delivery into the lung , allowing self - expansion of the bfr when released from the catheter . the stepped configuration of this particular design allows the bfr to be placed at or near an airway bifurcation or airway narrowing . for example , the larger proximal end may be placed in a proximal airway so that the distal smaller section 20 extends into the next generation airway which is smaller because it is distal to the proximal airway . the flow restrictions can be fabricated by the techniques described for fabrication of fully occlusive elements and one - way valves set forth in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 527 , 761 and commonly assigned , copending application ser . no . 11 / 280 , 592 , the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . fig2 a - 2d describe a modified configuration 10 โฒ of the previously described bfr in which distal gas flow apertures 24 are positioned to be within the lumen of the distal airway da after the bfr has been expanded from a radially constrained diameter in the airway to an unconstrained diameter which creates a dilated pocket dp ( fig2 d ) in the airway . thus , the gas flow through apertures 24 is not obstructed by the bronchial wall . fig3 is a cross - sectional view of bfr 30 in which a housing 32 includes a gas flow orifice tube 34 on its distal end 36 . the housing can have a โ uni - body โ construction , typically being molded or cast from silicone or another biocompatible elastomer . in some instances , the housing 32 can have composite construction of wire frame with silicone membrane coating , or be formed from a variety of materials and construction methods . it can be collapsible and self expanding for a catheter based delivery . in other designs , the bfr can be malleable to allow plastic deformation and expansion by a balloon or other expandable deployment on the delivery catheter . fig4 illustrates a bfr 40 in which a housing 42 comprises a plurality of windows 44 in a wall of a distal section 46 in order to permit gas flow in and out of the housing . an orifice 48 at the opposite proximal end completes the gas flow path such that the device restricts but does not obstruct gas flow . as with previously described embodiments , the housing 42 can have a uni - body construction or comprise a wire frame with silicone or other membrane covering . it can be either collapsible and self expanding or balloon expandable . fig5 a and 5b illustrate bfr 50 which has gas or fluid transport channels 52 shaped or formed into an outer surface or periphery of the housing body 54 . the channels 52 will leave a space or gap between the airway wall in which the bfr is implanted and the surface of the bfr , thus providing a path for fluid flow in both directions . as mentioned previously , the housing 54 can have a uni - body or composite construction . the housing 54 can be collapsible and self expanding or balloon expandable . fig6 illustrates a bfr 60 in which a housing 62 houses a funnel - shaped ( or hourglass - shaped ) diaphragm 64 which provides a gas flow orifice 66 in the center of the diaphragm . distal and proximal apertures 68 and 69 , respectively , allow air flow into and out of the housing 62 , and the tapered orifice 66 defined by the diaphragm 64 restricts the flow . the diameter of the orifice 66 can be selected to provide a desired flow resistance . the housing 62 can have a uni - body construction or be a wire braided structure encapsulated with silicone or other elastomere . the diaphragm can be a flexible silicone material or other elastomere in order to facilitate compressibility of the bfr 60 for insertion into the lung via a delivery catheter lumen . fig7 illustrates bfr 70 in which a gas flow tube 72 is axially aligned in a housing 74 . construction of the housing 74 can be similar to any of the concepts previously described . the gas flow tube 72 can be constructed of any tubular material , preferably being a flexible polymer . flexibility is advantageous since a flexible tube will facilitate insertion into the lung . the housing 74 can have any of the constructions described previously . fig8 a and b and 9 a and b illustrate non - covered , tightly packed wire braid flow restrictors 80 and 90 . the tight backing of the wire braid can eliminate the need for a membrane cover to achieve occlusion while providing a perforate or foraminous surface 82 and 92 , respectively , to permit a controlled flow of air therethrough . referring now to fig1 , the respiratory system of a patient starts at the mouth and extends through the vocal cords and into the trachea where it then joins the main stem bronchi b which leads into the right lung rl and the left lung ll . the bronchi going into the right lung divide into the three lobar bronchi which lead into the upper lobe rul , the middle lobe rml and the lower lobe rll . the lobes of the right lung include a total of ten segments ( three in the rul , two in the rml , and five in the rll ) which are discrete units of the lung separated from each other by a fibrous septum generally referred to as a lung wall . the left lung ll includes only an upper lobe lul and a lower lobe lll , where the individual lobes include four to five segments each each lung segment , also referred to as a bronchopulmonary segment , is an anatomically distinct unit or compartment of the lung which is fed air by a tertiary bronchus and which oxygenates blood through a tertiary artery . normally , the lung segment and its surrounding fibrous septum are intact units which can be surgically removed or separated from the remainder of the lung without interrupting the function of the surrounding lung segments . in some patients , however , the fibrous septum separating the lobes or segments may be perforate or broken , thus allowing air flow between the segments , referred to as โ collateral ventilation .โ use of a delivery catheter 100 for placement of a bfr in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown generally in fig1 and 12 . the catheter 100 is advanced through the mouth , down through the trachea t , and through the main bronchus into the left lung ll . a distal end 102 of catheter 100 is advanced into the left lung ll , and further advanced to an airway aw which feed a diseased lung region dr . the catheter 100 may be introduced through the main bronchus b and into the left lung ll without the use of a bronchoscope or other primary introducing catheter , as illustrated in fig1 . alternatively , the catheter 100 may be introduced through a conventional bronchoscope ( not shown ) which is positioned in the main bronchus above the branch between the right and left lungs . alternatively , the catheter 100 may be introduced into the lung through a scope , such as a visualizing endotracheal tube ( not shown ) which is capable of advancing into the branching airways of the lung is advantageous in that it facilitates positioning of the delivery catheter 100 at the desired airway leading to a target lung segment . construction and use of a visualizing endotracheal tube is taught , for example , in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 285 , 778 , the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference . it would be possible , of course , to utilize both the bronchoscope and the endotracheal tube in combination for positioning the delivery catheter 100 in the desired lung segment airway . after the distal end 102 of the delivery catheter 100 has been positioned in the main airway or bronchus feeding the diseased region dr , the catheter can optionally be immobilized , for example by inflating a balloon or cuff 104 . after immobilizing the distal end of the catheter , a pusher or other element 106 can be advanced in order to eject the bronchial flow restrictor bfr in the bronchus , where it optionally self - expands to anchor in place . although not illustrated , it would also be possible to use an inflatable balloon or other deployment device on the catheter 100 in order to position a plastically deformable restrictor at a desired location . referring now to fig1 a and 13b , after the bronchial flow restrictor bfr has been placed in the airway leading to a diseased region dr , illustrated as a first lung segment ls 1 , air flow into and out of the segment as the patient inhales and exhales will be restricted by placement of the bfr , as generally described above . as shown in fig1 a and 13b , the first lung segment ls 1 is surrounded by a fibrous septum fs which is generally intact so that little or no collateral ventilation with adjacent lung segments ls 2 and ls 3 will occur . thus , as shown in fig1 b , the reduced air flow into and out of the treated lung segment ls 1 will induce atelectasis and cause the treated segment to deflate . deflation of the treated segment ls 1 , in turn , allows the adjacent , healthier lung segments ls 2 and ls 3 to expand and provide improved patient blood oxygenation . moreover , the slower rate of atelectasis reduces the risk to the patient of pneumothorax , as discussed above . referring now to fig1 a and 14b , in other instances , the diseased lung region dr may have a perforated or otherwise damaged region of the fibrous septum dfs which permits collateral ventilation between the diseased region ( ls 1 ) and an adjacent lung region ls 2 . in those instances , air entering via the collateral channels is already low in oxygen and placement of the bronchial flow restrictor bfr will significantly reduce the amount of oxygenated air entering the diseased region ls 1 / dr via the feeding bronchus . as shown in fig1 b , over time , the reduced and non - oxygenated air exchange with the diseased region dr will induce hypoxia in the region ( shown with the cross - hatching ) which will catalyze the von euler reflex to shunt pulmonary perfusion to other healthier regions of the lung , such as adjacent healthy segments ls 2 and ls 3 . it will be appreciated , however , that the induced lung collapse and induced hypoxia may occur to differing degrees in even the same treated region . in particular , the shift between lung collapse and hypoxia may depend , at least in part , on the degree to which collateral ventilation exists between the diseased region and adjacent healthier lung regions . thus , although it may be desirable to perform a diagnostic on the patient to determine whether or not a particular diseased region is subject to collateral ventilation ( as taught , for example , in commonly owned , copending application ser . no . 11 / 296 , 951 , filed on dec . 7 , 2005 , the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference ), it would not be necessary . treatment of diseased lung regions using the bronchial flow restrictors of the present invention may be advantageous regardless of the collateral ventilation status of a particular region . while the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention , various alternatives , modifications , and equivalents may be used . therefore , the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims .
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while this invention may be embodied in many different forms , there are described in detail herein specific embodiments . this description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit it to the particular embodiments illustrated . for the purposes of this disclosure , like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated . shown in prior art fig1 and 2 , as the product 2 arrives in feed tracks 12 , it begins to bunch up . the product 2 is stopped via the stop block 14 . although the product 2 is stopped via the stop block 14 , a low speed conveyor ( not shown ) continues to operate in order to supply new product to the pick - up area 4 , where the product 2 is picked - up from the product line 5 . further , the low speed conveyor is in contact with the base of the product 2 , moving the product 2 in the direction of arrow 15 . as a result , where the products 2 have a smaller base than top , they tend to tilt or โ shingle ,โ as illustrated in fig1 . this shingling , in turn , can make it difficult for a pick - up head ( not shown ) to pick the product 2 from the pick - up area 4 . with regard to fig3 , a product stabilizer 10 is shown in conjunction with a product line 5 , wherein product 2 travels along the product line 5 . as further shown in fig3 , the product stabilizer has four feed tracks 12 , however , any desired number of feed tracks 12 is permissible ( e . g ., 1 - 30 or more ). turning to fig4 , the product 2 is shown in an upright configuration , where it has been acted upon by the product stabilizer 10 . with regard to fig5 , the product stabilizer 10 is shown from the bottom - up . in some embodiments , the product stabilizer 10 includes an actuator 16 and a plurality of elongate members 18 extending from an end plate 20 . in some embodiments , the elongate members 18 are spaced apart to arrange products 2 between the elongate members 18 in adjacent single - file rows . extending from some of the elongate members 18 are arms 22 . as shown in the embodiment of fig5 , the arms extend from every - other elongate member 18 . the arms 22 are configured to contact the products 2 to prevent shingling . with regard to fig6 , in some embodiments , the product stabilizer includes one or more elongate members 18 with arms 22 and one or more elongate members without arms . in fig6 , one of the elongate members 18 having arms 22 is shown in cutaway . the arms 22 are positioned in a first configuration 24 , wherein the arms 22 are retracted within the housing 26 . in some embodiments , the elongate member 18 further comprises a tie rod 28 , which is attached to the actuator 16 . in some embodiments , the arms 22 are coupled to the tie rod 28 . as shown in fig1 , for example , the arms 22 are coupled to the tie rod 28 via elongate hole 34 and fastener 36 . the fastener 36 can comprise any suitable configuration or type , for example , bolt , screw , pin , needle bearing . returning to fig6 , in some embodiments , the arms 22 are pivotally engaged to the frame 30 of the elongate member 18 via pivots 32 . in this way , the actuator 16 can move tie rod 28 in the direction of arrow 38 and extend the arms 22 outwardly from the first ( retracted ) configuration 24 . fig7 , in turn , shows the arms 22 in a second configuration 42 wherein the arms 22 are extended as the tie rod 28 continues to move in the direction of arrow 38 . in particular , in some embodiments , as the tie rod 28 moves in the direction of arrow 38 , the arms 22 pivot around pivots 32 . further , the arms 22 extend into the space 40 between adjacent elongate members 18 in order to maintain proper separation of the products ( not shown in fig7 ) at their bases and prevent shingling . fig8 shows the arms 22 in a third configuration 44 wherein the arms 22 are further extended as the tie rod 28 travels in the direction of arrow 38 . turning to fig9 , the arms 22 are shown in a fourth or extended configuration 46 . in the fourth configuration , the arms 22 are positioned to provide the desired amount of separation between the product bases ( not shown in fig9 ) and prevent shingling . as will be appreciated , the amount of separation can be set by adjusting the throw of the actuator and / or the size of the arms 22 and / or the shape of the arms 22 and / or the orientation of the pivots 32 and fasteners 36 . with regard to fig1 , in some embodiments , the arms 22 a located on the bottom side 48 of the tie rod 28 while arms 22 b are located on the top side 50 ( fig9 ) of the tie rod 28 . additionally , in some embodiments , the fastener 36 extends through elongate holes 34 in both arms 22 a and 22 b . this arrangement of arms 22 a , 22 b results in a compact design which can be readily maintained . as further shown in fig1 , in some embodiments , the frame 30 has cut - outs 52 to provide adequate clearance for the arms 22 to rotate . as the tie rod 28 moves , the arms 22 swing between the retracted configuration 24 ( fig6 ) and the extended configuration 46 ( fig9 ), or vice - versa , and the fastener 36 translates within the elongate hole 34 . this translation of the fastener 36 within the elongate hole 34 results because the fastener 36 moves linearly with the tie rod 28 while the arms 22 arc around their pivots 32 . fig1 shows an embodiment of the product stabilizer 10 in a partial cutaway view . as shown , the actuator 16 is attached to the frame 30 of the elongate member 18 . additionally , the arms 22 have a rectangular shape with rounded edges . in the embodiment of the product stabilizer 10 shown in fig1 , the product stabilizer 10 includes a plurality of paddle members 54 . the paddle members 54 are configured to prevent shingling of the products 2 and to โ un - shingle โ products 2 that have become shingled . in fig1 , the products 2 are illustrated in a shingled configuration , wherein tops or lids of the products 2 are partially stacked or overlapping . further , the paddle members 54 are shown in a first or retracted configuration 24 . as illustrated in fig1 , however , the paddle members 54 have been moved to contact the products 2 and separate the products 2 at their bases . turning to fig1 , the product stabilizer 10 having paddle members 54 is shown in greater detail . as shown , the paddle members 54 are in a first or retracted configuration 24 , wherein , for example , the paddle members 54 are arranged in an upright position . as further illustrated in fig1 , in some embodiments , the product stabilizer 10 comprises an elongate member 18 having a frame 30 . the frame 30 has a length 47 and an actuator 16 attached thereto . the actuator 16 , in turn , is attached to a driven member 56 . in some embodiments , the driven member 56 comprises a connecting member 58 and a cam member 60 . in some embodiments , the actuator 16 is a linear actuator that pushes and / or pulls connecting member 58 , translating the connecting member 58 relative to the guide 62 , on which the connecting member rests . the guide 62 further provides lateral support for the connecting member 58 via opposing sides 64 . in some embodiments , the product stabilizer 10 further comprises a torque rod 68 , which is supported by one or more support members 70 . attached to the torque rod 68 are paddle members 54 , which rotate in conjunction with the torque rod 68 . the torque rod 68 has a guide pin 70 attached thereto ( fig1 a ), which resides in helical slot 66 of cam member 60 . as further illustrated in fig1 - 17 and 15a - 17a , the cam member 60 transforms the linear motion of the actuator 16 into rotational motion of the torque rod 68 . in some embodiments , the product stabilizer 10 further comprises a housing 72 attached to the frame 30 . at least a portion of the cam member 60 is located within the housing 72 . the housing 72 provides a stable environment within which the cam member 60 can translate . further , the housing 72 shields the helical slot 66 from dust and debris . with regard to fig1 and 15a , the paddle members 54 are rotated to a second configuration as the actuator 16 pushes the connecting member 58 . in fig1 and 16a , the paddle members 54 have rotated to a third configuration , upon further linear movement of the connecting member 58 . finally , in fig1 and 17a , the paddle members 54 have rotated to a fourth configuration , wherein the paddle members 54 provide the desired separation between the bases of adjacent products ( not shown ). although the cam member 60 is shown in fig1 - 17 having helical slot 66 and the torque rod 68 comprises guide pin 70 , it will be appreciated that the relationship can be reversed โ the torque rod 68 has a helical slot 66 , while the cam member 60 comprises a guide 70 . other suitable arrangements are also permissible . for example , the actuator 16 can comprise a rotational actuator , which , in some embodiments , directly or indirectly , actuates the torque rod 68 . in some embodiments , the product stabilizer 10 has paddle members 54 extending into the space 40 between adjacent elongate members 18 from only one of the elongate members , as shown for example in fig1 . in some embodiments , however , the paddle members 54 can extend from both of the adjacent elongate members 18 into the space 40 therebetween . any other suitable arrangement is also permissible . returning to fig1 , the paddle members 54 define a perimeter 74 . in some embodiments , the perimeter 74 of at least one of the paddle members 54 has a portion thereof that is concave and a portion thereof that is convex . as will be evident , the shape of the paddle members 54 can be optimized to prevent shingling or un - shingle shingled products . in some embodiments , the paddle members 54 can be swapped , for example by removing bolts 76 ( or other fastener ), and replaced with a different shape paddle member , depending upon the shape of the product . in some embodiments , the torque rod 68 is supported along its length by one or more supports 78 . the above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive . this description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art . the various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined or modified for combination as desired . all these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term โ comprising โ means โ including , but not limited to โ. further , the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims . for instance , for purposes of claim publication , any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction ( e . g . each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims ). in jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted , the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent - possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below . this completes the description of the invention . those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto .
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a rotary atomizer 20 according to the present invention includes a housing assembly 21 which can be releasably secured to a manifold assembly 22 . the housing assembly 21 includes an outer casing or shroud 23 having a larger diameter end for attachment to the manifold assembly 22 and tapering to an opposite smaller diameter front end . abutting the opening in the smaller diameter end of the shroud 23 is an annular shaping air cap 24 . attached to the cap 24 is an annular shaping air ring 25 which forms an opening in which is centered an atomizer bell 26 . the housing assembly 21 can be releasably attached to the manifold assembly 22 by a plurality of latches having a first portion 27 attached to an outer surface of the shroud 23 and a second portion 28 attached to an outer surface of the manifold assembly 22 . as shown , three generally equally spaced latching mechanisms are utilized , but any convenient number and spacing of conventional latching mechanisms are suitable . the manifold assembly 22 includes a generally cylindrical manifold body 29 to which the second latch portions 28 are affixed to the outer curved surface thereof . also attached to the curved surface of the manifold body 29 is a radially extending stud assembly 30 for attachment to a device for positioning the rotary atomizer 20 at a work station such as an industrial robot or reciprocating mechanism ( not shown ). the manifold body 29 has a central aperture 31 formed therein for the delivery of coating fluid to the housing assembly 21 as will be discussed below . also , a plurality of fittings extend from the surface of the manifold body 29 which faces the larger diameter end of the shroud 23 . these fittings include a shaping air fitting 32 , an exhaust air fitting 33 , a bearing air fitting 34 , a turbine air fitting 35 and a brake air fitting 36 . also formed in the manifold body 29 is a speed monitor access port 37 utilized to carry signals representing the speed of the air turbine motor . for example , the air turbine motor can be fitted with a magnetic pickup for generating pulses representing the revolutions of the turbine . signal - carrying wires from the pickup can be extended through the access port 37 to a high voltage isolation device and then to suitable monitoring and display equipment ( not shown ). the rotary atomizer 20 of fig1 is shown in a fragmentary , cross - sectional side elevational view in fig2 . the housing assembly 21 and the manifold assembly 22 are shown connected by the first latch portions 27 and the second latch portions 28 . the manifold body 29 has an outer planar face 38 and a generally parallel inner planar face 39 between which extend a plurality of apertures forming passages for the various fluids which are supplied to the housing assembly 21 . an aperture 40 is representative of five such passages , one for each of the shaping air , exhaust air , bearing air , turbine air , and brake air . the end of the passageway 40 adjacent the face 38 is threaded to receive a connection to a source of shaping air ( not shown ). typically , a conventional source of pressured air is connected to a line having a threaded fitting on the end thereof to threadably engage the passageway 40 . the end of the passageway 40 adjacent the inner planar face 39 is also threaded and threadably receives one end of the fitting 32 . the protruding end of the fitting 32 retains an &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring 41 in a suitable groove and extends into an aperture 42 formed in a mounting ring 43 which extends around the inner periphery of the larger diameter end of the shroud 23 . a planar face 44 of the mounting ring 43 abuts the face 39 of the manifold body 29 . the opening of the aperture 42 to the face 44 is tapered so as to guide the fitting 32 and the &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring 41 into the aperture 42 whereupon the &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring seals against the walls of the aperture 42 . thus , the manifold body 29 , the fitting 32 , the &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring 41 and the mounting ring 43 cooperate to seal the shaping air path from its source through the manifold assembly 22 and into the housing assembly 21 . a sealed path for each of the brake air , exhaust air , turbine air , and bearing air is formed in a similar manner to the rear cover of the housing . when the latch portions 27 and 28 are released , the housing assembly 21 can be easily separated from the manifold assembly 22 which can remain attached to the robot or reciprocator . the mounting ring 43 engages a flange 45 formed on one end of an air bearing turbine motor 46 . the mounting ring 43 is attached to the motor 46 with one or more threaded fasteners 47 extending through a radial aperture formed in the mounting ring 43 and into threaded engagement with a threaded aperture formed in the flange 45 . a plurality of apertures ( not shown ) are formed in a rear cap 48 of the motor within the center area of the ring 43 and receive the protruding ends of the fittings 33 , 34 , 35 and 36 . thus , the end cover 48 and the ring 43 cooperate as a rear cover plate for the shroud 23 . the opposite end of the turbine motor 46 extends through an annular shaping air manifold 49 . the shaping air manifold 49 is attached to the motor 46 with one or more threaded fasteners 50 extending through a radial aperture formed in the manifold 49 and into threaded engagement with a threaded aperture in the outer surface of the motor 46 . the radially extending aperture for the fastener 50 is formed in a larger diameter portion 51 of the manifold 49 . the larger diameter portion 51 is connected to a smaller diameter portion 52 which is located closer to the forward end of the motor 46 . the smaller diameter portion 52 has external threads formed thereon for engaging internal threads formed on an inner surface of the annular shaping air cap 24 . the cap 24 includes a smaller diameter rear portion 53 , which threadably engages the portion 52 of the manifold 49 , and a smaller diameter front portion 54 connected on opposite sides of a larger diameter central portion 55 . a rearwardly facing outer edge of the central portion 55 has a circumferential notch 56 formed therein for engaging and retaining a leading edge of the shroud 23 . the smaller diameter front portion 54 has external threads formed thereon for engaging internal threads formed on an inner wall of the annular shaping air ring 25 . the turbine motor 46 includes a front cover plate 57 which cooperates with the motor housing to form a radially extending groove 58 . the groove 58 retains an inner edge of a flexible annular shaping air cap retainer 59 . an outer edge of the cap retainer 59 engages an inner surface of the shaping air cap 24 . extending from the cover plate 57 is a forward end of a threaded drive shaft 60 upon which is mounted the atomizer bell 26 . a source of pressured air ( not shown ) is connected to the piston chamber of a conventional fluid valve 61 which in turn is connected to a valve fluid assembly 62 . the valve fluid assembly 62 includes one or more radially extending threaded apertures 63 for connection to a source of coating fluid ( not shown ). the valve fluid assembly 62 extends into and is threadably engaged in the central aperature 31 formed in the manifold body 29 . the valve piston assembly 61 includes a stem 61a which extends through the valve fluid assembly 62 and terminates in a sealing element 61b which cooperates with a sealing surface formed in the aperture 31 . thus , when air pressure exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the valve 61 , the valve will open to admit the coating fluid from the valve fluid assembly 62 thereby forcing coating fluid through the central aperture 31 in the manifold assembly 22 . the end of the central aperture 31 adjacent the face 39 receives one end of a rigid fluid feed tube or line 64 . the fluid line 64 retains an &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring 65 in an external &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring groove to seal against the inner surface of the central aperture 31 . the fluid line 64 extends through the flange 45 , the center of the fluid motor 46 and the drive shaft 60 and terminates at the forward end of the drive shaft . attached to and extending from the interior of the fluid line 64 is a fluid nozzle 66 . the atomizer bell 26 has a central aperture formed therein which is closed by a circular splash plate 67 . as will be discussed below , the splash plate 67 has an inwardly facing conical center which extends into the open end of the fluid nozzle 66 which end is internally tapered to match the taper on the splash plate 67 . the aperture 42 in the mounting ring 43 is connected to one end of a barbed fitting 68 . the barbed end of the fitting 68 is inserted into one end of a length of flexible tubing 69 . a second barbed fitting 70 has its barbed end inserted into the opposite end of the piece of tubing 69 . the barbed fitting 70 is connected to an aperture 71 formed in the larger diameter portion 51 of the shaping air manifold 49 . the aperture 71 extends longitudinally through the shaping air manifold 49 and is open to an annular cavity 72 defined by the shaping air manifold 49 , the shaping air cap 24 , the shaping air cap retainer 59 and the housing of the turbine motor 46 . a longitudinally extending passageway 73 is formed through the smaller diameter front portion 54 and the larger diameter central portion 55 of the shaping air cap 24 to connect the cavity 72 with a cavity 74 formed between the exterior surface of the smaller diameter front portion 54 of the shaping air cap 24 and the interior surface of the shaping air ring 25 . as the shaping air ring 25 is threaded onto the shaping air cap 24 , the outer surface of the shaping air ring 25 forward of the cavity 74 will engage or abut the inner surface of the forward end of the shaping air cap 24 to prevent the shaping air from exiting from the cavity 74 . however a plurality of grooves or slots 75 ( shown in fig4 ) are formed in the outer surface of the forward end of the front portion 54 and are generally equally spaced about the periphery . these slots 75 permit the shaping air to exit the cavity 74 between the cap 24 and the ring 25 and flow into an annular space 75a between the spaced apart forward ends of the cap 24 and the ring 25 . the cavity 74 and the slots 75 cooperate to distribute the air to the annular space 75a uniformly about the perimeter of the bell 26 . the shaping air exits the annular space 75a at the forward edges thereof adjacent an outer edge 76 of the atomizer bell 26 . the slots 75 are formed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing assembly 21 to provide an inwardly directed stream of shaping air about the circumferential edge 76 . the slots 75 and the annular space 75a deliver the shaping air as a thin ring to offset the momentum of the atomized coating fluid particles which escape in a radial direction from the edge of the bell 26 . the inwardly directed shaping air provides a small pattern and greater efficiency to the shaping air for controlling the radial pattern of the atomized fluid . the angled surface in which the slots 75 are formed and the abutting surface on the ring 25 are conical about the axis for the bell 26 to precisely align the ring 25 on the air cap 24 . this construction assures that the annular space 75a will be uniform about the axis to provide a uniform flow of shaping air about the bell 26 . the exhaust air from the turbine motor 46 is normally expelled from an aperture ( not shown ) in the planar end 48 , into the fitting 33 and through the manifold body 29 to an exhaust air line ( not shown ). however , the exhaust air can be expelled from one or more apertures 45a in the flange 45 into a cavity 77 formed between the motor 46 and the shroud 23 . a passageway 78 extends through the larger diameter central portion 55 of the shaping air cap 24 to connect the cavity 77 with a cavity or chamber 79 formed between the inner surface of the shaping air cap 24 and the outer surface of the atomizer bell 26 . the retainer 59 extends between the shaping air cavity 72 and the exhaust air chamber 79 to prevent the flow of air therebetween . as the exhaust air passes through the cavity 77 , it cools the turbine motor 46 and reduces the heat generated by the internally mounted air bearings . the exhaust air exits the cavity 79 between the forward end of the shaping air cap 24 and the outer edge 76 of the atomizer bell 26 to aid the shaping air exiting the annular space 75a . this air prevents coating fluid from wrapping back around the outside of the shroud 23 as well as entering the chamber 79 . also , since the exhaust air exits in a forward direction , it reduces the amount of shaping air required to drive the coating fluid toward the target . also , more shaping air is normally required to offset the increased momentum of the coating particles as the atomizer speed increases . since the volume of exhaust air increases as the speed of the turbine motor 46 increases , the exhaust air helps to meet the need for more shaping air . in fig3 the surface 38 of the manifold body 29 and the stud assembly 30 are shown in more detail . the stud assembly 30 includes a generally cylindrical post 80 extending in a radial direction from a semi - circular mounting bracket 81 secured to the outer circumferential surface of the manifold body 29 by a pair of fasteners 82 . as stated above , the stud assembly 30 is adapted to be attached to an arm of a robot or a reciprocator . also shown in fig3 are the threaded passageway 83 for connection to an exhaust line , a threaded passageway 84 for connection to a source of bearing air , a threaded passageway 85 for connection to a source of turbine air , and a threaded passageway 86 for connection to a source of brake air . the exhaust aperture 83 can be blocked or provided with a restrictor valve ( not shown ) to direct the exhaust air into the cavity 77 . fig4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the forward ends of the cap 24 , the ring 25 , the bell 26 , and the splash plate 67 and a portion of the cavity or chamber 79 of fig2 in cross - section . the body of the splash plate 67 is disk - shaped with a v - shaped groove 90 formed in the circumferential edge thereof . the groove 90 engages a radially extending flange 90a formed in the opening in the atomizer bell 26 . thus , the splash plate 67 is a snap fit in such opening . a rearwardly facing surface 91 of the splash plate 67 has a conical extension 92 centrally located thereon . a pair of diametrically opposed passageways 93 are formed through the conical extension 92 to connect with an aperture 94 formed in a forwardly facing surface 95 of the splash plate 67 . during rotation of the atomizer bell 26 and the splash plate 67 , coating fluid will exit the fluid nozzle 66 and spread over the surface of the conical extension 92 . under centrifugal force , the coating fluid will flow out onto the rearwardly facing surface 91 of the splash plate 67 and onto a rearwardly facing surface 96 of the atomizer bell 26 . the fluid will then flow through passageway 97 which represents one of a plurality of such passageways equally spaced in a circular pattern and connecting the surface 96 to the forwardly facing surface of the atomizer bell . a small portion of the coating fluid will also flow through the passages 93 and into the aperture 94 . this fluid will flow from the aperture 94 over the forwardly facing surface 95 of the splash plate 67 and onto the forwardly facing surface of the atomizer bell 26 toward the passageway 97 . therefore , a thin film of wet coating fluid will be maintained on the central portions of the atomizer bell 26 and splash plate 67 as an aid to cleaning those parts with solvent as well as the internal and external surfaces of the bell 26 which are wet when the coating job has been completed . as shown in fig2 one or more generally radially extending apertures 98 are formed in the outer surface of the shaping air ring 25 . the aperture 98 are adapted to be engaged by a suitable tool for threading the ring 25 into and out of engagement with the cap 24 . similar apertures can be formed in the outer surface of the cap 24 for threading into and out of engagement with the manifold 49 . fig5 is a schematic diagram of the speed monitoring circuit for the rotary atomizer of fig1 . the motor 46 includes a turbine wheel 101 attached to the drive shaft 60 . a pair of permanent magnets 102 are mounted at diametrically opposed locations on the turbine wheel . although one magnet is sufficient to generate a speed signal , two or more magnets are typically utilized to maintain the balance of the turbine wheel 101 . a pickup coil 103 including a magnetic core 104 is located adjacent the path of the magnet 102 . the ends of the pickup coil 103 are connected to opposite ends of a single loop of dielectrically insulated high voltage wire 105 in a series loop . the pickup coil 103 and the magnetic core 104 are positioned inside the motor 46 . the high voltage wire 105 extends through an aperture ( not shown ) formed in the end cover 48 and through the aperture 37 formed in the manifold body 29 . typically , the high voltage wire 105 extends approximately two or more feet from the rotary atomizer 20 and passes through the center of a toroidal coil 106 . the ends of the isolation coil 106 are connected to a conventional speed monitoring device 107 . each time one of the magnets 102 passes the pickup coil 103 , an electrical pulse is generated in the coil 103 and is conducted through the high voltage wire 105 . the pulse is inductively coupled to the toroidal coil 106 and is sensed by the speed monitoring device 107 . the high voltage wire 105 and the toroidal isolation coil 106 provide high voltage isolation of the speed monitoring circuit from the high voltage power supply ( not shown ) which is connected to the rotary atomizer in a conventional manner to electrostatically charge the particles of coating fluid . the fluid valve 61 and valve fluid assembly 62 shown in fig2 can be utilized to control the flow of multiple colors of paint and cleaning solvent to the rotary atomizer 20 . there is shown in fig6 a schematic diagram of a valve control circuit in which a multiple color paint source 111 supplies paint to a rotary atomizer 20 . the paint source 111 is conventional and typically includes a plurality of paint reservoirs , one for each color to be sprayed , connected through valves to a manifold . the outlet from the paint source 111 is in fluid communication with a valve 112 representing the combination of the fluid valve 61 and the valve fluid assembly 62 described above . the valve 112 in turn is in fluid communication with one inlet of an adapter 113 which has an outlet in fluid communication with the rotary atomizer 20 . the outlet of the adapter 113 is threaded to engage the central aperture 31 formed in the manifold body 29 . another valve 114 is connected between a dump reservoir 115 and the line between the paint source 111 and the valve 112 . the valve 114 can be the combination of the fluid valve 61 and the valve fluid assembly 62 . a similar valve 116 is connected between the adapter 113 and a source of solvent 117 . when the rotary atomizer 20 is being utilized to paint an object such as an automobile , the selected color of paint is forced under pressure from the paint source 111 through the valve 112 which is actuated to the open position under air pressure . the paint flows through the adapter 113 to the rotary atomizer 20 . typically , the next automobile body to be sprayed is to receive a different color of paint . the paint source 111 disconnects the color being utilized and injects a bead of solvent through the line toward the valve 112 . however , the valve 112 is closed and the dump valve 114 is opened to the dump reservoir 115 . thus , the end of the color which has just been sprayed flows to the dump reservoir and the bead of solvent cleans the lines . the bead of solvent is followed by the new color to be sprayed and the timing is such that the dump valve 114 is not closed and the first valve 112 is not opened until the bead of solvent has passed and the second color is available to be directed to the rotary atomizer . at the same time the color is being changed , the valve 116 is opened and a high pressure , short duration burst of solvent from the solvent reservoir 117 is forced through the adapter 113 and the rotary atomizer 20 to clean the paint flow path and the atomizer bell . the valve 116 is then closed before the valve 112 is reopened for the new color . in accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes , the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment . however , it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope .
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various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings . while the following description will generally discuss each embodiment separately , two or more embodiments may be combined to increase the accuracy of diseased or cancerous tissue detection . further , while the present description will generally use only two bands of ir wavelengths , the use of three or more bands of ir wavelengths will further increase system sensitivity to diseased tissue . fig1 illustrates an area of tissue and skin 100 , of which a portion is diseased , such as by a cancerous lesion . this area of tissue and skin 100 is imaged by a diagnostic system 110 employing the methodology of the present invention . the diagnostic system 110 comprises a dual - band ir imager 112 and a computer 114 . in the healthy portion of the area of tissue and skin 100 , the body regulates its temperature using neuronal modulation of blood perfusion 120 . the neuronal modulation of blood perfusion 120 includes vasodilation to cool the body and vasoconstriction to warm the body in the body &# 39 ; s effort to maintain a desired temperature 122 . this results in normal temperature oscillations 124 about the desired temperature 122 . the body uses the skin as a radiator to remove excess heat causing the skin temperature 126 to oscillate . the skin temperature 126 oscillates over a band of neuronal thermoregulatory frequencies ( trfs ) 128 . the skin therefore radiates an ir flux 130 as excess heat is given off by the skin in the body &# 39 ; s effort to maintain the desired temperature 122 . while this process is generally discussed in terms that the tissue underlying the skin is cancerous , this method lends itself to the detection of skin cancer as well . for that reason , while the term tissue and skin may be used separately , skin will also be considered tissue for the purposes of this description . the diagnostic system 110 takes a series of infrared images of the tissue and skin 100 using the dual - band ir imager 112 and processes the resultant images using the computer 114 . the actual images will be composed of many individual pixels , each corresponding to a different portion of the imaged tissue and skin 100 . the dual - band ir imager 112 may be based upon a 256 pixel by 256 pixel or 480 pixel by 640 pixel dual - band ir photodetector array . to increase sensitivity , the dual - band ir imager 112 images the tissue and skin 100 in two different bands of ir wavelengths resulting in two different series of ir images . by using the two different series of ir images , the occurrence of false positives and false negatives may be reduced . the second series of ir images in the second band of ir wavelengths may serve as a check on the first series of ir images in the first band of ir wavelengths , thereby increasing overall diagnostic system i 10 sensitivity depending upon the data analysis method . the use of n independent bands of ir wavelengths generally leads to a โ n increase in sensitivity . with the two bands used throughout this description , this increase in sensitivity leads from a single band ir diagnostic system having a sensitivity of 30 m ยฐ c . to a dual - band ir diagnostic system 110 having a sensitivity of 21 m ยฐ c . alternatively , if 30 m ยฐ c . is the desired diagnostic system 110 sensitivity , then the dual - band ir imager 112 can incorporate two single - band ir photodetector arrays each having a sensitivity of 42 m ยฐ c ., thereby improving manufacturability . the increased sensitivity of the dual - band ir imager 112 over a single - band ir imager decreases the occurrence of false positive and false negatives due to tissue and skin variations . different portions of the skin may radiate different levels of ir flux , even though both the skin and the underlying tissue are healthy . as an example , a birthmark will likely radiate heat differently than normal skin . similarly , a tattoo may create a false positive or false negative , as it too will radiate heat differently than normal skin . for a very sensitive single - band ir imager , a large freckle may lead to a false positive or false negative . however , by using two series of ir images , each taken in different bands of ir wavelengths , false positives and false negatives due to variations in skin color will be minimized . variations in the underlying tissue can also affect detection of diseased tissue . while a breast may have relatively uniform tissue , an arm will include areas of significant muscle tissue adjacent to bony regions such as the elbow and wrist , resulting in ir image variations . the nitric oxide ( no ) modulation of blood perfusion 140 will be described next . a diseased portion of the tissue and skin 100 , due to a cancer 142 in this discussion , provokes an immune response 144 within the tissue and skin 100 . this immune response 144 results in increased macrophage activity 146 , which produces no 148 . some cancers , such as breast cancer , are known to elevate the local level of ferritin 150 within the diseased tissue . elevated levels of ferritin 150 further increases the amount of no 148 produced within the diseased tissue . nitric oxide causes vasodilation 152 of the capillary bed leading to enhanced blood perfusion 156 within the diseased tissue . a side effect of the presence of no is that neuronal control ( vasodilation and vasoconstriction ) of the capillary bed is impaired 154 . the net result is that temperature in the diseased tissue will be controlled more by no - based blood perfusion rather than by neuronal processes . that is , no controlled temperature oscillations 158 will dominate over the attenuated neuronal temperature oscillations 160 . a second side effect of no controlled blood perfusion is an increase in spatial homogeneity of skin temperature 162 . that is , there will be less temperature variation in the skin surface temperature due to the no - induced vasodilation of the capillary bed . no controlled blood perfusion will occur at non - neuronal trfs 164 , as will be discussed in detail below . as with healthy tissue , the temperature of the skin overlying diseased tissue will create an ir flux 166 that can then be imaged by the dual - band ir imager 112 . the first embodiment of the present invention is based upon the average temperature of the imaged tissue . the first embodiment converts the first and second series of ir images into thermal images , i . e ., converts each pixel from the ir image to a corresponding temperature . each individual thermal image therefore is a two - dimensional array of temperatures and each of the first and second series of thermal images is a series of two - dimensional arrays of temperatures . at the preferred imaging rate of 30 to 60 images per second and a 10 to 60 second series of images , the first and second thermal images can readily include over 1000 individual thermal images . the first embodiment next subdivides the tissue area imaged into a number of subareas . these subareas correspond to two pixel by two pixel portions of the thermal images or larger . a preferred upper limit on the subarea size is an eight pixel by eight pixel subarea as larger areas will tend to average out any local variations that might indicate the presence of diseased tissue . the first embodiment then finds the average temperature value for each of these subareas . this is done for each individual thermal image in both the first and the second series of thermal images resulting in first and second pluralities of average temperature values . these first and second pluralities of average temperature values are then analyzed in view of fig2 . fig2 illustrates a histogram showing all of the average temperature values for the first plurality of average temperature values 200 . curve 202 is the composite curve showing the average temperature values for skin overlying both healthy and diseased tissue . curve 204 corresponds to the average temperature values for the skin overlying a healthy region of tissue . curve 204 therefore corresponds to skin whose underlying tissue is thermally regulated by neuronal control of blood perfusion . the peak temperature value for this healthy tissue is denoted t h . in regions of skin overlying diseased or cancerous tissue , the average temperature value curve 206 is formed . due to the generally vasodilated state of the capillary bed in diseased tissue , the average temperature value for these regions is greater . the higher peak average temperature value for these diseased regions is denoted by t d . a preliminary determination that a cancerous lesion may be present requires that a cluster of six adjacent subareas each have abnormal average temperature values . a first average temperature value for the first series of thermal images is calculated . this first average temperature value is preferably found by proportionately weighting each of the subareas based upon their size . in particular , when a spatial distribution of the first average temperature values within the cluster of six adjacent subareas is less than about 20 % or more than about 100 % of the first average temperature value , tissue corresponding to the cluster of six adjacent subareas is preliminarily determined to be diseased . this preliminary determination is confirmed if the same series of calculations and comparisons on the second series of thermal images yields the same cluster of six adjacent subareas . as each of the first and second series of ir images is preferably taken periodically , trfs can be determined . the second embodiment of the present invention makes use of these trfs . fig3 illustrates a trf histogram for both healthy and diseased tissue 300 . curve 302 is a composite for both the healthy and diseased tissue while curve 304 corresponds to healthy tissue and curve 306 corresponds to diseased tissue . curve 304 for healthy tissue reflects neuronal control blood perfusion and generally has a frequency of between 10 and 700 millihertz . in contrast , curve 306 for diseased tissue reflects no - based control of blood perfusion and has a higher frequency , generally in the range of 0 . 8 to 2 . 0 hz . the second embodiment makes use of the differences in trfs by finding the contributing frequency for each subarea in the first series of thermal images . this contributing frequency may be determined by analyzing the average temperature value for a subarea based on the known periodic nature of the first series of thermal images . the preferred method to determine the contributing frequency is to subject the average temperature values to a fast fourier transform that rapidly finds the frequency components or ranges of frequencies for a time varying signal . as shown in fig3 , while more healthy tissue subareas had a trf of f h , there is some variation about this frequency . however , very few healthy tissue subareas had a trf as high as f d , the strongest of the diseased tissue trfs . once the contributing frequency for each subarea using the first series of thermal images is determined , first lower and upper threshold frequencies are found , preferably by weighting each subarea based upon their size . as before , a cluster of six adjacent abnormal subareas leads to a preliminary diseased tissue diagnosis . in particular , when a spatial distribution of the contributing frequency of the cluster is less than the first lower threshold frequency or more than the first upper threshold frequency , tissue corresponding to the cluster is preliminarily diagnosed as being diseased . this preliminary diagnosis is confirmed if the same series of determinations and comparisons on the second series of thermal images yields the same cluster of six adjacent subareas . the third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in that it uses the contributing frequency of each subarea . in particular , the third embodiment uses the amplitude of the contributing frequencies . as shown in fig3 , the diseased tissue curve 306 has only a small frequency amplitude at f h , thus providing another means for cancer discrimination . the third embodiment therefore searches for a cluster in which a spatial distribution of the amplitude of the contributing frequency is less than a first lower threshold amplitude or more than a first upper threshold amplitude . the first lower and upper threshold amplitudes are determined using the first series of thermal images and is preferably weighted by subarea size . as with the previous embodiments , the use of the second series of thermal images is used to confirm a preliminary diseased diagnosis from the first series of thermal images . in contrast to the first three embodiments that use the two series of thermal images sequentially , the fourth embodiment uses the two series of thermal images in parallel . fig4 illustrates a series of correlation curves 400 for two different bands of ir wavelengths , the two bands centered around ฮป 1 and ฮป 2 . the fourth embodiment includes taking a baseline radiance measurement of known healthy skin and tissue in the two different bands of ir wavelengths , thereby generating a healthy skin and tissue correlation curve 402 . this healthy correlation curve 402 can be mathematically defined most simply in terms of a slope and an intercept , that is ฮป 2 = m h ฮป 1 + b h . it should be noted that depending upon the wavelengths within the two bands of ir wavelengths , the properties of the skin and underlying tissue , etc ., additional terms might be required to more accurately describe the correlation . in the simple slope and intercept form , the precise values for m h and b h will likely be a function of the skin and the underlying tissue . for example , the m h and b h values for a breast cancer screening will likely be different from the m h and b h values for a bony structure such as the wrist or ankle . once the appropriate healthy correlation curve 402 is determined , the subareas within the first and second series of thermal images will also be correlated . this correlation may produce subareas having diseased correlation curve 404 or 406 . diseased correlation curve 404 may be described as ฮป 2 = m d1 ฮป 1 + b d1 , while diseased correlation curve 406 may be described as ฮป 2 = m d2 ฮป 1 + b d2 . the fourth embodiment then compares the slope m d1 or m d2 with m h . if a spatial distribution of the m d1 or m d2 values for a cluster are different than m h , then the tissue corresponding to the cluster is determined to be diseased . how different the slope values will be will depend upon the types of underlying tissue as noted above , as well as the specific wavelengths ฮป 1 and ฮป 2 chosen . the radiance measurements of healthy skin taken for the fourth embodiment may be made as a function of integration time for the dual - band ir imager 112 , the temperature of the skin and tissue being imaged , or a combination thereof . the temperature of the skin and tissue can be varied by directing either a warming or a cooling stream of air on the skin and tissue resulting in thermal stress to the skin and tissue . alternatively , this thermal stress may be induced by directing a flow of water vapor to the skin and tissue . while this thermal stress finds particular application with the fourth ( and fifth ) embodiments , it can readily be used in conjunction with the other embodiments as well . due to the oscillatory nature of thermal regulation , the sensitivity of the fourth ( and fifth ) embodiments can be increased . by finding the contributing frequency for each of the subareas , the correlation between the two series of thermal images can be made at neuronal frequencies or at no modulation frequencies . it is anticipated that correlations made at no modulation frequencies will be especially sensitive for discriminating healthy versus diseased skin and tissue regions . while the fourth embodiment uses the slope of the correlation between the two series of thermal images , the fifth embodiment uses the intercept of the correlation between the two series of thermal images . to this end , the fifth embodiment compares b d1 or b d2 with b h . when the spatial distribution of b d1 or b d2 for a cluster are different from b h , tissue corresponding to the cluster is diagnosed as being diseased . as before , this difference is a function of the underlying tissue and the specific wavelengths chosen . the sixth embodiment of the present invention is based upon detectable differences in the hst between healthy and diseased skin and tissue . the hst for a subarea is found by determining both the average temperature value and the temperature standard deviation and then dividing the average temperature value by the temperature standard deviation . the hst is found for each subarea for each of the first series of thermal images . fig5 shows the resultant histogram 500 of hst values from the first series of thermal images for the skin overlying both healthy and diseased tissue . curve 502 is the overall hst curve while curve 504 corresponds to healthy skin and tissue while curve 506 corresponds to diseased skin and tissue . the temperature standard deviation found in diseased tissue is lower than that of healthy tissue due to the overall vasodilated state of the capillary bed . this lower standard deviation results in higher hst values for diseased skin and tissue regions , centered about hst d as shown in fig5 . in contrast , healthy skin and tissue temperature is controlled by neuronal processes that include both vasodilation and vasoconstriction . this results in wider variations in skin temperature , larger temperature standard deviations and therefore smaller hst values . fig5 shows the healthy skin and tissue regions to have hst values centered about hst h . an overall first average hst for the first series of thermal images is also computed . a preliminary diseased tissue diagnosis is made when spatial distribution of a cluster of six adjacent subareas have hst values of less than about 20 % or more than about 100 % of the first average hst . this preliminary diagnosis is confirmed if the same series of calculations and comparisons on the second series of thermal images yields the same cluster of six adjacent subareas . the seventh embodiment makes use of the differences in trfs of the hst values by finding the contributing frequency for each subarea in the first plurality of hst values . the seventh embodiment will generate a frequency histogram similar to that of fig3 in that healthy tissue subareas will have a trf of hst values with some variation about a healthy tissue center frequency . likewise , diseased tissue subareas will have trf of hst values with some variation about a higher diseased tissue center frequency . once the contributing trf of hst values for each subarea using the first series of thermal images is determined , a first average contributing frequency is found . a cluster of six adjacent abnormal subareas leads to a preliminary diseased tissue diagnosis . in particular , when a spatial distribution of the magnitude of the contributing trf of hst values of the cluster is less than about 20 % or more than about 100 % of the first average contributing frequency , tissue corresponding to the cluster is preliminarily diagnosed as being diseased . this preliminary diagnosis is confirmed if the same series of determinations and comparisons on the second series of thermal images yields the same cluster of six adjacent subareas . fig6 illustrates a temperature standard deviation histogram 600 employed by the eighth embodiment of the present invention . the eighth embodiment requires determining the temperature standard deviation for each of the subareas for each one of the first series of thermal images . curve 602 corresponds to the resultant overall histogram for the temperature standard deviations and is a combination of a curve 604 representing the temperature standard deviations for healthy skin and tissue and curve 606 representing the temperature standard deviations for diseased skin and tissue . the standard deviation for diseased skin and tissue will be lower as noted above due to the generally vasodilated state of the capillary bed leading to more constant temperatures relative to skin and tissue under neuronal controlled blood perfusion . a preliminary diagnosis of diseased skin and tissue corresponding to a cluster of six adjacent subareas requires the cluster to have a spatial distribution of temperature standard deviation of less than about 20 % or more than about 100 % of a first average temperature standard deviation based upon the first series of thermal images . the preliminary diagnosis based upon temperature standard deviation is confirmed if the same series of determinations and comparisons on the second series of thermal images yields the same cluster of six adjacent subareas . each of the embodiments will now be described in reference to fig7 through 10 . the first through third embodiments are illustrated by the block diagram shown in fig7 . in each of the first through third embodiments , two series of ir images of the tissue are recorded in two corresponding different bands of ir wavelengths by the dual - band ir imager 112 . the two series of ir images are then converted by a converter 704 into two series of thermal images . an averager 706 then determines a series of average temperatures for each of the subareas using both series of thermal images . the averager 706 also determines an overall average temperature using both series of thermal images . all of this average temperature information is then analyzed by an analyzer 708 in the first embodiment . in the second embodiment , the two series of thermal images undergo frequency analysis , i . e ., the contributing frequencies for the subareas are determined , by a frequency analyzer 710 . the contributing frequencies are then analyzed by the analyzer 708 to determine if any clusters indicate the presence of diseased tissue based upon contributing frequencies . like the second embodiment , the third embodiment uses the frequency analyzer 710 . the third embodiment requires the analyzer to analyze the amplitude of the contributing frequencies and any clusters having unusual frequency amplitudes may be diagnosed as corresponding to diseased tissue . the fourth and fifth embodiments are illustrated in the block diagram of fig8 . as with the first three embodiments , two series of ir images of the tissue are recorded in two corresponding different bands of ir wavelengths by the dual - band ir imager 112 . the two series of ir images are then converted by the converter 704 into two series of thermal images . the averager 106 then determines a series of average temperatures for each of the subareas using both series of thermal images . the dual - band ir imager 112 also records radiance images in both bands of ir wavelengths , which are subsequently converted into thermal images . both sets of average temperature data and the radiance image data are correlated by a correlator 722 . an analyzer 724 then analyzes the correlation data produced by the correlator 722 . in the fourth embodiment , the analyzer 724 analyzes the slope of the correlation data while in the fifth embodiment the analyzer 724 analyzes the intercept of the correlation data . fig8 also illustrates an element 726 for subjecting tissue to a thermal stress . as noted above , the element 726 can create this thermal stress by directing a stream of warm or cool air over the tissue or by directing a mist at the tissue . while the element 726 is illustrated only in fig8 corresponding to the apparatus for implementing the fourth and fifth embodiments , it can readily be included apparatuses for implementing the first through third and sixth through eighth embodiments . an apparatus for implementing the sixth and seventh embodiments is illustrated in block fashion in fig9 . as with the first five embodiments , two series of ir images of the tissue are recorded in two corresponding different bands of ir wavelengths by the dual - band ir imager 112 . the two series of ir images are then converted by the converter 704 into two series of thermal images . in the sixth embodiment , the two series of thermal images are then processed by the processor 744 . the processor 744 determines average temperatures and standard deviations for each of the subareas using both series of thermal images . the processor 744 then determines hst values for each of the subareas for both series of thermal images . lastly , the processor 744 determines the average hst value for both series of thermal images . an analyzer 746 then analyzes this hst data to determine if any clusters correspond to diseased tissue . in the seventh embodiment , the two series of thermal images undergo frequency analysis by the frequency analyzer 710 . the resultant frequency analyzed data is then analyzed by the analyzer 746 to determine of diseased tissue is present . fig1 illustrates the various blocks required for implementing the eighth embodiment of the present invention . two series of ir images of the tissue are recorded in two corresponding different bands of ir wavelengths by the dual - band ir imager 112 . the two series of ir images are then converted by a converter 704 into two series of thermal images . these two series of thermal images then undergo a series of processes by the processor 744 described above . the various averaged data is then analyzed by an analyzer 764 . in the eighth embodiment , the analyzer 764 determines if any clusters have abnormal standard deviations that would indicate the presence of diseased tissue . the diagnostic system 110 , and in particular , the dual - band ir imager 112 will now be described in greater detail . the first and second bands of ir wavelengths detected by the dual - band ir imager 112 are preferably within the long wavelength ir ( lwir ), which corresponds to radiation having a wavelength of eight to twelve microns . for example , the first band of ir wavelengths might cover the wavelength range of eight to nine microns while the second band of ir wavelengths might cover from ten to eleven microns . the lwir is preferred as the human body ir emissions peak within this range of wavelengths . the first and second bands of ir wavelengths could alternatively be in the middle wavelength ir ( mwir ) corresponding to radiation having a wavelength of three to five microns . as a further alternative , the two bands of ir wavelengths could include one in the lwir and one in the mwir . the dual - band ir imager 112 may be formed in one of several ways . the dual - band ir imager 112 could include two single - band ir photodetector arrays , each sensitive to different bands of ir wavelengths . alternatively , the two single - band ir photodetector arrays could be identical with the different bands of ir wavelength response due to filters . using two single band ir photodetectors will require the use of a beam splitter to cause spatially registered images to be focused on each of the single - band ir photodetector arrays . while the use of two single - band ir photodetector arrays will probably decrease the cost of each single - band ir photodetector array , the overall system cost will likely increase . such a two photodetector array - based dual - band ir imager 112 will require the aforementioned beamsplitter , and probably two separate coolers as each single - band ir photodetector array will require cooling . such a two photodetector array - based dual - band ir imager will also require very tight tolerances to ensure that the image is truly spatially registered on both photodetector arrays , thereby reducing manufacturability . a single dual - band ir photodetector array appears more feasible and manufacturable . several dual - band photodetector technologies have been demonstrated including those using hgcdte and gaas - based multiple quantum well ( mqw ) semiconductor materials . dual - band photodetectors using hgcdte semiconductor materials have high quantum efficiencies , but place strict requirements on the hgcdte manufacturing process . while dual - band hgcdte photodetectors operating in the mwir and lwir have shown excellent performance , the use of hgcdte semiconductor material for the preferred lwir - lwir configuration places extremely strict requirements on the starting hgcdte semiconductor material . for these reasons , it appears unlikely that a commercial hgcdte dual - band ir camera is feasible using current manufacturing technology . gaas - based mqw semiconductor material appears to be a more manufacturable technology and is thus preferable for the present invention . the gaas - based starting material is commercially available from several sources and the fabrication processes are in use in a number of facilities . gaas - based mqw semiconductor material may be fabricated into quantum well ir photodetectors ( qwips ) and enhanced qwips ( eqwips ). dual - band qwips and eqwips have been demonstrated to date with the eqwip offering better sensitivity due to its resonant optical cavity and reduced noise . various embodiments of the eqwip are described and claimed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 539 , 206 , 6 , 133 , 571 , 6 , 157 , 042 , and 6 , 355 , 939 and are hereby incorporated by reference . additional preferred embodiments of the eqwip are described in copending application number 21201 and 21301 . the present invention , by imaging a human being , encounters problems should the patient move during the image taking portion of the process . to minimize this effect , the images for the two different series of ir images are preferably taken in an alternating fashion . that is , first an ir image is taken from the first band of ir wavelengths and then an ir image is taken from the second band of ir wavelengths . by alternating the ir wavelength bands , the correlation between the first image in both series of ir images increases when compared to taking all of the first series of ir images over the course of 10 to 60 seconds and then taking all of the second series of ir images . to further minimize problems due to patient motion , the imaging rate should be relatively high , preferably in the range of 30 to 60 hz or greater . an added benefit of the increased imaging rate is that any of the embodiments using frequency - based analysis will have increased frequency resolution . the computer 114 within the diagnostic system 110 will be required to store significant quantities of data and undertake substantial numerical processing . the computer 114 will need to store several thousands of individual ir images and thermal images for each patient . as each of these could include 640 pixels by 480 pixels - worth of data , a rather sizeable hard disk drive and large amount of ram will be beneficial . due to the substantial amount of numerical processing that will be undertaken , a separate numerical processing board may be advantageous . although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art . therefore , such changes and modifications should be construed as being within the scope of the invention .
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various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof , which should be taken in conjunction with the heretofore described drawings . with reference to the drawings , fig1 shows the device of the present invention and is identified herein by reference character 10 . device 10 includes a frame member 12 which may be constructed of any light weight and rigid , or semi - rigid material such as aluminum , fiberglass , and the like . frame member may include a first hoop 14 and a second hoop 16 . hoop 14 and 16 attach to one another at connection points 18 and 20 . frame 12 includes means 22 for attaching frame 12 to a user 24 , fig2 . means 22 is depicted on fig1 and 2 as a pair of brackets 26 and 28 which fit over shoulders of user 24 . brackets 26 and 28 are extensions of hoop 16 but may be formed separately and be connected to other portions of frame 12 . means 22 may also include a belt strap 30 which buckles around the waist of the user . it may be seen that a portion 32 of frame 12 extends below the waist of user 24 . device 10 also includes an air foil 34 which may be a fabric covering 36 constructed of nylon , cotton , and the like . fabric covering 36 attaches to hoop 14 by the means of a plurality of fasteners 39 . with reference to hoop 16 , it may be seen that a fabric covering 38 attaches thereto by the use of fasteners 40 . although the device of the present invention may include a single air foil , such as the one found attached to hoop 14 , the embodiments shown in fig1 and 2 shows an air foil having fabric coverings 36 and 38 . the fabric covering associated with hoop 16 includes an orifice 42 which regulates the flow of air passing from fabric covering 38 to fabric covering 36 connected to hoop 14 . orifice 42 may be closed or opened with draw strings 44 or other suitable means . the lower portion 32 of frame 12 includes wings 46 and 48 which help balance the force created by the air resistance above the waist on air foil 34 thereabove . zippers 50 and 52 , as well as zippers 54 and 56 , may divert air from air foil 34 and thereby control the drag created on user 24 by the use of device 10 . zippers 50 , 52 , 54 , and 56 may be opened or closed by the user while moving by the use of strings which extend to the front of user 24 ( not shown ). in operation , the user attaches device 10 to himself by the use of shoulder bracket 26 and 28 in waist belt strap 30 . zippers 50 , 52 , 54 , and 56 may be open or closed as desired to regulate the drag force created by device 10 . in addition , orifice 42 may be opened or closed by the use of drawstrings 44 to fine tune the drag force on the user . the user then runs , walks , cycles , or otherwise moves with device 10 attached . the user derives a greater amount of exercise from traveling a shorter distance with device 10 then he would otherwise without using the same . thus , a smaller or more restricted environment for exercising may be employed by the user than normally is needed in his training . another embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig3 of the drawings . the device 10a includes a flexible frame member 60 which is constructed of a tubular member 62 , bent into a roughly horseshoe shaped configuration . tubular member 62 retains a degree of resiliency in this mode . means 64 is provided for attaching flexible frame member 60 to user 24 . means 64 may include an over - the - shoulder support 66 having a neckbar 68 and bent gripping bars 70 and 72 straps 74 and 76 aid the user in holding gripping bar 70 . cables 78 and 80 extend from tubular member 62 to based yoke 82 . the user slips between backbend 84 and strap 86 when using the device 10a . legs 88 and 90 extend to either side of user and connect to the ends 92 and 94 of tubular member 62 . an air foil 96 may be connected to flexible frame member 60 . device 10a also provides means for permitting the user 24 to deform flexible frame member 60 . such means may take the form of handles 98 and 100 which permit the user to pull in or push out thus deforming tubular member 64 . such activity , of course , requires physical excursion on the user 24 . thus , it may be seen that the user could exercise his legs and arms at the same time . while on the foregoing embodiments of the present invention has been set forth in considerable detail for the purpose of making a complete disclosure of the invention , it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principle of the invention .
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hereinafter , various embodiments according to the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings . although the present invention provides an information processing which is capable of transferring clipped picture data via a transmission device , the following embodiments are explained by referring to an information processing apparatus which transfers the clipped picture data as an information terminal apparatus and by referring to an information processing apparatus which receives the transferred picture data as a portable information terminal apparatus . the information terminal apparatus shown in fig1 includes a display unit 1 for displaying characters and figures , an auxiliary memory unit 2 which is nonvolatile and is capable of writing - in or reading - out data , a memory unit 3 such as a semiconductor memory device , a control unit 4 , a transmission line 5 , and an input unit 6 using a key board , a mouse , a pen , and so forth . moreover , the control unit 4 includes a microprocessor , a memory and programs , and comprises an input control part 41 , a memo editing part 42 , a display control part 43 , a file management part 44 , a picture data clipping part 45 , a transmission control part 46 , and a clock control part 47 . the input control part 41 sends data representing characters , figures , or information indicating a display position on a screen , which data is input via the input unit 6 , to the memo editing part 42 or the picture data clipping part 45 . the information indicating display positions of input areas or buttons of a work menu on the screen , which are input by clicking on the work menu or on the buttons with a mouse , are processed as selection inputs of the work menu or operation inputs of the buttons . the memo editing part 42 executes editing processing of new memo data and renewal processing of the contents in a memo note stored in the auxiliary memory unit 2 . the display control part 43 controls the display of characters or figures on the display unit 1 in response to a display command received from the memo editing part 42 or the picture data clipping part 45 . the file management part 44 effects a reading - out of date from a file stored in the auxiliary memory unit 2 and a writing - in of data into a file in the auxiliary memory unit 2 . the picture data clipping part 45 clips picture data designated in the information terminal apparatus in response to one input operation for designation of clipped picture data , and transfers the clipped picture data to the portable information terminal apparatus connected thereto via the transmission line 5 under control of the transmission control part 46 . the transmission control part 46 executes transmission of file data by accessing a memory in the external portable information terminal apparatus via the transmission line 5 . the clock control part 47 manages the present date and time ( year , month , day , hour , minute , second ), and can change the present date and time . thus , the present date and time are obtained from this part . the contents of the memory unit 3 are shown in fig3 and will be explained later . the control unit 4 executes a processing for clipping picture data , as shown by the flow diagram in fig2 . in this processing , at first , if clipping of picture data is designated in the work menu , the menu of clipping modes shown in fig3 is displayed ( in step 201 ). in this menu of clipping modes , the following picture sizes for displaying clipped picture data are available : that is , the size 301 of a screen in the portable information terminal apparatus , by which clipped picture data is displayed ; an arbitrary size 302 by which clipped picture date of an arbitrary size is displayed on a screen in the portable information terminal apparatus ; a window size 303 by which picture date displayed in an active application window of the information terminal apparatus is clipped ; and a full screen size 304 by which all picture data displayed on the screen in the information terminal apparatus is clipped . it is possible to process the clipped picture data according to a picture size selected in the menu of clipping modes . in step 202 , the displaying of the menu in step 201 is continued , and an input for selecting a picture size is waited for until one of the clipping modes is selected . in step 203 , when one of the clipping modes is selected , the selected clipping mode is stored in a clipping mode storing area 801 in the memory unit 3 , and the picture data is clipped according to the clipping mode stored in the clipping mode storing area 801 . moreover , the clipped picture data is stored in a picture data storing area 810 in the memory unit 3 . as shown in fig8 the memory unit 3 includes the clipping mode storing area 801 for storing the modes for setting a clipped region of picture data , a flag 802 indicating the presence of a designation of a transferred file writing - in area in the portable information terminal apparatus , an area 803 for storing holder ( user ) names of transferred file writing - in holders , an area 804 for storing file names of transferred file writing - in files , an area 805 for storing the x direction picture size of the portable information terminal apparatus , an area 806 for storing the y direction picture size of the portable information terminal apparatus , an area 807 for storing information on names of transferred files ( referred to as transferred file names ) in a memo note holder of the portable information terminal apparatus , an area 808 for storing the serial number added to each transferred file in naming the file , a date information ( yyyy : year , mm : month , dd : day ) storing area 809 , which is obtained from the clock control part 47 , the picture data storing area 810 in which the clipped picture data is stored , and an area 811 for storing information concerning the presence of a memo note holder in the portable information terminal apparatus . as shown in fig9 the transferred file name is composed of a string of four year designating characters ( yyyy ) 901 , a string of two month designating characters ( mm ) 902 , and a string of two day designating characters ( dd ) 903 , indicating the year , the month , and the day , respectively , when the picture data is clipped , a serial number ( nnn ) 904 , a string of two characters ( pc ) 905 indicating a file transferred from the terminal information apparatus , and an extension symbol ( zzz ) 906 . the serial number ( nnn ) 905 is the ordering number assigned to each of the memo files managed on the same day , which is a number between โ 001 โ and โ 999 โ. after the clipped picture data is stored in the picture data storing area 810 in the memory unit 3 in step 203 , in step 204 , information as to the presence of a memo note holder in the portable information terminal apparatus connected vie the transmission line 5 is obtained via the transmission control part 46 , and the obtained information is set to the area 811 for storing information on the presence of a memo note holder . in step 205 , by checking the contents of the area 811 for storing information on the presence of a memo note holder , it is determined whether a memo holder exists or not . if the result of the checking indicates that a memo note holder does not exist , a memo note holder is created in the portable information terminal apparatus by the transmission control part 46 in step 206 , and the processing then goes to step 207 . conversely , if the result of the checking indicates that a memo note holder exists , processing directly goes to step 207 . in step 207 , it is checked to see whether a flag 802 indicating the presence of a designation of a transferred file writing - in area indicates โ yes โ or โ no โ. if the result of the checking indicates โ yes โ, a dialog box for inputting a transferred file writing area is displayed as shown in fig4 in step 208 . the dialog box for inputting a transferred file writing - in area is composed of an area 401 for designating a holder name , and an area 402 for designating a file name in the portable information terminal apparatus to which a file of the clipped data is to be transferred , and an ok button 403 for inputting the designated holder name and the file name . in step 209 , display of the dialog box of fig4 is continued until inputting of the holder name 401 and the file name 402 is completed and the ok button 403 has been clicked . when the holder name 401 and the file name 402 have been designated and the ok button 403 has been clicked , in step 210 , the holder name 401 designated in the dialog box of fig4 is set to the area 803 for storing holder names of transferred file writing - in holders in the memory unit 3 . furthermore , in step 211 , the file name 401 designated in the dialog box of fig4 is set to the area 804 for storing file names of transferred file writing - in files in the memory unit 3 , and then processing goes to the next step 214 . if the result of the checking in step 207 indicates โ no โ, in step 212 , a holder name of a memo note in the portable information terminal apparatus connected via the transmission line 5 is set to the area 803 for storing holder names of transferred file writing - in holders . furthermore , processing for creating a file name of a transferred file writing - in file , which is shown in fig1 , is executed in step 203 , and then processing goes to step 214 . the processing for creating a file name of a transferred file writing - in file in step 213 is shown by the flow chart in fig1 . when this processing is invoked , in step 1001 , the date information ( yyyy , mm , dd ) is read out from the clock control part 47 and is set to the area 804 for storing file names of transferred file writing - in files in the memory unit 3 . moreover , in step 1002 , a file name โ yyyymmdd *. *โ is set to the area 804 for storing file names of transferred file writing - in files in the memory unit 3 . the symbol * means that any character string described here can be matched . furthermore , in step 1003 , all files in the memo note in the portable information terminal apparatus , whose names match file names set to the area 804 for storing file names of transferred file writing - in files , are stored in the area 807 for storing information on file names in the memory 3 . in step 1004 , the maximum one of the serial numbers of all files whose names are stored in the area 807 for storing information on file names in the memory unit 3 is read out , and the number ( nnn ) which is increased by one from the read - out maximum number is set to the area 808 for storing a file serial number in the memory unit 3 . in step 1005 , the file name , โ yyyymmddnnnpc . zzz โ is set to the area 804 for storing file names of transferred file writing - in files in the portable information terminal apparatus connected via the transmission line 5 by using the transmission control part 46 . after the process of step 214 is finished , it is checked to see whether the flag 802 indicating the presence of a designation of a transferred file writing - in area in the memory unit 3 indicates โ yes โ. if the result of checking for the flag 802 indicates โ yes โ, in step 216 , the dialog box which is shown in fig5 for indicating information on the file which was transferred , is displayed . this dialog box for indicating information concerning the file which was transferred is displayed when the transferring of the clipped picture data to the portable information terminal apparatus is completed , and it is composed of an holder name 501 and a file name 502 in the portable information apparatus , and an ok button for inputting a confirmation of the holder name and the file name . in step 217 , the display of the dialog box indicating information on a file to be transferred in step 206 is continued until the ok button 503 is clicked , and when the ok button 503 is clicked , processing for clipping the picture data is finished . on the other hand , if the result of checking for the flag 802 in step 215 indicates โ no โ, processing for clipping the picture data is ended ( it is also possible to remove the above - mentioned step 215 of checking the content of the flag ). in the following , the setting of the environment conditions for clipping picture data will be explained in detail with reference to fig6 . if a menu for setting of the environment conditions for clipping picture data is demanded , in step 601 , the environment setting dialog box shown in fig7 is displayed . the environment setting dialog box is composed of an area 701 for indicating whether to designate a transferred file writing - in area in the portable information terminal apparatus connected via the transmission line 5 , an area 702 for designating the size of a picture displayed on a screen of the portable information terminal apparatus when the selected clipping mode designates the size of the screen of the portable information terminal apparatus , and an ok button 703 for inputting the completion of designation of the contents of the areas 701 and 702 . the contents of the areas 701 and 702 displayed in the environment setting dialog box are the last set contents . in invoking processing for clipping picture data , default contents are set to the area 701 for designating a transferred file writing - in area and the area 702 for designating the size of a picture displayed on the screen of the portable information terminal apparatus : that is , โ no โ has been set to the area 701 , and the standard size ( for example , the x direction size : 480 , and the y direction size : 190 ) has been set to the area 702 . by using this environment setting dialog box , in step 602 , a transferred file writing - in area is set , and the size of a picture displayed on the screen of the portable information terminal apparatus is input , and the display of this dialog box is continued until the ok button 703 for inputting the completion of designation of the contents of the areas 701 and 702 is clicked in step 602 . if the ok button 703 is clicked , the input information concerning the designation of a transferred file writing - in area is set to the flag 802 indicating the presence of a designation of a transferred file writing - in area in the memory unit 3 in step 603 , and further , in steps 604 and 605 , the input x direction size and y direction size of a picture displayed on a screen of the portable information terminal apparatus are set to the area 805 for storing the x direction picture size and the area 806 for storing the y direction picture size of the portable information terminal apparatus , respectively . thus , the setting of the environment conditions for clipping picture data is finished .
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the following examples are intended to illustrate but not to limit the scope of the invention , although the compounds named are of particular interest for our intended purposes . these compounds have been designated by underlined numbers in the examples where their preparations are described and where their systematic names are given . the compounds are later on referred to by a number code , a : b , where a means the number of the example wherein the preparation of the compound in question is described , and b refers to the order of the compounds prepared according to that example . thus , compound 1 : 2 means the second compound prepared according to example 1 . the structures of the compounds found in examples 1 - 21 are confirmed by nmr and elementary analysis . the nmr data are obtained using a 60 mhz instrument ( perkin - elmer r 12 ). most of the compounds prepared in the examples below have been isolated in free form . some of them have been transformed into their salts with pharmaceutically acceptable cations or into acid addition salts by using conventional methods and appropriate reagents . a mixture of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 10 parts ), aniline ( 4 parts ), and pyridine ( 40 parts ) is heated at 125 ยฐ c . for 3 h . the ethanol formed is distilled off continuously . the product , n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ), precipitates on cooling to room temperature and is filtered off and recrystallized from pyridine . m . p . 199 ยฐ- 200 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a mixture of n - phenylcarbamoyl - dimethylmalonate ( 14 parts ) and 4 - methoxy - n - methyl - aniline ( 7 parts ) is heated at 200 ยฐ c . for 3 h . the methanol formed is distilled off continuously . the reaction mixture is poured into warm acetic acid , and the product , n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 6 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ) ( the same compound as 1 : 2 ), precipitates and is filtered off . m . p . 192 ยฐ- 3 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from n - phenylcarbamoyl - dimethylmalonate and indoline and 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroquinoline , respectively : to a mixture of 27 parts of n - phenylcarbamoyl acetic acid ethyl ester in 75 parts of dimethylformamide are added 5 . 3 parts of a 60 % suspension of sodium hydride in mineral oil . the mixture is heated at 80 ยฐ c . for 15 minutes . a solution of 22 parts of n - methyl isatoic anhydride (= 1 - methyl - 2h - 3 , 1 - benzoxazine - 2 , 4 ( 1h ) dione ) in 125 parts of dimethylformamide is added . the reaction mixture is then heated at 110 ยฐ c . for 30 minutes and cooled to room temperature . the crystalline precipitate is filtered off , and methylene chloride and aqueous hydrochloric acid are added . after shaking until clear phases are obtained , the methylene chloride phase is washed with water and evaporated to dryness in vacuo . the residue is crystallized from pyridine to give n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ) ( the same compound as 1 : 1 ). m . p . 199 ยฐ- 200 ยฐ c . a mixture of 46 parts of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid methyl ester and 240 parts of phosphorous oxychloride is heated at 80 ยฐ c . for 2 h . the excess of phosphorous oxychloride is distilled off in vacuo . the residue is cooled to 0 ยฐ c . and dissolved in methanol . ice and water are added . the crystals of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - chloro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid methyl ester precipitate are filtered off and dried . m . p . 108 ยฐ c . a mixture of 65 parts of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - chloro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid methyl ester , 17 . 3 parts of 63 % aqueous hydrobromic acid , and 36 . 3 parts of acetic anhydride is heated at 65 ยฐ c . for 4 h and then left overnight at room temperature . the crystals formed are filtered off and then dissolved in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with methylene chloride . the aqueous phase is acidified . the crystals of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - chloro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid precipitate are filtered off and dried . m . p . 228 ยฐ c . a mixture of 13 . 8 parts of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - chloro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid , 60 parts of methylene chloride , and 12 . 4 parts of triethylamine is cooled to - 10 ยฐ c ., and a solution of 7 . 3 parts of thionyl chloride in 18 parts of methylene chloride is added dropwise while stirring the reaction mixture . the stirring is continued at 0 ยฐ c . for 1 . 5 h whereafter 6 . 3 parts of aniline are added dropwise at - 10 ยฐ c ., and the temperature is then allowed to rise to room temperature . ice - water is added , and the crystals of n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - chloro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide are filtered off and dried . m . p . & gt ; 260 ยฐ c . a mixture containing one part of each of anhydrous sodium acetate , dimethylformamide , and n - phenyl - 4 - chloro - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide is heated at 150 ยฐ c . for 3 h . the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature , aqueous hydrochloric acid is added , and thereafter extracted with ethyl acetate . from the extract is obtained after evaporation to dryness and crystallization from pyridine n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ) ( the same compound as 1 : 1 ). m . p . 199 ยฐ- 200 ยฐ c . a mixture of one part of n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( prepared according to example 6 ) and 5 parts of 5 molar aqueous hydrochloric acid is refluxed for 2 . 5 h , cooled to room temperature and then neutralized with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution . the crystalline product obtained is filtered off and recrystallized from pyridine to give n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ) ( the same compound as 1 : 1 ). m . p . 199 ยฐ- 200 ยฐ c . the same result is obtained if in the example given above the 5 molar aqueous hydrochloric acid solution is replaced by 63 % aqueous hydrobromic acid solution . the same result is also obtained if one part of n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide is refluxed with 5 parts of aqueous 5 molar sodium hydroxide solution for 1 h and the reaction mixture is neutralized with aqueous hydrochloric acid and worked up as described above . a mixture of 20 parts of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - chloro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid methyl ester ( see example 4 ), 5 . 2 parts of sodium methoxide , and 200 parts of methanol is stirred at 40 ยฐ c . for 3 h and then allowed to cool to room temperature and filtered . the filtrate is evaporated to dryness in vacuo , and the residue is dissolved in methylene chloride and extracted with aqueous 2m sodium hydroxide solution and with ice - water . the methylene chloride solution is evaporated to dryness in vacuo . the residue solidifies and consists of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid methyl ester . m . p . 80 ยฐ c . a mixture consisting of 12 . 3 parts of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid methyl ester , 2 parts of sodium hydroxide , 2 . 5 parts of water , and 50 parts of dioxane is refluxed for 2 . 5 h . the precipitate formed is filtered off and dissolved in water . the aqueous solution is washed with methylene chloride and then acidified with aqueous hydrochloric acid . the precipitate formed consists of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid . m . p . 177 ยฐ c . a solution of 4 . 7 parts of 1 . 2 - dihydro - 4 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid , 4 . 2 parts of triethylamine in 45 parts of chloroform is cooled to - 6 ยฐ c ., and a solution of 2 . 6 parts of thionyl chloride in 9 parts of chloroform is added dropwise with stirring . the temperature is allowed to rise to 0 ยฐ c ., and after 1 h 2 . 1 parts of aniline are added dropwise . the reaction mixture is allowed to warm up to room temperature and is then extracted with water and aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution . the chloroform solution is evaporated to dryness in vacuo , and the residue is crystallized from butanone to give n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - methoxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ). m . p . 232 ยฐ- 4 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a mixture of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid methyl ester ( 5 parts ), 2 - aminothiazole ( 2 . 5 parts ), and pyridine ( 20 parts ) is heated at 125 ยฐ c . for 4 h . the methanol formed is distilled off continuously . the product , n -( 2 - thiazolyl )- 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ), precipitates on cooling to room temperature and is filtered off and recrystallized from pyridine . m . p . 251 ยฐ- 3 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a mixture consisting of 34 . 5 parts of n -( 4 - nitrophenyl )- 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 : 20 ), 0 . 3 parts of platinic oxide , and 330 parts of toluene is hydrogenated at 50 ยฐ c . and at 5 atm . the catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness in vacuo . the residue crystallizes to give n -( 4 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ). m . p . 300 ยฐ c . a mixture of 2 parts of n -( 4 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide , 5 parts of pyridine , and 10 parts of acetic anhydride is left overnight at room temperature . water is added and the precipitate is filtered off and washed with 2m aqueous hydrochloric acid , water , methanol and ethylether to give n -( 4 - acetylaminophenyl )- 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ). m . p . 231 ยฐ- 4 ยฐ c . ( the same compound as 1 : 41 .) in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials : a reaction mixture consisting of n - phenyl - 4 - chloro - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 12 parts ), concentrated aqueous ammonia ( 25 parts ), and methanol ( 60 parts ) is heated in an autoclave at 100 ยฐ c . for 48 hours . after cooling to room temperature the precipitate formed is filtered off and recrystallized from pyridine and dried to give n - phenyl - 4 - amino - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ). m . p . 248 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a reaction mixture consisting of n - methyl - isatoic anhydride ( 18 parts ), n - phenyl - cyano - acetamide ( 18 parts ), pyridine ( 100 parts ), and triethylamine ( 10 parts ) is stirred at room temperature for five days . water is added and the precipitate formed is removed by filtration . the filtrate is acidified and extracted with methylene chloride . after drying and evaporation to dryness in vacuo the extract gives a crystalline residue which consists of n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - imino - 1 - methyl - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ). m . p . 275 ยฐ- 277 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a mixture of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 10 parts ), aniline ( 5 parts ), and pyridine ( 40 parts ) is heated at 125 ยฐ c . for 3 h . the ethanol formed is distilled off continuously . the product , n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ) ( the same compound as 2 : 2 ), precipitates on cooling to room temperature and is filtered off and recrystallized from pyridine . m . p . 215 ยฐ- 17 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a mixture of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - 1 , 8 - trimethylene - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 10 parts ), aniline ( 5 parts ), and pyridine ( 40 parts ) is heated at 125 ยฐ c . for 3 h . the ethanol formed is distilled off continously . the product , n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - 1 , 8 - trimethylene - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ) ( the same compound as 2 : 3 ), precipitates on cooling to room temperature and is filtered off and recrystallized from pyridine . m . p . 177 ยฐ- 8 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a mixture of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 10 parts ), aniline ( 4 parts ), and pyridine ( 40 parts ) is heated at 125 ยฐ c . for 3 h . the ethanol formed is distilled off continuously . the product , n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ) ( the same compound as 2 : 2 ), precipitates on cooling to room temperature and is filtered off . m . p . 215 ยฐ- 17 ยฐ c . in substantially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . to a mixture of 27 parts of n - phenylcarbamoyl acetic acid ethyl ester in 75 parts of dimethylformamide are added 5 . 3 parts of a 60 % suspension of sodium hydride in mineral oil . the mixture is heated at 80 ยฐ c . for 15 minutes . a solution of 22 parts of n - methyl isatoic anhydride (= 1 - methyl - 2h - 3 , 1 - benzoxazine - 2 , 4 ( 1h ) dione ) in 125 parts of dimethylformamide is added . the reaction mixture is then heated at 110 ยฐ c . for 30 minutes and cooled to room temperature . the crystalline precipitate is filtered off and washed with water , methanol , and ethyl ether and consists of n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - methyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide sodium salt ( 1 ). the general method described in example 6 above is used for the preparation of the following compounds from the corresponding starting materials . the general method described in example 6 above is used for the preparation of the following compounds from the corresponding starting materials . the general method described in example 6 above is used for the preparation of the following compounds from the corresponding starting materials . a reaction mixture consisting of n - methyl malonanilic acid methyl ester ( 13 parts ), sodium methoxide ( 4 , 2 parts ) and dimethyl formamide ( 62 parts ) is heated to 100 ยฐ c . under vacuum for 40 minutes and methanol formed is distilled off , whereafter 1 , 8 - trimethylene - isatoic anhydride (= 6 , 7 - dihydro - 1h , 3h , 5h - pyrido ( 3 , 2 , 1 - ij )( 3 , 1 )- benzoxazine - 1 , 3 - dione ) ( 6 , 4 parts ) is added at 80 ยฐ c . the reaction mixture is then heated at 110 ยฐ c . while stirring under vacuum for 40 minutes . water is added after cooling to room temperature , and the solution so obtained is extracted with ethyl ether . the aqueous phase is acidified with hydrochloric acid solution and extracted with methylene chloride . the extract is washed with water , dried and evaporated to dryness . the crystalline residue is washed with acetone and , dried , consists of n - methyl - n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - 1 , 8 - trimethylene - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 1 ). m . p . 234 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . phosphorous trichloride ( 1 . 73 parts ) is added dropwise to a solution of 8 . 1 parts of n - methylaniline in 40 parts to dry toluene while stirring the reaction mixture . stirring is continued at room temperature for 30 minutes , whereafter 6 . 15 parts of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 4 - hydroxy - 1 - allyl - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid are added . the reaction mixture is heated at 100 ยฐ c . for two hours and then cooled down . the reaction mixture is extracted with a 2m sodium hydroxide solution and the extract obtained is neutralized and clarified by filtration . the filtrate is acidifed and the precipitate formed is filtered off and dissolved in methylene chloride and the solution is clarified by filtration and evaporated to dryness . the crystalline residue is washed with acetone and dried . the product so obtained consists of n - methyl - n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 - allyl - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide , ( 1 ). m . p . 204 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . a mixture consisting of indoline ( 19 parts ) and methanetricarboxylic acid triethylester ( 37 parts ) is heated at 100 ยฐ c . ( under vacuum ) for 5 hours while the ethanol formed is distilled off . the crystalline precipitate formed is filtered off and dissolved in ethyl ether . the ethereal solution is evaporated to dryness and diphenylether ( 25 parts ) is added to the residue and the mixture so obtained is heated at 200 ยฐ c . for 8 h . after cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture is poured into aqueous sodium hydroxide solution . this mixture is washed with ethyl ether and the aqueous phase is acidified and extracted with methylene chloride . the extract is dried and evaporated to dryness . the residue is purified by liquid chromatography to give 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 1 ). m . p . 150 ยฐ c . the ethylester ( 1 ) described above ( 3 , 4 parts ) is dissolved in a solution consisting of acetic acid ( 14 , 3 parts ) and 63 % aqueous hydrobromic acid ( 5 , 8 parts ). the solution so obtained is heated at 120 ยฐ c . for 20 minutes . after standing over night at room temperature a crystalline precipitate is formed which is filtered off . the crystals are reprecipitated by dissolving in aqueous alkali and acidification to give 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 2 ). m . p . 260 ยฐ c . n , n - dicyclohexylcarbodiimide ( 2 , 6 parts ) is added to a mixture consisting of 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 2 ) ( 2 , 3 parts ), n - methylaniline ( 1 , 1 parts ) and dry toluene ( 20 parts ) while stirring . thereafter the stirring is continued at 90 ยฐ c . for one hour . the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and the precipitate formed is filtered off . the precipitate is extracted with 2m sodium hydroxide solution . the extract is neutralized and clarified by filtration and acidified with hydrochloric acid solution and then extracted with methylene chloride . the methylene chloride extract is dried and evaporated to dryness in vacuum . the crystalline residue is washed with acetone and dried to give n - methyl - n - phenyl - 1 , 2 - dihydro - 1 , 8 - ethylene - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - oxo - quinoline - 3 - carboxamide ( 3 ). m . p . 260 ยฐ c . in essentially the same manner the following compounds are obtained from the corresponding starting materials . this example illustrates the effect of the compounds of the general formula i in the carrageenan edema test in rats . a modification of a method described in ( 5 ) was used . female sprague - dawley rats weighing 110 - 120 g were used . at least 10 animals were used in each experimental group . foot edema was induced by injecting carrageenan in 0 . 9 % nacl into the plantar surface of the right hind paw of the rats . the substances suspended in aqueous methocel solution 10 ml / kg were administered intragastrically 30 minutes before the injection of carrageenan . the control groups were given methocel solution 10 ml / kg . three hours after carrageenan injection the animals were killed . the hind feet were cut off and weighed . the difference in weight of the injected right paw and the uninjected left paw was called edema weight . some of the results obtained are given in table 1 below . the compounds are named by a number code , a : b , as described above before example 1 . the effect of the substances was assessed by the edema weight expressed in percent after comparison with the control groups . table 1______________________________________carrageenan edema test in rats - preliminary resultsdose 80 mg / kg , p . o . potentiation of thecompound carrageenan edema , % ______________________________________1 : 1 401 : 2 611 : 3 411 : 5 281 : 8 211 : 9 48 1 : 10 68 1 : 11 76 1 : 12 29 1 : 15 30 1 : 17 43 1 : 18 36 1 : 19 67 1 : 21 22 1 : 22 58 1 : 23 29 1 : 43 84 1 : 45 47 1 : 46 322 : 2 432 : 3 616 : 1 606 : 3 327 : 1 847 : 2 447 : 3 477 : 4 34 7 : 10 2410 : 1 3611 : 1 4612 : 8 5114 : 9 2121 : 6 3821 : 9 52______________________________________ the following additional compounds potentiate significantly the carrageenan edema in the foregoing test in a dose within the range 10 - 160 mg / kg p . o . : 8 : 1 , 9 : 1 , 12 : 7 , 13 : 3 , 14 : 7 , 14 : 12 , 16 : 1 , 17 : 1 , 18 : 1 , 18 : 2 , 18 : 3 , 20 : 5 , 20 : 9 , 20 : 10 , 20 : 16 , 20 : 29 , 20 : 34 , 20 : 35 , 20 : 39 , 21 : 3 , 21 : 5 , 21 : 7 , 21 : 8 , 21 : 10 , 21 : 12 , 21 : 14 , 21 : 16 , 21 : 20 , 21 : 21 , 21 : 35 this example illustrates the effect of the compounds of the general formula i in the adjuvant arthritis test in rats . the adjuvant arthritis test in rats produces a delayed hypersensitivity reaction and can be used for a determination of variations of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction upon drug administration to the host . an increase in the extent of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction upon drug administration consequently indicates enhanced cell - mediated immunity in the host . a modification of a method described in ( 12 ) was used . male lister hooded rats weighing 250 - 275 g were used . at least 9 animals were used in each experimental group . a single intradermal injection of 0 . 5 mg / 0 . 1 ml heat killed mycobacterium butyricum suspended in sterile liquid paraffinum was given into the right hind foot of all rats . after this injection , day 0 , the volume of the left hind paw , measured by water displacement , was followed to the end of the experiment . the substances suspended in aqueous methocel solution 10 ml / kg were given intragastrically . the control group was given methocel solution 10 ml / kg . the different groups of animals were thus treated once daily from day - 4 to day 14 . the effect of the substances was assessed by the left foot volume expressed in percent after comparison with the control groups . some of the results are given in table 2 below . compounds of the general formula i are compared with the known compounds levamisole and penicillamine which are considered to have immunostimulant activities ( 3 ). table 2______________________________________preliminary results from the adjuvant arthritis test in rats increase of the volume dose , mg / kg of the left footcompound p . o . % ______________________________________1 : 1 40 41 &# 34 ; 20 507 : 1 40 35 &# 34 ; 20 44 1 : 11 40 45 1 : 43 10 482 : 2 40 402 : 3 &# 34 ; 396 : 1 &# 34 ; 347 : 4 &# 34 ; 2921 : 6 10 4121 : 9 10 51penicillamine 40 0levamisole 10 12 &# 34 ; 5 4______________________________________ the following additional compounds have a significant potentiating effect in the adjuvant arthritis test in rats in a dose of 40 mg / kg p . o . : 1 : 2 , 1 : 9 , 1 : 10 , 1 : 12 , 1 : 19 , 1 : 22 , 13 : 3 , 21 : 4 , 21 : 5 , 21 : 7 , 21 : 11 , 21 : 14 , 21 : 17 , 21 : 19 , 21 : 23 , 21 : 24 , 21 : 26 , 21 : 28 , 21 : 30 , 21 : 31 , 21 : 33 , 21 : 35 . the toxicity of the compounds of the general formula i is low . the ld50 values which have been determined in mice p . o . are higher than 1000 mg / kg . the acute ld50 of levamisole in mice is 285 mg / kg p . o . ( 13 ). this example shows that the new compounds enhance cell - mediated immunity ( 3 ). this example illustrates the effect of the compounds of the general formula i in the pertussis vaccine pleurisy test . pertussis vaccine pleurisy is a useful test for the evaluation of the effect of chemical compounds on the immune system . compounds which enhance the response in this delayed hypersensitivity reaction are considered to stimulate cell - mediated immunity . a modification of a method described in ( 4 ) was used . male sprague - dawley rats weighing 250 - 275 g were used . at least ten animals were used in each group . equal volumes of freund &# 39 ; s incomplete adjuvant and a suspension of heat killed bordetella pertussis organisms were mixed . to sensitize animals , day 0 , 0 . 2 ml of a mixture containing 0 . 036 ร 10 10 organisms / ml was injected into the dorsal surface of one hind paw and one forepaw . the animals were challenged on day 12 with 0 . 1 ml of a mixture containing 0 . 25 ร 10 10 organisms / ml that was injected intrapleurally . 48 hours after challenge , day 14 , the volume of the exudate in the pleural cavity was measured . the substances suspended in aqueous methocel solution 10 ml / kg were given intragastrically once daily from day 10 to day 13 . the control groups were given methocel solution 10 ml / kg . the effect of the substances was assessed by the exudate volume expressed in percent after comparison with the control groups . some of the results are given in table 3 below . the compounds of the general formula i are compared with the known compounds levamisole and penicillamine ( 4 ). table 3______________________________________pertussis vaccine pleurisy test in rats - preliminary resultsdose 10 mg / kg , p . o . enhancement of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction assessed by the exudate vol . compound % ______________________________________1 : 1 551 : 5 471 : 8 27 1 : 10 30 1 : 11 37 1 : 12 65 1 : 43 70 1 : 50 462 : 2 642 : 3 666 : 1 917 : 1 817 : 4 27 7 : 10 41 7 : 28 6112 : 8 2913 : 7 2114 : 17 2721 : 5 2921 : 6 9021 : 7 2121 : 9 8421 : 11 34penicillamine 17levamisole 13______________________________________ the following additional compounds have a significant enhancing effect in the pertussis vaccine pleurisy test in rats in a dose of 10 mg / kg p . o . : 1 : 2 , 1 : 9 , 1 : 13 , 1 : 19 , 1 : 22 , 9 : 1 , 10 : 5 , 10 : 6 , 10 : 12 , 10 : 13 , 10 : 17 , 10 : 20 , 12 : 7 , 13 : 3 , 19 : 1 , 19 : 2 , 20 : 1 , 20 : 2 , 20 : 3 , 20 : 4 , 20 : 5 , 20 : 9 , 20 : 10 , 20 : 16 , 20 : 20 , 20 : 21 , 20 : 29 , 20 : 34 , 20 : 35 , 20 : 39 , 20 : 54 , 20 : 74 , 20 : 78 , 21 : 3 , 21 : 8 , 21 : 10 , 21 : 12 , 21 : 13 , 21 : 14 , 21 : 16 , 21 : 17 , 21 : 19 , 21 : 20 , 21 : 21 , 21 : 23 , 21 : 24 , 21 : 26 , 21 : 28 , 21 : 30 , 21 : 31 , 21 : 33 , 21 : 35 ______________________________________i active compound , mesh . sup .+ 70 20 g lactosum , ph . nord . 210 gii amylum maidis , ph . nord . 75 g kollidon 25 , b . a . s . f . 3 . 5 giii aqua purificata q . s . talcum , ph . nord . 15 g magnesii stearas , ph . nord . 1 . 5 g weight of 1000 tablets 325 g______________________________________ (+) the mesh standard is according to the international system of code din 4189 / 1968 . mix the screened substanes i thoroughly and then moisten with ii , whereupon the mixture is granulated through a stainless sieve no . 10 ( mesh 25 ). dry the granulate in an oven at a maximum temperature of 40 ยฐ c . then repeat sieving through sieve no . 10 . add the substances under iii and mix thoroughly . punch tablets with a gross weight of about 325 mg . ______________________________________active compound , mesh 100 20 mgsodium chloride 8 mgcarboxy methylcellulose 1 mgbenzyl alcohol 1 mgdistilled water to make 1 ml______________________________________ ______________________________________active compound , mesh 100 20 mgsorbitol 600 mgflavouring compound q . s . colour q . s . water to make 1 ml______________________________________ ______________________________________active compound 2 gtriethanolamine 1 gglycerol 7 gcetanol 2 . 5 glanoline 2 . 5 gstearic acid 20 gsorbitan monooleate 0 . 5 gsodium hydroxide 0 . 2 gmethyl paraben 0 . 3 gpropyl paraben 0 . 1 gethanol 0 . 9 gwater to make 100 g______________________________________ 20 mg sterile powder to be dissolved in water for injection ______________________________________watersoluble active compound 10 mgsodium chloride 4 mgmethyl paraben 0 . 7 mgpropyl paraben 0 . 3 mg______________________________________ ______________________________________watersoluble active compound 20 mgascorbic acid 1 mgsodium bisulfite 1 mgsodium chloride 6 mgmethyl paraben 0 . 7 mgpropyl paraben 0 . 3 mgdistilled water to make 1 ml______________________________________ in the foregoing examples 25 - 32 relating to compositions the active compounds are those covered by the general formula i above or their addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acids . watersoluble active compounds are such addition salts or salts with a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic cations . those active compounds which are disclosed in the foregoing examples 1 - 21 are preferred as active compounds as such or in the form of their salts . also , it is to be noted that two or more active compounds of the invention may be used in combination in the compositions illustrated , and also , if desired , in combination with other pharmacologically active agents . various modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art and may be used in the compounds , compositions , and methods of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof , and it is therefore to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific examples and embodiments disclosed herein . 1 . rocklin , r . e ., ann . repts . med . chem . 8 ( 1973 ) 284 . 2 . eisen , h . n ., immunology , harper & amp ; row publishers , inc ., p . 558 - 70 ( 1974 ). 4 . dieppe , p . a . et al , agents and actions 6 / 5 ( 1976 ) 618 . 5 . winter , c . a . et al , proc . soc . exp . biol . med . 111 ( 1962 ) 544 . 6 . jones , g . ( ed . ), quinolines , part 1 , john wiley and sons ( 1977 ) p . 93 - 318 . 7 . coppola , g . m . et al , j . org . chem . 41 ( 1976 ) 825 . 8 . coffey , s . ( ed . ), rodd &# 39 ; s chemistry of carbon compounds , elsevier scientific publishing company , amsterdam , 2nd ed ., vol . iii part b ( 1974 ) p . 219 - 44 . 10 . hardtmann , g . e . et al , j . heterocycl . chem . 12 ( 1975 ) 563 . 14 . mcomie , j . f . w ., protective groups in organic chemistry , plenum press , london 1977 .
| 2 |
this invention is generally applicable to the vibration - testing of cantilevered electrically - conductive articles by electromagnetically inducing eddy currents therein . for brevity , the invention will be illustrated as employed in the non - destructive or destructive testing of aluminum - alloy airfoils , or blades , designated for use in axial - flow compressors . in experiments conducted with blade - vibrators of the eddy - current type , i have found that heating of the blade under test is reduced significantly if the varying electromagnetic field used to generate the eddy currents does not reverse polarity . as will be described , i have found that this mode of operation can be achieved in various ways . fig1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of this invention comprising a solid - state electromagnetic blade tester designed for operation in a closed - loop , constant - power mode . blade vibration is self - starting and smoothly adjustable over a relatively wide range of amplitudes . the tester is designed to operate at bending - or torsional - mode frequencies . as shown in fig1 an aluminum - alloy blade 3 is cantilevered from any suitable holder 5 , which is mounted to a high - mass support by means of springs ( not shown ), so as to vibrate with the blade . the blade is vibrated by a generally e - shaped electromagnet 10 , whose outer legs are respectively provided with windings 7 and 9 . the windings are connected in parallel through separate transistor switches to a grounded d . c . power supply 11 . the free end of the blade is aligned with and extends close to the center leg of the electromagnet , as shown . mounted to the block 5 is an accelerometer 13 or other suitable vibration transducer for generating an a . c . signal whose frequency is equal to the frequency of vibration of the blade and whose amplitude is proportional to the amplitude of vibration of the blade . in this particular illustration , the electromagnet 10 and the vibrated assembly are mounted within a housing 14 which is evacuated to similate the normal process environment for the blade . the signal from the accelerometer 13 ( fig1 ) is increased by amplifiers 15 and 17 and then impressed on similar parallel - connected channels 1 and 2 . the channels respectively include phase - shifters 19 and 19 &# 39 ;; trigger - pulse generators including wave shapers 21 and 21 &# 39 ; and drivers 23 and 23 &# 39 ;; and grounded circuits 25 and 25 &# 39 ; for exciting the windings . as shown , the exciting circuits are respectively connected to the windings 7 and 9 . the inputs to channels 1 and 2 are sinusoidal , in - phase voltages . the phase - shifters 19 and 19 &# 39 ; are adjusted so that their output voltages differ in phase by 180 ยฐ. in this particular example , the output voltage of shifter 19 leads its input voltage by 90 ยฐ, whereas the output voltage of shifter 19 &# 39 ; lags its input by 90 ยฐ. the wave shapers 21 and 21 &# 39 ; convert their respective inputs to square waves , which are amplified and stabilized in the driver circuits 23 and 23 &# 39 ;. the square - wave outputs from the drivers are respectively fed to the exciting circuits 25 and 25 &# 39 ;, which serve as power switches for the coils 7 and 9 . fig2 illustrates the wave shapes of the voltages at points a , b , c , and d of channel 2 , fig1 . the wave shape at point c &# 39 ; of channel 1 also is shown to illustrate that it is displaced 180 ยฐ from the voltage c . on reception of each voltage square wave d from driver 23 , the exciting circuit 25 connects the electromagnet winding 7 in series with the d . c . supply 11 for the duration of that square wave . thus , during that half - period the winding 7 is charged with an exponentially rising current . the square - wave voltage d terminates long before this current reaches the knee of the &# 34 ; charging curve &# 34 ;, and thus the charging current is substantially linear . the exciting circuit 9 is operated in an analogous manner by its driver 25 &# 39 ;. because of the phase difference in the outputs of the drivers 23 and 23 &# 39 ;, winding 7 is charged during one half - period , whereas winding 9 is charged during the next half - period . in accordance with this invention , when the driver output d drops to zero , the exciting circuit 25 disconnects winding 7 from the supply 11 and immediately connects it across a discharge circuit , to be described . the discharge circuit is designed so that the decaying current generated in winding 7 by self - induction has a wave shape similar to that of the charging current for the winding . thus , as shown in idealized form in fig3 the current through winding 7 is pulsating d . c ., each waveform of which consists of an increasing &# 34 ; charging &# 34 ; ramp i c and a decreasing &# 34 ; discharging &# 34 ; ramp i d . the current through the other winding 9 of the electromagnet is controlled in analogous fashion by its exciting circuit 25 &# 39 ;. that is , the current through winding 9 also is pulsating d . c . because of the aforementioned phase difference in the inputs to the exciting circuits , the d . c . currents through the windings 7 and 9 differ in phase by 180 ยฐ. since the inputs to both windings of the electromagnet 10 are pulsating d . c ., the magnetic fields effecting vibration of the blade 3 vary in magnitude but do not change polarity . ( the fields may , for example , maintain the particular polarity shown in fig7 ). consequently , the amount of electrical power dissipated in the blade corresponds essentially to the eddy current resistive losses , and thus comparatively little heating of the blade occurs . similarly , heating of the core of the electromagnet is reduced . the reasons for the reductions in heating are not well understood , but presumably less heat is generated because the use of unidirectional fields eliminates polarity reversals of the atomic and / or molecular moments in the blade and core . fig4 illustrates various waveforms for the windings 7 and 9 . these are shown as related to a line 58 serving as a common reference for the waveforms as well as blade displacement . in this figure , the subscripts 7 and 9 represent the windings 7 and 9 ; v a and v i represent applied voltage and induced voltage , respectively ; i c and i d represent charging current and discharging current , respectively ; 60 represents the phase - shifted waveform ; and 62 represents the waveform in phase with the output of the accelerometer 13 , and the motion of the blade 3 . while current is decaying in winding 7 , current is rising in winding 9 , and vice versa . the resultant magnetic field is represented by the diagonal line m of the parallelogram formed by the rising and decaying currents . blade displacement follows m . the individual components of the system shown in fig1 may be of standard design and preferably are of the solid - state type . referring to fig5 and 6 , the typical exciting circuit -- e . g ., circuit 25 -- may comprise a pair of control transistors 27 and 29 . these are connected in a darlington configuration to provide a high - current base drive to a pair of parallel high - power transistors 31 and 22 . these four transistors can be considered to be the equivalent of a single transistor , designated as q d in fig6 . transistor q d is alternately turned full &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; by the driver 23 . conduction of q d connects the winding 7 across the d . c . supply 11 , with the result that an increasing charging current flows through the winding , building up a magnetic field . when q d is turned &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; this field collapses and the resulting self - induced voltage across the winding , which is in series with the power supply voltage , charges the capacitor 39 to twice the value of the terminal voltage of supply 11 and turns diode 35 &# 34 ; on .&# 34 ; when this diode conducts , twice the supply voltage exists at the collector of q d . fig6 indicates the discharge paths for the current induced in the winding . the induced current discharges at a rate determined by resistors 37 , r c , and the parallel combination of r1 and r2 . in this figure , r c represents the winding resistance ; r1 represents the power supply resistance ; and r2 represents the principal discharge path resistance . the discharge circuit is designed to have an impedance and time constant ensuring that the waveform of the discharge ramp i d approximates that of the charging ramp i c ( see fig3 ) in order to completely discharge the winding in one half - cycle of the waveform and to maintain symmetry of the resultant magnetic field . thus , the rate of increase of the charging current and the rate of decrease of the discharging are approximately the same . when q d is fully &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;, power dissipation is at a minimum , and when fully &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; it is zero . thus , the transistor power disdipitation is optimum . referring again to fig5 the diodes 47 and 49 are provided to bypass inverse - polarity voltage transients appearing at the transistor bases . the diode 41 serves to bypass inverse - polarity voltage transients appearing at the collectors . the capacitor 39 is provided to ensure an induced square - wave voltage across winding 7 at discharge , for even the lowest frequency of blade vibration . a square - wave voltage is desired to ensure the desired wave form for the discharge current . an eddy - current tester designed in accordance with fig1 - 6 was employed for the fatigue - testing of cast and forged aluminum - alloy compressor blades . the vibration - transducer 13 was accelerometer model no . ina10 - 1 , manufactured by columbia research laboratories , woodlyn , pa . the electromagnet 10 comprised a laminated iron core , and the windings 7 and 9 comprised copper tubing : coolant was circulated through the tubing to remove power dissipated in the windings . in one series of tests , blades were vibrated to destruction with a ยฑ 3 / 8 inch tip amplitude displacement . the heat rise in the typical blade was less than 10 ยฐ f . in other tests , conducted at minimum - stress amplitudes , there was virtually no increase in the temperature of the blades under test . much larger temperature rises were incurred in blade - vibration tests conducted with conventional eddy - current testers utilizing a . c . drive for the windings . various modifications in the above - described embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those versed in the art . for example , as indicated in fig8 the electromagnet 10 may consist of a single winding on a suitably shaped core . in this instance a single channel and exciting circuit would be employed . fig9 illustrates typical waveforms for this embodiment of the invention . in fig9 v a and v i represent applied voltage and induced voltage , respectively . the phase - shifted waveform is represented by 64 , and the waveform in phase with the accelerometer output and blade motion is represented by 66 . the charging and discharging currents are represented by i c and i d , respectively . the coil current through the winding is in phase with the magnetic field . it will be apparent to those versed in the art that , if desired , the switching portions of the exciting circuits 25 and 25 &# 39 ; may be replaced by scr circuits which are alternately turned on and off by conventional circuitry to accomplish the above - described objectives . the scr &# 39 ; s may be turned &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; by any suitable short - duration pulse .
| 6 |
the print screens used prior to the present invention consist of a mesh material stretched taut over a frame with a thin emulsion attached to selected areas . the emulsion acts to direct deposition of inks through selected areas of the screen mesh as well as form a cell thickness which controls the amount of ink deposited . ordinary emulsion thicknesses range from 1 to 2 mils up to about 5 mils . in the present invention , modified screens were used to control ceramic slurry or ink deposition thickness . the modified screens consist of a plastic sheet 1 that contains preformed passage ways 2 . the plastic sheets are glued to a screen mesh 3 . the thickness of the plastic sheet and the image formed by selecting passageway locations control the thickness of the deposited ink and the area over which the ink is deposited , and therefore , the penetration into the fibrous mat . use of a fibrous mat as the material upon which ink is deposited serves to direct and restrict ink movement during penetration and subsequent drying / fusion steps . the deposited ceramic ink penetrates the fibrous matrix of the mat 4 and is supported as individual elements 5 . the fibrous network also plays a role in manufacturing a desirable ceramic element configuration , especially to minimize rupturing or fissuring of the ceramic prior to or during fusion . the composite ceramic veneer island structure includes a grout 6 surrounding the distinct ceramic elements 5 . the ceramic elements are about 40 mils thick and are of controlled shape and size . fabrication procedures involve printing onto a fibrous mat ( use of special print screens ), handling during fusion and flooding a liquid or powder to grout the fused ceramic elements . the composite may be laminated to a substrate 7 . a non - woven fiberglass scrim , designated agf , was purchased from the manville corporation . the fibrous mat was approximately 15 mils thick with one smooth side suitable for achieving high quality printing . the fibrous mat was lightly attached to a thin aluminum plate with 3m spray adhesive # 75 . the aluminum plate created a nonporous surface capable of being held down by vacuum . the scrim / aluminum plate assembly was placed onto the bed of a conventional print table and the vacuum turned on . special screens were fabricated to deposit thin ceramic ink layers . a 31 . 5 mil thick acetal sheet purchased from ain plastics of lancaster , pa ., was covered on one side with three layers of 5 mil adhesive film from 3m company . the adhesive film had the release carrier still attached to the outside of the last layer . this adhesive covered acetal sheet was converted into a stencil with a 14 &# 34 ;ร 14 &# 34 ; pattern consisting of 3 / 8 &# 34 ; squares on 7 / 16 &# 34 ; centers by laser cutting , a 25 mesh polyester silk screen fabric was stretched over a nominal 30 ร 40 &# 34 ; frame . the laser cut stencil was then bonded to the silk screen fabric through the removal of the release carrier covering and using epoxy 2216 from the 3m company around the perimeter . the screen was mounted onto the print station and loaded with ink . the inks were either solvent or water - based systems . the viscosity of a water reducible ceramic ink was adjusted to 40 , 000 centipoise by the addition of conventional glycol based polymer medium . a conventional rubber squeegee was used to execute a flood stroke followed by a print stroke with a squeegee in a nearly vertical position . the off - contact distance was approximately one quarter of an inch . the ceramic slurry did not completely penetrate the fiberglass scrim . the printed fibrous mat still attached to the aluminum plate was loaded into a conventional convection air oven heated to approximately 200 ยฐ f . after approximately 15 minutes of drying , the printed fibrous mat was stripped from the aluminum plate and returned to the even for another hour of drying . the dried printed fibrous mat was placed onto a cordierite setter approximately 15 &# 34 ;ร 15 &# 34 ; by 3 / 4 &# 34 ; thick . the setter and fibrous mat assembly was processed through the radiant technology corporation ( rtc ) furnace at 5 &# 34 ; per minute . the four heating zones , 10 &# 34 ;, 20 &# 34 ;, 20 &# 34 ; and 10 &# 34 ; in length were set to 350 ยฐ c ., 500 ยฐ c ., 650 ยฐ c . and 775 ยฐ c . , respectively to provide a desirable burnout and ramp up to the fusion temperature . a conventional pvc plastisol was prepared and reduced to a viscosity in the region of 4 , 000 centipoise . the plastisol was drawn down onto a release surface , specifically a release coated flooring felt with a 40 mil drawn down bar . the fused ceramic fiberglass sheet was slid onto a teflon coated cookie sheet in a careful manner so as not to disrupt what has become a rather mechanically fragile sheet . the sheet was then lowered into the plastisol by sliding the sheet off one edge of the cookie sheet . two minutes were allowed to elapse to permit uniform and adequate saturation of the plastisol into the fibrous network around the fused ceramic squares . the entire assembly , fused sheet , plastisol , and release felt was placed into an oven treated to 385 ยฐ f . for 2 minutes . upon removal , the assembly was placed onto a flat surface and allowed to cool . the sheet of fused plastisol / ceramic squares was stripped off the release felt and cut to final size . an overall resilient structure with regimes of hard inflexible ceramic was produced . sheets as prepared in example 1 were laminated to a variety of substrates . among these were limestone filled , plasticized pvc ranging in thickness from 40 - 125 mils ; gypsum board ; plywood ; and 1 / 4 &# 34 ; aluminum plate . adhesives used were either a pressure - sensitive one commonly used for the installation of &# 34 ; peel and stick &# 34 ; floor tiles or 3m 2216 , a flexible epoxy . the lamination step was unnecessary when a nonrelease flooring felt was used on which to draw down the pvc plastisol . the felt remained as part of the final product upon removal from the plastisol fusion oven . multi - colored samples were produced by two methods to generate either through color or surface color decoration of the ceramic islands . method 1 involved forming a multicolor array of through - color elements by printing different colored islands in selected areas : method 2 involved over printing of selected elements from example 1 with different single colors . in method 1 , three full pattern deep - well screens were mounted , and each of the screens was coated with silk screen emulsion in such a way that the cells not to be printed by the color from that particular screen were blocked off . the screens were then used in order with careful registration such that the closed cells of the second and third printing accommodate the ink deposited by the previous printing or printings . drying was carried out after each color was printed as described in example 1 . the subsequent processing steps were the same as those described in example 1 . in method 2 , the overprint method , a full single through - color pattern was printed with a first screen . then three additional standard silk screens using 60 mesh fabric , each with an open pattern corresponding to the islands that were to be printed with the desired color were used in turn to overprint the dried ceramic ink deposited with the first screen . a drying step was again executed between each color print as described in example 1 . the subsequent processing steps were the same as those described in example 1 . an attractive four colored image in registration was produced . the final fused surface characteristics of the ceramic elements were modified by adding 200 mesh alumina at approximately a 30 % level to a ceramic overprint ink or sprinkling a dusting of alumina over the top of the just - printed undried sample , and then firing the ink or alumina . samples with coefficient of frictions ranging from 0 . 4 to 1 . 1 were produced in this manner . by applying the alumina to the surface , rather than adding it to the printed ceramic islands , less alumina is used . the pvc plastisol used in example 1 was substituted with a variety of liquid polymers such as uv curable urethane ( clear ), polyester , molding urethane , epoxy and silicone . the procedures of example 1 were followed and produce satisfactory composites . powdered polymers were used to fill the regions between the ceramic elements . when the powdered polymers were applied to the liquid polymer already in place surrounding the ceramic islands and the liquid polymer heat cured such that the powder was not completely melted , a granular effect was produced in the grout . therefore , powder controlled the topological features , mainly texture , in the region between the discrete ceramic elements . pvc , polyester , urethane , epoxy and nylon powders were used either alone or in combination with sticking aids . these materials can be brought into the product from the face by either masking the ceramic elements or removing the excess from the ceramic elements through blowing or brushing . when used alone , the back surface was free of polymer , leaving the ceramic elements exposed for bonding with a lamination adhesive . alternatively , a powder layer was formed , and the fused sheet as discussed in example 1 was laid into the powder . fusion of each polymer was accomplished in an oven using time and temperature appropriate for each polymer . the discrete ceramic elements may be of various shapes and sizes . designs incorporating 3 / 16 &# 34 ; and 3 / 8 &# 34 ; squares , a mixture of various size squares , random irregular shapes , and a combination of squares and rectangles were used . the size and shape of the islands are not limiting . samples were made where the non - woven glass fibrous mat used in example 1 was substituted with woven fabrics , inorganic scrims , and stainless steel fabric . also used were organic / inorganic mixed scrims , and totally organic fibrous mat ( cellulose ). each produced satisfactory composites . a layer of natural rubber approximately 20 mils thick was placed to the back of the composite samples employing the filled pvc substrate to provide increased conformability . rigid tile were produced by using a high modulus epoxy material surrounding the ceramic elements . alternatively , a sample as prepared in example 1 was laminated to a conventional tile base with high modulus epoxy . ease of installation / removal was achieved by using a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive which was tacky at room temperature or two - faced tape . samples installed via two - faced tape survived severe trafficking and stair - tread environments . removal was similar to resilient flooring systems . epoxy adhesives similar to grout systems are acceptable . a larger structure was made by seam joining individual cvi composite structures using silicone or epoxy . rotary screen printing also extended the length and width of the ceramic element array , which when grouted , generated large area cvi composites . scrims composed of high temperature fibers were used as the substrate for the ceramic ink . ceramic slurry 30 to 45 mils thick was printed onto nextel - fiber fibrous mat and fused at 750 ยฐ c . as described in example 1 . break strength was increased to 6 , 400 psi for the nextel scrim / ceramic element composite compared to 2 , 500 psi for the composites described in example 1 . a transparent material was used to grout the ceramic veneer elements to produce 3 - d effects and / or permit visualization of the substrate beneath the grout . one sample was made using a transparent pvc plastisol incorporating metallic flakes . other samples were made with a transparent pvc ( fused with heat ) and a urethane acrylate ( cured with uv radiation ) atop a substrate with color or decorative backgrounds . perception of depth results in the grout regions . cementitious grouts were substituted for the polymeric grouts of examples 1 and 5 . ceramic elements described in example 1 were made using stencils without screens . stencils were made from plastic or metal sheets 30 to 45 mils thick . samples were made as in example 4 and the profile of the fused ceramic elements modified by rolling the partially dried ceramic slurry to level the upper surface of the ceramic islands . in this manner , the slightly concave upper surface of the ceramic islands were flattened . samples were made as per example 1 and the fused ceramic elements laid into a continuous grout . a wide / long cvi composite structure was formed from these smaller cvi element structures . a cvi sheet was prepared as in example 1 except that the fused ceramic elements with the fibrous mat was saturated upside down in the pvc plastisol . the perpendicular pull out force was measured for this product and the example 1 product . the results showed that only a nominal force of 0 . 1 to 0 . 2 lbs . was required to extract one ceramic chip from the example 19 product , whereas an average force of 4 . 0 lbs . was required to remove a chip from the example 1 product . therefore , the presence of a fibrous mat enhanced adhesion of the plastisol to the ceramic elements without chemical bonding .
| 8 |
fig1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image reconstructing apparatus according to the present invention . in the image reconstructing apparatus of the invention , projection means 1 detects the projection data pd in the direction of irradiation , and summing means 4 integrates the reconstructed image which has been optically read out by optical reading means 3 in the direction corresponding to the direction of irradiation , to provide sum data rd . in a comparison and correction means 5 , the projection data pd and the sum data rd in the prescribed irradiation direction are subjected to comparison , and for instance the difference therebetween is divided by the distance between a ray source and a measuring instrument for the purpose of normalization so as to be outputted as correction data ad . the correction data ad is converted into an optical correction function image . in the conversion , the optical writing means 6 rotates the correction function image so that its direction may become in correspondence with the direction of irradiation , and optically writes the correction function image into the image storing means 2 so that it may be laid over the reconstructed image previously stored therein to correct the latter , thereby to reduce the difference between the reconstructed image and the internal information of the object under examination . thereafter , the direction of irradiation is slightly rotated in the projection means 1 , and in association with this rotating operation , the direction in which the summing means sums the reconstructed image is accordingly rotated . under this condition , correction data ad and a correction function image are formed again , to correct the reconstructed image . in this case , the correction function image is also optically rotated as much as an angle corresponding to the rotation of irradiation by the optical writing means 6 . in this manner , the direction of irradiation is gradually changed , and the reconstructed image stored in the image storing means 2 is successively optically corrected so that it may sufficiently approximate the internal information of the object under examination . if the apparatus is provided with display means 7 , then the state of the reconstructed image can be recognized . if the apparatus has a judging and ending means 8 , then it can be judged whether the reconstructed image satisfactorily approximates the internal information of the object , and when the reconstructed image satisfactorily approximates the internal information of the object , the image reconstructing operations may be terminated . one embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . in the embodiment , the image reconstructing operations according to the iterative approximation method as describe above is carried out in an analog mode by using optical means such as a spatial light modulator . fig2 is an explanatory diagram , partly as a block diagram , showing one example of an image reconstructing apparatus according to the invention . as shown in fig2 in the image reconstructing apparatus , a main control unit 10 controls whole image reconstructing operation ; the above - described image storing means 2 in fig1 comprises a spatial light modulator 11 for storing the reconstructed image ; the optical reading means 3 comprises a light source 12 and an analyzer 13 ; the summing means 4 comprises a light intensity detecting unit 14 and a drive section 15 ; the comparison and correction means 5 comprises a comparator 16 and a correction function generator 17 ; and the optical writing means 6 comprises the main control unit 10 , drive sections 18 and 19 , a light spatial distribution control unit 20 , a spatial light modulator 21 , the light source 12 , and an analyzer 22 . in the projection means 1 , as shown in fig3 a ray source 80 which emits x - rays , gamma rays or the like is spaced by a predetermined distance l from a measuring instrument 82 , so that the dose which originates from the ray source 80 and has passed through an object 81 under examination is detected with the measuring instrument 82 , and the internal information of the object 81 is projected in the direction of irradiation so as to be outputted as the projection data pd . the projection data pd have analog values and are provided to a comparator 24 . the projection datum pd may be an electrical signal or optical signal . the main control unit 10 receives a projection start signal pss . in response to the projection start signal pss , the main control unit 10 starts the image reconstructing operations and judges the direction of irradiation of the projection data to be inputted . that is , in response to the projection start signal pss , a computing operation is performed in synchronization with the inputting of the projection data pd , so that the image reconstruction is carried out in realtime . the spatial light modulator 11 , as shown in fig4 comprises a photocathode 30 , focusing electrodes 31 , a microchannel plate 32 , a mesh electrode 33 , and an electro - optic crystal 34 , and it may be a microchannel spatial light modulator ( mslm ) manufactured by hamamatsu photonics kabushiki kaisha . to the spatial light modulator 11 , the correction function image provided from the spatial light modulator 21 through the analyzer 22 is provided , as a writing image wb , to the photocathode 30 thereof , where it is subjected to photoelectric conversion . a converted electron image from the photocathode 30 is provided through the focusing electrodes 31 , the microchannel plate 32 and the mesh electrode 32 to the electro - optic crystal 34 , where it is laid over the reconstructed image which has been already stored as an electric charge image therein , to correct the reconstructed image . at this time , depending on a potential v of the mesh electrode 32 , the writing image wb and the reconstructed image stored previously are subjected to addition or subtraction in a parallel operation and in an analog mode . a refractive index distribution of the electro - optic crystal 34 is changed by the reconstructed image which is stored as the electric charge image . therefore , when a reading light beam rb having a predetermined polarization component is made incident on the electro - optic crystal 34 , a reflected reading light beam is obtained , which has experienced variation in its polarization in accordance with the refractive index distribution of the electro - optic crystal 34 . the reconstructed image is outputted in the form of light intensity distribution by extracting with the analyzer 13 a light beam having a predetermined polarization component from the reflected reading light beam rb . the light source 12 may be a he - ne laser which outputs a linearly polarized light beam . the linearly polarized light beam is divided into two parts by the half - mirror 36 : one of the two parts is provided , as the reading light beam rb , to the spatial light modulator 11 through the mirrors 37 and 38 and the half - mirror 39 , while the other is used to form the correction function image which is provided to the spatial light modulator 11 . the light intensity detecting unit 14 may comprise a movable slit and a light intensity detector ( such as a photomultiplier tube ) which are not shown , or may comprise , as shown in fig3 an array detector ( such as a silicon strip detector s2458 manufactured by hamamatsu photonics kabushiki kaisha ) and an integrator . the drive section 15 comprises for instance a motor control section and a motor , and controls a rotation angle of the light intensity detecting unit 14 according to an angle datum ฯ which is provided from the main control unit 10 in response to the projection start signal pss . that is , in the case where the light intensity detecting unit 14 comprises the movable slit and the light intensity detector , in order to obtain the sum of light intensities in the direction corresponding to the direction of irradiation of the projection means 1 the drive section 15 rotates the movable slit in the direction corresponding to the direction of irradiation , so that the light intensity detector detects all the output light beams from the movable slit . in the case where the array detector 70 and the integrator 70 are used in combination as shown in fig3 the drive section 15 rotates the array detector 70 in the direction corresponding to the direction of irradiation , and the integrator 71 integrates the outputs , in the form of electric charge , of the array detector 70 one - dimensionally in the direction of irradiation . the comparator 16 compares the projection data pd of the object under examination with the sum data rd of the light intensity detecting unit 14 to obtain the difference values ( rd - pd ) therebetween . the correction function generator 17 produces as a correction function , namely , correction data ad which are obtained by dividing the difference values ( rd - pd ) by the distance l between the ray source 80 and the measuring instrument 82 in the projection means 1 . the main control unit 10 divides the correction data ad into absolute value data abs and a sign datum sb ( positive or negative ). after being evaluated , the sign datum sb is provided to the drive sections 18 and 19 and the absolute value data abs are provided to the light spatial distribution control unit 20 , in which sections 18 and 19 and unit 20 form the optical writing means 6 . furthermore , the main control unit 10 provides the angle datum ฯ of the direction of irradiation based o the projection start signal pss not only to the drive section 15 as was described above but also to the light spatial distribution control unit 20 . depending on the sign datum sb of the correction data ad , an instruction as to whether to perform image addition or image subtraction is provided to the drive section 18 from the main control unit 10 . in response to the instruction , the drive section 18 adjusts the potential of the mesh electrode 33 so as to perform addition or subtraction of the correction function image with respect to the reconstructed image . as was described above , the absolute value data abs of the correction data ad , and the angular datum ฯ are supplied to the light spatial distribution control unit 20 . the unit 20 forms a correction function image according those data , and writes it into the spatial light modulator 21 . the formation of the correction function image is carried out as follows : the linearly polarized light emitted from the light source 12 is applied through the half - mirrors 36 and 40 and the mirrors 41 , 42 and 43 to the light spatial distribution control unit 20 , where it is modulated and made to scan the spatial light modulator 21 . the spatial light modulator 21 is similar in construction to the spatial light modulator 11 , and serves as a buffer for temporarily storing the correction function image provided from the light spatial distribution control unit 20 , to improve picture quality of the image . therefore , in the case where the image may be allowed to be relatively low in picture quality , the spatial light modulator 21 may be eliminated ; that is , the correction function image produced by the light spatial distribution control unit 20 may be directly applied to the spatial light modulator 11 . in fig2 the display means 7 is used to display the reconstructed image sent through a half - mirror 44 from the analyzer 13 . the display means 7 may be an image memory ( such as an electrical memory , photographing means or hologram ) which merely stores the reconstructed image , or it may be a screen , display unit or printer which actually displays a visible image . on the other hand , the reconstructed image is sent from the analyzer 13 through a half - mirror 45 and a mirror 46 to the judging and ending means 8 . the means 8 judges whether or not the reconstructed image satisfactorily approximates the internal information of the object under examination , and terminates the image reconstruction operations when it is determined that the reconstructed image satisfactorily approximates the internal information of the object . fig5 shows the optical reading means 3 , the optical writing means 6 , and the judging and ending means 8 in more detail . as shown in fig5 the linearly polarized light from the light source 12 is divided into two parts by a half - mirror 50 . one of the two parts is provided , as the correction function image , to the spatial light modulator 21 through mirrors 41 and 55 and a polygon mirror 56 . the mirror 55 is rotated by a control section 57 according to an instruction from the main control unit 10 so as to make the linearly polarized light beam reflected from the mirror 41 scan the spatial light modulator 21 . in response to instructions from the main control unit 10 , a motor control section 58 controls motor 59 to control rotation speed and an angle of the polygon mirror 56 . more specifically , according to the absolute value data abs , the motor control section controls the rotation speed thereby to control the quantity of light ; and according to the angular datum ฯ , the motor control section controls the angle thereby to control the scanning direction corresponding to the direction of irradiation . that is , the light spatial distribution control unit 20 comprising the mirror 55 , the control section 57 , the polygon mirror 56 , the motor 59 and the motor control section 58 converts the light spatial distribution corresponding to the correction data produced by the correction function generator 17 into the correction function image which is provided to the spatial light modulator 21 . the other part of the linearly polarized light divided by the half - mirror 50 is converted into a parallel coherent light beam about 20 mm in diameter by means of lenses 51 and 53 and an aperture member 52 . the parallel coherent light beam is divided into two parts by a half - mirror 54 . one of the two parts is employed as a reading light beam for the spatial light modulator 21 and a writing light beam for the spatial light modulator 11 , and the other is further divided into two parts by a half - mirror 60 which are employed as a reading light beam for the spatial light modulator 11 and a reading light beam for a spatial light modulator 61 ( described later ) in the judging and ending means 8 , respectively . the parallel coherent light beam is as large as about 20 mm in diameter . therefore , with the parallel coherent light beam , the correction function image in a range of about 20 mm in diameter can be read out of the spatial light modulator 21 and written into the spatial light modulator 11 . the parallel coherent light beam also becomes the reading light beam for the spatial light modulator 11 as was described above . therefore , the reading light beam is also about 20 mm in diameter , and it is made incident on the light intensity detecting unit 15 with this range . fig3 shows the range ar of the reading light beam applied to the array detector 70 which is employed in the light intensity detecting unit 14 , and the reconstructed image rc . referring back to fig5 the judging and ending means 8 comprises the spatial light modulator 61 , a drive control section 62 , a half - mirror 63 , an analyzer 64 , a photomultiplier tube 65 , an amplifier 66 , a discriminator 67 , and a relay 68 . the spatial light modulator 61 is similar in arrangement to the spatial light modulators 11 and 21 . the reconstructed image from the analyzer 13 is provided through the half - mirror 45 and the mirror 46 to the spatial light modulator 61 , and is stored therein . the spatial light modulator 61 compares the reconstructed image thus written - into with the reconstructed image which has been previously stored therein , to provide an image difference under the control of the drive control section 62 . the image difference is read out with the reading light beam provided through the half - mirrors 60 and 63 . the image difference thus read out is provided through the half - mirror 63 , the analyzer 64 , the photomultiplier tube 65 and the amplifier 66 to the discriminator 67 , where it is judges whether it has become lower than a predetermined threshold difference . when the image difference has become lower than the threshold difference , it is determined that the reconstructed image satisfactorily approximates the internal information of the object under examination . therefore , the relay 68 is driven to suspend the operation of the main control unit 10 . thus , the image reconstructing operations are ended . the operations in the image reconstructing apparatus thus organized will be described with reference to time charts of fig6 . first , initial conditions are given to the image reconstructing apparatus as follows : optional initial values are written into the spatial light modulator 11 ( for instance , nothing is written into ), and for instance the maximum light quantity values are written into the spatial light modulator 61 . when , under this condition , input of the projection data pd is started , the projection start signal pss is generated as shown in fig6 ( a ). as a result , the reconstructed image is read out of the spatial light modulator 11 as shown in fig6 ( b ); and in the spatial light modulator 61 , as shown in fig6 ( e ), the reconstructed image thus read out of the spatial light modulator 11 is compared with the reconstructed image which has been stored in the spatial optical modulator 61 , to obtain the image difference . the reconstructed image read out of the spatial light modulator 11 is supplied to the light intensity detecting unit 14 . in the unit 14 , a one - dimentional image in the direction corresponding to the direction of irradiation of the projecting means 1 is cut out of the reconstructed image therein , and the sum of the light intensities thereof is obtained . the sums of the light intensities are provided , as the sum data rd , to the comparator 16 . the light intensity detecting unit 14 is so designed as to obtain the one - dimensional image in the direction corresponding to the direction of irradiation according to the angular datum ฯ provided from the main control unit 10 . in the first reading operation of the spatial light modulator 11 , the reconstructed image of an optional initial values preset therein is read out . the comparator 16 operates with the timing as shown in fig6 ( f ) when both the sum data rd and the projection data pd are outputted , to subject those data to comparison thereby to obtain the difference ( rd - pd ) therebetween . the difference ( rd - pd ) is provided to the correction function generator 17 , which outputs the correction data ad . the correction data ad are provided to the main control unit 10 , where it is divided into the absolute value data abs and the positive or negative sign datum sb , which are subjected to evaluation . the sign datum sb is provided to the drive sections 18 and 19 , while the data abs is applied to the light spatial distribution control unit 20 , to which the main control unit 10 supplies the angular datum ฯ of the direction of irradiation based on the projection start signal pss . the light spatial distribution control unit 20 modulates the output light beam from the light source 12 and make it scan the spatial light modulator 21 according to the angular datum ฯ of the direction of irradiation and the absolute value data abs of the correction data ad with the timing as shown in fig6 ( c ), to form the correction function image . the correction function image thus formed is written into the spatial light modulator 21 as shown in fig6 ( d ). in this operation , the correction function image is applied to the spatial light modulator 21 so that the corresponding parts of the correction function image and the reconstructed image may coincide with each other . after the reconstructed image has been written into the spatial light modulator 21 , the image difference is read out of the spatial light modulator 61 as shown in fig6 ( e ), and the discriminator 67 judges whether or not the image difference thus read out is lower than the predetermined threshold difference . when the image difference becomes lower than the threshold difference , it is determined that the reconstructed image satisfactorily approximates the internal information of the object under examination , and the image processing operations are ended . when the image difference is not lower than the threshold difference , the iterative approximation is carried out again . for this purpose , the reconstructed image is read out of the spatial light modulator 11 and written into the spatial light modulator 61 as shown in fig6 ( e ). thereafter , for the purpose of correcting the reconstructed image stored in the spatial light modulator 11 , the correction function image is read out of the spatial light modulator 21 as shown in fig6 ( d ), and is written into the spatial light modulator 11 in such a manner that it is laid over the previous reconstructed image . when , in this operation , the positive ( or negative ) sign datum sb is provided to the spatial light modulator 11 from the drive section 18 , the correction function image is written into with the writing condition of the spatial light modulator 11 switched for addition ( or subtraction ). as was described above , the image adding or subtracting operation , being carried out in the spatial light modulator 11 in a parallel operation with controlling the writing condition , can be achieved in a short time . furthermore , it is carried out in an analog mode , and therefore the reconstructed image is high both in accuracy and in resolution . thus , one operation cycle has been accomplished . the next operation cycle is started when the next projection start signal pss is provided to the main control unit 10 . in the next cycle , the direction of irradiation of the projection means 1 is slightly rotated and the main control unit 10 produces the angular datum ฯ corresponding to the rotation . according to the angular datum ฯ thus produced , the light spatial distribution control unit 20 in the optical writing means 6 rotates the correction function image by the angle corresponding to that of the direction of irradiation , the light intensity detecting unit 14 is rotated by the corresponding angle , and the above - described operation is carried out again . when the direction of irradiation is rotated , the image rotating operation is optically carried out in its entirety as was described above . therefore , even when the image has large size , the image reconstructing apparatus of the invention , being free from the problem of memory capacity , can achieve the image rotating operation quickly and very easily . furthermore , in the image reconstructing apparatus of the invention , the image processing operation is carried out in an analog mode , and therefore the image is high both in accuracy and in resolution . the reconstructed image is iteratively approximated in the above - described manner , to approximate the internal information of the object under examination . the reconstructed image thus processed is displayed on the display means 7 for observation of the internal information of the object . in the above - described embodiment , the difference value ( rd - pd ) produced by the comparator 16 is divided by the distance l to output the correction data ad ; however , the division may be performed with the difference values ( rd - pd ) weighted as required . as was described above , in the image reconstructing apparatus of the invention , the image reconstructing operations including the image adding or subtracting operation and the image rotating operation is optically carried out in an analog mode , with the result that the reconstructed image high both in accuracy and in resolution can be readily and quickly obtained by realtime processing .
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the locking system 2 shown in fig1 - 3 has of a locking part 4 of the female type and a locking part 6 of the male type , which locking parts 4 and 6 each includes end parts 8 , respectively , with connecting holes 9 that provide the ability for passing through a carrier cord for a piece of jewelry , or for example a string of pearls . the locking parts 4 and 6 are internally fitted with magnets 10 and 12 which are polarized so that they attract each other when the locking parts 4 and 6 are joined , as shown in fig1 and 2 . the end parts 8 and the locking parts 4 and 6 may be designed with complementary screw threads or glued faces shown in fig1 . in fig2 is shown with dotted lines that the locking system 2 may include a tubular part 14 which is for disposition between the end parts 8 externally of the locking parts 4 and 6 , and which has a radial connecting eyelet 16 . in fig4 - 12 , respective parts are designated with the same reference number as in fig1 - 3 . the locking system 18 shown in fig1 - 15 is constructed in principle entirely corresponding to the above described locking system 2 , as the locking system 18 has a locking part 20 of the female type and a locking part 22 of the male type . both locking parts 20 and 22 are provided with loose end parts 8 with connecting holes 9 serving for passing through a carrier cord for a piece of jewelry , for example , a string of pearls . both locking parts 20 and 22 have internal holding magnets 10 and 12 . furthermore , the locking part 20 is provided with or designed with supplementing internal locking pins 24 which are disposed diametrically opposite each other , and which are adapted to interact with external locking grooves 26 formed in the locking part 22 , so that the locking parts 20 and 22 may be interlocked by mutual rotation . in fig1 - 22 , respective parts are designated with the same reference number as in fig1 - 15 . the locking system 28 in fig2 - 25 has a locking part 30 of the female type and a locking part 32 of the male type . each of the locking parts 30 and 32 are connected by screw threads with loose end parts 36 with a centrally projecting tubular connecting part 38 . each of these are intended for externally receiving a part of jewelry , for example , a first pearl of a pearl string and a carrier cord which runs through the tubular connecting part 38 into locking parts 30 and 32 and is fastened in end parts 36 by a suitable fastening mechanism , for example , glue or knots or a combination thereof . the locking parts 30 and 32 are provided with internal holding magnets 10 and 12 and with a supplementing lock in the form of an external locking pin 40 on the locking part 32 and a complementary internal locking groove 42 on the locking part 30 . the male locking part 30 carries the pin 40 which projects radially outward and the female locking part 32 carries the groove 42 which receives the pin 40 to prevent the parts from being pulled apart . the locking system 44 shown in fig2 has a locking part 46 of the female type and a locking part 48 of the male type . the locking parts 46 and 48 are for example made of noble metal , for example gold or silver . this is why the locking parts 46 , 48 are provided with inserts 50 and 52 , of which the insert 50 is made of stainless steel with a locking groove 54 and a locking position with a locking hole 56 , respectively , in which the insert 56 of stainless steel may engage with an external locking pin 58 . the locking parts 46 and 48 furthermore have internal holding magnets 10 and 12 disposed in the inserts 50 and 52 . besides , the locking parts 50 and 52 have loose end parts 60 with relatively large connecting holes 62 for leather straps having loose ends which may be fastened in the end parts 60 by locking pins inserted through transverse holes 64 of the end parts 60 . the male locking part 48 carries the pin 58 which projects radially outward and the female locking part 50 carries the groove 54 which receives the pin 58 to prevent the parts from being pulled apart . fig2 shows a locking system 62 which comprises a magnetic locking part 63 of the female type , a magnetic locking part 66 of the male type and an intermediate piece 67 which at opposite ends is provided with complementing locking parts 63 and 66 so that the intermediate piece 67 may be fixed in a secure way between the locking parts 65 and 68 . the intermediate piece 67 may , for example , be used to connect a separate part of jewelry by contact with one or more pieces of jewelry , for example , in the form of necklaces , bracelets , ankle bands , headbands , belts or the like . the intermediate piece 67 may have several lesser intermediate pieces so that the length may be adjusted thereby . fig2 shows a locking system 70 where a jewelry part 72 having two hingedly connected halves 74 in which is formed a mainly cylindrical hollow 76 adapted for receiving a locking part 78 of the female type and a locking part 80 of the male type in such a way that the locking parts 78 and 80 may be fixed in the hollow 76 when the halves 74 are joined together . the jewelry part 72 is a magnetic material so that the holding magnets in the locking parts 78 and 80 also can hold the jewelry part 72 closed around the locking parts 78 and 80 . if the jewelry part 72 is made of non - magnetic material , there may , as shown in fig2 , be provided an external lock 82 for holding the jewelry part 72 closed around the locking parts 78 and 80 . the locking system 84 shown in fig3 includes a larger jewelry part 86 which at one side is fitted with a locking part 88 of the male type that interacts with a locking part 90 of the female type which is mounted at the end of a jewelry cord 92 , which at the opposite end is provided with a locking part 94 of the male type interacting with a locking part 96 of the female type which is fitted in the jewelry part 86 diametrically opposite the locking part 88 .
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referring to fig1 a container ( 10 ) has a body ( 12 ) with a standard twist - off cap ( 14 ) threaded to the cap open end of the body , also having a detachable base ( 16 ) attached to the base open end of the body . fig1 shows the detachable base in its closed , sealed and / or locked position . the preferred embodiment of the invention has all three of the elements present in fig1 . the body may be made of any rigid material such as glass or plastic . the material may , for example , be blown or molded . the body may be made of one single piece of rigid material , or be comprised of several pieces fused together . fig2 is a view of one assembly of the detachable base ( 16 ) showing the locking of the bottom closure to the container bottom . disassembly is designed to occur when the tear - off locking band ( 20 ) is stripped off using the pull tab ( 22 ). the detachable base ( 16 ) is attached to the body ( 12 ) using a detent or similar stabilizing mechanism , such as a tongue - in - groove lock . in fig2 the body has a tongue for the detent ( 24 ), which is compressed to a mating detent , or groove , on the detachable base ( 26 ). a compressible seal ( 28 ) is compressed between the tongue of the body ( 24 ) and the groove of the detachable base ( 26 ) to prevent leaking of materials from the container . the tear - off locking band ( 20 ) circumferentially encloses the detent of the body and the base to provide stability for the whole container before conversion to a vessel or during transport . the tear - off locking band is attached to the body at an integrated locking ridge shown in fig3 . the locking ridge helps to provide further stability for the container . also shown is a centrally disposed threaded socket ( 30 ) with internal threads for engagement to the threads located at the cap open and ( 14 ) of the body ( 12 ) when converting the container to an open mouthed vessel or back again . the detent mechanism is shown more fully in fig4 . fig3 shows an assembled open mouthed vessel ( 40 ) set on its base ( 16 ) after conversion from a container . the body ( 12 ) has a locking ridge ( 42 ) for attachment to the tear - off locking band shown in fig2 . the locking ridge is only decorative once the container has been converted to the open mouthed vessel in fig3 . fig4 illustrates another system for engaging the detachable base closure to the body . a tongue ( 24 ) on the body ( 12 ) mates with a groove ( 26 ) on the base ( 16 ). this closure is then circumferentially enclosed by the tear - off band ( 20 ) shown in fig2 . this closure provides the necessary strength to engage the base to the body until the container is converted to an open mouthed vessel . fig5 a shows the cap open end of a body of a container ( 12 ) attached to a cap ( 14 ) using threads ( 52 ). the cap ( 14 ) is modified with external threads ( 54 ) to engage the suitably matched threads at the socket ( 30 ) centrally disposed in the detachable base ( 16 ). the external threads at the cap open end ( 54 ) may have cross - hatching , as shown in fig5 b , to facilitate gripping . the cap may also be modified with some other locking device , such as are well known and commonly found on aspirin bottles , for example . another of the many possible body shapes where the cap open end has a smaller substantially circular area than the base is shown in fig5 a . fig5 a can also be used to illustrate a configuration that eliminates the requirement for a cap . assume the external threads or locking device ( 54 ) at the cap open end of the container ( 14 ) are an integral part of the cap open end of the body and there is no opening present at the cap open end . the cap open end may still be threaded or locked into its matching receptacle socket ( 30 ) in the detachable base . in this configuration , the only access to fill or evacuate the container is through its bottom . fig5 b shows a full view of fig5 a . the body of the container ( 12 ) may take on any number of shapes such as tumblers , schooners , snifters , and goblets . the cap open end closure ( 14 ) has external threads or a locking device ( 54 ) as discussed in fig5 a . the external threads or locking device may be cross - hatched to facilitate gripping when removing the cap open end closure ( 14 ) or the base ( 16 ) at the base open end . the cap open end closure mates with an opposite half in the central socket ( 30 ) of the base . fig6 shows another possible embodiment for attachment of the base to the body of the container . the body ( 12 ) at the base open end might be threaded ( 60 ). as shown here , the threads may be non - continuous ( 60 ) non - continuous threads provide a more tactilely pleasing surface when the base open end is used as the lip of a drinking vessel . the base ( 16 ) is attached to the body ( 12 ) with a threaded sleeve ( 62 ). the threaded sleeve ( 62 ) threads onto the threads ( 60 ) at the base open end of the body with matched threads ( 64 ). this compresses the base ( 16 ) to the body . when a threaded sleeve is employed as the closure mechanism for the base open end of the body , there would be a need for a tamper evident seal to wrap around the threaded sleeve . the tamper evident seal would improve purchaser confidence when the base is attached with a threaded sleeve . fig7 a depicts yet another embodiment for attaching the base to the body . the base ( 16 ) may be threaded to the body ( 12 ) at the base open end . the body ( 12 ) may have external threads ( 70 ) for engagement to internal threads ( 72 ) on the base ( 16 ). if the base is attached to the body as shown in this figure , the closure would require a tamper evident seal , as discussed in relation to fig6 . the tamper evident seal would increase purchaser confidence , and prevent tampering , when the base is attached in this manner . the base is removed by dis - engaging the base ( 16 ) from the body ( 12 ) using the threaded closure ( 70 , 72 ). once the base has been removed from the body , it is re - attached to the body at the cap open end with the central socket ( 30 ), as shown in fig3 and 5b . fig7 b depicts a similar closure mechanism to the one depicted in fig7 a . the base ( 16 ) may be threaded to the body ( 12 ) at the base open end . the body ( 12 ) may have internal threads ( 74 ) for engagement to external threads ( 76 ) on the base ( 16 ). if the base is attached to the body as shown in this figure , the closure would require a tamper evident seal , as discussed in fig6 . the tamper evident seal would increase purchaser confidence , and prevent tampering , when the base is attached in this manner . the base is removed by dis - engaging the base ( 16 ) from the body ( 12 ) using the threaded closure ( 74 , 76 ). once the base has been removed from the body , it is re - attached to the body at the cap open end with the central socket ( 30 ), as shown in fig3 and 5b . fig8 shows another possible embodiment for the shape of the body . once the container has been converted to an open mouthed vessel ( 40 ), it rests on its base ( 16 ). the base open end ( 80 ) serves as the mouth for the vessel , and the cap open end ( 82 ) is engaged to the base . virtually any shape of the body is possible . the only limitation is that the base open end be larger than the cap open end . it is apparent from the foregoing discussion that the invention includes conversion of a container into a vessel . for example , the container may contain a beverage ; after the cap is removed , and the contents consumed , the tapered , formerly capped end can be attached to the base to form a drinking glass , vase or any other vessel . other variations abound , including one in which the cap is not removable , the container is inverted so that the base - end is up , the base is then removed , the base is attached to the opposite , preferably tapered end of the container , thereby forming a drinking vessel from which the fluid contents may be consumed . while advantageous embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims .
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this invention will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof . like elements are identified by like reference numerals throughout the drawings and specification . now , with reference to fig1 the prior art illustrating a micro adjust seat post 40 is shown as it operatively connects to the saddle clamps of a bicycle saddle . the micro adjust seat post 40 is well known in the art and is generally a hollow tubular structure made of aluminum , titanium or other metal alloys . one end of this tubular seat post 40 is inserted into a tubular portion of the bicycle frame having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the seat post 40 and designed to receive the seat post 40 . on the end of seat post 40 opposite the end inserted into the frame , an essentially horizontal platform 44 is integrally attached such that the seat post 40 and the platform 44 form a modified and inverted &# 34 ; l &# 34 ; &# 34 ; shaped configuration . this platform 44 has a concave recession 46 formed in its top outer surface . this concave surface commonly has a radius of approximately 30 mm . this surface declines at an angle of approximately 3 ยฐ on each side of a longitudinal centerline . these two angled surfaces are serrated with a 0 . 25 mm deep sine wave pattern having a 1 mm pitch cut transverse to a longitudinal centerline . the saddle is attached to the seat post 40 by an upper and lower saddle clamp 60 and 70 respectively . the lower saddle clamp 60 has a convex serrated bottom surface 66 which interfaces with the serrations on the concave surface 46 of seat post 40 . an 8 mm socket head cap screw 50 passes first through aperture 48 in micro adjust post 40 and subsequently through apertures 62 and 72 in lower and upper saddle clamps 60 and 70 . screw 50 is held in place by nut 80 . aperture 62 and 72 in lower and upper saddle clamps are elongated to permit the clamp assembly to be positioned at various angles relative to seat post 40 . standard bicycle saddles or seats generally have one steel bar on each side of the seat &# 39 ; s longitudinal axis . each bar passes through and is held in place by the clamp assembly . these standard bicycle saddles permit a longitudinal adjustment of the seat relative to the frame of up to about 25 mm . the present invention , generally 10 comprises a platform or adapter which increases the adjustability of a standard bicycle seat . this is accomplished by relocating the original seat position relative to the seat post . fig2 discloses the device 10 in a perspective view . device 10 is an elongated structure wherein the length is substantially greater than the corresponding width or thickness . device 10 has an upper surface comprising a planar section 22 and a concave , generally arcuate surface 12 . planar section 22 and arcuate surface 12 intersect at a line generally transverse to the longitudinal axis . arcuate surface 12 has serrations , cut transverse to the longitudinal axis , to assist in gripping . device 10 has a lower surface comprising two convex , essentially arcuate surfaces 16 and 18 which intersect at an approximate midline , transverse to the longitudinal axis . arcuate surface 18 may have transverse serrations to assist in gripping . arcuate surface 12 and arcuate surface 16 intersect at a common point to define the front portion 14 of device 10 . planar surface 20 intersects planar section 22 at an essentially right angle along the upper surface and intersects arcuate surface 18 to define the rear of device 10 . the present invention is a platform or adapter 10 which may be forged , cast or machined from various metal materials . aluminum and related alloys are the preferred composition but steel , titanium and other alloys are contemplated . device 10 is to be installed between micro adjust seat post 40 and lower saddle clamp 60 . the present invention significantly increases the forward and backward adjustability of the bicycle seat along the bicycle &# 39 ; s longitudinal axis from about 10 mm up to about 50 mm . device 10 accomplishes such adjustablility by offering alternative positions for relocating the seat relative to the seat post 40 . such adjustment is desirable to increase the rider &# 39 ; s comfort , aerodynamic posture and stability especially in bicycle racing . often times during the course of a bicycle race , the rider will not be seated with his / her full weight on the seat . instead the rider will be almost standing on the pedals and relying on the seat merely to maintain his / her weight centered over the bicycle &# 39 ; s longitudinal axis . therefore , a seat which has been relocated forward towards the bicycle &# 39 ; s handlebars is desirable . this is achieved by placing arcuate surface 18 of device 10 on corresponding arcuate surface 46 of seat post 40 such that front portion 14 of device 10 points toward the front of the bicycle as illustrated in fig4 . a rearward adjustment of the seat &# 39 ; s position may be equally desirable in certain circumstances . although bicycles can be purchased in various sizes , no two riders have the exact same measurements . however , few people can afford to have a bicycle custom designed for their measurements , but must instead choose from among one of the standard bicycle sizes . an individual with long legs and / or a long torso may require a bicycle seat which can be adjusted towards the rear of the bicycle further than a standard seat will allow . the present invention accomplishes such adjustments by positioning arcuate surface 18 of device 1 on corresponding arcuate surface of seat post 40 in such a way that front portion 14 points toward the rear of the bicycles as illustrated in fig5 . while device 10 provides a desirable increase in the range of saddle or seat mounting positions , excessive adjustment forward or backward must be avoided . a correctly positioned saddle is positioned such that its nose just brushes the back of the riders legs during climbs and sprints . if the front edge of the saddle is farther forward than a vertical line running through the bicycle &# 39 ; s crank center , the saddle may interfere with the back of the rider &# 39 ; s legs when standing up . additionally , a platform device 10 of excessive length may weaken or be unable to support the weight of a rider when stressed . device 10 is secured to seat post 40 by a standard bolt . bolt 50 is inserted into aperture 48 from the bottom and into threaded aperture 26 in device 10 . aperture 26 is shown in fig4 and 5 as having open ends on surfaces 18 and 22 and cut generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of device 10 . aperture 26 is threaded and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of bolt 50 such that bolt 50 threadably engages threads of aperture 26 . an alternative embodiment has aperture 26 as having one open end in surface 18 and being cut through a substantial portion of device 10 . still a further embodiment contemplates bolt 50 as passing through aperture 26 and extending a substantial length above surface 22 . a seat is contemplated as being formed on surface 22 which receives and retains a nut which threadably engages bolt 50 . the bicycle seat is installed by passing the bars of the seat between the upper and lower saddle clamps 60 and 70 . the clamp assembly is placed on device 10 such that surface 66 of lower clamp 60 rests on corresponding arcuate surface 12 of device 10 . lower saddle clamp 60 may have serrations which will interlock with serrations on the arcuate surface 12 to prevent moving or slipping of the seat once it has been secured to device 10 . upper and lower saddle clamps 70 and 60 are secured to device 10 by a standard nut 80 and bolt 50 assembly . bolt 50 is inserted up through aperture 24 and through elongated apertures 62 and 72 in the lower and upper saddle clamps 60 and 70 respectively . aperture 24 has a first bore with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of bolt 50 to allow the shaft of bolt 50 to pass through it . aperture 24 , in fig4 and 5 is shown as being cut transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device and having open ends on surfaces 12 and 16 . aperture 24 has a second bore of slightly greater diameter than the first bore . second bore of aperture 24 is dimensioned to receive the head of bolt 50 such that bolt 50 is seated securely therein . the bicycle seat can be adjusted parallel to the bicycle &# 39 ; s longitudinal axis , above or below its horizontal axis by loosening nut 80 from bolt 50 . apertures 62 and 72 in lower and upper saddle clamps are elongated to permit clamp assembly to be pitched from a horizontal axis relative to the seat post 40 . aperture 28 shown in fig3 and 5 is cut into device 10 essentially parallel to planar section 22 of the devices upper surface . aperture 28 has one open end in back wall 20 and longitudinally into device 10 . such aperture 28 is threaded and dimensioned so as to provide a securing site for the attachment of bicycle accessories including but not limited to water bottle cage , saddle bags , reflectors and lights . fig8 illustrates device 10 as installed with a bicycle seat , seat post and water bottle cage . fig6 discloses an alternative embodiment of device 10 has a shorter overall length and is designed for use on road racing bicycles . fig7 discloses another alternative embodiment of device 10 which has a shorter overall length , but has an increased height to allow the saddle to be located further above the seat post 40 . while in accordance with the patent statutes the best mode and preferred embodiment of the invention has been described , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto , but rather is to be measured by the scope and spirit of the appended claims .
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the following detailed description , the accompanying drawings are intended to describe some , but not necessarily all , examples or embodiments of the invention . the contents of this detailed description and accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the invention in any way . fig1 - 2b show one example of a catheter device 10 of the present invention . this catheter device 10 comprises an elongate catheter body 12 ( e . g ., a catheter shaft ) having an atraumatic distal tip member 46 on its distal end de and a handpiece 14 on its proximal end . as shown specifically in fig2 b , the catheter body 12 comprises a core member 44 , a braid layer 42 surrounding the core member 44 and an outer layer 40 surrounding the braid layer 42 . these components 40 , 42 , 44 of the catheter body 12 may be formed of materials that provide the desired strength and torque transmission while minimizing the overall diameter of the catheter body 12 . for example , the core member 44 may comprise machined or extruded polyethylene ( hdpe ), ultra - high molecular weight polyethylene ( uhmwpe ) or polypropylene ( pp ). the braid layer 42 may be formed of stainless steel flat ribbon , ultra - thin wire or polymer fibers such as aramid fiber ( kevlar ยฎ available from e . i . dupont de nemours , inc ., wilmington , del .). the outer layer 40 may be formed of polymeric materials , metal or woven material including the same or different material as the first braid layer . in embodiments where the core member 44 is formed of hdpe , uhmwpe or pp , the inner surfaces of lumens 38 , 40 are sufficiently smooth and lubricious as not to require disposition of a lubricious liner ( such as a polytetrofluoroethylene / polyimid liner ) therein . because no liner is required , the overall diameter of the core member 44 may be smaller than would be possible if lumen liner ( s ) were required . a first lumen 38 extends from a port 16 on the proximal end of the handpiece 14 , through the handpiece 14 , through the core member 44 , through distal tip member 46 , terminating in an opening in the distal end of the distal tip member 46 . first lumen 38 may be used as a guidewire lumen for over - the - wire placement of the catheter 10 and / or it may be used for infusion / aspiration of substances via a syringe 32 , infusion tube or other suitable infusion or aspiration device attached to port 30 . a valve , cap or other closure apparatus ( not shown ) may be associated with port 16 to deter backflow of fluids out of port 16 when fluids are being infused through port 30 . in rapid exchange embodiments of the catheter 10 , it will be appreciated that , instead of lumen 38 extending proximally to port 16 on the proximal end of the handpiece 14 , the lumen 38 may terminate proximally in a side port ( not shown ) formed in the side wall of catheter body 12 . a second lumen 40 extends from sidearm 28 on handpiece 14 , through handpiece 14 and through the core member 14 at least to a side outlet opening 22 that is formed in the catheter body 12 . as seen in fig2 , a curved tubular housing 36 is positioned within the second lumen 38 with the distal end of the needle housing 36 being positioned within or immediately adjacent to the side outlet opening 22 . a laterally deployable member is moveable back and forth between a retracted position and an extended position . in the particular embodiment shown in the drawings , this laterally deployable member comprises a hollow cannula such as a needle 24 formed of elastic or supereleastic material ( e . g ., nickel - titanium alloy ). a distal portion of this needle 24 is biased to a curved configuration . the needle 24 may have a maximum internal diameter of 0 . 017 inch ( 0 . 43 mm ). a second guidewire 28 , such as a 0 . 014 inch ( 0 . 36 mm ) non - hydrophilically coated guidewire , may be advanced through sidearm 28 , through the lumen of the needle 24 and out of the distal end of the needle 24 . alternatively , diagnostic or therapeutic substances , articles or devices may also be passed through the lumen of the needle 24 . examples of the types of substances , articles and devices that may be delivered through the lumen of the needle 24 include but are not limited to those described in u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 602 , 214 ( makower , et al .) or in copending u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 411 , 891 ( lamson , et al .) and ser . no . 11 / 279 , 771 ( lamson et al . ), each such patent and patent application being expressly incorporated herein by reference . when the needle 24 is in its retracted position , it is within the catheter body 12 with the curved distal portion of the needle 24 being situated within the curved housing 36 . the curvature to which the needle 24 is biased may mate with the curvature of the housing 36 , thereby deterring rotation of the distal portion of the needle 24 while it resides within the housing 36 . in this manner , if the needle 24 has a side opening or bevel , such side opening or bevel may be maintained in a desired , known orientation . when the needle 24 is moved to its extended position , it will advance out of side outlet opening 22 , as indicated in dotted lines on fig2 . a knob 18 on handpiece 14 controls movement of the needle 24 between its retracted position and its extended position . an adjustable or non - adjustable limiting member may also be provided to limit the distance to which the needle 24 extends out of side outlet opening 22 . in some embodiments , the knob 18 may operate to advance the needle 18 in preset increments , for example up to seven 1 mm increments to a pre - determined mavimum extension of 7 mm . in some embodiments , the curved housing 36 may be formed of metal or other imageable or radiopaque material and may additionally function as an imageable indicator marking the radial location of side outlet opening 22 and / or indicating the direction or trajectory on which the needle 24 will advance . in this manner , an image of the curved housing 36 may be used by the operator to adjust the position and rotational orientation of the catheter body 12 in situ to ensure , or at least improve the probability that , subsequent advancement of the needle 24 will cause the needle to advance in the direction of a desired trget location ( e . g ., into the true lumen of an adjacent artery ) rather than to some other undesired location . optionally , the catheter 10 may include other imageable markers and / or imaging apparatus and / or other orientation - indicating elements may be included to mark the radial location of side outlet opening 22 and / or to indicate the direction or trajectory on which the needle 24 will advance , examples of which are described in united states patent nos . u . s . pat . no . 5 , 830 , 222 ( makower ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 068 , 638 ( makower ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 159 , 225 ( makower ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 190 , 353 ( makower , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 283 , 951 ( flaherty , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 375 , 615 ( flaherty , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 508 , 824 ( flaherty , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 544 , 230 ( flaherty , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 655 , 386 ( makower et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 579 , 311 ( makower ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 602 , 241 ( makower , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 655 , 386 ( makower , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 660 , 024 ( flaherty , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 685 , 648 ( flaherty , et al . ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 709 , 444 ( makower ), u . s . pat . no . 6 , 726 , 677 ( flaherty , et al .) and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 746 , 464 ( makower ), which are incorporated herein by reference . in comparison to the currently available pioneer โข catheter ( medtronic vascular , inc ., santa rosa , calif . ), the catheter body 12 is constructed in a manner that allows the outer diameter of the catheter body 12 to be reduced to approximately 0 . 067 inch , while maintaining the needed torque transmission capability for use in cto procedures , such as the procedure shown in fig4 a - 4g , described in detail herebelow . typically , catheters 10 of this invention will have outer diameters of from about 0 . 067 inch to abut 0 . 080 . in this regard , the use of material such as hdpe , uhmwpe or pp , but still with the braided layer 42 , allows the diameter of the catheter body 12 to be reduced as much as 1 french size while still providing all the other relevant properties that are desired for the performance of this catheter . also , the catheter body 12 construction shown in fig4 eliminates the need for expensive composite structure liners while still providing desirable flexibility . additionally , the materials used in the construction of this catheter body 12 are highly processible making it feasible for the attachment of a distal tip member 46 that comprises a composite structure ( e . g ., a flexible thermoplastic ( e . g ., pebax ยฎ polyether block amide disposed on a rigid platinum housing ). because of its reduced outer diameter , the catheter 10 may be inserted through a standard 6 french introducer sheath ( e . g ., a 6 fr . avanti โข introducer sheath available from johnson & amp ; johnson / cordis , miami , fla . or a 6 fr . super sheath โข introducer available from boston scientific , inc ., boston , mass .) to a 7 to 8 fr . sheath as required of some prior art devices , thereby resulting in less patient trauma , greater flexibility and fewer post - procedure bleeding complications at the percutaneous puncture site . fig3 - 4g show an example of a procedure in which the above - described catheter device 10 is used to treat a cto of an artery of the lower extremity of a human subject . as specifically shown in fig4 , the wall of an artery typically consists of three layers , the tunica intima i (โ intima โ), tunica media m (โ media โ) which is the thickest layer of the wall and the tunica adventitia a ( adventitia ). in some arteries an internal elastic membrane iem is disposed between the media m and adventitia a . initially , a percutaneous puncture is made into the femoral artery and a 6 french ptfe introducer is inserted in the direction of normal bloodflow through the artery . as seen in fig4 a , a guidewire 26 is advanced into a subintimal space adjacent to the obstruction o such that the distal end of the guidewire 26 is within the subintimal space , distal to the obstruction o . thereafter , as seen in fig4 b , the catheter 10 of the present invention is advanced over the guidewire 26 while the needle 24 is in its retracted position within housing 36 . the catheter 10 is advanced to a position where the side outlet opening 22 is distal to the obstruction o . thereafter , fluoroscopy is used to image the curved radiopaque housing 36 ( and / or other imageable marker ( s ) which indicate the radial position of the side outlet opening 22 and / or the direction or trajectory on which the needle will subsequently advance ). this fluoroscopic image is then used to guide rotation of the catheter body 12 to cause the side outlet opening 22 and the needle 24 to be directed toward the true lumen tl of the artery . then , as seen in fig4 c , the needle 24 is advanced through adjacent tissue and into the true lumen tl of the artery , distal to the obstruction o . thereafter , as shown in fig4 d , a , 014 inch guidewire 28 is advanced through the lumen of needle 24 and into the true lumen tl of the artery . subsequently , as seen in fig4 e , the needle 24 is withdrawn to its retracted position and the catheter 10 as well as the first guidewire 26 are removed , leaving the second guidewire 28 in place such that it extends through the true lumen tl of the artery proximal to ( i . e ., upstream of ) the obstruction o , through the subintimal space , and back into the true lumen tl of the artery distal to ( i . e ., downstream of ) the obstruction o . one or more tract modifying devices ( e . g ., balloon catheters , atherectomy catheters , etc .) may then be advanced over the guidewire 28 and used to enlarge ( e . g ., dilate , debulk , bore , etc .) the subintimal space . thereafter , as seen in fig4 f , after the subintimal space has been enlarged to a desired diameter , a stent delivery catheter 50 may be advanced over the remaining guidewire 28 to position a stent 52 such that it extends from the true lumen tl of the artery proximal to ( i . e ., upstream of ) the obstruction o , through the subintimal space , and back into the true lumen tl of the artery distal to ( i . e ., downstream of ) the obstruction o . then , as shown in fig4 g , the stent 52 is allowed to self expand , or is plastically deformed to an expanded configuration , and the stent delivery catheter 50 and guidewire 28 are removed , leaving the expanded stent in place . thus , a stented , subintimal bloodflow channel is formed around the obstruction o . it is to be further appreciated that the invention has been described hereabove with reference to certain examples or embodiments of the invention but that various additions , deletions , alterations and modifications may be made to those examples and embodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention . for example , any element or attribute of one embodiment or example may be incorporated into or used with another embodiment or example , unless to do so would render the embodiment or example unsuitable for its intended use . also , where the steps of a method or process are described , listed or claimed in a particular order , such steps may be performed in any other order unless to do so would render the embodiment or example not novel , obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art or unsuitable for its intended use . all reasonable additions , deletions , modifications and alterations are to be considered equivalents of the described examples and embodiments and are to be included within the scope of the following claims .
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although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention , the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure . while the preferred embodiment has been described , the details may be changed without departing from the invention , which is defined by the claims . as shown in fig1 the preferred embodiment of the surgical device 11 includes an elongated wand 12 with a front end 14 and a back end 16 . the wand front end 14 and back end 16 serve as reference points for this discussion , so that โ forward โ and โ front โ refer to those movements or locations toward the front end 14 and โ backward โ and โ back โ refer to those movements toward the back end 16 . the surgical device 11 further includes an elongated rod 18 that has a handle portion 24 connected to a flexible portion 22 . the handle portion 24 lies close and generally parallel to the wand 12 and may be coupled to the wand 12 in some fashion . the flexible portion 22 includes a pivot end 20 and a second end 21 . the second end 21 of the flexible portion 22 is connected to the handle portion 24 , and the pivot end 20 is coupled to the wand &# 39 ; s front end 14 using a disengaging connector 80 . the surgical device further comprises a removable bag 50 that may be sterilized and reused . in the preferred embodiment a slot system serves as a connector for holding the handle portion 24 close to the back end 16 of the wand and to set the transition point 26 where the flexible portion 22 transitions from lying close to the wand 12 to bowing out from the wand 12 . this transition point 26 may be anywhere on the flexible portion 22 between the pivot end 20 and the second end 21 . however , designing a surgical device 11 with the transition point 26 very close to the pivot end 20 would give little longitudinal distance in which the flexible portion could bow . therefore , the connector preferably extends forward to about the middle of the flexible portion 22 . as shown in fig1 the slot system includes a channel 28 and a lip 32 . the channel 28 extends along the longitudinal axis of the wand 12 from the back end 16 and forward preferably to the corresponding location of the rod &# 39 ; s pivot end 20 . the rod 18 is received in the channel 28 . the lip 32 extends partially over the channel 28 for slidably holding the rod 18 in the channel 28 forward up to the location of the front extremity 30 . at the front extremity 30 , the rod 18 may come out of the channel system as illustrated in fig1 . as shown in fig6 the channel 28 preferably extends all the way to the location where the pivot end 20 attaches to the front end 14 , so that when the flexible portion 22 straightens , it may be received in the channel 28 to form a seal 34 ( fig5 ) between the front end 14 and the flexible portion 22 , or between the first portion 160 and the second portion 162 of the bag 50 . other designs may be used to allow the front end 14 and the flexible portion 22 to cooperate to form a seal 34 , such as the embodiment in fig9 and 10 in which the front end 14 and flexible portion 22 inner surfaces 40 , 42 are flat . to bow out the flexible portion 22 , the surgeon pushes the handle portion 24 forward , preferably using a thumb grip 44 or some other means that aids comfortable operation . because it is anchored at the pivot end 20 , the rod 18 responds to being pushed by bowing out . to straighten the flexible portion 22 and the bring it closer to the wand 12 , the surgeon pulls the handle 24 backwards . alternatively , the flexible portion 22 may be biased in the closed or unbowed position by allowing the flexible portion 22 to spring back to the unbowed position when pressure on the thumb grip 44 is released . regarding the flexibility of the wand 12 , there are several options . the wand front end 14 may be rigid in some embodiments and somewhat flexible in other embodiments . for example , the front end 14 may be somewhat flexible for operations in which the surgeon needs to temporarily bend the wand to reach a particular location in the body cavity 70 at a particular angle . however , the wand 12 should be less flexible than the flexible portion 22 of the rod 18 , so that the flexible portion 22 bows out from the wand 12 when the handle portion 24 is pushed , rather than the flexible portion 22 and the wand front end 14 bending together in the same direction and thus producing either no opening of the bag 50 or a partial and difficult - to - control opening . regarding the flexibility of the rod 18 , there are also several options . the flexible portion 22 should be of a flexibility in the outward direction that causes it to bow out relative to the wand 12 when it is pushed . the rod 18 may have a rigid handle portion 24 which may be held close to the wand 12 either by the hand of the person using it or by the laparoscopic sleeve 64 . the rod 18 may also be flexible back to and including the handle portion 24 , as long as a connector is included to hold and guide the handle portion 24 when it is being pushed and as long as the handle portion 24 flexibility is limited to a range which does not cause buckling and binding of the rod 18 inside the connector . in other words , the rod 18 may have a flexible portion 22 near the pivot end 20 and a relatively rigid handle portion 24 , or may be a flexible rod with a flexible portion 22 and a flexible handle portion 24 which cooperates with a connector that holds and guides the handle portion 24 . optionally , embodiments with a rigid handle portion 24 may also include a connector , such as the collar 66 shown in fig1 and 7 , for additional guiding of the handle portion 24 . fig1 shows an example of the optional adjustable feature for a connector , the adjustable feature being for changing the longitudinal location of the connector front extremity 30 to change the rod transition point 26 . the collar 66 may be moved forward or backward to select a transition point 26 and then may be locked into place , for example with a set screw ( not shown ), in such a way that the rod 18 may still slide through the collar . an adjustable connector such as the collar 66 may also be added to embodiments having a slot system , as shown in fig6 . with reference to fig1 and 13 , an improved embodiment of the invention is depicted . the improvement includes a longitudinally extending collar 66 a as illustrated . the collar 66 a has a slot 68 substantially coextensive of its length and surrounds both the wand 12 and the rod 18 illustrated in previous figures . the collar 66 a may be moved forward or backward to select a transition point 26 a and may be locked into place , for example , with a setscrew 60 . a thumb loop 74 may also be provided for ease in positioning . with an adjustable connector , a surgeon may use a wand 12 and rod 18 with differently - sized bags or bags with differently - shaped entryways . the preferred materials for the wand 12 and rod 18 are any materials that fulfill the various flexibility and rigidity requirements while also being safe for sterilization and internal surgery use . surgical steel could be machined to meet those needs . in the preferred embodiment , the pivot end 20 of the flexible portion 22 is attached to the front end 14 of the wand 12 by a disengaging connector 80 . preferably , the disengaging connector 80 comprises the front end 14 of the wand having a longitudinal slot 82 forming a first prong 84 and a second prong 86 . a first notch 94 is formed in the first prong 84 , and a second notch 96 is formed in the second prong 86 . the flexible portion 22 of the rod 18 includes a first perpendicular spur 90 and an opposing second perpendicular spur 92 . as shown in fig3 to engage the disengaging connector 80 , the first and second spurs 90 , 92 are pressed into the first and second notches 94 , 96 respectively . as the handle portion 24 is pushed forward , preferably using a thumb grip 44 , and the flexible portion 22 bows out , spurs 90 and 92 rotate in notches 94 and 96 , respectively , creating a hinge action . to disengage the connector 80 , one pops out the spurs 90 , 92 from the notches 94 , 96 by applying pressure to the underside 88 of the connector 80 as shown in fig5 a . although the preferred embodiment includes a disengaging connector 80 with a hinge action , any connector may be used to connect the front end 14 to the pivot end 20 so long as the disengaging connector 80 will not disengage under the stress necessary to bow out the flexible portion 22 , yet may be efficiently disengaged to remove the bag 50 for disposal or sterilization . other such connectors may include a snap , a slot and groove arrangement , other notch and spur configurations , or other comparable cooperating systems . the preferred embodiment includes a bag 50 for enclosing a mass 52 , which may be opened and closed by bowing and straightening action of the flexible portion 22 . the bag 50 has a wall 54 for surrounding an interior space 56 , and an edge 38 that surrounds the entryway 58 . the bag 50 can be disposable or reusable . the preferred materials for the bag 50 should also meet sterility and safety requirements for internal surgery . transparent plastics , flexible fabrics , and netting could be used . the preferred materials have some memory for tending to stay in a somewhat expanded state rather than tending to collapse , because this feature aids in the quick opening or unwrapping of the bag 50 . the preferred materials are impermeable to liquid or are liquid - resistant , for containing infected liquids , but netting or loosely - woven materials could also be of benefit for some surgical procedures . where morcelating is necessary , a bag 50 may include a fine denier brand fiber that is puncture resistant and able to withstand the cutting of a mass . in one embodiment having a detachable bag 50 , the bag 50 includes a sleeved rim 152 with at least one opening 154 . in the preferred embodiment , the bag 50 includes a sleeved rim 152 divided into a first part 160 and a second part 162 , each part having a first opening 164 and a second opening 166 . the first part 160 and second part 162 are divided by an unsupported section 62 . the unsupported section 62 allows the flexible portion 22 to slide forward without tearing the bag 50 and to slide backward without pulling the bag 50 underneath the lip 32 . as shown in fig2 to attach the bag 50 , one slips the flexible portion 22 into the first opening 164 of the first part 160 of the sleeved rim 152 , and slips the front end 14 of the wand 12 into the first opening 164 of the second part 162 of the sleeved rim 152 . the flexible portion 22 and the front end 14 of the wand 12 slip through the sleeved rim 152 and out the second opening 166 of the sleeved rim 152 at which time the disengaging connector 80 is engaged as shown in fig3 by applying pressure to the underside 88 and topside 89 of the connector 80 . the method of using the surgical device 11 includes attaching a bag 50 to the front end 14 of the wand 12 and the flexible portion 22 of the rod 18 , and directing the surgical device 11 into a body cavity 70 , preferably through a laparoscopic sleeve 64 , so that the back end 16 and handle portion 24 are accessible by the surgeon . as shown in fig4 the bag 50 is opened by pushing the handle portion 24 forward , preferably using a thumb grip 44 . the bag 50 is directed relative to the mass 52 so that the mass 52 moves through the entryway 58 into the interior space 56 of the bag 50 . this may be done by moving the bag 50 to the mass 52 and scooping it up or by inserting the mass 52 into the bag 50 with another tool 72 . the bag 50 may be closed for further manipulation of the mass 52 or for removal of the surgical device 11 and mass 52 from the body cavity 70 . to facilitate removal from the laparoscopic sleeve 64 , the bag 50 may be wrapped around the front 14 flexible portion 22 to form a compact and smooth unit . optionally , a grinding , cutting , or other surgical tool 72 may be inserted into the interior space 56 of the bag 50 for further manipulation of the mass 52 , for example , to cut a large mass into pieces that will fit through the laparoscopic sleeve 64 . the surgical tool 72 may be inserted before the bag 50 is closed , or after the bag 50 is closed if the flexible portion 22 , front end 14 , or bag 50 is adapted to allow a surgical tool 72 to pass through the seal 34 . preferably , the flexible portion 22 , front end 14 , or bag 50 would also be adapted to maintain a good seal around the inserted surgical tool 72 to prevent escape of mass and liquid . optionally , a surgical tool 72 could be inserted into the body cavity 70 through the same laparoscopic sleeve 64 as the surgical device 11 , or through a hollow passage in the wand 12 . another alternative embodiment surgical device 11 may be viewed in fig1 - 25 , inclusive . for convenience , the surgical device 11 seen in fig1 - 25 has been separated into its two main components , a pre - loaded cartridge member 11 a and handpiece 11 b . it is further noted that like elements are referenced by like numerals throughout this disclosure . as seen in fig1 , the cartridge member 11 a is preferably pre - loaded with a bag 50 , which is furled about the front end 14 of wand 12 and the flexible portion 22 of rod 18 . the wand 12 and rod 18 each include an attachment end , which is modified to provide means for coupling to the cooperating attachment means of wand 12 and rod 18 in the handpiece 11 b . as seen particularly in the views of fig1 , 17 , 20 - 25 the means for coupling located at the attachment ends of the wand 12 and rod 18 located in cartridge 11 a , is illustrated as cup - like sockets 220 . cooperating ball members 230 are located at the attachment ends of the wand 12 and elongated rod 18 in the handpiece 11 b . the socket 220 includes a socket opening smaller than the corresponding ball 230 dimension to provide a snap fit . in the preferred embodiment , and as seen in these views , the ball members 230 are preferably mounted on the attachment ends of the wand 12 and the elongated rod 18 in the handpiece 11 b , while the sockets 220 are located on the attachment ends of the wand 12 and rod 18 located in the cartridge 11 a . this arrangement is preferred due to the greater resilience of the ball members 230 to wear during cleaning for reuse . the ball members 230 are less likely to wear or crack during repeated use , and are therefore better suited for position in the reusable handpiece 11 b . it is presently believed preferable that the cup - like sockets 220 be positioned on the disposable cartridge 11 a thereby eliminating the need for cleaning and reuse of the more fragile sockets 220 as the cartridge 11 a is preferably a disposable item . although it is preferable that the ball members 230 and the sockets be located on the handpiece 11 b and cartridge 11 a , respectively , it is to be understood that an alternative arrangement wherein the ball members 230 and the sockets 220 are located on the cartridge 11 a and the handpiece 11 b respectively , is within the scope of this disclosure . as seen particularly in fig2 - 24 , the ball 230 and socket 220 arrangement allows the cartridge member 11 a and handpiece 11 b to be securely coupled during laparoscopic procedure ( as seen in fig2 ) but allow for disengagement if a differently sized bag 50 is needed during surgery , if the bag 50 being used is full , or after completion of surgery . this feature allows the medical technician the flexibility of discarding the cartridge member 11 a after use or cleaning and reusing the entire device 11 . while the ball 230 and socket 220 arrangement is the preferred attachment configuration , it is to be understood that other configurations having snap - fit connection may be contemplated . with reference to fig1 and 17 , it can be seen that , during operation , the surgical device 11 with its pre - loaded cartridge 11 a is inserted into a laparoscopic port 64 , wherein the cartridge 11 a travels into the body cavity 70 ( seen in fig2 ). as seen particularly in fig1 , the cartridge 11 a with pre - loaded bag 50 is pushed through the port 64 until it reaches narrowed area 210 at which point the leading edge 215 of cartridge 11 a abuts the narrowed area 210 and further forward motion of the cartridge 11 a is stopped . as may be further seen in fig1 , as the technician continues to urge the rod 18 and wand 12 forward , the furled bag 50 is pushed past the abutted leading edge 215 of cartridge 16 , out of the port 64 and into the body cavity 70 ( not seen in this view ) being accessed . with reference to fig1 , the bag 50 is seen unfurled while fig1 depicts the bag 50 in the open position and presenting an entry way 58 to the interior space 56 , used for collection of masses ( not seen in this view ). the method of using the surgical device 11 shown in fig1 - 25 includes providing a handpiece 11 b having a snap fitting attachment member , providing a cartridge 11 a having a preloaded , furled bag 50 and a snap fitting attachment member , snap fitting the cartridge 11 a to the handpiece 11 b in snap fit engagement , directing the device 11 into a body cavity 70 , preferably through a laparoscopic port or sleeve 64 , so that the handle portion 24 is accessible by the surgeon , pushing a handle portion 24 forward , preferably using a thumb grip 44 to open a bag 50 , and directing a mass 52 through the entry way 58 and into the interior space 56 of the bag 50 . the above - described embodiments of this invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be limited . the scope of this invention instead shall be determined from the scope of the following claims , including their equivalents . in describing the embodiments disclosed herein the inventor has also described all the various alternative structures which are equivalent to one or more elements or limitations of the claimed invention . beyond what is expressly described herein the inventor has no prior knowledge of any other structures which are equivalent to the invention claimed . accordingly , the determination of structures , methods , or compositions of matter which are equivalent to the claimed invention shall not be limited to only the alternative structures identified herein , but shall include other structures whether or not they are presently known or unknown .
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in its preferred embodiments , particular aqueous dispersions of the essential components for the marking ink are prepared having superior heat - curing characteristics along with chemical stability and a useful degree of thixotropy . the preferred liquid dispersions are formulated to provide a coating composition which is sufficiently stable during the machine handling which takes place in the high speed production of incandescent lamps and which can be heat - cured on the lamp manufacturing equipment at lower tempratures and shorter time periods than previously experienced . proper machine handling ability of these dispersions at such high speeds requires control of both thixotropy and viscosity with certain components being included in the dispersions for this purpose . the liquid phase in these dispersions comprise an aqueous solution of the essential aluminum salt and phosphoric acid components along with ethylene glycol and glycerine which help provide thixotropy and viscosity control , respectively . the disperse phase of said dispersions is made up of an inorganic filler providing additional thixotropic behavior along with one or more color pigments which can also influence the rheological characteristics of the final dispersion . for example , a black marking ink may contain a black oxide pigment along with carbon black in sufficient amounts to provide the desired coloration in the heat - cured film . the carbon black has been found to provide rheological action which helps when the dispersion is being applied by preventing or minimizing skid of the rollers in the application equipment . as will be more apparent from the specific examples given hereinafter for the preferred aqueous dispersions , the useful range of the essential aluminum salt and phosphoric acid components in the marking ink can be varied in accordance with certain general principles . the weight percent of the aluminum salt component in said dispersions can be varied from about 5 - 15 % of the total weight depending upon the physical characteristics and amounts of the particular pigments being employed for color appearance in the heatcured product . a significant excess in weight percent of the phosphoric acid component is employed beyond that needed for chemical conversion of the aluminum salt to the alpo 4 binder with the maximum amount of this component in the heat - cured product being dictated by the general hygrosopic nature of phosphoric acid . more particularly , while excess meta - phosphoric acid and / or ortho - phosphoric acid is desirable in the preferred formulations to achieve faster and lower temperature curing of the marking ink product , it has also been found that a weight ratio of this component with respect to the aluminum salt component in a liquid dispersion beyond about 2 . 5 to 1 can result in a heat - cured film which is partially water - soluble , hence , not adequately permanent for commercial lamp applications . accordingly , preferred liquid dispersions , according to the present invention , are illustrated in the examples below . useful aluminum salt and phosphoric acid components are commercially available and can be used within the guidelines above provided . the aluminum salts of weak organic acids which can be used include aluminum stearate in the mono , di and tri stearate forms ; aluminum tri palmitate ; aluminum tri octoate ; aluminum tri hydroxy stearate ; aluminum acetylacetonate ; and others including 2 - 4 pentanedione ; 2 - 4 hexanedione ; 2 - 4 heptanedione ; and 2 - 4 octanedione . suitable weak organic acids contain at least five carbon atoms since aluminum salts of lower carbon containing acids such as acetic acid , fumaric acid , formic acid or propionic acid would enhance the corrosive effect of the marking ink upon the lamp manufacturing equipment . a commercial grade of the meta - phosphoric acid which can be employed in the present marking ink is that containing up to 35 % by weight of napo 3 . the useful fillers are generally inorganic oxides in a particulate form which can be suspended in the liquid dispersions to provide thixotropy and other rheological behavior thereto such as body and the like . for example , a silica powder having an average particle size in the range 325 mesh provides a useful rheological agent in the liquid dispersion which aids in transferring the coating composition during machine handling . a finer size grade of silica can also be included to further provide abrasion resistance in the heat - cured film for greater permanency . in the following examples of typical liquid formulations , the compositions are given in percentages by weight . a black marking ink can be prepared with the following composition : ______________________________________component weight percent (%) ______________________________________glycerine 6 . 8ethylene glycol 12 . 1ortho - phosphoric acid 25 . 3deionized water 7 . 2meta - phosphoric acid 12 . 1aluminum acetylacetonate 10 . 1silica 3 . 2carbon black 1 . 5black pigment ( copper / 21 . 7 chromium oxide ) ______________________________________ the above composition was prepared by mixing the glycerine , ethylene glycol , ortho - phosphoric acid , and deionized water components in a glass jar . the mixture was stirred at room temperature with an air mixer having a stainless steel impeller and the meta - phosphoric acid component was added with continuous stirring until this acid component had been completely dissolved . with continued stirring , the aluminum acetylacetonate component was added to the mixture over 2 - 3 hours . the final silica , carbon black , and black pigment components were then suspended in the solution with continued stirring for an additional 2 - 3 hours to produce the final stable dispersion . the above prepared dispersion was applied by conventional means to provide a marking ink upon incandescent lamps being manufactured upon high - speed automatic lamp manufacturing equipment . after the liquid dispersion was picked up with rollers , it was then transferred to a stamp or platen for deposition upon the outside surface of the lamp envelopes . the applied liquid dispersion was then heated on said glass envelopes to temperatures up to approximately 300 ยฐ c . for six ( 6 ) seconds whereupon a heat - cured product was obtained having the filler and color pigments adhesively bonded together and to the glass substrate surface with an insoluble vitreous alpo 4 cement . a red marking ink was prepared in approximately the same manner having the following composition : ______________________________________component weight percent (%) ______________________________________glycerine 3 . 5ethylene glycol 7 . 7ortho - phosphoric acid 14 . 0water 5 . 1meta - phosphoric acid 6 . 4aluminum acetylacetonate 5 . 5silica 1 . 7red pigment ( cadmium sulfur - 56 . 1 selenide ) ______________________________________ it will be noted from the above formulation that a substantial decrease took place in the binder components compared with the relative ratios employed in the preceding example . as a further comparison between said formulations , it can be further noted that relatively more red pigment was employed in the present formulation to provide a desired color appearance in the final heat - cured product . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description that a general purpose marking ink has been disclosed having a novel adhesive binder system . it will also be appreciated that various changes can be made in the composition of the marking ink without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . for example , still other additives such as thinners , thickeners , solubilizers , and tinting agents can be incorporated in the liquid dispersions to provide comparable results . it is therefore intended to limit the present invention only by the scope of the following claims .
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